Paulo Avelino blends gentle and traditional parenting with teenage son
MANILA, Philippines — When it comes to co-parenting, Paulo Avelino embraces a mix of gentle parenting and a more traditional approach with his teenage son, Ethan Akio, with former partner LJ Reyes.
“Sakto lang. I’m a mix of both,” the actor told The STAR when asked whether he is a strict or hands-on father during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for his latest business venture, Play Space, a new recreational destination at Ayala Malls Vermosa.
He also believes in striking a balance between the two parenting styles, saying, “I think it should be half and half. Kids nowadays are very bright. They have everything on the Internet — they know what’s good, what’s wrong. But minsan sa mga bata, they should know authority para ma-distinguish nila kung may sinabi ka, alam nila na tama ba yung gagawin. Gentle parenting is always the way, but at the same time hindi naman yung traditional parenting na pinapalo, sinasaktan yung bata. But you know, just be firm (para) alam nila sino yung authority.”
One of the greatest joys of fatherhood for Paulo is seeing his son happy. Equally important to him is instilling values that his son will carry into adulthood.
Paulo’s Play Space, where he serves as marketing director, is personal to him and his partners, chief executive officer and president Adam Vinluan, business development partner John Gonzales, operations partner Bugsy Lising, Aldrin Lao, Randy Aguirre and Raymond Mendoza, because they are all fathers.
“It’s very close to me and my partners because, first of all, we are all parents, we are all dads. Some toddlers, mine is a teenager now, but my fond memory of my kid when he was young, gusto niya talaga pumunta sa play spaces or playground para maglaro,” said Paulo.
Recalling his fondest childhood memory as well, he shared an experience that also influenced him to create a space where today’s kids could have fun beyond their screens. “I was quiet but had friends — not a lot, but I had tight friends na kalaro ko palagi. I grew up with games and with a PC that my mom had because she was an accountant. Yung PC na ‘yun, as a kid, kinalikot ko, nasira ko and figured out kung paano ayusin.”
That experience shaped one of Play Space’s core objectives: “giving children a place where they can simply enjoy being kids.”
“How do we make sure na our kid enjoys na hindi naman sobrang nakatutok sa computer tulad namin?” Paulo said.
Adam, Paulo’s business partner, added, “On my end, kasi, the reason why we came up with building a playground, kasi, I am a first-time dad. My kid is now four years old. Two years ago, he got diagnosed with GDD, Global Development(al) Delay. So, that could potentially mean that he also has autism, right? Being dads, we worry so much. Tapos, as we go, we saw na parang kailangan dalhin siya sa mga places like playgrounds para ma-expose sa mga kids, mag-interact sa kids, that would actually help them.”
According to the media release, the facility features high ceilings and seven levels of
interactive areas. Built for children aged one to 12, the playground includes large slides, obstacle courses, a giant ball pit, pretend-play zones and dedicated courts for sensory and motor skills development.
Beyond the play areas, the location features the Southern Premier, a 150-square-meter function room specifically built to accommodate large groups for birthday celebrations, family gatherings and community events.
Meanwhile, Paulo was named Outstanding Asian Star at the 21st Seoul International Drama Awards for his performance in “The Alibi,” in which he stars opposite Kim Chiu. He is set to receive the award during a ceremony in Seoul in October.
“I never really expected to win anything via voting on such a bigger event or venue,” Paulo said modestly.
“I’m very grateful to the fans na minsan nakikita ko na yung iba hindi talaga natutulog kasi inaantay nila na mag-reset next day to vote again. I’m very grateful. So, thank you, thank you to everyone who voted and to all the KimPau fans na nagpuyat.”
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