Joel Cruz spent nearly P54 million for the surrogacy of his 8 children

Joel Cruz detailed the surrogacy journey of his eight children in an episode of "Tunay na Buhay."

According to the successful businessman, he spent nearly P54 million for the surrogacy of Prince Sean, Princess Synne, Prince Harvey, Prince Harry, Charles, Charlotte, Zaid, and Ziv.

All of them share one surrogate mother, a woman named Lilia who is from Russia. "She's the biological mother for everybody. Ang ginamit lang namin 'yong egg cells niya and my sperm cell," he told Pia Arcangel in the interview.

The "Lord of Scents" shared his kids have been curious about their mom. "Yes nagtatanong sila kung nasaan. They know na nasa Russia gano'n and I always tell them that yong mom nila kasi, may family 'yong mom nila," he said.

Joel said his children is also aware about their life story, as he's always been transparent with them.

"Wala naman akong tinatago sa kanila," he said. "Like this, alam nila story ng buhay namin, buhay nila. Open naman 'to sa kanila." 

Joel admitted that at first, he only wanted two kids but when his first pair of twins started growing up, he realized he wanted to have more children.

"Nae-enjoy ko talaga ang mga bata. Happy na happy ako sa kanila," he said.

"So nung lumaki na 'tong si Prince and Princess, 'yung mga anak ko, sabi ko magdadagdag din ako kasi I come from a big family," he added. "We’re 7 siblings, isang apo ng nanay na inadopt niya, so walo kami."

When asked if wants to add more children to his family, Joel said he has no plans as of now. He does have preserved sperm cells in Russia, should he decide to have more kids in the future.

Joel is the President and CEO of Aficionado Germany perfumes. He has eight children who were born through surrogacy.