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Music and fatherhood harmonize

CHILDREN of famous people, psychologists say, try a little bit harder to excel. It is an unconscious wish, they say, to be accepted on one's own merits.

In observance of Father's Day tomorrow, we asked some offsprings of celebrity fathers how it was to live in their shadow. All claim they don't mind being known as their father's son or daughter.

''I feel proud,'' says Lara Fabregas, actress-host daughter of accomplished actor-musical director Jaime Fabregas. ''He worked hard for it,'' she says.

Sixteener Giannina Gonzalez, a junior at Poveda, claims her teachers in school often refer to her as ''yung anak ni Gene Gonzalez na nagluluto sa TV, and I find nothing negative in that.''

''It's OK,'' says 11-year-old Kenneth Dabao, son of multi-talented actor Ricky Davao. ''I'm proud that he's a good actor.''

When teased by classmates about his father's gay or super villainous roles, Ken says he simply tells them, ''It's just acting.'' And the fact that his mother is the equally popular actress-host Jackielou Blanco seems to have primed him well for the celebrity life.

''I don't mind it at all,'' says 25-year-old Don Bagatsing, councilor, 4th district Manila, grandson of former Manila mayor Ramon Bagatsing and son of three-time consecutive term Congressman Ramon (Don-Don) Bagatsing Jr. ''What I mind is when they mistakenly call me Don-Don.''

''I feel proud to be known as his daughter,'' simply states Metropop grand prize interpreter Rachel Alejandro, daughter of singer Hajji Alejandro.

It was providential that Don, Rachel, and Lara would follow in their fathers' footsteps. ''I wanted to go into business but found I had the knack for public service,'' explains Don.

Rachel says that although her father never really encouraged it, it was the life she was exposed to, which she enjoyed so much that her becoming a performer was inevitable.

Ditto for Lara, who found what dad Jaime was doing (both the acting and the music) so exciting, something she wanted to do herself.

Even young Kenneth says, ''I want to be like my dad.'' And Giannina finds that she loves cooking as well. ''Dad and I like the same things, like drawing and sketching. We mix well. My dad is just an older, wiser version of me.''

They know their fathers are celebrities, they say, but at home he's just plain Dad. It might get a little uncomfortable when they're recognized in public places, but other than that, they can deal with it.

Is Dad's celebrity status a burden? ''Being a singer, his schedule was flexible and he had more time with us,'' says Rachel. Lara finds no negative effect on her since her dad is not really the high-profile type of celebrity.

Kenneth says, ''I want him to achieve what he wants to reach in his life, but if he were not famous he could spend more time with me.'' And Don feels that being his father's son made it easier to enter the political scene, at the same time realizing they cannot really live normal lives.

Don finds he has to be doubly careful with his words and actions. ''A good reputation is very important, and anything negative will reflect on my father,'' he says.

And what are the lessons Dad has taught? ''To be brave,'' says Giannina. ''To enjoy my life, be honest, and be brave,'' says Lara. ''To be honest,'' says Don.