How fatherhood changed Carlo Aquino

Becoming a parent can be a transformative experience for many people and for actor Carlo Aquino, fatherhood has been life-changing.

“The first time I saw her, my baby, I instantly felt that I’m heading in the right direction. I’m going to work hard for my family,” the 35-year-old actor told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview.

Almost two weeks after celebrating his birthday, the actor and occasional singer shared for the first time a photo of his daughter, Enola Mithi Aquino, on Instagram.

“You can thank your stars all you want but I’ll always be the lucky one,” he wrote in the caption, quoting the song “Your Universe” by Rico Blanco and tagging his partner Trina Candaza.

The hands-on father spends as much time possible with his daughter. He said the experience, which makes him connect with his inner child, has thought him and made him do things he didn’t know he’s capable of.

“My priorities have changed. It’s no longer about myself, it’s already about my baby and my partner. It’s a nice feeling that you are working hard for them. With work, I’m more focused and inspired because I’m already thinking about my daughter and the future of my family,” Carlo said.

“I am more patient. I don’t rush into things. Having a baby, you need to be patient. When your baby cries, kapag hindi mo kayang patahanin hindi naman siya tatahan. You really need to be patient,” he carried on.

Meanwhile, Carlo is part of the new series on iWant TFC entitled La Vida Lena with Erich Gonzales playing the title role. The drama premiered on Nov. 14.

The story follows Lena (Erich), or once known as Magda, who grows up to be a hardworking and kind-hearted girl despite being constantly bullied for an ugly scar that covers half of her face.

Trying to make ends meet, she finally catches a big break with her own product called Magda Soap. With her small business quickly becoming a success in her town of Salvacion, she believes she will finally be able to provide a comfortable life for her family.

However, since refusing to sell her business to the Narcisos, the richest family in Salvacion, tragic events continuously ruin her life as she experiences heartbreak, the death of a loved one, getting thrown into jail, and death threats.

But in another twist of fate, the once caring and humble Magda receives plastic surgery and transforms into Lena, a stunning and beautiful lady who uses her newfound confidence to begin her devious plans of fighting back against those who wronged her and caused her suffering.

“Jordan is one of the interesting characters in the series. He’s Lena’s childhood friend who is deeply in love with her,” shared Carlo adding that the two other men in the series are Adrian (JC de Vera), the son of Lena’s arch-enemy, and Miguel (Kit Thompson), a rich guy who deceives Lena and gets her pregnant.

Joining the rest of the powerhouse cast are Janice De Belen, Agot Isidro, Raymond Bagatsing, Sofia Andres, Christian Vasquez, Pen Medina, Ruby Ruiz, Soliman Cruz, Malou Crisologo, Josh Ivan Morales, Hasna Cabral, Danica Ontengco, and Renshi De Guzman.

Becoming a parent can be a transformative experience for many people and for actor Carlo Aquino, fatherhood has been life-changing.