This year’s Father’s Day was especially meaningful for several athletes in Philippine sports who celebrated the occasion as first-time dads—honoring both their own fathers and the new role they now embrace with heart and pride.
San Miguel Beermen veteran Chris Ross captured the emotional weight of the moment as he penned a heartfelt dedication on Instagram. Marking his very first Father’s Day as a dad, Ross paid tribute to his late father, whom he called “THE STANDARD.”
“First Father's Day!!! It's a very emotional day for me because my pops was everything to me!! He's THE STANDARD!! I'm grateful that I was able to learn how to be a father from you!! I know it's hard to be as great as the original but if I can get to be half of the person you were I’ll be doing a great job. I love and miss you pops. Happy heavenly Father's Day. I hope you're watching down on your son and grandson smiling and proud!!”
Meanwhile, over at NLEX, Robert Bolick was praised by his wife, Cassandra Bolick, for the way he shows up every day for their one-year-old son, Zachary. In a post reflecting on their Father’s Day celebration, Cassandra proudly described her husband’s all-in approach to parenthood.
“One million percent, hands on ‘yan. Every morning, maagang gumigising ‘yan, nagte-training. After training, jersey off, uuuwi sa bahay one-hundred percent hands-on dad.”
Outside of the PBA, former DLSU standouts Kevin Quiambao and Noel Kampton were honored by their partners in sweet social media tributes that celebrated their love, growth, and sacrifices as new fathers.
“Happy Father’s Day, the undeniable GOAT. Being a good provider and Dada to Enan is truly priceless. We owe you a lot. We love you!” wrote Faye Aguila in a story for Quiambao.
“Happy Father’s Day, @noel.kampton! Thankful for everything you do for our family. We love you loads!” posted Abbe Gabriela for Kampton on Facebook.
[RELATED: What’s new with Kampton: La Salle's Noel Kampton shares exciting updates on marriage and a baby boy on the way]
For these first-time dads, Father’s Day wasn’t just a celebration—it was a full-circle moment.
Whether drawing strength from the legacy of their own fathers or creating one anew, these athletes are embracing fatherhood with the same grit and heart they bring to the game.
With reports from Xander Cipriano/One Sports