MANILA, Philippines — Actor Jeric Raval said he should not serve as a role model after fathering 18 children with seven women, acknowledging the financial and personal challenges of raising a large family.
Raval made the remarks during his guest appearance on Susan Enriquez’s “Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs,” where he cautioned others against following his example.
“Hoy huwag niyo akong gagayahin ha. Mahirap ang time management, hindi uubra doon ’yung time management niyo,” Raval said.
Raval said supporting his 18 children became particularly difficult when the local film industry declined and acting opportunities became scarce.
“Naku, gagapang ka sa hirap. Walang trabaho. Pero itinawid ko ’yung 18 na ‘yun sa panahon na patay ang movie industry,” he said.
To support his family, Raval said he entered several businesses and took on other jobs. He bought and sold cars, built and sold houses, accepted construction contracts and performed in bars in Japan.
Raval also explained how his family grew over the years. He said he initially hoped to have a son after having several daughters.
“Ang istorya niyan, kung ba’t dumami ’yan nang dumami. Kahihintay kong may lumabas na lalaki. Puro babae, babae, babae,” he said.
Raval now has six sons. He said he stopped having children after his sons were born.
“Anyway, nu’ng dumating na ’yung mga lalaki, itinigil ko na,” he said.
The actor also recalled a period when his wife, Holiday Buensuceso, and former actress Monica Herrera were pregnant at the same time.
Raval said he had to travel between hospitals, with Herrera giving birth in the United States while another partner gave birth in the Philippines.
Despite the circumstances, Raval expressed gratitude toward the mothers of his children.
“Mababait sa akin ’yung mga magulang. Kung hindi mabait ’yun, matagal na akong patay,” he said.
Raval has 18 children with seven women. Among his children is actress AJ Raval.
