Philmar Alipayo, Andi Eigenmann, Ellie and Jake Ejercito. Image: Instagram/@andieigengirl, @unoemilio
Jake Ejercito underscored that he’s very grateful to Andi Eigenmann’s partner, celebrity surfer Philmar Alipayo, for being a good stepfather to the actor’s daughter Ellie.
Ejercito opened up about this while speaking about his co-parenting setup with Eigenmann, in an interview vlog with comedian-showbiz insider Ogie Diaz on Friday, March 1.
“Nowadays, since they moved to Siargao, wala nang fixed schedule,” he said of how they decide on with whom their daughter Ellie would stay. “Dati kasi dito, binibilang pa namin ni Andi ‘yung mga araw—back then we were young, immature, prideful. Pero ngayon naman, si Ellie na ‘yung nagde-decide.”
When asked how often he talks to the actress, Ejercito said, “When needed,” but he clarified that their communication lines are open.
“We’re not the best of friends pero para kay Ellie, syempre we want what’s best for her. Ang pinapag-usapan namin mostly is about her education, medical stuff sa health niya, anything for Ellie,” he told Diaz.
“Open communication—I think that’s what’s important sa co-parenting,” the actor added.
Ejercito also talked about his civil communication with Alipayo who, the actor said, was kind and courteous to him when they met during a visit to Siargao.
“Si Philmar, I’ve met him several times ‘pag pumupunta akong Siargao… Nakakapunta ako ng bahay nila pero not to the fact naman na bonding kami,” Ejercito shared.
“Thankful lang din ako sa kanya kasi syempre si Ellie nakatira sa bahay nila and, as a stepfather, I’m sure inaalagaan niya rin si Ellie,” he continued.
Ejercito noted as well that Ellie has so far never complained about Alipayo, which brings relief to the actor.
“Very grateful ako na gano’n; ni hindi ko siya iniisip or pino-problema,” Ejercito said. “I’m sure na Ellie is in good hands kay Philmar, and for that, talagang nagpapasalamat ako.”
Meanwhile, Eigenmann and Alipayo have two children together named Lilo and Koa.