Carlo Aquino Shows His Silly and Outgoing Side as a Dad to Mithi
The Esquire cover star lets us in on his life as a parent and shares his hopes for the future with his wife, Charlie Dizon.
Published on Feb 16, 2026
Carlo Aquino rarely opens up about fatherhood, but with his daughter Enola Mithi, he shows a loving, playful side that few get to see. In a candid conversation with Smart Parenting, the actor discussed his parenting style, the values he wants to teach his daughter, and the weekend routines they share.
Getting to Know Carlo Aquino as a Dad
“As a dad, I would say mas ano ako silly, outgoing. Mas gusto ko ’yung madaling nakikita ’yung emotions ko towards Mithi para ganun din siya towards me and other people,” Carlo said.
He said that one of the most fulfilling parts of being a parent is guiding her while she is still young and helping her avoid some of the difficult experiences he went through earlier in life. “Being a dad generally, naeenjoy ko ’yung being able to guide her. Kasi example, may edad na ako, and she's only five, gusto ko hindi niya na mapagdaanan ’yung mga pinagdaanan ko.”
When asked about the reminders he often gives Mithi, Carlo keeps it simple and values based. “Always be respectful to other people, na hindi mawawala ’yung pagiging empath niya,” he responded.
Their relationship also runs on a steady routine that both of them look forward to each week. Carlo shares that he regularly picks Mithi up from school every Friday so they can spend time together through the weekend. The setup works for them, but it also comes with emotional moments, especially when it is time for her to return home.
“Speaking terms kami (Trina Candaza) pero para lang kay Mithi, kapag may school, ganun lang... Susunduin ko siya after school ng Friday. The whole weekend na sa’kin usually. Sunday evening, uuwi na siya. Yun ’yung pinakamahirap sa’kin kasi every time na ihahatid ko siya, para kaming nag-MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya). She doesn’t want to go home; she wants to stay with me,” Carlo said.
He added that their bonding time often includes arts and creative activities.
Carlo Aquino Graces Esquire’s January Cover
Carlo is also the January cover star of Esquire Philippines, a recognition of his long-standing impact as a leading man in Philippine cinema. “Siyempre, ‘di ako makapaniwala, unbelievable ‘yun. Siyempre, Esquire ‘yan—‘yung mga na-feature diyan sina Tito Eddie (Garcia), sobrang high-profile niyan, sina Echo (Jericho Rosales). Masaya ako at siyempre, excited,” he shared, thrilled about the honor.
In the Philippine adaptation of the Korean drama It’s Okay Not to Be Okay, Carlo plays Matmat, a character on the autism spectrum. He said that spending time inside that role gave him a clearer picture of how intense or unmanaged emotions can affect relationships and decision-making.
“Siguro ’yung being able to control my emotions. Especially sila kasi wala silang ganun na luxury kapag may nafeel silang emotions, either sobrang laki nag-o-outburst sila. Kapag may wave of emotions na dumadating sa ’kin inaassess ko muna iniisip ko muna kung dapat ba akong magsalita, dapat ba akong ipakita ’yung emotion na ’yun o mas hinihold back ko. I think before I speak.” Carlo explained.
So what’s next for Carlo? He shares that he and his wife, actress Charlie Dizon, are looking forward to growing their family and are trying to conceive. He also says one of his current goals is to have a home of his own. “In God’s time, siyempre,” he added.
Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.