James Blanco may be known for his decades-long career in show business, but in a recent interview, he laid bare his defining role of being a father.
During a chat with talent manager and vlogger Ogie Diaz on the latter’s YouTube channel, James spoke openly about his philosophy on raising children, his hopes for them, and the pain he feels over the distance that has grown between him and them.
Among his children is Iñigo Jose, who recently appeared on the reality show Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.
Despite the challenges in their relationship today, James emphasized that fatherhood has always been central to his life: “Buhay ko yung mga anak ko.”
Why James Blanco did not want his children to enter showbiz early
One of Blanco’s strongest beliefs as a parent has always been the importance of education.
During the interview, the 44-year-old actor revealed that he deliberately discouraged his children from entering the entertainment industry while they were still studying.
“Ayoko talaga pinapayagan ang mga anak ko na mag-artista hangga’t hindi pa sila tapos mag-aral,” he explained.
The decision, he said, was rooted in his own life experience.
Blanco shared that when he was younger, he became busy with work in show business and was unable to finish his studies.
“Ganun ang nangyari sa akin,” he said. “Noong pumasok ako sa industry, kumikita na ako ng pera. Hindi na ako nakabalik sa school.”
Because of that, he did not want his children to face the same situation.
“Ang sabi ko sa kanila, ‘Tapusin niyo muna ang pag-aaral ninyo. At least may babalikan kayo.’”
He explained that having an educational background gives young people a safety net, especially in a country where opportunities can be limited.
“Sa panahon ngayon, lalo na sa Pilipinas, mahirap kapag wala kang tinapos,” he said.
Read: Iñigo Jose, Lee Victor evicted from PBB: Celebrity Collab 2.0
Inigo Jose’s decision to enter showbiz
James admitted that he was surprised when his son Iñigo decided to enter show business.
According to the actor, he only found out about his son’s participation in Pinoy Big Brother after the decision had already been made.
“Pinakita na lang sa akin ang papel,” he recalled. “Sabi niya, ‘Dad, papasok na ako sa PBB.’”
Despite his initial concerns, James said he ultimately respected his son’s decision.
“Medyo nalungkot ako, pero masaya rin,” he said. “Pangarap ng anak ko yun, e.”
He added that what mattered most to him was that his son had promised to continue his studies.
“Ang sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Iba pa rin talaga yung may tinapos.’”
James continues to hope for his children to always remember that education remains important even when opportunities in show business appear.
Remembering the closeness he once shared with his children
During the interview, James became emotional as he spoke about how close he used to be with his children.
The actor described how he personally taught them sports when they were younger.
“Ako nagturo sa kanila ng sports,” he said. “Ako nagturo kay Iñigo mag-basketball.”
He shared that he and his children often spent time together at the gym and playing sports.
Because of their shared interests, he said they developed a strong bond: “Very close kami noon.”
That closeness, however, is something he now deeply misses.
According to James, several months have passed without communication between him and his children.
“Napakasakit... all of a sudden, wala na,” he revealed.
The celebrity dad added that their homes are actually located close to each other, which makes the situation even more difficult for him.
“Isang village lang naman kami. Walking distance lang.”
James also admitted that he eventually removed his children from his social media feed because constantly seeing their updates online had become painful for him.
In the interview, he said, “Tinanggal ko na rin sila sa social media para hindi ko na rin makita,” explaining that distancing himself from their posts was his way of coping with the situation.
Read: James Blanco slams Australians amid Gilas-Boomers basketbrawl: "Bastos sila!"
Open for reconciliation
Despite everything, James made it clear that the door remains open for reconciliation with his children.
“Anytime, anak,” he said, when asked what he would say if they reached out.
“Alam mo, ang tatay, isang kindat lang naman yan, e. Wala nang maraming salita. Kilalang-kilala ako ng mga anak ko. Kilalang-kilala nila yung ugali ko.
“Hindi ako yung tao na mahirap i-please. Ayaw ko lang yung matigas ang puso.
He added later in the conversation: “Very ano ako, soft ako pagdating sa ganyan. Mababaw lang ako.
Simple gestures like a short message or greeting can already mean a lot to him: “Simple text, simpleng kamusta lang.”
For James, those small connections are what keep family relationships alive. He believes that expressing love should never be delayed: “Huwag niyong hihintayin na wala na.”
Although Blanco has faced many challenges in life and in his career, he admitted that his greatest vulnerability will always be his children.
When asked about his personal weakness, the actor did not hesitate to answer: “Weakness ko ang mga anak ko. Walang malakas na tatay pagdating sa mga anak, pagdating sa pamilya.
“Kahit gaano ka ka-siga, kahit gaano ka pa ka-barumbado, papatak ang pawis sa mata mo.”
James’s message to his children
James did not hide the emotional toll the situation has taken on him.
He admitted that being apart from his children has been one of the hardest experiences he has faced as a father.
Explained that the sudden distance has left him struggling to understand what changed, he admitted, “Hindi ko alam kung bakit naputol.”
Despite the pain, Blanco said he tries not to speak negatively about anyone involved, especially because he does not want to cause further hurt: “Ayoko magsalita ng masama.”
He prefers to keep certain matters private, even though many people have already formed their own opinions.
Throughout the interview, James repeatedly emphasized that his love for his children has never changed.
He shared that he hopes they will remember the values he tried to teach them while they were growing up.
Among the lessons he often shared with them was the importance of respect and gratitude.
“Maging marespeto kayo sa mga magulang ninyo, at mahalin ninyo. Mahalin niyo ng totoo. Wag muna kayong magmahal ng ibang tao kung hindi niyo kayang mahalin ng totoo ang mga magulang niyo.
“Kung meron mang magawa ang magulang, hindi perpekto ang magulang,” he explained.
However, he believes children should always remember the role their parents played in shaping who they become.
“Kung ano man kayo ngayon, dahil sa magulang ninyo yan. Kung bakit kayo naging strong, kung bakit kayo nagsisipag.
“Wag niyo laging itatanggal sa equation yung magulang.”
Blanco said he also taught his children the importance of humility and faith.
According to him, faith has been one of the pillars that helped him endure difficult moments in life.
“Kahit anong mangyari, dapat may Diyos ka sa puso mo.”