In a showbiz world where every move is under the public microscope, John Lloyd Cruz’s recent decision to provide for his son Elias has sparked controversy, with many questioning if the actor is doing enough. Known for his reserved nature and relatively quiet life after taking a step back from showbiz, John Lloyd’s actions as a father are now making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

A SUPPORT THAT RAISES QUESTIONS

John Lloyd has always kept a low profile about his personal life, particularly about his relationship with his son Elias, whom he shares with actress Angelica Panganiban. While the actor has not made any direct public statements regarding his son’s well-being, he has been seen in recent months making moves to ensure the child’s future.

However, fans and critics alike have recently questioned the sufficiency of the financial support John Lloyd provides for Elias. Some have voiced concerns that despite the actor’s wealth, there seems to be a lack of visible financial security and stability for the child, which has raised eyebrows.

THE BACKLASH BEGINS

Social media users and gossip outlets have begun circulating posts claiming that John Lloyd’s contributions to his son’s upbringing fall short. Critics argue that a single child should not have to suffer from a lack of consistent and sufficient financial backing, especially when the father is known for his successful career and significant wealth.

One user wrote: “Elias deserves more than this. No excuses.” Another added, “A father should always do more, especially when you have the resources. His son deserves the best.”

The backlash has escalated to the point where some fans of both John Lloyd and Angelica have taken to debating the situation online, claiming that the actor’s financial support for his son may be insufficient or sporadic.

A CLOSER LOOK AT JOHN LLOYD’S ROLE

However, those close to John Lloyd and Angelica have offered a different perspective. Sources close to the actor say he is deeply involved in Elias’s life in a personal and emotional capacity, although he has largely kept his paternal duties private. Some even suggest that John Lloyd’s contribution may not always be measured in money but in the time and care he dedicates to his son, which remains unseen by the public.

“John Lloyd has always been a hands-on father. He may not be loud about it, but his commitment to his son is clear,” a source shared.

Others believe that despite his private nature, John Lloyd’s silence may be a strategy to avoid drawing too much attention to his personal life. But is his emotional involvement enough to balance the pressure that comes with being financially absent at times?

THE DIVIDE: FANS RESPOND

As the controversy grows, fans remain divided. While some continue to defend John Lloyd, stating that parenting cannot be reduced to money alone, others argue that the financial support of a child must be prioritized, especially for a public figure with such significant means.

“We can’t just ignore the importance of both emotional and financial support,” one fan pointed out.

“Yes, he’s a great father in terms of being present, but financial support is equally important. Elias deserves both,” another fan remarked.

MOVING FORWARD: WILL THE BACKLASH AFFECT JOHN LLOYD?

As the scrutiny over John Lloyd’s parenting intensifies, the question remains: Can a father do enough for his child, even when faced with public backlash? In the end, the actor may have to find a balance between his public image and his role as a father — a task not easily navigated in the world of entertainment where the public’s expectations often collide with personal reality.

For now, John Lloyd Cruz faces the tough task of proving his critics wrong — not just through financial support but by reaffirming his commitment to Elias’s future in every way possible.

‘I don’t know what we are anymore’: John Lloyd sings for Bea, introduces son Elias in video call
MANILA — In what appeared to be a public unfolding of their deepening friendship, John Lloyd Cruz said he was no longer certain how to label his relationship with Bea Alonzo, his long-time onscreen partner.

A video call was streamed live on Alonzo’s Instagram page on Monday night. The actress, who is in Metro Manila, invited Cruz, who is in Cebu, to join her “Kumustahan” stream with her followers.

What followed was a half-hour back-and-forth on the pandemic that saw a stark contrast between Alonzo’s optimism and Cruz’s pessimism — traits they both admitted to.

The conversation was not without light moments, however. Towards the end, the two exchanged memorable lines from their projects together, dating back to their tandem’s launching series in 2002, “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.”

A playful Cruz then dropped a line from a movie he starred in with a different leading lady, “A Very Special Love” with Sarah Geronimo.

The joke prompted a reaction from Alonzo, with Cruz teasing that perhaps she was the one who was “jealous.”

Cruz then turned serious as he told Alonzo: “I was there when I fell in love, you were there when I was hurt, you were there when I had nothing to run to, you were there when I needed a friend, I was there when I needed someone to talk to.”

“When I look back on all that, sometimes I don’t even know what we are anymore, eh. Who we are. But that’s okay, because what matters is that you are there. That’s all, that’s enough,” he said.

Alonzo, apparently confused, asked Cruz which movie of theirs those lines came from.

“No, I just want to say,” he answered.

At that point, Alonzo turned reflective about the image they’ve shown to the public, and which parts of that are consistent with their real identities. Further, she asked whether they were truly aware of their true self.

“This conversation, who is it? John Lloyd or the real you?” she asked Cruz.

He answered: “Who is the real you? Is there anything like that?”

Alonzo said their conversation reminded her of a line from Basha, her character in their iconic film “One More Chance.”

Quoting the character, Alonzo said: “Now it all makes sense. Even though I feel wrong, I chose to look away, I chose to keep quiet. Because I say, the one who loves, believes, trusts.”

When Cruz asked Alonzo whether those words came from Basha or from her, she responded: “Basha said it, but I also said it.”

Cruz could only manage a giggle after what Alonzo said, and proceeded to get a guitar which he then played.

He sang “You Are My Sunshine.”

Just as he finished performing, the call was interrupted by a knock on Cruz’s door. It was from a companion carrying Elias, his one-year-old son with his former partner Ellen Adarna.

For the first time, Cruz introduced the boy on camera as he made the Elias wave for Alonzo.

That was Cruz’s cue to excuse himself from Alonzo’s live video, saying it was time for him to put Elias to sleep.

Cruz, 36, and Alonzo, 32, have denied numerous times being involved romantically in real-life amid the enduring popularity of their “love team.”

The two happen to be recently single, with Alonzo and Cruz separating, respectively, from Gerald Anderson and Adarna in 2019.