MANILA, Philippines—There are plenty of reasons why children love their dads. And for many, their fathers are their hero.

Below are three of the 33 entries for INQUIRER.net’s “Dad’s My Hero” photo contest.

Efren Reyes Jr.

San Andres Bukid, Manila

My dad is my protector, mentor, and my trainer. Working hard to provide all my needs, protecting me every time, and guiding me as I grow up. He’s my best teacher!

At the age of two, I learned how to sing “Twinkle, twinkle little star”, count from 1 to 10, memorize A to Z, and many more. He never fails to teach me good values and have faith with the Lord.

We also share the same interest — my dad loves taking pictures of me, and I love to pose. And we both love the “BEACH” — teaching me how to swim, paddle a kayak, appreciating the beauty of nature.

So when he travels, I’m always with him. I can call my dad as one of the “best dads in the world” — and that makes him my SUPERHERO.

Kimberly Calub Sombrito

Novaliches, Caloocan City

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes ‘fathers and kids’. His conscious choice to be a hands-on father and commitment to deepen our connection by making us his top priority makes him my hero.

Undoubtedly sacrifices his own passion and thrills in racing dirt bike was an exceptional choice. I’m hands down to him; he is dedicated to caring for us, unselfishly sacrifices his sleep just to put me and my sister to sleep, even when he has work the following day.

His energy is almost limitless; always ready to play and bond with us even after a day’s work. Seeing the world through his eyes, experiencing our milestones together brings genuine happiness. Seeing how he flourished from a fearless racer to a loving and caring father was truly promising. That’s us, Father and son — a relationship where perfection can never be won but the love and worth of small things is immeasurable.

Kyle Emmanuel Dacio

Antipolo City, Rizal

My dad is the greatest dad in the whole world! My dad does nice things to me when I’m good. He gets things for me that I can’t reach. He and we like to play sports together. His favorite sport is BASKETBALL! He does cool things with me and my friends.

He takes me places if I have been really good or I have really good grades. He wants to spend time with me. He helps build things like my electric train. That is my DAD!

Out of nowhere and for no reason, he’d give me a hug and a kiss. If I didn’t do well on a test, he’d say, “Uh oh,” and sit down to help me.

Few of us get to experience unconditional love and that is what my father is giving me. I just want to be like him because MY DAD (Michael Dacio) IS MY HERO.

To view all entries, visit our Facebook page. Deadline for submission of entries is on June 30. Join now!