Marc Pingris on Forgiving His Dad: ‘Nakaramdam Ako Na Buo Ang Pagkatao Ko’
Former PBA player Marc Pingris shared how he and his father Jean Marc reconciled, and the role his wife Danica Sotto played in getting them together.
The relationship between a father and a son is essential in building inner growth and strength. In the case of former PBA player Marc Pingris, it took him a long time before the hurt he felt from his father Jean Marc Sr. disappeared. Thanks to his wife, actress, and host Danica Sotto, Marc was able to reconcile with his father and they now have a good relationship.
In an interview with broadcaster Karen Davila, Marc answered questions about his relationship with his dad, how he is as a father, and why the family will always be his first priority.
Marc Pingris on meeting his dad Jean Marc
During the conversation, Marc was asked how he was as a father. The former Magnolia Hotshots player admitted he was not sure how to answer it except that he tries to give everything his kids need. He and Danica are also expecting their third child.
“As a dad, binibigay ko yung mga needs and wants nila na hindi ko naranasan before,” he said of his two children. “Nakukuha ko na lang sa brother ko kung paano niya ako inalaagan before. So lahat ng tinuro niya sa akin, iyon ang mga tinuturo ko sa mga anak ko.”
Marc then shared that when he met Danica, she made sure that he settled his relationship with his dad. Thanks to the connections of her family, they later found out that his dad was still alive. He admitted that in the beginning, he didn’t feel anything for his dad because of his anger.
Things, however, changed when they flew to France. Marc revealed he wanted to back out of meeting his father but Danica urged him to just talk and fix things. Upon meeting his dad, Marc said his hurt and anger disappeared.
“Nung nandoon na kami sa airport sa Paris, kasi matangkad din yung dad ko – same height din kami, 6’4 yung dad ko. Tapos nung nakita na ni Danica, siya yung unang nakakita, sabi niya ‘yung dad mo nandoon na,” he shared.
“Nung niyakap niya ako, nawala yung galit ko. Nawala yung galit. Nung niyakap niya ako at tinawag niya ako na my son, first time in my life na nakaramdam ako na buo ang pagkatao ko.“
Marc then shared that he and his dad traveled to Switzerland where they had a heart-to-heart. Moreover, he urged his dad to come home to apologize to his mom, which his dad did.
Marc on giving back to his mom and Danica’s influence on him
Marc, who was raised by his mom alone, said that one of the qualities he got from her was the term puso, which he uses when playing basketball especially when he was part of Gilas Pilipinas.
“Every time na sinisigaw ko iyon, yung mother ko ang iniisip ko,” he said. “Dahil yung puso niya paano kami buhayin, grabe.”
Marc loved his mom so much that during his first salary from the PBL, he gave much of it to her and he got just enough for himself. He shared that because of the savings he got from playing professional basketball at PBA, he was able to buy a house for his mom on her birthday.
He gives credit to his wife Danica as well, who helped him have a good relationship with God.
“Nung nakilala ko na si Danica, this is it. Kasi pinagpray ko din si Danica na Lord, kung hindi para sa akin si Danica okay lang tanggalin mo na.”
He urges every couple to keep on praying for each other despite being together for a long time.
“Sa relasyon talaga, pag wala si Lord sa gitna ninyo, mahirap.”
Family is Marc’s priority
Marc mentioned that above all things, family is his priority. “Iisipin mo talaga si Lord at yung family mo.“
“Ayoko na maghiwalay kami ni Danica. Ayoko na masira yung family namin ni Danica. Sa akin ang gusto ko lumaki yung mga bata na kapiling namin ni Danica,” he added. “Tumanda kami, magkasama kami ni Danica.”
Marc briefly discussed a children’s book he wrote called Marc Pingris: Puso, Pangarap, Pag-asa.
“Ito ang kuwento ng buhay ko. Dito nila mababasa kung paano ako nag-start maglaro ng basketball.”
If there’s anything he wants to impart to the professional players of today, Marc advised to save up.
“Mag-ipon sila. Hindi habang buhay sikat ka at may pera ka. So kailangan mag-ipon sila para sa future nila,” he said. “And number one, lagi kayong mag-pepray.”
“Ang saya sa akin ay yung makasama ko nag pamilya ko – kumakain kami. Buo kami sa la mesa,” he said. “Huwag tayo ma pressure sa pera…hindi lahat pera ang dahilan para lumigaya ka. Andiyan ang pamilya mo na nagmamahal sa iyo.“
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