Derek Ramsay will not have a hard time taking on the dad role when that time comes.
His stepson Elias, the four-year-old son of Derek's wife Ellen Adarna with actor John Lloyd Cruz, has prepared the hunky actor for the joys and demands of fatherhood.
On Derek's Instagram feed, the two are inseparable.
Here's Derek teaching Elias his favorite sport.
Trivia: The 45-year-old star had represented the Philippines in the beach and grass frisbee world championships.
The two are also beach buddies...
...as well as travel buddies.
At the recently-held SamLo Cup of actress Samantha Lopez in Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club, Mandaluyong City, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) had the chance to interview Derek about his closeness with Elias.
He said, “I adore this boy. I hate using the word stepson, I think he’s my son.
“But with that said, I don’t want to disrespect John Lloyd. He’s the biological father and I’m always going to be second best to John Lloyd.
“But I love him like he’s my own."
John Lloyd, for his part, commended Derek for being a good father figure to the toddler. In his conversation with host-talent manager Ogie Diaz, John Lloyd said he is glad his son is growing up to be "mature at mabait."
Derek continued, “I told John Lloyd that his son is always going to be safe when he’s with me."
Smiling, he related how his parenting style lets Elias to be more independent.
Derek said, "Elias is a very smart and affectionate boy. Sobrang bait and respectful.
"Elias and I really get along kasi same maturity level. Hahahaha!
"Ngayon, nagpapabili na siya ng mga golf gloves. Mahirap lang turuan kasi alam na daw niya. Tinuturuan ko siyang pumalo ng golf ball, sabi ko, 'Do this.' Sabi niya, 'No, I know already.'
"Sabi ko, 'No, you don't know anything yet.' Sagot niya, 'No, I know everything.' Wala na akong masagot. Sabi ko na lang, 'Sige, you know everything.'"
Elias is one of the reasons Derek decided to to "semi-retire" from showbiz.
He continued, “Sobra kong na-enjoy [being a step father to Elias] siguro kasi hindi ko na-experience iyon with my son growing up because he was abroad with his mother,” mused Derek, whose son, Austin, with former model Mary Christine Jolly, turned 19 last June 28.
"So, I'm really enjoying being a father, I'm really enjoying being a husband, and I'm really enjoying spending so much time with my parents and my wife."
Derek and Ellen tied the knot on November 11, 2021, at the Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort in Bagac, Bataan.
The two confirmed their relationship via an exclusive interview with PEP.ph in February 2021.