Joel Cruz and his dream of eight kids
Originally posted on Manila Bulletin , April 27, 2019, 6:23 PM, By Jane Kingsu-Cheng
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Perfume magnate Joel Cruz has always wished for a big family. And now, he’s living his dream with eight of his adorable children.
He also recently celebrated the christening of his two youngest sons, Zaid and Ziv. With a total of 94 godparents, Santuario de San Antonio was filled with Cruz’ classmates from high school, friends, and business partners.
“This just might be included in the Guiness Book of Records,” he laughingly shared. Over 700 guests was recorded to be present at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-la Hotel. “There were people who sent their regrets to attend ss much as they wanted to, because a lot of people are traveling overseas, which is understandable because it’s the start of the summer season.”
Cruz also added that he loves organizing events, and is very hands on with the smallest details, down to the early schedule of the festivities. “We also started the festivities quite early since it was a Sunday, and most people will be working the next day. We planned to end by 8PM, and we actually finished by 8:45PM.”
All in the family
Joel Cruz with sons Zaid and Ziv, and his mother Milagros.
In an exclusive interview, Moms & Babies asked Cruz if he really wanted two more boys. The business tycoon revealed, “With In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), there is a sex selection method option, but I did not include this as part of the program. I was hopeful to have my eighth baby to be a girl, but it turned out to be a boy. I am equally happy to have eight kids via IVF from the same mother. They are, in fact, siblings and I want to emphasize that, as some people thought they are adopted babies. Let me clarify that I have nothing against adoption. It’s just that IVF is my personal choice.”
Their daily routine
With a brood of eight children in tow, the proud father runs the household like clockwork. He’s known for working until the wee hours of the morning. His usual routine includes the children entering his bedroom before they go off for school. “We have what we call ‘wakey wakey time’ where they play or talk to me while I am in bed. I catch up on sleep when they leave for school and I’m at work by noon or after lunch.” The children drop by around 5PM at his office, which is connected to their house. “I can maximize my time, minus the travel time from home to work and vice versa.”
It takes a village
Now, taking care of eight children composed of toddlers and infants is definitely no walk in the park. Cruz admits that it can be crazy, “I have a big team of caregivers and nannies: a total of 13 headed by three registered nurses. They rotate to provide 24/7 care. There are security details and drivers when they go to school. I also got a customized Ford Limo bus from the States that can accommodate all of us.”
Family time is precious
Cruz cherishes family bonding with utmost importance, with swimming as their main bonding activity. “We love swimming together at home. This is why my weekend houses in Tagaytay and Baguio have swimming pools. And of course, traveling together outside the country wherein I get to focus on my bonding time with them.”