MANILA, Philippines – Director Paul Soriano said that he is looking forward to fatherhood, following the news of his wife TV host Toni Gonzaga’s pregnancy

“I’m very excited to welcome a little boy and it’s a new chapter in my life and we’ll definitely embrace it,” he told reporters after the press conference for his film Dukot, Saturday, July 2.

“But whatever it was, boy or girl, my prayer that it’s healthy, it’s strong, it’s smart and we’re just extremely blessed.”

On Thursday, July 1, Toni and Paul revealed on Tonight with Boy Abunda that they are expecting a baby boy, which according to Paul, made Toni very happy.

Paul said about how they will be as parents: “I think that I and Toni as parents is going to be tested now that we’re going to have a little boy. I would like to think that my parents and Toni’s parents are there to guide us, and to teach us and to correct us when we make mistakes.

“But it’s exciting just like how I make films. It’s unpredictable. And this is another challenge that [I’m] taking on with Toni and my prayer is yes, we are great parents.”

Toni is expected to give birth in the last quarter of this year.

Dukot

After last year’s Kid Kulafu and producing Lav Diaz’s Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis this year, Paul returns with Dukot, a movie based on a real life story, which according to him is from one of his neighbors years back.

The movie stars Enrique Gil as Carlo Sandoval, who is taken by unknown men during a robbery heist.

Paul said that he is very happy that he had a chance to work with the cast which also includes Shaina Magdayao, Christopher de Leon, Ricky Davao, Alex Medina, Bangs Garcia, and Bing Pimentel. According to the director, he has his dream cast for the film.

From yesterday’s presscon – Dukot by director Paul Soriano. pic.twitter.com/kRfrhPEYV1

— alexa villano (@alexavillano) July 3, 2016

“Enrique, I’ve always wanted to work with Enrique for the longest time. I thank Tita Malou [Santos] of Star Cinema for allowing. Enrique’s a very, very busy actor. He’s doing soaps and movies, [and] I was able to take him away for about 3 months to do Dukot.

“And of course, Christopher de Leon, who is one of the best actors in Philippine cinema. Ricky Davao, Ms. Bing Pimentel – what an honor… I learned actually so much from them and it was a privilege, it was an honor for them to say ‘yes’ to me and help me tell the story,” Paul said.

During the press conference, Paul was also asked to comment on having Dukot and the Alden Richards-Maine Mendoza movie Imagine You and Me released on the same date.

“I think it’s great for Philippine cinema […] It only means Philippine cinema is thriving and we’re now sharing playdates,” Paul said.

Paul is optimistic that his film can be helpful in raising awareness about crime issues, now that President Rodrigo Duterte is in office.

“As a filmmaker, I want to create films that create awareness and that hopefully, our government – especially the new administration today, I really believe that they can really put a stop to these violent crimes and keep the Filipinos, every Filipinos safe,” he said.

Dukot will be shown in cinemas on July 13. – Rappler.com