By Robert Requintina
For the first time, reigning Mister Universe Tourism Ion Perez admitted in an exclusive interview that he has a son.
Mister Universe Tourism 2018 Ion Perez. (Lito Caleon/ MANILA BULLETIN)
"I have a three-year-old son. (Mayroong 3-year-old na anak po akong lalaki)," revealed Perez when asked to confirm rumors that he has a child, during an exclusive interview at the launch of Bayongciaga products at Studio A in Quezon City Saturday.
Bayongciaga is the first endorsement of Perez since he won the international male pageant two months ago. Joining Perez for the endorsement is reigning Miss Philippines Youth Nadine Bornilla. The bag company is owned by Javier Villarfuel and Jov Ravago.
Perez, 27, said that his son is staying with the child's mother.
"I only see my son whenever I will ask permission from his mother to visit him. (Nakikita ko lamang ang anak ko kapag hinihiram ko siya sa mama niya. Nangyari po 'yun dala na rin ng pagiging mapusok ko noon)," the male model said.
Perez pointed out that he is a responsible father. "I don't see him much but I am a responsible father." (Hindi man kami nagkikita madalas pero hindi ko talaga pinapabayaan ang anak ko).
When asked if he wanted his son to join male pageants in the future, Perez said: "Up to him. I hope that he will be proud of my achievements in pageants." (Nasa sa kanya po iyon. Sana maging proud siya sa mga achievements ko sa pageant. Makikita naman niya ang pinag-mulan ko pag nagka-isip na siya).
Dr. Jumel Bornilla, President of Mister Universe Tourism pageant, said that the organization learned about Ion's fatherhood after the pageant.
"We've discussed it. But who are we to judge?" Bornilla said.
Bornilla added that the organization will not dethrone Perez because he is doing his duties for Mister Universe Tourism.
Perez rose to fame when he won at Misters of Filipinas 2017 which earned him the right to join Mister Universe Tourism 2018. Both pageants are for single men.
Perez also said that he and Prime Events Productions Philippines Foundation, Inc. (PEPPS), organizer of Misters of Filipinas contest, are still on good terms.
"I was supposed to be one of the guests for Man of the World finals but there was conflict in the schedule. I have apologized to them," said Perez. (Dapat pupunta po ako sa Man of the World contest noon kaso nag-conflict po talaga ang schedule ko. Nag sorry naman po ako sa kanila).
Perez vowed to finish his studies after his reign as Mister Universe Tourism. "I want to finish school. I'm thinking if I will attend school in Manila or Tarlac." (Gusto ko po talagang makatapos ng pag-aaral. Hindi ko pa alam kung sa Maynila o babalik uli ako sa Tarlac para sa aking pag-aaral).