Seasoned actor Christopher Roxas describes himself as a straightforward father to his son, Christophe Sommereux. As his eldest recently ventured into show business, Christopher, who has long been in the industry along with his wife, Gladys Reyes, got candid about the reality of being in the limelight.
“Parati kong ni-re-remind sa kanya [Christophe] na ‘yung pinasok niya is kayang ibigay lahat sa kanya at kaya rin siyang sirain nito,” he told PUSH ABS-CBN in an exclusive interview.
Although he is confident with the man his son has become, he never gets tired of reminding him to be wise in making decisions.
“So kailangan maging wise siya sa mga pagpili niya,” he said. “I mean lalo na ‘pag kumikita ka na, sa mga ganong bagay. [Pero] he’s responsible enough naman na alam niya ‘yung gusto niyang mangyari sa buhay niya.”
Another piece of advice he gave Christophe is to stay grounded regardless of what he has achieved.
“Kaya ko sinasabi sa kanya na ‘always remember, mata sa langit, paa sa lupa,’ kasi we’ve been here for like ilang years na rin. Kami ni Gladys, 33 years na together, so parang ganun na rin halos ‘yung showbiz career namin,” he said.
Christopher also instilled in his son the value of authenticity while also reminding him that he doesn’t need to please everybody.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘anak hindi mo kailangang mabuhay na pini-please ‘yung mata ng ibang tao. Kailangan basta nasa tama’t totoo ka, you follow that, and you’ll be fine,” he said.
In the same interview, the celebrity dad further talked about his relationship with his eldest son.
“Straightforward ako sa kanya and he doesn’t shy away sa akin. ‘Pag may gusto siya, sinasabi niya. Kailangan 'yung communication namin is open,” he said.
“Sometimes syempre bilang tatay, hindi sapat sayo 'yung nakikita mo but kailangan mo rin intindihin na ginagawa naman niya ‘yung best niya,” he added.
Showing what a true stage dad he is, Christopher was present at his son's music video launch for his song “Sine” held last Tuesday, June 17, at the Dolphy Theatre.
When asked about how he felt that his son finally entered showbiz, he said he is happy that the world will see more of his talent.
“Akala ko nga ‘yung asawa ko ‘yung stage mother, ako pala,” he said. “Nakakatuwa kasi, hindi naman sa karera lang niya sa music, ‘yung craft niya naipapakita niya sa mundo. Sadyang nakakatuwa para sa (isang) magulang.”