Actor Patrick Garcia practically grew up before the Filipino viewers' eyes, having portrayed various characters on TV and film since the early ‘90s. But for Patrick, his most important and most rewarding role is being a father. If you look at his Instagram account, you will see the time he devotes to his three young daughters.
Smart Parenting saw the dad in action last October 5, 2019, when he spent a fun afternoon with wife Nikka, and daughters Michelle, Patrice, and Pia, at SM Supermalls’ #SMSuperKidsDay2019 Royal Kick-Off at SM Southmall in Las Pinas.
Smart Parenting had a quick chat with the matinee idol-turned-doting dad. When asked if he had advice for fathers-to-be, he had the following to say.
1. Remember, your kids won’t be little forever.
Kids grow, and people change, and being close to their daughters is a priority for Patrick and Nikka. "They’re not going to be little forever, so make the most out of it. Kahit mahirap, kakayanin pa rin," Patrick said.
2. Support your kids in everything they do.
It’s one of the best gifts parents can give their children. “We enroll them in classes we think they’ll be invested in, and when they love it, we continue supporting them no matter what," Patrick said.
3. Take advantage of teaching moments.
Kids are very impressionable, and they often imitate what they see. That’s why Patrick and Nikka make it a point to communicate with their children and teach them not just by words but by modeling good behavior. "Whenever you teach them something good, and they do it to other people, that’s very rewarding as a parent," he added.
4. Do everything together.
Every little thing matters. Patrick and Nikka drive their kids to school themselves since they don’t have a driver. They also tell them stories before bed and pray together every single day. “Always find the time and always spend that found time with them. That goes a long way,” Patrick said.
SM Supermalls began its celebrations of Kids' Month this October with the #SMSuperKidsDay2019 Royal Kick-Off Party, where Patrick and his family, along with other kids in their best royal costumes, enjoyed various activities that made them feel like dashing princes and beautiful princesses for a day.
Celebrity parents Cerah Hernandez and Regine Angeles were also there to enjoy the royal-themed activities with their adorable kids.
The kids were treated to makeovers at the Tower of Beauty: Barbie Makeover, toy cars and races at the Tower of Wheels: Hot Wheels Royal Race, and other fun activities. They also got the opportunity to pose and take photos with their favorite fluffy mascots.
#SMSuperKidsDay2019 is being held all month at SM Supermalls nationwide. Of the event, Jonjon San Agustin, SVP for Marketing, said, "SM serves as a place for kids and their families to create great childhood memories. This October, we are bringing more fun playtime activities in our malls nationwide as we officially begin Kids’ Month," he said.
#SMSuperKidsDay2019 will be celebrated at SM BF Parañaque, SM Bicutan, SM Pasig, SM East Ortigas, SM Fairview, SM Las Piñas, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM Marikina, SM Megamall, SM Muntinlupa, SM North Edsa, SM Novaliches, SM Sangandaan, SM Southmall, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Sucat, SM Angono, SM Bacoor, SM Baguio, SM Baliwag, SM Batangas, SM Cabanatuan, SM Calamba, SM Cherry Antipolo, SM Clark, SM Dagupan, SM Legazpi, SM Lemery, SM Lipa, SM Lucena, SM Marilao, SM Masinag, SM Megacenter Cabanatuan, SM Molino, SM Naga, SM Olongapo Downtown, SM Olongapo Central, SM Pampanga, SM Puerto Princesa, SM Pulilan, SM Rosales, SM Rosario, SM San Fernando, SM San Jose del Monte, SM San Mateo, SM San Pablo, SM Santa Rosa, SM Tarlac, SM Taytay, SM Telabastagan, SM Trece Martires, SM Tuguegarao, SM Urdaneta Central, SM Valenzuela, SM Bacolod, SM Cebu, SM Consolacion, SM Iloilo, SM Ormoc, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM CDO Downtown Premier, SM Davao, SM General Santos, and SM Lanang Premier.
Aside from SM Super Kids Day, Kids’ Month will further delight kids and their families with shopping treats at Toy Kingdom, The SM Store, Baby Company and SM Markets plus the annual nationwide celebration of United Nations Day (October 8 to 31) and Halloween (October 18 to 31).
For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
