Cedrick Juan: The Role That Changed Everything

GomBurZa actor Cedrick Juan basks in the most transformative role of his life—fatherhood

When Cedrick Juan won Best Actor at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival for his portrayal of Father Jose Burgos in GomBurZa, many assumed it would be the turning point—the moment his career would surge forward without pause. But as Cedrick knows all too well, life and timing don’t always follow a script.

“Everyone was expecting Cedrick to be, wow, big,” he shared with Modern Parenting. “Pero siguro ganun naman talaga ang buhay ng actor. Even if you want to do everything to make it big, marami talagang factors.”

Since then, he has steadily taken on projects, including The Kingdom with Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual, the TV5 series Ang Himala ni Niño, and other screen and theater projects. Yet it was 2025—not a role, not a trophy—that reshaped his world entirely. It was the year that brought marriage to actress Kate Alejandrino, and soon after, the arrival of their son, Jose Rocio Likha.

Cedrick Juan and his wife, actress Kate Alejandrino, during their wedding early this year.

A Whirlwind Beginning

“Whirlwind” barely captures the first half of Cedrick’s 2025.

In February, he and Kate announced their engagement. By the end of the month, they were married in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and close friends. Just a few months later, in June, they welcomed their son, whom they fondly call Rocio.

Meeting his child for the first time was profound, but not in the loud, cinematic way some might expect.

“Nung first time ko makita si Rocio, parang, ‘Oh wow, he’s here,’” Cedrick recalled. “Of course, I love my son. Pero may pagka-introvert ako. Hindi agad nabubuo yung lightness or fondness. Kailangan mabuo muna yung connection.”

More than anything, his initial concern was Kate.

“I was worried about my wife first. Siya yung manganganak. Alam natin na delikado ang panganganak—sabi nga nila, kalahati ng paa mo nasa hukay,” he said candidly. “At the same time, I do care deeply for my son. Siguro bilang actor, sanay ako na maging present.”

What brought him and Kate comfort was knowing Rocio was healthy. “Yun talaga yung pinagdadasal namin—na wala siyang kahit anong komplikasyon.”

Cedrick with his son Rocio. Photo from cedrickgjuan Instagram

Building a Family with Intention

Even before Rocio’s birth, Cedrick and Kate had already made a conscious decision about the kind of family they wanted to build.

“Nung buntis pa si Kate, lagi naming sinasabi na ang center ng family namin ay kaming dalawa,” he shared. “Eventually, Rocio will have his own path, his own journey.”

For Cedrick, this was about modeling love and respect. “Kapag nakita niya na inaalagaan namin ang isa’t isa, that’s what he’ll bring into his own relationships someday.”

Learning Fatherhood, One Day at a Time

As Kate prepared to give birth, Cedrick did the same—by clearing his schedule entirely.

“Sinabi ko talaga sa manager ko na between June 13 to 26, I’m not accepting any work,” he said. “Ayokong ma-miss ang panganganak ng asawa ko. Gusto kong nandoon ako—para sa anak ko at lalo na para sa wife ko.”

True to his word, he became a hands-on husband and father, discovering along the way just how much his capacity to care could expand.

“Yung pagiging maalaga ko, parang nag-times five,” he said with a smile.

He also noticed changes in himself—like gaining weight, something he later understood as part of the shared journey.

“S’yempre may mga times na ang dami ng cravings niya,” pertaining to his wife. “May part na she’ll feel bad na siya lang kakain. So I’ll eat as well.”

Cedrick and Rocio

Seeing the World Through a Father’s Eyes

Like many new parents, fatherhood sharpened Cedrick’s hopes—and fears—for the future.

Known for speaking up on social issues, he admits that becoming a father made everything feel more urgent.

“Kung hindi lang ako busy, sasama talaga ako sa mga rally,” he said, referring to recent protests against corruption. “Mas lalo akong hindi tahimik ngayon. Kasi dati, future ko lang ang iniisip ko. Ngayon, may asawa na ako, may anak na—in 15 or 20 years, mararamdaman nila ang epekto ng mga desisyon ngayon.”

For Cedrick, caring about politics, governance, and even climate issues shouldn’t be optional. “Dapat natural na magmalasakit. Gusto natin na pag iniwan natin ang mundong ito, maayos ang kalalakihan ng susunod na henerasyon.”

A Role of a Lifetime

For the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival, Cedrick returns in Manila’s Finest, a historical film inspired by events from the late 1960s. He plays Danilo Abad, a Philippine Constabulary officer who crosses paths with Piolo Pascual’s character.

Cedrick Juan as Danilo Abad in Manila’s Finest. Photo from MQuest Ventures

“I’ve always been fond of historical films,” he shared. “This one talks about the period before Martial Law—kung paano tayo umabot sa EDSA.”

The story, he notes, mirrors many of today’s realities. “Makikita mo kung paano nabuo ang mga institusyon natin, at paano nakaapekto ang nakaraan sa kasalukuyan at future.”

Grounded in Gratitude

Despite projects lined up for 2026, Cedrick is clear about his priorities. For now, his focus is home.

“Sinasabi ko kay Kate, take your time. Magpahinga ka,” he said. “Iba ang pregnancy at postpartum. It takes years for hormones to normalize.”

He’s thankful for the support of both their families—and for friendships that have deepened along the way, including his bond with Piolo Pascual. “Parang kuya siya on set,” Cedrick shared. “May advice, lalo ngayon na may pamilya na ako.”

Cedrick, Kate, and Rocio, in one of their first photos as a family after his birth.

Lessons He Wants to Pass On

Asked what fatherhood has taught him so far, Cedrick reflects on one advice from his own father.

“Madalas sinasabi na sentro ng pamilya ang anak. May truth naman yun,” he said. “Pero gusto kong i-rephrase—kapag may anak na kayo, sentro ang anak, ang pamilya, at kayong mag-asawa.”

There’s no perfect formula, he adds—only communication, respect, and care. “Communication is always key. Constructive dapat, hindi nakakasakit.”

Mental health, too, is non-negotiable. “Importante na nararamdaman namin sa isa’t isa yung pasasalamat at pagmamahal, kahit hati-hati ang oras sa trabaho at sa anak.”

What He Hopes Rocio Will Carry Forward

Cedrick pauses when asked what value he hopes to instill in his son.

“Mas mabuti na maging mabuting tao kaysa maging magaling,” he said. “Maraming matatalino at magagaling sa mundo, pero magulo pa rin kasi nakakalimutan nating maging mabuti.”

Whatever Rocio chooses to pursue, Cedrick says, they’ll support him. “Hindi kailangang ikaw ang pinakamagaling. Ang mahalaga ay kung paano ka bilang tao—paano ka makisama, paano ka magmahal.”

Looking ahead, Cedrick believes today’s parents are redefining what it means to provide.

“I read these studies na yung mga millennial parents ngayon, they are spending more time compared to other generations—and I think I’m a living proof of that,” he said. “As much as possible, I really want to spend time with my son and my wife.”

“It’s not just about providing financially,” he added. “It’s providing your time, your effort, and your intention. Because in the end, that’s what builds a family.”

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