JC de Vera creates his own parenting path
Of all the roles JC de Vera has played, the actor admits being a dad is the most challenging.
De Vera said his greatest fear is not being a great father to his children with wife Rikkah Cruz—Lana, 6, Laura, 1, and a third baby on the way, a boy. “It’s hard to be a dad. We all know how we were raised by our own fathers. We either copy that or create our own path. I’ve decided to create my own path, and that’s why it’s so difficult. I have to draw it myself. I have to outline everything on my own,” JC told Lifestyle in a recent interview.
When asked to describe his parenting style, De Vera said: “I think I’m a little bit of everything. I’m still learning a lot about it. Sometimes, I set boundaries, and it works; other times, it doesn’t. There are moments when I need to be strict, but sometimes, I end up overindulging. Spoiling your kids can bring so much happiness. Malambing akong daddy, but at the same time, masungit rin akong daddy. That’s why I said I’m a balanced kind of parent.”
Hands-on job
For De Vera, parenting isn’t just a title—it’s a hands-on job. “I handle Lana differently since she’s the eldest. It’s trial and error with her. I wake her up at 5:30 in the morning, even though I slept late the night before. I bring her to school if I don’t have work and pick her up when I can. We bond over food and movies. It’s our thing.”
Adjusting to early mornings was a challenge for De Vera. “I’m a morning person but not a 5 a.m. kind of person! I learned that kids mirror their parents’ energy. If I wake up tired and impatient, it affects her mood. That’s why I wake up earlier, so I can set my mood before waking her. It’s a big adjustment, but it’s worth it,” he shared.
De Vera said he really cherishes the little moments with Lana, from tea parties to makeup time, even though he grew up in an all-boys household. “I’m learning the ways of raising daughters. These are moments that I know I won’t experience again when they grow up. That’s why we try to cuddle and spend as much time together as possible. They sleep in our room, and I believe this helps build their confidence and self-esteem. I want to be their role model as they grow older and face the world,” he added.
His second daughter, Laura, is showing her personality early. “She’s different from Lana but just as unique. She’s rougher and braver. At just one year old, she already knows how to say ‘no.’ She’s clear about what she wants and doesn’t want,” the proud father said.
Having a second child has made him more patient, De Vera said. “With the eldest, everything is trial and error. But with the second, you already know what works. We’re more gentle with Laura but stricter with Lana. It’s all about balance,” he added.
Enjoying the journey
As for the upcoming baby, De Vera said this might be their last. “This pregnancy has been the hardest for my wife, especially during the first trimester. Since this is the third, you’d think we already know how to better handle it, but every pregnancy is different. She would request for and avoid different kinds of food each time. But we’re happy, and we’re both enjoying the journey,” he added.
Becoming a father has changed him profoundly. “I’ve become more mature. I’m also more thoughtful with my decisions—whether on investments or in choosing roles. I’m my own family’s provider, so I have to manage my finances well. I can’t just buy stuff on a whim. I have to be practical,” he pointed out. “As an actor, fatherhood has added depth to my craft. I can now portray roles more truthfully because I understand emotions like a father’s love. It’s not just acting; it’s real,” said the actor, who was last seen on the big screen in Joel Lamangan’s dramatic piece, “Huwag Mo ‘Kong Iwan.”
For De Vera, the best advice he has ever received was: “Hold them while you still can.” The dad explained: “Kids grow up so fast. By the time they’re teenagers, they might prefer their friends over you. That’s why I’m keeping my daughters close. I want them to always find a reason to come back to us, to trust us enough by sharing their challenges and triumphs with us.”
