Max Collins, Pancho Magno, and Skye Anakin Collins Magno for Smart Parenting Cover November 2024
It's 8:00 AM on a Tuesday morning and Max Collins enters the shoot venue ahead of her family, sweetly offering smiles and handshakes with everybody on set—the picture is a far cry from her kontrabida role in "My Guardian Alien" tv series on GMA.
“Chill lang tayo,” Max says in an attempt to put everyone at ease. Her son, Skye, arrives an hour later, and the last to come on the set, just in time for his turn at the makeup chair, was Pancho Magno. Pancho, actor and father to Skye, has quite the presence; not in an intimidating way. He gladly speaks to everybody at the shoot as if we've all personally met before.
When it was time to pose for the cameras, the family of three seemed to be filled with positive vibes and good cheer, laughing and smiling while Carly Rae Jepsen and Owl City's "Good Time" played in the background on repeat. Max made sure to play her son's current favorite 'rock and roll' song.
"It's gonna be alright/We don't even have to try/It's always a good time." The family surely knows how to have a good time without even trying.
Can ex-lovers remain friends?
It is never an easy shoot with kids as they are full of energy and their attention span is limited—right off the bat, the couple’s co-parenting skills were put to the test. But they handled it with smiles, a united front, and loving gazes; Max occasionally wipes the sweat off of Pancho’s forehead. If I had not known that they’ve separated, I wouldn’t be able to tell through their body language.
We wondered if there would be an awkward air between the two, perhaps a common misconception for former lovers, but instead of walking on eggshells, we felt subtle 'kiligs' instead.
Towards the end of the shoot day, Pancho would be asked for the title of their reality show if they would be cast together. He answered, “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin,” followed by a hearty laugh from the former couple. “Part 2,” Pancho earnestly followed up, “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin Part 2.”
When Max was given a chance to ask Pancho anything she’s never asked him before, Pancho voluntarily threw himself the question, “Am I dating someone? No!” It instantly sent the entire shoot crew laughing. Max humorously replied, “Okay, thank you. He made it easier, I didn’t have to ask!”
There's no surprise why reconciliation rumors exist. The former couple exudes undeniable chemistry—a special connection—even after they've broken up. Of course they would, they weren't just a couple. They're a family.
The loving parents of Skye: Max and Pancho
Isabelle Abiera Collins, professionally known as Max Collins, is an actress, model, and mother to four-year old Skye Anakin—named after the Star Wars character. She and Pancho Angelo Magno, a hunk Kapuso television actor were married in 2017 but revealed in 2023 that they had separated years before, when Skye was still an infant. Skye was born in July 2020.
Max and Pancho have been co-parenting since the split, and this year, they’ve gladly accepted the opportunity to share the joys and struggles of co-parenting with Smart Parenting, inspiring us all with easier-said-than-done parenting dynamics and leaving us with hopeful hearts along the way.
Co-parenting, defined by Psychology Today, is the experience of raising children as a single parent when separation or divorce occurs. It is sometimes called 'joint parenting' or 'shared parenting.'
Max mentioned in an interview in April that she has been talking to Pancho about legalizing their separation through a divorce but they have not taken any active steps yet. The couple is currently focused on co-parenting Skye. Yes, it is quite evident: they are both present on Skye’s important events and achievements. This loving gesture has gained laud and praise from the viewing public.
"...We’re happy we’ve remained friends. Co-parenting has worked well for us because we operate as a team, always prioritizing what’s best for Skye.”
—Max Collins
After bouts of calling Skye back and forth for the shoot, luring him with his favorite food—french fries—and making him smile for the camera, the couple finally reaches the part of the day when they can relax a little, sit down, and casually discuss co-parenting: just how exactly do they make it work? And how do they make it work so healthily?
The first step is always the hardest
In an interview last year, Max, with Pancho's blessing, revealed that the two of them have separated for quite some time already. They knew they had to begin their co-parenting journey for the sake of their child together.
