They weren’t just there to crack jokes or deliver punchlines—they were the heart of the household, the voice of reason, and sometimes, the cause of chaos.
For many Filipinos, these sitcom dads were more than characters on TV, they were second fathers we grew up with, guiding us through life with laughter and love.
Kevin Cosme
(Home Along Da Riles, 1992)
At the top of the list is Dolphy’s Kevin Cosme in Home Along Da Riles, the ultimate single father who juggled raising multiple kids while keeping a sense of humor amid life’s daily struggles. With his signature laugh and iconic wit, Kevin became a father figure for many who grew up watching ‘90s TV.
Hercules “Kul” Vallejo
(Daddy Di Do Du, 2001)
Then came Vic Sotto as Daddy Di Do Du’s Hercules “Kul” Vallejo, the charming, clueless-but-trying widower navigating fatherhood with three daughters. He was proof that you didn’t need to have all the answers to be a good dad—just a lot of love (and maybe a little help from quirky friends like Redford White’s Bruce).
Pepito “Pitoy” Manaloto
(Pepito Manaloto, 2010)
Michael V. gave the TV dad role a modern twist in Pepito Manaloto, playing a humble lottery winner still grounded in Filipino values. Pepito’s character reminded viewers that no amount of success should take away a father’s role as a provider and moral compass.
Tsong Joey
(Palibhasa Lalake, 1987)
Other memorable father figures include Joey Marquez as Joey in Palibhasa Lalake, who, though not a dad, played a kuya-turned-role model in a house full of mischievous boys.
These characters may have been fictional, but their impact was real. They made us laugh, think, and appreciate the men who shaped our own homes. And in true sitcom fashion, they showed us that even in chaos, Dad’s corny jokes and big heart could hold a family together.
