VP Xclusives | The Fathers We Never Stop Becoming
Jon Lucas and Kristoffer Martin on being fathers, raising children, embracing responsibility, and growing alongside their families
Fatherhood is often described through milestones: the first steps, the first day of school, the birthdays, and the family photos posted online for everyone to see.
But behind those moments are countless ordinary days that rarely make it to social media. The nights spent worrying about the future, the sacrifices made without fanfare, conversations during car rides, and the small actions that slowly build trust between a parent and a child.
For Kapuso actors Jon Lucas and Kristoffer Martin, fatherhood is less about grand gestures and more about showing up every day.
Both became fathers at relatively young ages, growing into the role while still figuring out their own paths as individuals. Today, their journeys may look different, but they share a similar philosophy: being a good father isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present.
Learning Responsibility Through Love
For Jon, becoming a father changed the way he viewed time, work, and life itself. Becoming a parent at a young age came with challenges, but it also accelerated his growth in ways he never expected.
“Siguro bilang magulang, tinuruan ako nitong maging mas responsableng tao, responsableng lalaki sa mundo. Ang aga rin natin natuto sa mga bagay-bagay. No regrets sa bagay na ‘yun.”
Fatherhood taught him to value every opportunity and every hour spent working. As his children grow and enter school, the responsibilities continue to evolve, bringing new financial pressures and new motivations.
Kristoffer shares a similar perspective. For him, fatherhood begins with one simple commitment of being there. More than anything, he says fatherhood taught him the importance of accountability, not only for his child but also for the example he sets every day.
“Father is always there, always present sa anak mo. Parang lagi siyang nandiyan, na may maasahan siya, may matatakbuhan siya, may malalapitan siya.”
Guiding, Not Controlling
The kind of fathers Jon and Kristoffer are today is deeply influenced by the fathers they grew up with.
Jon describes his late father as someone who practiced a gentler form of discipline. There were rules and consequences, but also understanding. It’s a balance he now tries to bring into his own parenting.
Kristoffer, meanwhile, grew up with a much stricter father. While he appreciates the structure it provided, he has chosen a different approach with his daughter. Rather than dictating every decision, he prefers to guide her while allowing her space to grow.
Both describe their relationships with their children as tropa. They want to be the first people their children turn to when they have stories to tell, questions, or problems. For both fathers, being present isn’t just about providing for their children. It’s about becoming a safe space for them.
For Jon, that means creating an environment where his children feel comfortable sharing everything from school experiences to things they encounter online.
“Open na open kami sa isa’t isa.”
Kristoffer feels the same way.
“Gusto ko kasi pag may gusto siyang sabihin from school, hindi siya sa iba unang tatakbo. Ako ang una niyang tatakbuhan.”
The Parts People Don’t Always See
Social media often presents parenting through happy snapshots, but parenthood comes with quieter struggles too.
For Jon, some of the biggest challenges happen during the late nights when everyone else is asleep. There are bills to think about, future plans to make, and responsibilities that don’t disappear when the day ends.
“May mga iniisip kang ways, paraan para maitaguyod mo yung pamilya mo.”
At the same time, he wants his children to understand that not everything comes easily. Rather than giving them everything they ask for, he hopes to teach them patience and gratitude.
Kristoffer’s challenge takes a different form. For him, anxiety often comes from looking ahead.
“Ano kami in 10 years from now? Yun yung parang anxiety sa akin.”
Like many parents, he worries about the future and whether he’ll always be able to provide the life he wants for his daughter. It’s a concern that many fathers quietly carry, even when everything appears fine on the surface.
Yet both men continue to move forward the same way most parents do one day at a time, doing the best they can with what they have.
Growing Alongside Their Children
Perhaps one of the most refreshing things about Jon and Kristoffer is that neither sees fatherhood as losing oneself. Instead, both have found ways to continue growing as individuals while embracing their responsibilities at home.
For Jon, that means prioritizing his health and staying active so he can continue keeping up with his children as they grow older.
For Kristoffer, it means allowing himself to pursue passions outside of work and family, including triathlon training.
“Kapag nakikita niya na masaya ka sa ginagawa mo, yun din yung ia-apply niya sa sarili niya.”
It’s a reminder that children learn not only from what parents say, but from what they see. By taking care of themselves, pursuing their interests, and finding joy in their own lives, both fathers hope to model a healthy and balanced life for their children.
Showing Up Every Day
Fatherhood comes with no handbook, and both Jon and Kristoffer know that every parent is simply trying to do their best.
For Jon, fatherhood is rooted in perseverance. He believes that even when it feels like nothing is happening, fathers should continue moving forward and never lose hope, trusting that their sacrifices and hard work will eventually bear fruit. Meanwhile, Kristoffer offers a simpler perspective, encouraging fathers not to be drowned in pressure. He believes there is no perfect formula for fatherhood; what matters most is building a loving home and creating a strong foundation for the family.
One thing becomes clear: fatherhood isn’t measured by perfection, achievement, or even success. It’s measured in presence, in listening, guiding, making time and in creating a home where children feel safe enough to be themselves.
For Jon Lucas and Kristoffer Martin, being a father is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, day after day, and growing alongside the people who matter most.
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