Super Dads share how Fatherhood has Transformed their Careers

Fathers provide, protect, and persevere at home and at work. In celebration of Father’s Day, three fathers from Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, share how fatherhood has allowed them to become better versions of themselves, including at the workplace.

Martin: Evolving as a Leader and as a Father

Shopee Philippines Director Martin Yu has been leading teams to help businesses shift online through Shopee since 2017 and has seen the platform grow. As a father of two young boys, Martin has observed a common aspect between being a father and a leader that he now applies every day: the need to evolve. “When Shopee started in the Philippines, I had to be more of a coach, but as we grew and built up a larger team, I had to adjust my leadership style. I tried to foster a culture where my team is encouraged to speak up and contribute their ideas and initiatives. Now, my role is to ensure these align with our bigger business objectives.”

As a Father, Martin is mindful of how fast his sons are growing up and how he needs to similarly adapt his parenting style to keep up with their changing needs. “I encourage my children to try new things and try to be their buddy. I talk to my sons like we are friends now because they are developing their interests, and I want to encourage them to discover who they want to be in this fast-changing world. Looking ahead, I know I must adapt even more as they become teenagers and young adults.”

Martin’s ultimate hope is that his work will inspire his kids to pursue impactful careers. “My sons are still young, but I think it’s never too early to teach them the value of meaningful work that significantly impacts society and empowers them to pursue a career path that offers that opportunity.”

Michael: Building more Meaningful Relationships

Before coming to work for Shopee Xpress as a partner rider two years ago, Michael worked as an overseas Filipino worker in Taiwan, just like his father. Growing up, he found it difficult to form a solid connection with his father since their relationship mainly consisted of online video calls. When Michael became a father four years ago, he knew he wanted to be a more present figure in his daughter’s life.

As a Shopee Xpress partner rider, not only is Michael able to provide for his family’s needs, but he can also play a more active role in the lives of his two children, aged two and four. “Bago nagsimula ang pandemya, balak ko talaga bumalik sa Taiwan para masuportahan ko ang aking pamilya. Nagpapasalamat ako nang lubos na nakakauwi ako sa aking mga anak araw-araw dahil sa aking trabaho bilang Shopee Xpress rider. Dahil dito, mas nagkakaroon ng meaning ang aking buhay at trabaho.” (Before the pandemic, I planned to return to Taiwan to continue providing for my family. I am grateful that my job as a Shopee Xpress partner rider allows me to come home to my children everyday. Being able to play an active role in their lives has given my life and my job more meaning and purpose.)

One of the things Michael is most proud of in life, is being a present father in the lives of his children. “Ang pinakamalaking inspirasyon ko sa buhay ay ang aking mga anak. Ipinagmamalaki ko na natutupad ko ang aking tungkulin bilang tatay sa kanilang buhay.” (My children are my biggest inspiration in life. It is very meaningful for me that I now get to fulfill my role as a father in a better way.)

Mark: Giving His Best as a Father and a Seller

Since becoming a father, Mark has learned what it truly means to work hard and persevere. He nearly lost his daughter nine years ago to biliary atresia, a rare condition that affected her liver and required her to undergo an expensive procedure abroad. By selling customized pillows on Shopee’s platform, Mark has been able to provide for his family’s needs, including his daughter’s regular medication.

As a father and a seller, Mark said, “Nine years ago, I fought to become a father, and I continue to fight for my family every day. When I started my online business, I struggled to get orders, but I persevered and gave my all for them. Selling through Shopee has allowed my family to reach many milestones like building a home and a warehouse. Everything I do, whether as a father or a business owner, is driven by my love for my wife and daughters. Till today, I continue to give my best every day, not just for my family, but also for my customers.”

By embracing their roles as fathers, Martin, Michael, and Mark have come to understand better how to serve their customers and their teams in their respective roles as employees of Shopee and partners of Shopee Xpress. Their meaningful careers have enabled them to make a difference in the lives of others – both at home and in the workplace.

