Rocco Nacino, Melissa Gohing ‘super excited’ to welcome their baby boy

Rocco Nacino is taking on the real-life daddy role the moment his volleyball star wife Melissa Gohing-Nacino gives birth to their baby boy sometime in October.

“So, a lot of preparation has been (coming) into play,” began Rocco during the recent virtual media conference for the formal launch of MamaLuna Series, the hygienic product line that he and Melissa conceptualized in partnership with Orabella. “I’ve been working hard and I am happy that we are going to have a new show so, alam ko na makakapag-provide ako sa mag-ina ko,” added Rocco whose last acting appearance was in the just-concluded GMA primetime soap First Lady.

For her part, Melissa said, “We’re super excited to become parents. The past weeks, we’ve been getting a lot of stuff for the baby.”

The celebrity couple were in a relationship for three years before the Kapuso actor proposed marriage in 2020. They finally tied the knot on Jan. 21, 2021. Rocco said he learned about his wife’s pregnancy while he was in a lock-in taping.

Both Rocco and Melissa admitted to having had many adjustments and challenges as they prepare to become first-time parents.

“It was tough adjusting to not being active kasi ‘yun ‘yung huge difference ng lifestyle ko from being an athlete tapos biglang stop kasi maselan ako nung first trimester ko so, no activities and because of that parang nagkaroon ako ng anxiety dahil hindi ako nakakapawis,” said she. “My lifestyle was really like upside down. I’m thankful na nandyan s’ya (Rocco) kasi sinasabi ng iba na may pregnancy depression but then my husband is really helpful.”

She, too, shared how Rocco would always find a way to cheer her up whenever she felt sad, especially during the first trimester of her pregnancy.

“I’m outgoing and very active but I was advised to rest — bedrest — and then, I cried to him and he asked if I wanna go to Ikea and I said yes. He tried to find a way for me to be able to go out. Alam ko nakakapagod pero nag-hanap talaga s’ya ng wheelchair. I’m thankful to him for making me sane all throughout the pregnancy.”

Rocco recalled how he was pushing the wheelchair while Melissa kept on pointing to all directions with much excitement.

“I know that a husband also has responsibilities when it comes to his wife’s mental health. That’s why a healthy support system has always been beneficial to couples.”

Although he’s a registered nurse, Rocco never denied that he also found it difficult not to make Melissa experience the rollercoaster of emotions during pregnancy.

“It’s for me to talk to others (suffering from antenatal anxiety) but with her, nahirapan din ako on what to do. But the experience has been wonderful. Mel is blooming these days that’s why many people were telling that our baby is a girl but actually it’s a boy.”

Both Rocco and Melissa see the importance of staying mentally fit and healthy before the arrival of their child. Thus, they attend classes on basic parenting.

“Mentally, information overload kami but then, we’re going to attend classes about basic parenting — how to swaddle a baby, how to breastfeed, and others. By the end of this month, we will attend classes. We need more knowledge even if he’s a nurse, s’yempre he wants to be the best dad. Next is the baby room,” declared Melissa.

“We are preparing financially for the baby’s room,” enthused Rocco. “It’s a mess right now with all the products that we got in preparation for Baby N to arrive. We are also trying to stay fit. We have friends telling us that we should watch Mel’s weight and I should be active, especially mentally.”

Undeniably, both are excited for the birth of their child. “We’re excited to the point na kapag sisipa si baby, naka-abang kami. Napansin naming mahilig s’ya sa rock music. Every time na nagpaparamdam si baby, nandun kami to experience it,” Rocco said.

According to Melissa, she has been extra careful about the products she’s been using knowing that not all are safe for pregnant women.

Thus, the husband and wife came up with their own line of hygienic products that they also made available to all by partnering with Orabella Direct Selling, Inc. Rocco and Melissa are heavily involved in the development of the MamaLuna Series, a set containing Phytosense conditioning shampoo, bath gel and body lotion that is safe for the whole family.

“Aside from my being an actor, I’m also a registered nurse. Before, I was exposed in the OB-(Gyne) ward, so I know what pregnant mommies go through. They would also complain of hyperpigmentation, especially in the neck and underarms. So, we worked closely with the Orabella team during the whole development process. We wanted to make sure that our products are safe,” said Rocco and added that the MamaLuna Series makes use of eco-friendly wheat straw bio packaging that is biodegradable.

Asked if there will be major changes when it comes to their respective careers after the baby’s arrival, Rocco said that he will definitely work doubly hard for his family and that he will support Melissa’s decision with her volleyball career.

“We have the same mantra that we need to work,” said Melissa. “So, I would understand if he will be away for how many days. Ako naman, after playing for more than half of my life, I think I’m ready to stop and (also) ready to have a baby. With the baby, no volleyball career.”

(The MamaLuna Series is available on Shopee, Lazada, and Orabella distributors and resellers nationwide.)