LJ & Paolo reveal name of baby girl

Is it possible for a guy to be closer to an adopted child than to his biological children?

Yes, it is. Look at Paolo Contis who has no qualms about being seen in social media photos with his girlfriend LJ Reyes’ son Ethan Akio (or Aki) and not so much, in fact not even with his two biological children with ex-wife Lian Paz who is now happily with businessman John Cabahug from Cebu where they are based with their own child. According to reports, LJ’s ex-boyfriend Paulo Avelino is Aki’s biological father.

Confusing? Well, it’s showbiz, folks!

Paolo and LJ with her son Aki (with ex-boyfriend Paulo Avelino)

Anyway, Paolo has been a doting “foster” dad to LJ’s son and he, like LJ, is excited about the arrival of a baby girl named Summer Ayanna Reyes Contis as they announced at a baby shower hosted by Japanese stroller brand Aprica last Nov. 25, which was limited to LJ’s family and her and Paolo’s closest friends like Archie Alemania, Jerald Napoles, Seth Cadayona and Gio Alvarez.

In an interview conducted by an Aprica lady for Funfare, LJ admitted that raising a son as a single mom is easy because, even if Aki doesn’t see his Dad Paulo often, LJ’s brothers and uncles serve as the boy’s father figures.

“Besides,” said LJ, “I am athletic, not the girly-girly type, so I can play boy games with him.” 

Now eight years old, Aki was three when LJ and Paulo separated, and then Paolo came into their lives when Aki was five.

“Our relationship is okay,” admitted LJ, “but I did not tell Paulo (Avelino) about Pao (Contis) kasi hindi kami ganun naging friends. But they met already, pati noong birthday ni Aki. And never naman kami nag-deny. At saka they see each other, kunyari ihahatid or susunduin namin si Aki from the dad.” (Dad Paulo was not present at the baby shower.)

Paolo as host of the games, with Sef Cadayona, Jerald Napoles and Gio Alvarez

Aki has learned to accept the situation.

“Natutuwa siya that he has two dads. During his tutor’s birthday party, Aki was heard saying, ‘You know, I have two dads.’ So, accepted niya. I think he feels the love of his two dads. Si Paolo rin kasi from the beginning inano na niya…niligawan rin niya si Aki. Nagba-bonding din siya with Aki.”

What makes her and Paolo tick?

“At that time, I wasn’t looking for anyone. Ayokong mag-date. So it started with friendship. We’ve known each other; we were together in my second show at GMA. I know his background. One of his ex-girlfriends, si Liv, is my friend. I know a lot about him. He knows a lot about me.

“But when he started courting me, di ko pa nga na-gets na nanliligaw siya. Sabi niya, ‘Sinong araw-araw susundo sa’yo? I thought he was only being friendly. He lives in Mandaluyong and I live in Fairview. Even if my taping was in Antipolo, he would go there to fetch me. He was persistent; sobrang tiyaga niya.”

So are they planning to get married…soon?

LJ with her family: Henry Dreyfus, Joaquin Dreyfus, Miko Concepcion, (with Lucas and Liam), Wilson Reyes (with Greyson), and Angelo Reyes

“Yes, siempre.We want to get married, not just for us. Meron din naman kaming beliefs na gusto rin namin. And for the kids. It’s something na feeling ko we should give them.”

But there’s a legal impediment.

“It’s his petititon for annulment. It’s still pending, so we’re waiting for that.” (Asked about the case, Lian texted Funfare, “The first case which he [Paolo] filed was denied. It has been many years already and it’s only now that it’s being processed again. I pray in good faith that this time it will be granted.” Lian mentioned in passing that since she broke up with Paolo, she has been a single mom to their two daughters, “until John came into the picture.”)

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)