[Trending Now] ‘May anak kahit walang ka-partner’---Joel Cruz Shares His Journey To Fatherhood All By Himself!

Perfume magnate Joel Cruz shared his journey of becoming a father through unconventional means.

The Afficionado CEO hired a surrogate mother named Lilia to carry his children (via in vitro fertilization). He also processed the necessary papers to acquire sole custody and parental rights. The whole process cost him P12 million.

But to the father of four adorable kids, it was all worth it. 

“Iba yung pagmamahal na mayroon ka ng tunay na anak. Ang sarap-sarap ng pakiramdam na, 'I love you Daddy' yung ganun,” Cruz told Rated K.

According to Dr. Mailyn T. Panganiban, surrogacy for single people like Cruz is still “not accepted” in the Philippines. The practice, she said, is often reserved for married couples.

“Surrogacy hindi pa talaga accepted sa Pilipinas kasi lahat ng assisted reproductive technique ginagawa yan within the context of marriage. So hindi ina-allow yung sperm donors or surrogate mother,” she said. “We're just hoping na sana in the near future matatanggap sa Pilipinas.”

When asked if he is afraid of the backlash, Cruz said he’s happy with his decision. 

“Kung masaya naman ang sarili mo, [tapos] nagbibigay [ito] ng kaligayahan sa iyo at wala kang matatapakan naman sa ibang tao… [okay lang].” he said. 

“Kung maiksi lang buhay ko, at least may anak akong magtutuloy,” he added.

Source: TNP, ABS-CBN