Chosen Fatherhood: How Francis Flores Raised His Cousin with Love
Francis Flores redefines what it means to be a father figure—both as the president and CEO of PICKUP Coffee and as the steady presence in his cousin Ghia’s life
There are fathers—and there are father figures. Some are uncles, some are godfathers, others are cousins who simply choose to show up. PICKUP Coffee president and CEO Francis Flores is one such figure not only to the team he leads, but most importantly, to his cousin Ghia, whom he’s cared for since the death of her father.
PICKUP Coffee president and CEO Francis Flores and his cousin Ghia
Stepping Into the Role of ‘Dad’
From the beginning, Francis felt a deep attachment to Ghia. What started as cousinly closeness blossomed into something more formative.
“Over time, that care turned into commitment. She’s now 20—brilliant, kind, and full of purpose—and I’ve been lucky to witness her grow,” Francis shares with Modern Parenting. “Being a father figure to her isn’t something I planned; it’s something I embraced, out of love.”
For Ghia, that love was always felt.
“He’s a pillar of our family, supporting us consistently through all stages of my life,” she says. “More than just my generous cousin, he became someone I could look up to, confide in, and learn from. He stepped into that father figure role out of love, not duty—and that’s what makes it powerful. As I got older, I realized that so much of my confidence, wisdom, and curiosity came from having someone like him in my corner.”
Francis doesn’t take that role lightly, since Ghia looks up to him. Ghia, for her part, said of her cousin: “I realized that the space he held in my life wasn’t just familial—it was formative,” she shared. “It’s one thing to have someone related to you, and another to have them genuinely invest in your growth, your joy, and your direction in life. That’s what he did—and still does.”
Francis Flores with a young Ghia in one of her activities
Learning From Each Other
While some dismiss the perspectives of the younger generation, Francis does the opposite. He’s always admired how Gen Z moves—with boldness and emotional intelligence.
“What’s inspired me most is their hunger for meaning. Ghia reminds me often that empathy and authenticity matter as much as strategy,” he says.
Ghia appreciates that Francis listens. “He listens—listens to how we see the world,” she says. “That openness has allowed us to have honest conversations [that] most kids don’t get to have with parental figures. He’s taught me that mentorship isn’t about rigidity—it’s about evolving with the person you’re guiding.”
As the head of a brand catering to a young market, Francis considers this generational insight invaluable.
“Watching Ghia and her peers interact with content and brands gave me firsthand insight into what resonates. Their BS radar is strong—they want real, not rehearsed. That shaped a lot of how we built PICKUP.”
Ghia adds, “It’s fun knowing some of our talks might’ve helped shape campaigns I now see out in the world!”
Francis and a young Ghia’s bonding in Hong Kong
A Bond Built on Presence
Though leading a company keeps Francis constantly busy, he makes it a point to stay connected with Ghia. Their relationship keeps him grounded.
“I used to lead with drive; now I lead with more heart. Being a father figure taught me that presence and empathy aren’t soft skills—they’re leadership essentials,” he shares.
Ghia has seen this evolution firsthand. “He’s always been brilliant and driven, but this role made him more emotionally available not just to me, but to everyone around him. That’s the beautiful thing about chosen parenting: the growth goes both ways.”
They also make time for what Francis calls their “kuya dates” – trips to the movies, beach outings, concerts, or just a good meal shared.
One of Ghia’s favorite memories? “No matter how busy he was, he always made time to take me to see Harry Potter, whether in the cinema or on DVD at home. Those weren’t just fun moments—they taught me to see the world through stories.” Their shared memories continue to shape her love for culture, emotion, and creativity, she said.
A Father Figure Can Be Anyone
As we celebrate Father’s Day this June, Francis offers a message to those who’ve taken on the role of a father, whether by title or by choice.
“You don’t need a title to make an impact. Just be present,” he says. “Listen. Believe in them. Your consistency could be the difference between a young person feeling lost and feeling seen.”
Ghia echoes his sentiment: “Never underestimate the power of showing up. You don’t need a title to be someone’s guide. Belief and consistency go a long way.”
When asked how they would like to be remembered by each other, Francis says: “I’d like to think she’d say, ‘He’s the reason I never felt alone—and the voice that reminded me I could become everything I dreamed of.’”
Ghia, in turn, shares: “He’s the steady voice in my life—the one who believed in who I could become, even before I saw it for myself.”
Their story is a reminder that fatherhood isn’t always a role you’re born into—it can also be one you choose, out of love. And when you do, the impact can last a lifetime.
Stories of fathers
Bam Aquino: Guided by Faith, Grounded in Family
A Coach, A Dad, A Mentor: How Vimi Rivera Builds Families Through Dance
Bala Tamayo on Strength, Fatherhood, and Spirit