Shopee’s Father’s Day Sale is happening this June 19

Got a Father’s Day present for dad yet? If not, you’re not alone! We all know how challenging it is to treat our dads who have always provided for us and never seem to ask for anything. The good thing is that you can find just about anything online these days, including the perfect gift that your old man will be sure to appreciate.

As an added treat, Shopee is holding a Father’s Day Sale that allows shoppers to enjoy bigger savings on a wide assortment of Father’s Day presents! Check out this roundup of gift ideas for every type of dad:

For dads who can doze off anywhere, anytime -- this Memory Foam Neck Pillow is going to be his new best friend. With its comfortable cotton and foam material, your dad can turn his naps into deep slumbers when he’s on-the-go.

For dads who are the grill masters at home -- a Portable Large BBQ Grill Station is the way to go. Have your dad cook the best steaks and burgers that will bring the family together on weekends with this easy-to-assemble grill station.

For dads who are health and fitness buffs -- consider this Active 16kg Kettlebell to help him stay in tip-top shape. Your old man can use this kettlebell for different workouts that build endurance, strength, and flexibility.

For dads who love to sing their heart out -- get him the Platinum Karaoke Machine to serenade your mom and give him more reason to belt out powerful love ballads and rock anthems. This modern karaoke machine can store all the best songs of any generation.

For dads who binge-watch TV series and movies -- you must buy him a CHiQ 42 inch Smart TV so he can watch his favorite films and shows in high-definition and Dolby Audio. This Smart TV will take your movie nights to a whole new level.

For dads who are avid sports fans -- gift a pair of Peak Basketball Shoes that he can wear when hooping with fellow titos at your neighborhood court. This signature shoe with lightning cushion sole is super comfy to play in for dads who think “Ball is life!”

For dads whose style game is always on point -- the Active Life Polo Shirt is a nice addition to the wardrobe. It’s a classic piece of clothing that does not go out of style, so you can either dress it up or keep it casual depending on the occasion.

For dads who share your love for K-POP -- Is your dad obsessed with Korean culture just like you? Then score this OXGN Korean Inspired T-Shirt that comes in navy blue, mustard and black and will make him look like a true K-POP fan wherever he goes.

For dads who stay well-groomed and pampered -- the Swisse Skin Exfoliator is a great gift choice for them. Let your dad continue to defy aging with this skincare essential that removes dead skin cells and reveals smooth, soft, and supple skin.

For dads who embrace the great outdoors -- check out Lixada Camping Backpack that he can take on hikes, camping trips, and other adventures away from the urban jungle. He can take in the serenity of nature and have all his camping needs with him in this bag with 50L capacity.

For dads who enjoy the thrill of motorbikes -- let him explore biker hotspots and bond with like-minded people while wearing this Motorcycle Jersey. This jersey will keep him cool and flexible while cruising on highways.

For dads who are the handymen of the house -- he can take pride in fixing leaky pipes, cracked walls, or any of the common household problems with a 150pc Home Tool Set. Dad will be excited to use this for home projects that involve electrical and carpentry work.

For dads who are clean freaks -- pick up a new cleaning gadget in the CEENZIMO Cordless Air Duster. This high-pressured duster will blow away built-up dirt in his precious gadgets or tools.

For dads who can’t live without coffee -- brew a steaming cup of coffee with a new Hoba French Press. Dad will surely be pleased to start the day right with his caffeine fix done via a classic brewing method.

For dads who are big bosses in the office -- why not reward them with an Imperial Horse Leather Belt that will match nicely with their business suits and daily corporate attire. They do deserve something nice for all the hard work they put in.

For dads who never outgrew the gaming phase -- upgrade their gaming set-up with a cool new pair of Razer Blackshark Gaming Headphones. Late night and weekend gaming sessions will be more immersive with the headphones’ built-in noise-cancellation feature.

For dads who express themselves through art -- show them some love and surprise them with a SeamiArt Paint Brush. It is made with nylon hair that will help them practice their soft paint strokes like a true artist.

For dads who keep up with the latest trendy gadgets -- make sure he’s equipped with a gadget that matches his lifestyle needs like the Amazfit Bip U Smart Watch. This lightweight and durable watch has over 60 modes and features to keep dad’s health and wellness in check.

