June holds a special dual celebration in the Philippines.
It’s a month for honoring fathers on Father’s Day, while also marking Pride Month, a vibrant celebration of love, identity, and the LGBTQ+ community.
For some, however, these occasions go hand in hand.
Such is the case for these Filipino celebrities and personalities who embody both, challenging norms, redefining modern families, and showing that true parenthood is defined by love, commitment, and care—not gender.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) pays tribute to gay dads who continue to break stereotypes and show that family is built on love, not labels.
PAOLO BALLESTEROS
Paolo Ballesteros became a father during his past relationship with Katrina Nevada, with whom he shares a daughter, Keira Claire.
When Paolo came out in August 2019, he was glad Keira “gets it.”
He said during the presscon of The Panti Sisters: “Luckily, my daughter is a bright kid, eme. So, wala nang ano yun, wala nang problema.”
Now a young lady, Keira shares his artistic flair and has shown interest in entering showbiz.
OGIE DIAZ
Ogie Diaz embraced fatherhood with long-time partner Georgette del Rosario, raising their five daughters—Erin, Camille (Godhie), Belinda (Meerah Khel), Erica (Georgina), and Meisy (Cory).
Today, his children are carving out their own paths. Erin, who recently turned 24, now works in a fine-dining restaurant after finishing Culinary Arts, while Godhie graduated cum laude in Medical Technology from the University of Santo Tomas and is set on becoming a doctor.
In a vlog with Dra. Vicki Belo, Ogie shared that he had already known he was gay at seven years old.
He also opened up about how he eventually expressed his identity to his children in a calm and natural way, choosing the right moment when two of them got teased in nursery school.
"Nagdala si Erin ng picture [naming] tatlo kasi Father’s Day tapos nakita [ng kaklase niya] yung picture [tapos ang sabi], ‘Bakla naman iyang daddy mo eh,’” he recalled, noting how his kids defended him: “’Hindi bakla daddy ko. Boy [ang] daddy ko.’”
Instead of making it a heavy conversation, Ogie used the situation to guide them gently. “’Next time, pag nag-insist sila na bakla daddy niyo, wag kayong magagalit. Saka kayo magalit pag sinabi na ang daddy niyo [ay] tomboy,’” he told them.
He added that acceptance has always been present in their family—especially from Georgette, his partner of more than two decades, whom he met while working in a comedy bar.
As Ogie put it: “Kung ako ay tunay na lalaki, hindi ako papatulan niyan. Gusto niya kasi yung lambutin, hindi nagbibihis babae, pero bading.”
JOEL CRUZ
Joel Cruz, known as the “Lord of Scents,” is a proud father to eight children—Prince Sean, Princess Synne, Prince Harry, Prince Harvey, Prince Charles, Princess Charlotte, Prince Zed, and Princess Ziv—all of whom were born via surrogacy.
As his children grew older and began asking questions, Joel chose to be open about his identity.
In an interview with Bianca Gonzalez for BRGY UNCUT on The Filipino Channel, he shared that the conversation started when his eldest twins, then around four years old, asked about their mother.
He explained that she lives in Russia, which became his starting point for opening up about being gay as well as his decision not to marry a woman while still wanting to have children.
Joel reassured them that he could raise them well on his own, saying: "Nung lumalaki na rin sila, I explained to them, 'You know, I'm gay... I don't want to get married with a woman,' yun, 'but I want to have children because I love children, I love kids,' you know. 'I can be a good father, a good parent, at the same time.'"
JOVIT MOYA
Former That’s Entertainment actor Jovit Moya is the father of actor Rob Moya. When Rob was 12, Jovit moved to the United States for work, resulting in a 10-year separation before they reunited.
Upon his return, Jovit opened up more about his sexuality to his son—although Rob shared that he had long sensed the truth.
In interviews, Rob has emphasized that even after learning about his father’s identity, he never lost his respect and admiration for Jovit as a parent.
"I have no problem with him being gay; it doesn’t affect me.
"When he admitted that fact to me, I was a surprised, but that was it. He has always loved me and taken care of me—and I’m proud of him."
In total, Jovit has nine children.
WILBERT TOLENTINO
Wilbert Tolentino, an entrepreneur, talent manager, and vlogger, became a father to his “miracle baby” Willard King through surrogacy.
Fondly called “Baby Kaizer” or King, his son is now the heart of Wilbert’s world.
He often shares their journey on his YouTube channel, showing how hands-on he is—from preparing meals to organizing meaningful trips abroad.
For Wilbert, raising King in a loving and supportive environment is his top priority, hoping his son grows up proud of the family they’ve built together.
ARNELL IGNACIO
Former TV host/comedian Arnell Ignacio, a veteran TV host, comedian, and public servant, shares a close bond with his unica hija, Sofia.
He raised her with honesty, never hiding his identity and allowing her to grow up knowing his authentic self.
Today, Sofia is an entrepreneur who manages their family business, Creative Hair Systems, a clinic for custom toupees and semi-permanent cosmetics founded by Arnell in 2005.
RICKY REYES
Long before conversations around surrogacy and non-traditional families became more open in the Philippines, hairstylist-beauty entrepreneur Ricky Reyes, affectionately called “Mother Ricky,” was already living his truth as a parent.
In the 1970s, he took on the role of father to four adopted children, each brought into his life through different circumstances—one entrusted to him by a salon client, another a niece whose mother moved to the United States, and two siblings left under his care by their biological mother.
What stood out in their upbringing, Ricky shared, was how naturally everything unfolded. His children never felt the need to question their family dynamic.
In Karen Davila’s vlog, he said: “Ang mga bata sa akin, maski yung dalawang anak ko na una, lumaki sila sa mundo, [they] never asked a question. We never talked about that.”
For him, the reason was simple: a home grounded in love.
“You know why? Because in my house, it is full of love. I only believe that an adopted kid or a foster kid na tatangapin mo, maghahanap lang iyan, magloloko lang 'iyan, pag hindi na nakikita yung pagmamahal sa loob ng bahay. But if the life is sufficient sa loob ng pamamahay, wala silang hahanapin.”
He also took pride in the peaceful environment they grew up in, adding: “Lumaki sila sa mundo, not even a single quarrel they have witnessed in our house. Wala silang nakitang nagtataas ng boses, mataas ang boses, wala yun.”
Looking back, Ricky said raising them is his most meaningful achievement: “I think so. I have made four beautiful kids na marunong matakot sa Diyos.”
DJ ONSE
DJ Onse (Onse Tolentino), a radio personality and stand-up comedian, brings the same warmth and humor he shares onstage into his life as a father to his son, Aldeo.
He has often said that fatherhood changed his priorities, placing his child at the center of everything he does. While he keeps Aldeo’s life mostly private, Onse has spoken about the realities of parenting, including dealing with intrusive questions.
For him, every performance and opportunity is driven by his goal to provide a bright future for his son—showing that true parenthood is defined by commitment and presence.
This June, as we celebrate both Father’s Day and Pride Month, it’s the perfect time to recognize and honor fathers of all identities—especially those whose journeys help pave the way for greater acceptance and representation.
After all, being a dad isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about showing up, loving fiercely, and raising children with pride.
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