“Since that interview, our unique family has only grown stronger," Max recalls. "We’re grateful for the kind words people have shared about how we handled our separation, and we’re happy we’ve remained friends. Co-parenting has worked well for us because we operate as a team, always prioritizing what’s best for Skye.”
Co-parenting (or parenting in general) is always easier said than done. Hurdles present itself along the way, whether one likes it or not. So how does a healthy co-parenting relationship handle hurdles?
Max explains, "When we disagree, that can be challenging. Sometimes we have to go back and forth a few times before we reach a compromise. But for us, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We feel that it’s better to be honest and find a solution instead of pretending that things are okay when they aren’t.”
It seems disagreements are not much of problem, because Max and Pancho have figured out how to handle conflict.
“I win,” Max proudly shares; smiles at us and points to herself.
“I always give in,” Pancho nods and confirms.
“I win," Max further explains, "but I will try to compromise as much as I can.”
The former couple is trying to change the narrative of broken families when it comes to parenting.
“We both come from broken families,” Max opens up. “We try to change it,” Pancho quickly follows-up.
“We try to make Skye feel he’s loved, like he’s not lacking. Buo pa rin s’ya kahit hiwalay kami,” Max adds. “Something we’ve learned to navigate is, when hindi muna kami (dapat) mag-usap, hindi muna kami mag-uusap. We give each other space,” Max says.
The first step is the hardest but the next step is equally important
“We found a rhythm to adjust our schedule,” Max says when asked about the strategies they utilize in navigating their parenting journey.
She adds, “If one of us is busier at the time, the other parent will take over. We update each other almost every day about Skye, sometimes we just send each other photos or videos of him. Compromise, too, when it comes to holidays. But we try to make sure that we both get to celebrate special occasions with him. We also try not to discuss personal matters. Almost all of our conversations revolve around Skye.”
“Always look for the best in (your partner). Kung ano ‘yung reason ba’t ko s’ya pinakasalan… kahit nag-aaway tayo, magkahiwalay na tayo... Always find the reason why you married this person.” —Pancho Magno, on co-parenting
Pancho adds, “Our dynamics is bigger than ourselves—it’s more on Skye.”
But has Skye ever asked about their setup?
“Mommy’s working,” is Pancho’s prompt answer with a chuckle.
“I think the hardest questions to answer so far are during vacations he would ask 'Where’s Mommy?' or 'Where’s Daddy?,' but our usual answer is that the other parent is busy working. We try to answer his questions in an honest and loving way, and that’s how we will continue to answer even when the questions become more difficult.”
“Maybe after five years, ask this question again,” Pancho jokingly concludes.
Skye above all: Max and Pancho on a child-centered approach
Perhaps a blessing in disguise, Skye didn't have to adjust from a two-parent household to a new setup.
“We broke up while Skye was still an infant so he doesn’t have any recollection of us being together as a couple," the former couple explains. "He knows that when he’s with Daddy, he stays at 'Daddy’s house' and when he’s with Mommy, he stays at 'Mommy’s house', but we make him understand that both Mommy and Daddy’s homes are Skye’s.”
If there's a decision that needs to be reached for Skye's well-being, Max and Pancho listen to each others’ suggestions before making a final decision.
"For us, the focus should be on finding the answer to 'What will be the best option for Skye and how can we make that happen?' We pretty much share all of the responsibilities equally, to be fair. When Skye is with Max, Max makes the rules. When Skye is with Pancho, Pancho makes the rules. We communicate with each other what we need to work on with Skye, like potty training, for example and then we make a plan on how to implement it in both households. We talk about his likes and dislikes, what he’s been eating lately, etc. so that we’re both updated on his progress,” Max details.
In the end what’s important for them is that their child gets their 100%. "We always try our best to make him feel loved and supported. We also make sure to include each other in our prayers at night,” says Pancho.
Two houses, two birthdays, two holiday celebrations are common among kids whose parents have separated. But last June, the former couple showed up together to celebrate Skye's Moving Up Ceremony in school. They were also seen together in July for Skye's fourth birthday. The family even wore color-coordinated outfits for the said event.