For dads who don’t know how to shop online -- There’s no better gift for the non-techie dad than introducing him to apps and features that make life more convenient! This Father’s Day, sit down with pops to help him set up his own Shopee account and teach him how to browse for items he might enjoy. If your dad still uses cash, go the extra mile and help him be more tech-savvy by activating ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, so he can enjoy more rewards when shopping. To jumpstart his online experience, send him money for free through ShopeePay Ang Pao.

Grab more exciting gifts for your dad at Shopee’s Father’s Day Sale on June 19 when you visit here. You can also start early on your Father’s Day gift shopping at the Father’s Day Fair now and enjoy up to 90% off on other dad gifts here.

Conti's Dad Bakers: Sweet Heroes in the Kitchen and at Home

The dad bakers of homegrown food chain Conti's Bakeshop and Restaurant are a special kind of hero. They are tough and soft and sweet at the same time, both at work and at home. They are not just a part of the team that whips up the brand’s beloved cakes and pastries by the thousands daily at the Conti’s commissary.

Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant baker Renato Sanorjo and officer-in-charge in production Edmond Alcoran

They are fathers who work hard to provide their families with a better life while helping other families all over the country mark their special occasions, and even ordinary moments, with delightful celebrations.

Some of them have faced tough times in life but were able to succeed because of their love for family, determination, and courage.

“Kailangan ko talaga ng trabaho para ma suportahan ko ang pamilya ko, kaya ‘di na ako nag-atubili pa,” recalls Limwil Galdiano of his humble beginnings in the bakeshop founded 25 years ago and owned by the Conti sisters of Batangas. “Sabi ko sa sarili, sige, kakayanin ko ‘to.”

Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant multi-layered torte supervisor Limwil Galdiano

Limwil has been with Conti’s for almost a decade now. Back in 2013, he was already a father to a 6-year-old son. He had also been a cook for 10 years. What he did not have any experience yet at the time was baking.

“Go for a change,” he says in retrospect. “Hindi lang po sapat ‘yung nag eexcel ka sa isang bagay. Kelangan din po nating lumabas sa comfort zone natin at mag explore at sumubok ng ibang skills.”

Conti’s gave Limwil that perfect opportunity to widen his skills and broaden his horizon as a professional. Most importantly, it helped him make a better living for his family.

Taking on the challenge has paid off. Today, Limwil takes utmost satisfaction and pride in his work as a Conti’s baker because he knows that his talent and skills bring smiles to the faces of strangers.

“Kahit may pressure, kahit pagod, nakakagana pong magtrabaho pag nakikita mong nauubos lahat ng napoproduce namin at pinipilahan po ‘yung stores,” he beams. “Nakakaproud po.”

Like Limwil, fellow Conti’s dad baker Renato Sanorjo had been working in the kitchen of a fast-food chain prior to joining Conti’s. The big difference was he was very far from his family as the job was in Saudi Arabia.

“Madami talagang pagsubok na pwedeng harapin at bilang tatay,” Renato says. “Mas mahirap ‘yung kapag hindi mo kapiling ang anak at pamilya mo.”

Although financial support is important, the former OFW emphasizes the importance of being physically present to create a deeper connection with your children.

“Bilang isang haligi ng tahanan, dapat matatag ka, masipag ka, matiyaga ka para masuportahan o maibigay mo ang pangangailangan ng pamilya mo. Hindi lang materyal kundi pati ‘yung sa pisikal at emosyonal para maging maayos at maganda ang kinabukasan nila.”

These very same sentiments are shared by Edmond Alcoran, a longtime Conti’s employee who started out as assistant baker and now holds the position of Officer-in-Charge of Production. “Maraming challenges financially, emotionally, and physically,” he echoes. “So ang pinakamaganda ay kapag sa huli, nalagpasan niyo ang pagsubok sa buhay.”

