Today, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. celebrates his 67th birthday. The spotlight might shine on his role as the leader of the Philippines, but for those who know him best, he is far more than just the country’s president.
At his core, he is a devoted husband, father, and family man—a role he has cherished and prioritized above all else throughout his life.
Before he assumed the responsibilities of the presidency, Bongbong was shaped by the close-knit bond he shared with his family. His father, the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was a towering yet polarizing figure in Philippine politics, and from him, Marcos Jr. inherited not only a political legacy but also deeply ingrained family values. A diary entry from his father revealed the elder Marcos’ deep concern for instilling character in his son, preparing him for the battles life would present.
These values—strength, loyalty, and resilience—would become the foundation of Bongbong’s personal and professional life.
Yet, while his father’s legacy cast a long shadow, Marcos Jr. charted his own path, especially when it came to his role as a husband and father.
In 1989, he met lawyer Liza Araneta in New York, where their relationship blossomed over time. It wasn’t an instant connection, but rather one built on mutual respect and shared values. By the time they married in 1993, they had laid the groundwork for a life centered on family.
Their union brought them three sons—Sandro, Simon, and Vincent—who have grown into young men under the watchful and loving eyes of their parents. For Marcos Jr., fatherhood has always been a grounding force, providing him with a sense of purpose that transcends politics.
No matter how demanding his schedule, he has always prioritized spending time with his family, making sure to gather with them at least once a week. Those Sunday dinners have become a sacred tradition, a reminder of the importance of family in an otherwise hectic life.
In a world where his public persona often dominates, Marcos Jr. remains focused on his private world—the one where he is simply “Dad.” His ability to juggle the pressures of the presidency while maintaining his role as a father and husband speaks to his character and values. His sons have been raised with these same principles, and his relationship with Liza is one built on love, partnership, and shared responsibility.
As Marcos Jr. turns 67, with only a third of his presidential term completed, his legacy as a leader is still unfolding. But for his family, his impact is already immeasurable. In the quiet of their home, he is a husband who listens, a father who loves deeply, and a man who understands that his most important role will always be that of a family man.
