MANILA – Patrick Garcia described his life as a father of three young girls as very exciting and rewarding.
Garcia said this and more about how he’s handling fatherhood in an interview with Boy Abunda for the Cinema One special “Kape’t Kuwentuhan.”
At the beginning of their conversation, Garcia admitted he has become more of a teacher-father during this whole lockdown period and he’s enjoying every minute of it.
“When the quarantine started, the fourth quarter of the children weren’t finished yet. I didn’t know I had the talent of teaching my children. I had a taste of homeschooling,” he said.
Contrary to what others might think, Garcia said he’s not much of a disciplinarian in their house.
“I want my children to also grow up properly. When I discipline them, I make sure I’m not mad. I don’t do it out of anger. I do it out of love. When I spank, it’s just enough for them to feel it. Para lang maramdaman lang,” he said.
The actor, however, said he imposes stringent rules when it comes to his children’s use of gadgets.
“Yes [we have rules on that]. That’s very important. I grew up outdoors. As much as I want them to grow up that way too, times are different now. It’s not that safe anymore,” he said.
Meanwhile, Garcia also expressed his view on expectations that fathers should be the ones working, while mothers should look after their household.
“If the mother has work, you should see that as a blessing. Dapat hindi ka mainggit. Dapat proud ka. If you’re called to stay home and be with the children, why not? For me, it goes both ways. Okay lang sa akin,” he said.
Garcia is married to Nikka Martinez with whom he has three daughters Chelsea, Patrice and Francisca Pia.
Garcia also has a son with Jennylyn Mercado.