Cubao X Chronicles: Insights From Fathers Who Rock and Raise, From Being Cool Kids To Becoming Cool Dads

This Father’s Day, Vogue Philippines celebrates the journeys of three fathers who once once roamed Cubao X during their carefree youth.

If there’s anything to be said about Cubao X, it is that you can find a diverse group of people there. Upstairs at Dr. Chandler, you’ll find a community of vinyl record collectors. Inside Bellini’s, couples or families (or One More Chance fans) enjoy Italian cuisine. Artists and musicians hang out at the infamous Cubao X bathtub filled with cigarette butts. And while the new generation of Cubao X goers fills up its spaces, there are those who came before them who have transitioned from being one of the “cool kids” to becoming a “cool parent.”

Take Red Constantino, for example. He was already frequenting the compound as a child when it was still the Marikina Shoe Expo. Always a curious person, it became a place for interesting conversations for him when it became Cubao X. For some time, he was a co-owner of Fred’s Revolucion, an eclectic dive bar located next to Bellini’s. Now, he is a writer, activist, archivist, head of the Constantino Foundation, and a proud father of two children. 

“It’s a life-changing experience,” he says, speaking of becoming a father. “It’s added joy and meaning to a life that I thought was already full, but then I realized that it could be even more complete when you have children.”

Reg Rubio, a vocalist for Greyhoundz and owner of the Medisina clothing brand, recalls the days when Cubao X had “wild” parties. For him, it was a lifestyle that he had to give up once he became a father. “It’s an important turning point in my life. I had a lot of needs to give up, to give way to the new lives that I’m bringing to the world,” Reg says.

For others, becoming a father was an unexpected but welcome surprise. Cubao X Brewery owner Jun Flores says that for him and his wife, the chances of conceiving a child were slim to none. “And then, all of a sudden, it just happened. I was like, ‘Oh my God,’” he shares. 

In celebration of Father’s Day this year, Red Constantino, Reg Rubio, and Jun Flores share their various perspectives, experiences, and advice on fatherhood with Vogue Philippines.

Red Constantino

Photo courtesy of Red Constantino

In the Constantino household, curiosity and exploration are encouraged. Red shares that there is a “tsunami of books” everywhere in their home. “Every now and then, things topple because they’re everywhere in the house, and it’s a joy to share so much reading material with one another,” he says. With such a home, it is no wonder that his children are also what he describes as “voracious readers.” 

This freedom to explore extends beyond reading. Taking a page out of his own parent’s book, Red never imposed any expectations on his children and encouraged them to pursue their own paths. “All my parents wanted is also something that I’ve tried to impart to my kids along with my wife, which is a strong sense of right and wrong, and as long as you have that, whatever your vocation is, you’re okay.”

With this mindset, their family has flourished in their respective career paths. His son, Rio, is a Palanca Award winner for his essay, The Year of the Perwrinkle. On the other hand, his daughter, Luna, is a visual artist. Kala, his wife, is the chief of the Tara Climate Foundation, a philanthropic group supporting the energy transition in Southeast Asia. As for Red, he is enjoying his time heading the Constantino Foundation and as the family cook and “school bus” driver for his kids.

Reg Rubio

Photo by Myc Priestley

“I hear ‘Dad!’ two million times,” he jokes, sharing what a day in his life looks like. As a solo parent raising two kids, Reg shares that the sacrifice he makes is double. “Double everything. The patience, the weight, the grind. You need to double everything when you’re alone,” he says.

Despite the challenges, Reg feels grateful that his children keep themselves out of trouble. “I’m lucky because my kids are nice. I don’t even help them with their schoolwork. They’re studying on their own,” he says. “One of my main goals for my kids is to become better humans than I used to be, better than I am now. In the way they treat others, the way they perceive the world, the way they are going to handle their future, and their future families.”

While the future isn’t here yet, Reg bonds with his children 24/7, helping them transition into a new period of their lives. “I’m preparing them for lessons soon on what musical instrument they like, as well as sports and arts they want to pursue,” he says. “Whatever they choose to be, I’m here. I’m just hoping they make the right decisions.”

Jun Flores

Photo by Myc Priestley

Aside from his desire to be a father, Jun has always wanted to have a daughter. “When my daughter Isabelle came into my life, I thought, ‘Eto na talaga yun’. This is what I asked for,” he shares. When his wishes came true, he took on the role of “girl dad” in a very hands-on manner, from preparing breakfast to braiding his daughter’s hair. 

As a father, open communication matters to Jun, especially when both his wife and daughter are currently living in Singapore. “When she got a boyfriend, she actually told me first,” he says. “I think we’re very open, even with serious topics like pregnancy, money matters, and any real-life situations.” His own daughter also enjoys coming to Cubao X to shop and visit Cubao X Brewery.

His advice for soon-to-be dads? To embrace the responsibility and work hard. “Being a dad is easy. But the responsibility of being a dad is hard,” he says. “My advice is to make yourself ready. Financially, emotionally, and spiritually, because it’s not easy.”

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