Marc Pingris on meeting his dad for the first time: 'Sobrang sarap pala na mayakap mo ang tunay na ama mo'

Marc Pingris only got to meet his dad, Jean Marc Pingris Sr., when he was already 26 and it was all thanks to the convincing powers of his wife, Danica Sotto.

In an episode of "Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel," Marc admitted he initially didn't want to meet up with his father anymore,  but Danica told him to think of it as his gift for their wedding.

"Pinilit lang talaga ako ni Danica that time, so na-convince naman niya ako," said the former PBA and Gilas Pilipinas player.

After they got married in March 2007, the pair flew to Amsterdam for the meet-up. Even then, he was still hesitant to push through with their plan.

"Umaayaw uilit ako, umaatras ulit ako. Balik na lang tayo ng [Pilipinas,]" he said. According to Marc, his wife told him, "Ano ka ba, one hour na lang ang biyahe natin from Amsterdam to Paris, nag-aantay na ang dad mo."

Danica gave him a pep talk, which led to Marc cooperating and complying with their plan.

Later on, he realized that it was one of the best decisions he made in his life.

"First time ko sa buong buhay ko na makayakap ng isang ama talaga, 'yung tunay na ama, wala akong nagawa kundi umiyak, at walang nagawa ang dad ko kundi umiyak," Marc looked back.

"Ang sarap. Sobrang sarap pala na mayakap mo ang tunay na ama mo," he added.

Before they met in 2007, Marc and his dad spent 25 years without knowing about each other. 

In 2015, Jean Marc visited the Philippines for vacation, where he spent quality time with his son, including watching him play in court. — LA, GMA News