Mom Captures Rare Moment Of 'Brotherhood To Fatherhood'

Last March 2024, we asked readers to submit photos capturing the raw and unfiltered moments of parenthood. Out of thousands of entries, 50 best fatherhood moments were selected and announced on Father’s Day. This article is part of a series that delves into the stories behind the 10 winning photos of Smart Parenting’s Parenthood 100 photo contest.

Mommy Aissa Briones from Marikina City took this photo randomly in 2019, not knowing that it would be awarded as one of the best photos depicting a raw and unfiltered moment of fatherhood. 

It was taken at her husband's ancestral home in San Juan City, featuring the three brothers, Ronald, RJ, and Rainan Briones.

"This photo was randomly taken in the ancestral house of three brothers with their sons. They rarely get together and live in different cities, therefore, moments such as this is very precious. These fathers are also very hands-on with their kids," Aissa described the photo.

Smart Parenting Parenthood 100 Winner: Brotherhood To Fatherhood

More than capturing a rare moment, Aissa's photo symbolizes the legacy that a father passes on to his children. According to her, the brothers remain really close to each other despite living in different places. 

"They share the real values of brotherhood that they learned from their late Tatay—that whatever happens, they will take care of one another and each others’ families," Aissa shared.

^{'Brotherhood To Fatherhood' by Aissa Robles is one of the winning photos of Smart Parenting Parenthood 100 photo contest.}

In the photo, the dads were spending time with their own sons—joking around, tickling them, and laughing with them. Aissa revealed that the photo was actually taken a few weeks after his father-in-law passed.

"Usually, we honor our mothers for doing most of the parenting hardwork. But there are fathers out there who are really partners to their spouses in raising their children." —Aissa Briones

"My intention for capturing this is to treasure this moment which happens rarely," she said. The details of the ancestral house's interiors added a warm and nostalgic feel to the photo, making it one of the winners of the Smart Parenting Parenthood 100 photo contest, under the category, Love.

"It was taken at a home built by their late grandparents, where usual gatherings are held with their other relatives. A home where everyone feels it’s their own home too," Aissa added.

'Fathers, you are the best role models to your sons'

The photo, now more than just a random moment captured, encapsulates a message that parents, especially fathers, need to hear more these days: to pay homage to fathers who, like mothers, are going above and beyond what is expected for their children.

"Usually, we honor our mothers for doing most of the parenting hard work. But there are fathers out there who are really partners to their spouses in raising their children," Aissa emphasized. "Fathers who are not just providers to their families but also playmates, teachers, formators and best friends to their children."

"In this photo particularly, as fathers to their sons, they are the best role models for them," she concluded.

Read the heartfelt open letter of a 17-year-old son to his father as he enters adulthood here.