Aljur with Alas and Axl, his sons by estranged wife Kylie Padilla

Without a doubt, one of Philippine cinema's certified hunks, actor Aljur Abrenica turns into a "softie" when it comes to the subject of his kids.

Aljur admitted that he always works hard to be a good father, even though their family life is less than perfect. As such, he has turned down a few projects because they conflicted with the time he would spend with Alas, 6, and Axl, 3 - his two sons with his estranged wife Kylie Padilla.

"I don't wanna miss the opportunity na makita sila lagi. So pag nababangga sa mga project, sinasakripisyo ko yung trabaho. Blessing yun (work) pero sinasakripisyo ko yun para makasama ko yung mga anak ko," he stressed.

(I don't want to miss every opportunity to see my kids. When it happens that a project collides with my parenting, I sacrifice my work. Work is a blessing, but I sacrifice it just to be with my boys.)

"My advice to all parents is to spend time with your kids, as much as possible. Time flies so fast, they grow up so fast," the hunk actor stated during a Zoom conference for his upcoming movie "The Revelation" showing in theaters on July 21. It is a psycho-thriller where  Aljur plays the role of Lance, a carefree guy suffering from a multiple personality disorder.

Aljur admitted to feeling regretful because he missed some important moments in his sons' lives due to his crazy showbiz schedule.  “May times na medyo napapahaba panahon na hindi ko sila kasama (children), hindi siya maganda. ‘Yung mga times na nakakasama ko mga anak ko, hindi ko siya pagsisisihan."

Aljur plays the role of Lance, an easygoing man with a dark secret in 'The Revelation' produced by House of Prime Films and Hand Held Entertainment Production

(There were times that I didn't spend time with them for an extended period and it's not good. The time that I spend with my children is something that I will never regret.)

Aljur noted that " the pressure to provide for one's family is a burden that men can't do without" but allocating quality time with one's children should always be a priority. On this subject, his eyes lit up when reminded that June 18, Sunday, is Father's Day.

"Thanks for telling me na Father's Day. Na-excite ako," the 33-year old dad said.

Aljur's followers in social media are treated to snippets of him goofing around, playing games or chilling on the beach with his sons. He explained that his goal really  is to be an empowering presence in the lives of Alas and Axl because the ages one to seven years old are deemed by expert's as a child's delicate, formative years.

Will he allow Alas and Axl to enter showbiz? Aljur was quick to reply that his sons' interests now are games, music, swimming and motocross racing. "Di ko iniisip na maging open sila sa showbiz. Ang iniisip ko ay how to spend time with them. I watch them. Ano ba ang mga hilig ng mga  anak ko?  As much as possible, kung ano ang gusto ng mga bata, yun ang priority ko."

( I'm not thinking about them being in showbiz.  What's on my mind is how to spend time with them. I watch them and find out what activities they're into. Whatever they like, that's also what I want.)