Lessons from my father: navigating life’s big moments in Hong Kong and beyond

Father’s Day is dedicated to honouring the paternal figures in our lives and celebrating the memorable moments we’ve shared with them – whether it’s learning to tie a shoelace or receiving sage advice for life’s biggest decisions. Ahead of the occasion, we sat down with longtime Diamond members and father-and-son duo, Daniel Zigal Sr. and Danny Zigal Jr., who shared some of their core Cathay Pacific memories, and a few thoughts on the wisdom that fathers pass down to their children.

Daniel Sr. was born in Hong Kong to Russian parents, where he studied at the Peak School and King George V School before continuing his education in the USA. He began flying with us frequently for business in 1997 and became a Cathay Pacific’s Cathay Diamond  member in 2011. He’s flown exclusively on Cathay Pacific aircraft ever since, saying they make him “feel safe.” 

Having been given the same name as his father, perhaps it’s not all that surprising that Danny Jr.’s path was not too dissimilar. The third-generation Hongkonger was born and raised in the city, and went on to attend university in the USA, where he caught the entrepreneurial bug and started his very own confectionary brand. After graduating, he founded Synergy Distribution Limited, a distribution network that transports more than 20 food and beverage brands from the UK into Hong Kong.

Danny Jr. became a Cathay Pacific’s Cathay Diamond member in 1999. “I remember the old planes with the green and white stripes, and flying on a jumbo jet was so exciting,” he says.

Daniel Sr. describes his relationship with his son as having gotten “closer and closer”. And Danny agrees. “As I’ve grown older, he’s become more of a best friend and my admiration for him has grown,” he says. Today, they share some of the same hobbies and passions such as playing golf and spending time together on the family boat, Sagacious. 

Life’s big lessons

According to Danny, some of the biggest lessons he’s learned over the years he owes to his father. “When it comes to business, get it in writing; and always look at the big picture,” he says. 

Perhaps then, Daniel Sr. can take some credit for his own views on Danny’s “brilliant” business mind, honesty and generosity. “He never says anything negative about anyone,” Daniel Sr. says. 
 
Father's Day used to be a difficult day for the family, after Danny's mother passed away just 10 months after his younger sister was born. But these days, the duo celebrate with a hearty Father’s Day lunch before teeing off for a game of golf together.

Journeys with Cathay Pacific

Daniel Sr. finally attained the coveted Diamond membership when Danny was four years old. He took his son to Seoul to celebrate, and still remembers the remarkably warm service onboard. “I’ve never had such treatment on any other airline,” he says.

Many of Danny’s earliest childhood memories were of flying with Cathay Pacific, and it was through such trips that Daniel Sr. inadvertently passed on his lifelong passion for travel. 

“Travelling is one of the most important things we can do in life,” says Danny “It opens your eyes to new experiences and different cultures. It allows you to take in different perspectives, as well as remove yourself from your comfort zone.”

Danny finally attained his own Diamond membership status in 2015. Whether it’s spending time in London, Danny’s favourite base for exploring Europe, or planning his long-awaited trip to Bhutan, he enjoys being recognised for choosing to fly with us. “I tell my friends overseas, there’s nothing like getting on a Cathay Pacific aircraft to fly home. You just feel safe, looked after and always well-travelled.”

As for tips on navigating fatherhood in today’s age? “Fathers need to involve their children in more day-to-day, casual activities. Teach your children everything you know about enjoying life,” Daniel Sr. says.

Danny wholeheartedly agrees on the importance of uninhibited quality time, especially when so much of our attention is taken up by mobile phones. “Putting phones away when you are spending quality time with family is a rule I follow,” he says. “Find time to disconnect and be in the present moment.”