Paolo Contis’ teen daughters to drop surname?

It is surprising that Paolo Contis’ two daughters with former EB Babes member Lian Paz would want their last name changed.

Reacting to Lian proudly posting Xonia and Xalene’s academic achievements on her social media account, a netizen suggested that the kids drop “Contis” from their names, alledging, “since their father has no contribution in raising them.”

Lian Paz and daughters Xonia and Xalene INSTAGRAM PHOTO/LIANKATRINA 

Lian accompanied by her fiancè John Cabahug attended Xonia’s recognition day in high school as well as Xalene’s graduation exercises in grade school.

Xonia, who’s an incoming sophomore, finished Top 1 in the entire year level, while Xalene, who graduated from elementary, received highest honors as well.

According to Lian, both sisters have consistently been on the honor roll.

Said the proud single parent: “First, I owe it to the Lord. And my daughters next for their hard work.”

Lian and the kids have since resettled in Cebu. It is in the Queen City of the South where Lian and John crossed paths until they decided to live together.

For all his support, Lian acknowledges John who — to top it all — treats both Xonia and Xalene like his own.

Now, to answer the netizen’s post, Lian did not mince words when she said her kids, in fact, want their surname changed.

It would seem that these youngsters look up to John as their father. And why not?

Isn’t this the reason why Lian’s ex-partner Paolo is grateful that in his absence, John is around for his daughters?

This being the case, I cannot blame Xonia and Xalene if they’d rather use “Cabahug” instead of their natural father’s surname.

And if Lian had her way, it would be best for her kids to get accustomed to using John’s name.

I can’t help but entertain some nagging reservations, however, if Contis is stricken off the girls’ names in their academic as well as legal records. Will this impending move not give Paolo the license to shirk his paternal responsibility unless, of course, this is what he exactly wants to do.

If anyone still remembers Paolo’s guesting on “Fast Talk,” he told its host Boy Abunda that he’s in the process of squirreling away some money for Xonia and Xalene.

“But I will give them the money at the proper time,” the actor assured.

The question is: When does Paolo think is the right time? Isn’t the best time supposedly now, considering that sending one’s kid to school entails huge expenses?

Is Paolo holding John responsible for spending on his daughters’ education? Or is he biding his sweet time before Xonia enters college, which is about four years from now?

Apparently, Paolo doesn’t seem to have saved enough for the two girls.

One thing’s for certain though in his case, the Filipino expression “Pag gusto, may paraan; pag ayaw, maraming dahilan!” holds water. The first part of the saying translates to the maxim, “If there’s a will, there’s a way,” while the second part roughly goes, “if there isn’t one, then there are just as many excuses.”

Oh, I can just imagine Paolo’s same tactical machination with Summer, his other daughter by LJ Reyes, to exonerate himself from his obligation.

LJ’s partner Philip Evangelista — from the looks of it — is another hapless John Cabahug in the making.