Kapamilya Snaps: 8 celebrities who entered fatherhood in their 20s

Mary Ann Bardinas

It is during our 20s when many of us start to live on our own, earn money for our family and other pursuits, explore the world, discover more about ourselves, and, at the same time, confront a lot of challenges in different aspects of our lives.While there are some of us who are still probably bewildered what we want to do in life, there are others who seemingly have it all figured out and have decided to build a family of their own. Just like the eight celebrity dads in this Kapamilya Snaps feature, who had their firstborns when they were still in their 20s.<div> </div>Piolo Pascual was 20 when he became a dad to Inigo.Aside from his youthful good looks, the slim 20-year age gap between him and unico hijo Inigo makes Piolo appear like he’s just his older brother. As the younger Pascual follows the path of his dad in the industry, we can all agree that the Ultimate Heartthrob has indeed set a great example of a successful career. And now, their father-and-son tandem has been making us swoon in their every appearance.While Piolo had been busy with his recent projects <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/mypapapi">My Papa Pi</a> and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/flowerofevil">Flower of Evil</a>, Inigo is in the United States as he gets cast in the upcoming series “Monarch”.<div> </div>Ramon Christopher Gutierrez was 20 when Janine was born.Fondly called “Monching,” he and ex-wife Lotlot de Leon welcomed their firstborn when he was only 20 years old. Now, he’s a big fan of Janine Gutierrez as she’s one of the brightest leading ladies in the country.Monching had been part of some of the biggest shows of ABS-CBN while Janine top-billed the romance drama <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/marryme2021">Marry Me Marry You</a> and among the host-performers of <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/asap">ASAP Natin ‘To</a> ever since she became a Kapamilya last year.<div> </div><div>Gary Valenciano entered fatherhood when he was 20.</div>Mr. Pure Energy Gary V was also 20 years old when he and wife Angeli Pangilinan had their eldest child Paolo, who’s now also a father himself. Aside from being one of the most successful and versatile performers in the country, not to mention the inspirational songs he has produced through the years, he has also served as role model to many because of his devotion to his family.And now, he’s set to inspire more aspiring singers as one of the newest judges in the second season of <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/idolphilippines2022">Idol Philippines</a>.<div> </div>Jericho Rosales had his Santino when he was 21.The talented seasoned heartthrob had another milestone in his 21st year here on Earth as it was also the age when he became a father to his unico hijo Santino, who’s now also winning the hearts of many with his handsomeness. Amidst their hectic schedules, they make sure to still spend quality time together and usually bond through surfing.His son is certainly one of his inspirations in working hard in the past 26 years, with <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/thelegalwife">The Legal Wife</a> (2014), <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/magpahanggangwakas">Magpahanggang Wakas</a> (2016), and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/halik">Halik</a> (2018) as among the hit teleseryes he starred in.<div> </div><div>Markus Paterson started his fatherhood journey at 22.</div>He and girlfriend Janella Salvador indeed surprised many when they finally introduced last year their baby Jude Trevor, who was born on October 20, 2020 in United Kingdom. Markus may be only 22 when he entered fatherhood, but it didn’t hinder him from pursuing his acting career, as he even starred in the series <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/viralscandal">Viral Scandal</a>.Whenever he’s not busy with his work commitments, he chooses to spend precious moments with their bouncing baby boy.<div> </div><div>Edu Manzano was 25 when ex-wife Vilma Santos gave birth to Luis.</div>Edu’s 25th year of existence was extra special as he and former wife Vilma welcomed their son Luis. Apparently, he has passed on his charm and wit to Luis as he’s now one of the most sought-after hosts in the country. Their unprecedented talents in hosting and/or acting and admirable personalities have allowed them to continuously thrive in the industry, with Edu taking part in the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/marryme2021">teleseryes Marry Me Marry You</a> and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/angprobinsyano">FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano</a>, as well as in the forthcoming <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/flowerofevil">Flower of Evil</a> and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/afamilyaffair">A Family Affair</a>. <div> </div><div>McCoy De Leon became a dad to Baby Felize at 26.</div>He and reel-to-real sweetheart Elisse Joson gave birth to their daughter baby Felize when he was 26 years old. As his acting career continues, McCoy now has his small family as his new source of inspiration and joy, and seen in the snaps and clips that he uploads on social media.His last acting projects in ABS-CBN were <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/whp2020">Walang Hanggang Paalam</a> (2020) and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/wansapanataym">Wansapanataym Presents Mr. Cutepido</a> (2019).<div> </div><div>Richard Gutierrez welcomed his firstborn Zion when he’s 29.</div>As he and wife Sarah Lahbati had their eldest son Zion when he was 29, Richard is the oldest in this list of celebrity dads who had their first kids in their 20s. Despite his busy schedule, he still manages to be a hands-on dad to their two children and a sweet husband to Sarah.He transferred to ABS-CBN in 2017 and starred in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lalunasangre">La Luna Sangre</a> and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/angprobinsyano">FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano</a>. These celebrity dads are indeed proofs that you can be a parent and still follow your dreams!

Find out who among our favorite male celebrity dads had their firstborns when they were still in their 20s in this Kapamilya Snaps feature!