Celebrity entrepreneur Joel Cruz continues to prove his dedication as a father to his eight children.
Recently, he made a heartfelt revelation about his son, Ziv, who is on the autism spectrum.
Ziv, Joel's youngest child, was born via surrogacy in Russia in November 2018.
Joel spoke candidly about the difficulties and rewards of raising a child with autism in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during the 10th Marry Me at Marriott fashion show.
While it's challenging, Joel feels grateful for the progress his son Ziv is making as he undergoes therapy for his autism.
"It's very, very challenging for me," Joel told PEP.ph during the event held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the grand ballroom of Manila Marriott Hotel in Parañaque City.
"When he was almost one year old, medyo nakita ko na yan. Although, we discovered at the age of two na meron siya talaga autism. But right now, he's undergoing therapy. Which is very good.
"Laki na improvements niya doon sa therapy niya na yan. I'm praying for the best for him."
Joel added, "It's like the average. Hindi naman sobrang mild. Hindi naman sobrang lakas. Average. But one thing good is, nag-improve siya talaga doon sa kanyang therapy."
However, Joel hopes that people's negative perceptions about individuals on the autism spectrum will change and encourages them to treat these individuals with the same respect and kindness as anyone else.
Reflecting on his son's condition, he said, "Well, you know, sometimes they call it like a sickness or a disease. But for me, I must say, he's just different from the normal kids. Kasi meron siyang talent na kakaiba, e.
"Ang galing niya. Matalino siya. He's so smart. Like, from A to Z. 'Tapos pabalik from Z to A. Kaya niya sabihin.
"Sometimes smarter than other kids. So, I must say, he's really, really good. Meron siyang special talent. Sana doon lumabas yung galing niya.
Joel added, "Huwag i-treat that parang may sakit o iba. Medyo kakaiba lang siya. Pero pag nakita mo yung talent niya, he's very talented."
JOEL CRUZ'S CHILDREN
Meanwhile, Joel shared some of his recent discoveries about his children, particularly their talents and interests.
Besides Ziv, Joel has seven other children born via surrogacy.
His eldest twins, Prince Sean and Princess Synne, were born in 2012; followed by Prince Harry and Prince Harvey in 2015; and Charlotte and Charles in May 2017. His seventh child, Zeid, was also born in 2018.
Joel revealed that most of his kids have shown an interest in sports, particularly soccer and basketball.
He said, "Well, each one of them, they have talent. Si Prince, ang galing mag-soccer. Sinasali siya sa Thailand, Singapore, Boracay to play, you know, ng soccer.
"And the rest kasi, like Harvey is more of a basketball. Magaling talaga. He's a good shooter, si Harvey.
"But the rest, they all play soccer. They're really good. They play soccer."
Does he see any of his kids showing interest in showbiz?
Joel said, "Si Charlotte, ang galing kumanta. Mukhang magsho-showbiz.
"Si Princess kasi gusto niya ballet. And parang gusto niya mag-vlog."
JOEL CRUZ AT THE FILIPINXT FASHION SHOW IN NEW YORK
Additionally, Joel noticed that his children are quite natural on the runway.
In May 2024, Joel and his eight kids walked the runway for New York-based fashion designer Bessie Besana during his segment at FILIPINXT's inaugural show in New York City.
Joel mentioned that this wasn't his kids' first time walking down the runway, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
He shared, "I mean, sa Philippines kasi nagpa-fashion show sila sa ibang designers like Albert Andrada.
"So, sanay na sila. Actually, rumampa. But they're having a good time because this time, hindi sa Pilipinas, e. Sa ibang bansa naman."
Does he give his kids any tips or advice before they walk down the runway?
"I just tell them, you know, they just have to walk properly. Don't make unnecessary movements lang.
"So, the seven of them, they're really doing well... My bunso kasi... yung bunso ko, he's in the autism spectrum.
"So, when you watch the fashion show, the one in New York, he's like holding this car.
"Naglalaro siya, ganun, habang rumarampa siya. But basically, all of them, they're really good."
Joel enjoyed his time in New York City, especially meeting other Filipinos.
He also thanked Bessie for having them in his fashion show and for dressing him and his kids for the Marry Me at Marriott event.
"We had a good time there. Actually, at the FLIPINXT, the one in New York... these are the clothes that we wore in New York.
"It's by Bessie Besana. And we had a good time because aside from the fashion show, we were meeting a lot of Filipinos based in New York.
"And a really good bonding with all the Filipinos there. And I would like to congratulate Bessie again for this wonderful fashion show right here in Marriott."
READ MORE:
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