One of the biggest challenges that Edmond had to surmount as a father came early this year when his third child was born prematurely. “Kakaibang pagsubok ang pinagdaanan ko,” he notes. “Pero dahil na rin sa karanasan ko sa pagiging ama ng unang dalawang anak ko, at ‘yung mga natutunan ko sa trabaho, nakaya namin ng asawa ko ang mga hamon.”

Edmond says patience and having a clear direction are very important both as a baker and as a father. “Hindi pwedeng magmadali ka. As a baker kasi, merong standard procedure. Kelangan may patience ka na sundin ‘yun. Kelangan i-manage natin lahat ‘yun para may direction. Ganun din sa pagiging tatay. Kelangan ang mahabang pasensya. Kelangan ang tibay ng loob.”

Meeting big challenges is never easy. Even tough men need all the help they can get. Fortunately for the dad bakers of Conti’s, the company’s family-oriented philosophy not only makes them grow, but it also makes them glow.

“Sa Conti’s, challenges are a means to constantly improve, to make ourselves better and make relationships tighter,” notes Angie Conti-Martinez, one of the three sisters who founded Conti’s 25 years ago. “We are happy to be part of the professional and personal journeys of our dad bakers and are proud of their achievements in the company and in their families.”

There is no perfect father, just as there is no one way to be a good father. Dads, just like cakes, come in all shapes, sizes, and parenting styles. But no matter what and who they are, dads are everyday superheroes who deserve to be celebrated on Father’s Day but every single day – with Conti’s cakes for a truly delightful celebration.

To know more about Conti’s Bakeshop & Restaurant, visit their website at http://www.contis.ph/ or check out their Facebook and Instagram pages. Please note that other pages bearing Conti's name and images are fake. They do not in any way represent the brand.

Try out a fresh look with L'Oreal's hair color and skincare must-haves! Up to 50% off

Try out a fresh look with L'Oreal's hair color and skincare must-haves! Check out Shopee Beauty this June 15 to get discounts up to 50% off!

Here are some products that you shouldn't miss: 

1. LOreal Paris Excellence Ash Supreme Haircolor with Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo - it comes in 7 Pure Cool Ash shades that are meant to last longer and be ashier than ever. This is made with the FIRST-EVER PURPLE SHAMPOO AND MASK to boost color, lift Ash tones up to 3X, and defy brassiness. Perfect for all Filipina skin tones

By the way, the set has everything you need to color your hair. Each box includes the colorant, developer, professional PH purple shampoo, color-boost purple mask, and gloves. Not to mention, it is very easy to apply making DIY hair coloring at home such a breeze. 

Click here to check sale price

2. LOreal Paris Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum - The NEW Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum with optimum concentration of 1% Glycolic Acid, helps to reduce dark spots by 57% and brighten for even glowing skin. Tested by dermatologist & proven on Asian skin tones.

Click here to check sale price

What are they saying about the product?

• Made my skin glow/ brighten immediately after application. No breakouts.
• It smells good. Has a floral powdery smell. I love it. 
• Really lightens dark spots in just 2 weeks

3. LOreal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Day Cream SPF 17 - The NEW Glycolic Bright Glowing Day Cream with brightening Glycolic Acid helps brighten and reduce dark spots for even glowing skin. 

Clinically proven to increase skin’s protective shield against harmful UV rays. Formulated with brightening Glycolic Acid, effectively corrects the appearance of dullness and reduces dark spots, for visibly even glowing skin. Tested and proven on Asian skin tones. Applicable for all skin types. 

Click here to check sale price

What are they saying about the product?

• On day 1 of use, I immediately noticed a brightening effect on my skin as well as it made my skin smoother, soft, and plumped. 
• Brightens skin and reduces acne scars. Visible results in just a few days. 
• Smooth, absorbent and lightweight. No strong and harsh smell. 

From skincare to makeup, Shopee Beauty has all your needs! Enjoy the most exclusive deals up to 90% off, new launches, exciting offers from your most-loved brands, and free shipping with a minimum spend of ₱499. 

Don't forget to visit LOreal Paris' official store via this link: https://shope.ee/2VDmurO3SS

By the way, you can also get a free liquid lipstick worth Php 499 today with just a minimum spend of Php 999!