Actor Paolo Contis must be a changed man these days. And he is happy and proud to be so. 

The actor recently spent some time rediscovering the two daughters he left behind about a decade ago with ex-wife Lian Paz, an Eat Bulaga! dancer in the 90s. He went to see them in Cebu, where Paz has raised them with her partner Johh Cabahug for more than a decade.

Conti’s change seems to have begun sometime after his girlfriend, hibernating actor Yen Santos, recently accused him indirectly of being “a manipulator.”

Santos posted on her social media about her regretful last relationship, which lasted for a few years. She did not mention any name, but it is well-known through many sightings of them together that he and Contis are “secret” lovers. 

Their unadmitted romance was noticed by ubiquitous netizens when they stopped following each other on social media. Such a cutting-off move is always taken in showbiz to be a sign of a break-up.

When some showbiz journos asked for his reaction to Santos’ accusations, Contis nonchalantly answered, “Hamo na siya (just let her be).” 

The actor’s daughters are nicknamed Xonia and Xalene. The former is 15 years old, the latter 14. Both were born on 7 March. The actor gave a glimpse of their beach trip at an undisclosed location on his Instagram page on 6 August. Contis’ post was dedicated as a birthday greeting to Cabahug.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing Lian and my kids to have this day. Yes, I waited for your birthday to publicly express my gratitude to you,” Contis addressed his ex-wife’s very benevolent partner.

Contis further thanked Cabahug for caring for his daughters, assuring them of his (Cabahug’s) reliable presence should they need him.

“John, I cannot thank you enough for this chance. I promise to have constant communication with all of you. I will not waste this chance,” the actor promised.

Turning to Paz, Contis confided, “You have always been kind and forgiving. This is why God has continuously blessed you. I appreciate all your efforts in talking to John about that day. Thank you for being strong and for how you nurtured the kids to have beautiful hearts.”

Paz and Contis, who got married in 2009, confirmed their separation in 2012.

Contis then looked forward to spending more “precious days” with his daughters and the couple.

Contis and Paz made headlines in 2018 after the former EB Babe member revealed that she had been the sole provider for their children after their 2012 separation.

Contis then admitted in a 2023 interview that he had indeed not been giving financial support to his children, saying he had his “own reasons” for doing so.

Apart from Xonia and Xalene, the actor has a daughter named Summer with his former partner, actress LJ Reyes, who has migrated to the US with Summer and a son fathered by actor Paulo Avelino.

Their eldest sibling is Maria Alexandra — Lexii for short — Cabahug’s daughter with his previous partner.

The youngest is Niña Angela, who is now six years old. Niña is Lian and John’s first child together.

Will the actor who had developed an image of being a heartless father in the past also find a way to bond with his daughter in the US?

“Happy Birthday, John! Thank you for the friendship!” Contis closed his Instagram “confession.”

Let’s all hope Paolo Contis will go on being a changed man.

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Some establishments are raising funds for those affected by recent typhoons. One of them is CC6, which will hold a FunBingo for a Cause.

It aims to raise P500,000 in cash and deliver additional P500,000 worth of essential goods to families affected by recent calamities. Relief packages include food items like bread, instant noodles, rice and coffee, as well as clean drinking water and clothing.

So far, over 2,000 individuals and families have already received assistance through CC6 and FunBingo’s early outreach efforts in these areas: Barangay Katipunan, QC; Barangay Parang and Barangay H. Bautista, Concepcion Uno, Marikina; Barangay Banaba, San Mateo, Rizal; and Barangay Tulyahan, Fairview, Quezon City.

Another organization involved in helping those affected by disasters is ABCVIP.

ABCVIP says its commitment goes beyond business. It builds real connections, uplifts communities and is there when it matters most.