“We celebrate his birthday together," says Pancho who advocates for a birthday celebration with both parents present.
"Sometimes we will have two parties but we will be together for one. That day is his day so everything and anything that will make him happy is what we aim for. School events are also such a big deal for us so we both want to be present as much as possible. During holidays, we compromise. We don’t have a set schedule but we try to make sure the holidays are divided in a way that’s fair to the both of us,” says Max.
Secret to a healthy, co-parenting relationship
There's a reason for every separation and that reason alone can pose a lot of threats on being good terms with one's former partner. So what's their secret to a successful co-parenting journey?
“Try not to let your ego get in the way,” says Max. “Focus on your child instead of your own personal issues. The child’s well-being should be the priority.”
Max reiterates, “Making it about your child and not yourself is so, so important.”
Pancho answers on a personal note, “Always look for the best in (your partner). Kung ano ‘yung reason ba’t ko s’ya pinakasalan…(looks at Max) kahit nag-aaway tayo, magkahiwalay na tayo...Always find the reason why you married this person.”
“And communication is very important,” Max adds. “If you don’t talk, then, hindi mabui-build yung relationship if you want to build a healthy co-parenting relationship. Like kami, we always talk, we talk every day about our son.”
“To be fair to Pancho,” Max continues, “I’m so sorry to say, but I noticed a lot of dads—they don’t want to be as involved in their children’s life, but he (Pancho) wants to be involved and he’s also a great dad. So the dads who don’t want to be part of the child’s life, obviously there’s no co-parenting relationship there.”
“Number one tip, always comment on their post,” Pancho giggles in front of the camera.
But kidding aside, “Always make sure na merong time na magkakasama as family. That’s the best,” Pancho advises. “I know we’re talking about tips, but it’s not that easy,” Pancho reminds parents.
'I feel like there’s this stigma that when you’re co-parenting, the parents aren’t on good terms… but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can be friends; you can be on good terms.' —Max Collins
But, can you take a step back?
“I feel like as parents, you will always make mistakes along the way. But because we were openly communicating from the start it made things a lot easier. So I wouldn’t have done anything differently," says Max. "I can say that we both tried our very best to navigate co-parenting in a positive light.”
We were eager to ask if there's a possibility of rekindling the fire and getting back together.
“Max told me, kelan ba ‘yun, two years ago (looks at Max), na gusto mo magka-baby, gusto mo magka-babae,” Pancho tries to recollect with Max.
But Max seems clueless about it and politely refutes, “We’ve already closed that chapter but we’re definitely on a better one right now, as Skye’s parents.”
Co-parenting is teamwork
Smart Parenting asked the couple what their reaction is to their being tagged as "co-parenting goals" in terms of how they handle parenting as a team.
“We’re happy!” The couple exclaims in unison. “That’s why we’re doing this,” Max adds as she looks to the camera.
Max further explains, “I feel like there’s this stigma that when you’re co-parenting, the parents aren’t on good terms…but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can be friends; you can be on good terms.”
“We’re trying to give the best version of ourselves,” Max concludes.
The key take away from the former couple's co-parenting approach is that the well-being and happiness of your child come first. It's a pleasure to watch Max and Pancho navigate their co-parenting with so much oppenness and harmony.
This story was updated on October 31, 9:16 PM.
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Produced by Ronna Capili Bonifacio
Assisted by Em Cruz
Photography by Chissai Bautista
Assisted by Hershey Lim
Styling by Steph Aparici
Makeup by Claui Miranda
Hairstyle by Rommel Zausa
Art Direction and Production Design by Stephanie Ocampo
Video Production by Cherrie Julian
Videographer and Video Editor: Rolando Pingco Jr.
Shooting Assistant: Aaron Paul Quintos
Social Media by Zen Arganda
Intern: Christina Peñaranda
Associate Publisher: Bettina Santos
Special thanks to GMA Sparkle
Clothes from Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors
