26-year-old Rich Lopez shared a glimpse of his life as a single father of three on social media. More than their daily routines, Lopez hopes to spread awareness about the importance of co-parenting among ex-partners.
“May mga bagay talaga na ‘di mapagkakaintindihan sa isang relasyon. Common naman na iyon pero sana huwag n’yo idamay ‘yung mga bata. Choice natin na dumating sila, gampanan sana ‘yung responsibilidad mo,” he told in an exclusive interview with The Philippine STAR.
“Kung meron man kayong hindi pagkakaintindihan ng partner n’yo, lahat naman nauuwi naman sa magandang usapan eh. Basta i-set aside n’yo muna ‘yung mga galit n’yo sa isa’t isa,” he added.
It was just last year when Lopez and his partner decided to part ways.
“Na-meet ko ‘yung ex-partner ko noong 2016, then wala pa kaming isang taon, nagkaroon na kami ng baby. 2023, naging tatlo na ‘yung anak namin then last year, may hindi na kami pinagkakaintindihan kasi masyado na kami nagtatalo sa simpleng bagay.Nung naghiwalay na kami, nag-usap naman kami nang maayos. We’re in good terms naman, may communication pa since may mga business kaming nabuo nung magkasama kami,” Lopez shared.
The former couple agreed to co-parent for their three kids. His ex-partner is still physically present in their kids’ life.
“Nag-decide kasi siya mag-ibang bansa, mag-work. So sabi ko, ‘Sige ako na lang mag-aalaga ng mga bata.’ Ang nangyari hindi siya natuloy. Eh okay lang naman sa akin kasi navi-visit naman niya every day.Siya pa rin naman ‘yung nanay noon, hindi ko pinagdadamot,” he said.
But sometimes, their eldest daughter keeps on asking questions about the status of their relationship.
“Madalas niya akong tinatanong, ‘Bakit hindi kayo nagki-kiss ni mommy?’ ‘Bakit wala si mommy dito?’ Akala niya, friends na lang kami ng mommy niya kasi nasanay na lang din siya na di kami sweet at di kami clingy sa isa’t isa,” Lopez recalled.
According to Lopez, he doesn’t want his kids to experience having no one but themselves while growing up since he’s a product of a broken family.
“Lumaki lang ako nang mag-isa, wala po akong parents na gumabay sa akin. So alam ko po ‘yung pakiramdam na nag-iisa. Ayun naman ‘yung pinanghawakan [ko] na ayoko ulit mag-isa. Ayoko ulit maiwan kasi malungkot,” he noted.
“Talagang ipinaglaban ko sila na ako na lang mag-aalaga kahit mahirap. Ayoko kasi maranasan ng mga anak ko ‘yung mga naging buhay ko before eh. So, talagang ginagawa ko po ‘yung best ko ngayon para mabigyan sila ng magandang future para naman maging proud din ako sa sarili ko,” he added.
Lopez is currently handling different businesses and currently works from home. Since their separation, he became hands on to their kids.
“Sa morning, gumigising po ako at around 5 to 6AM para makapag-prepare sa mga kailangan nila. ‘Yung panganay ko kasing si Sanjee, pumapasok siya ng 7AM so before 7AM dapat naka-prepare na lahat ng mga kailangan niya. Hindi naman ako nahirapan kasi mga bebe ko sila,” he said.
Netizens were quick to praise him for his love and dedication for his kids.
“Saludo sayo sir! Keep it up,” a netizen commented.
