MANILA, Philippines — Gabby Concepcion recently shared what he’s been teaching his daughters about health and relationships, and his idea of quality time with them.

Just recently, the veteran leading man took one of his daughters on a special bonding activity — teaching her how to drive a stick shift.

“The other day, I taught my daughter how to drive. We were in Lobo, Batangas, and we spent an entire day doing nothing but driving. I wanted her to learn how to drive a manual transmission because it’s rare nowadays, but I want her to understand the mechanics of driving.”

It was an experience he said he truly enjoyed, especially since she was more comfortable asking him questions than she would have been with an instructor.

“I prefer to teach her myself because this way, she can ask a lot of questions. She even told me, ‘It’s better that you taught me’ because she would have been too shy to ask an instructor. So that’s OK. I really enjoyed it. Kulang pa nga, nabitin ako eh.”

With his eldest child, KC Concepcion, turning 40 soon, Gabby also reflected on how he still sees her as his little girl.

“People ask me how old she is now, but I don’t see her at that age. To me, she’s still like a 10-year-old. Like (what the) song says, ‘You will always be my baby,’” he said of his daughter with ex-wife, Sharon Cuneta.

Gabby was actually interviewed during an intimate meet and greet with his most loyal fans organized by mWell, the digital healthcare arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

The event was also part of the wellness brand’s Healthy is the New Handsome campaign with Gabby front and center of it, promoting the importance of overall wellness beyond physical appearance. During the interview, he said he advocates for preventive health using mWell’s features, including the mWellness Score, a personal health tracker that monitors physical activity and helps users reach fitness goals. He also promoted mWell’s wearables, such as the mWell Watch and mWell Ring, which track key health metrics like heart rate and sleep quality. Fans also got the Gabby x mWell special edition watch featuring his image during the event.

For Gabby, wellnwess isn’t just about physical health — it’s about making the most out of life while you still can. He said he’s been reminding his kids to take care of themselves and make mindful choices.

Gabby has five daughters, with KC Concepcion as the eldest.

“Of course, anything can happen to me. I can talk about all the good things about health, but things can still happen,” he told The STAR. “Life is short, so we have to do our best while we have the time. We don’t want to have regrets.”

He encourages his daughters to use the resources available to them, whether it’s access to healthcare or simply knowing what’s good for their bodies.

“At least we have resources like this, plus all the information on what we should eat and what we shouldn’t. That’s what I always tell them.”

Now, when it comes to love advice, Gabby believes in embracing the feeling fully — but also in making sure it’s a love that’s reciprocated.

“If you love somebody… loving is part of life. We need to feel that. If you don’t, you’re missing something. But it would be nice for you to experience that feeling.”

One of his strongest pieces of advice? Make sure the man loves you more.

“For me, it’s better if the guy loves you more than you love him. Love should be both ways. The door swings both ways… (I tell them to) always be happy,” he said.

Gabby said he isn’t going to be a strict, intimidating future father-in-law.

“Sometimes, napa-pare ko sila. We would be on a first-name basis because I feel relaxed with them, and I want them to feel that way, too, so they can take care of my daughters well.”

Nevertheless, he appreciates a man who shows respect — not just to his daughter, but to the parents as well.

“What’s important to me — well, I’m not the one being courted — although sometimes, parents are part of the courtship too. It would be nice if the guy is respectful, like as if he’s also courting you. That is a great feeling! That guy gets a hundred points, right? ‘Good morning, sir. I just want you to know that I’m going out with your daughter. I mean well for her,’” he said.

For Gabby, respect is everything, and he believes this simple gesture makes all the difference.

“Here’s my advice to guys: If you say this to the father of the girl you’re courting, you get a hundred points.”

And has anyone scored those “hundred points” with him, especially when it came to KC’s love life?

“Actually, there was someone before… A non-showbiz guy. Yes, he was kind. I hope all my daughters’ suitors are like that. I think that’s the secret.”