Philmar Alipayo relishes fatherhood.
The Siargao-based surfing champion is a father to three kids.
There is his first son Toro, who lives with him on the island.
His second son Kanoa lives in France with the mother.
And his daughter Lilo is his child with current partner, actress Andi Eigenmann.
Remembering the first time he became a dad, Philmar told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that he was "so happy" to have a kid of his own.
"I really love kids and always wish I will have my own," the surfer said in an exchange with PEP.ph on Instagram direct message last June 9, 2020.
"When I became a dad, my life changed and it became even better."
For one, Philmar's priorities changed.
Published as written, he continued, "My life was all about surfing and training. But now my focus is with my family, specially my daughter...
"I enjoy everything. Being a dad is really fun."
Living On the island
When asked about the kind of father he is, Philmar thinks he is a "fun dad."
He said, "I like to play with them all the time, and I think I make them laugh."
Philmar believes his two kids will experience "more freedom" as they grow up in Siargao.
"I think it's harder to make our kids happy in the city because they have to be indoors most of the time, and I don't want my kids to always be on the gadgets.
"In the island, more freedom. I can let my kids play outside in nature all the time and easier for my kids to grow up healthy here with the fresh air and food."
Philmar often catches fresh fish in the morning.
Philmar through Andi's eyes
When Andi was pregnant with Lilo, the actress was quick to see how parenting came naturally to Philmar.
"I already know and I can see that he will be a good dad to my daughter because he's such a good dad to his," the celebrity mom told PEP.ph in a June 2019 interview.
Andi knew how hands-on Philmar was as a father, especially when he lived in France with his second son Kanoa.
"He took care of his son. He said, 'Kulang na lang I will breastfeed my son.'
"I know I can count on him...
"Mas ano siya, mas confident kaysa sa akin. It makes my fears go away somehow."
How is Philmar's relationship with Ellie, Andi's daughter with former boyfriend Jake Ejercito?
The surfing champion revealed that they "are very close."
"We are like playmates. Hehe.
"We got close right away because I really enjoy playing with kids."
But Philmar wouldn't call himself a second father to Ellie.
"She already has one and they are also very close."
Philmar and Andi went public with their relationship in late 2018.
In February 2019, Andi announced that she and Philmar were expecting.
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