Diego Loyzaga says daughter Hailey keeps him focused, grounded

Actor opens up on co-parenting with Alexis Suapengco, fatherhood, love life and new home.

After facing various mental health challenges in life, Diego Loyzaga said becoming a father has given him a stronger sense of purpose and inspired him to become a better person for his daughter, Hailey Paige.

The actor said his co-parenting arrangement with ex-partner Alexis Suapengco works well for them, even if he understands why some people struggle to understand their setup.

Speaking with radar Entertainment at the recent Maddox Jewelry Iconic Runway Fashion Show, Diego said he and Alexis are happily co-parenting Hailey.

“We sleep in the same room, we sleep next to our baby, but we’re not together, we’re co-parenting. This is the thing that people can’t wrap their heads around,” he said.

Diego recently discussed the arrangement on the YouTube channel of ex-couple Janno Gibbs and aunt Bing Loyzada, where he explained that co-parenting may still be unfamiliar to some Filipinos.

“In-explain ko nga sa mga Filipino, hindi siguro sila lahat sanay sa co-parenting set-up, but it works, we’re doing it right now and it’s working for me,” he said.

For Diego, fatherhood has also meant adjusting to the many changes that come with raising a child.

“Masaya. Every week it’s going to a new phase. Ngayon, ang galing na niyang sumagot, ang galing na niyang magmanipula para makuha niya ang gusto niya,” he said.

He also talked about learning when to be firm with Hailey, particularly when she throws tantrums.“‘Yong mga tantrums, kailangan mo na siyang turuan ng tough love, ‘di mo na kailangang laging umoo sa kanya. Masakit man pero minsan kailangan mong tiisin kahit umiiyak,” he said.

More than anything, Diego said having a daughter has helped him become more focused and grounded. “I will put it in a way that for many years naman, I’m trying to have a better sense of direction. Definitely, Hailey is more of an anchor to me,” he said.

“I can’t just book a trip to Bali and disappear because I have responsibilities here in Manila.”

While he still makes time to have fun and socialize, Diego said becoming a father has changed the way he thinks about his life.

“I still hang out, I still have fun. I wouldn’t say that I don’t, it’s a lie. But now when I wake up, I have a baby. When she’s with me, iba na, iba na yung kailangan mong isipin. I think of her,” he said.

Another milestone Diego is celebrating is finally owning his own home after 15 years in the entertainment industry.

“My house will be turned over tomorrow,” he said during the interview. “So, after being 15 years in the industry, finally, nakakapagpatayo ako ng bahay.”

Meanwhile, Diego also clarified recent reports about his past relationships, particularly the claim that Sofia Andres is his “TOTGA,” or “The One That Got Away.”

He said he and Sofia had a difficult separation and that he wishes things had ended differently. However, he is glad they are now able to communicate.

“Do’n sa mga listahan ng mga babae na prinisent sa akin, wala naman do’n ‘yong TOTGA ko, pero do’n sa mga babaeng ‘yon kasi, me and Sofia had a bad separation na I wish I could have amended in a way. It’s more like I wish it didn’t end the way it ended,” he said. “All I know is Sofia is happy.”

Diego also acknowledged that his relationship with Barbie Imperial did not end well. Unlike with Sofia, however, he said he has not spoken to Barbie since their separation.

“Also Barbie and I didn’t end in a good way. There are many things that I have said in public, there are many things Barbie also withdrew from telling the public, so I leave it like that,” he said.

“And we’re talking about four years ago yung kay Barbie, and Sofia was 21, it’s almost a decade. Move on. Si Sofia nakakausap ko, but si Barbie never ko nang nakausap.”

During the press conference for TV5’s “Totoy Bato,” Diego previously admitted that he had found the woman he wanted to marry and spend the rest of his life with. Although that relationship has since ended, he said he is not completely closing the door on a possible reconciliation.

“I’m not looking for it. Like I’ve said, I was dating this girl for a year and a half and even though we broke up, I’m not saying that there’s no chance we won’t get back together. I don’t know. I don’t hope for cards, I just roll with the punches,” he said.

For now, Diego said he is not rushing into another relationship and would rather focus on his daughter, his new house and his career.

“I finished a couple of movies. Serye, ‘wag na muna. Nawalan ako ng isang taon ng buhay ko sa ‘Totoy Bato.’ Nakakapagod. It’s like you add a new number to your age as soon as you enter a serye.”

While he acknowledged the demands of doing a daily series, Diego said he would rather pursue film projects that allow him to balance work with his passion.

“Okay, mayroon kang araw-araw na ginagawang trabaho, pero kung passion naman, puwede ka namang gumawa ng magandang pelikula,” he said.

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