Former Goin’ Bulilit star Bugoy Carino set the online world abuzz when he introduced his little family to the public for the first time. The 18-year-old actor and his 23-year-old partner, volleyball star, EJ Laure, were intensely bashed for their relationship. But for the new parents, none of those negative comments matter.
To be a dad at 18 isn’t a walk in the park. The transition from a child to a young father was challenging yet full of lessons. Thanks to his family, Bugoy learned to slowly navigate the unfamiliar journey of fatherhood.
Bugoy realized the importance of saving for his baby’s future. He also learned to put personal wants on hold for his child’s needs. He set a rule to always prioritize Baby Scarlet over anyone or anything else. He dreams to give Baby Scarlet and EJ a bright future and build their own house someday.
Nothing but sheer joy is seen in Bugoy as he relived the first time he saw his baby. He was out for errands when EJ gave birth, so he only got to see the newborn Scarlet in photos.
“Pagkakita ko sa Viber, napaupo ako tapos iyak ako nang iyak. Hindi ko po alam ‘yung nararamdaman ko nun, eh. Parang nanlambot ‘yung puso ko,” shared Bugoy.
Baby Scarlet likewise took Bugoy and EJ’s relationship to a deeper and mature level. This means problems are extra challenging as well. But over time, the couple learned to just focus on serious matters and laugh at the petty issues, including public opinion. Stone them all you want but this couple will not let words hurt them.
EJ would admit that she isn’t used to the bashing unlike Bugoy who’s always had a thicker skin. He is from showbiz while she’s from the less noisy world of sports, thus she’d easily cry over the foul comments. EJ eventually learned the so-called “art of deadma,” thanks to Bugoy’s influence.
“Natutunan ko na rin dedmahin. Hindi ko na pinapansin kung anong sinasabi ng ibang tao basta ang importante kung anong meron sa aming dalawa at kay baby,” she said.
The couple met during one of EJ’s volleyball games. Bugoy was with his friends rooting for the Ateneo Lady Eagles. Coincidentally, the team was on a match with the UST Lady Tigresses which EJ played for. Surprisingly, he was intimidated than attracted.
“Sabi ko, ‘Sino ba ‘yang Laure, ‘yung number 9, parang masungit?’ Kasi ang taray ng kilay niya tsaka mukha… Tapos nung napanood ko, ay magaling nga! Tapos lagi ko na siyang napapanood kasi ‘yung kaibigan ko sinasama ako. Tapos ‘yung kaibigan ko pala, kilala din siya,” shared Bugoy.
That common friend introduced them to each other and that’s how their love story started. Bugoy added in jest, “Tapos pinupuntahan na niya ako lagi sa [It’s] Showtime kasi hinahabol-habol niya talaga ako.” Asked what made her fall for him, EJ said that Bugoy showed efforts and generosity. And as a father, she admires him for being caring.
“’Yung pagmamahalan namin ngayon, hindi po siya naging madali pero habang tumatagal, mas tumitibay ‘yung pagmamahalan namin kahit magkalayo po ‘yung edad namin. Hindi na po namin iniisip ‘yung magkalayo ang edad, basta happy si Scarlet at happy kami at nagagawa namin ‘yung mga goals namin at responsibilities sa family namin,” expressed Bugoy.