Carlo Aquino Reveals How He Gradually Won Over Charlie Dizon's Family

Some guys send flowers. Others write love letters. But Carlo Aquino drove two hours on his own in the United States just to win over his then-girlfriend, now-wife Charlie Dizon's family. Yes, you read that right. No assistants, no entourage—just Carlo, the road, and the mission to make a good impression.

The actor has long described himself as family-oriented, so getting to know Charlie's loved ones was high on his list early in their relationship. Charlie—whose real name is April—has most of her family based in the U.S. while she stays in the Philippines for work. According to Carlo, seeing how close she remained to them despite the distance made a big impression on him.

"Yung lagi niyang tinatawagan yung family niya kasi nga siya na lang yung mag-isa dito sa Pilipinas," Carlo shared in an interview with PEP.ph.

That connection pushed him to make the effort to meet them in person. In October 2022, Carlo happened to be in San Francisco for a show with singer Gigi de Lana. Instead of simply flying home afterward, he carved out time to visit Charlie's family in Sacramento.

"Nagpunta ako nang mag-isa," Carlo recalled. "Parang nag-drive ako for two hours para mag-spend time, makilala yung family niya."

Consider it a bold move—and a charming one at that. When asked if the trip earned him a few "pogi points," Carlo admitted with a laugh, "Parang ganun!"

The visit was Carlo's way of showing how serious he was about Charlie. The two had known each other since they co-starred in A Soldier's Heart in 2020, though romance didn't blossom until September 2022. Seven months later, Carlo proposed.

Before getting down on one knee, though, he knew he had to do things properly—starting with asking for her family's blessing. Carlo revealed that while searching for the perfect engagement ring, he also created a Facebook group chat with Charlie's sisters and included their mom, Nida.

"Nung una ayaw akong kausapin ni Mommy," Carlo said. "Parang, 'Ano ba 'yan? Bakit may ganyan?'"

Charlie's mom was understandably cautious, especially since the relationship was moving quickly. Carlo explained that she initially had doubts about whether he could truly stand by his intentions.

"Parang ang bilis ng mga pangyayari doon, tapos ayaw niyang maniwala na mapaninindigan ko yung mga sinasabi ko," he explained.

Eventually, his sincerity and patience won them over. Carlo happily shared that things are very different now. "Ngayon, tanggap na tanggap ako ni Mommy. Mahal na mahal ko yung family ni April."

The entire story reads like a rom-com detail that somehow made it into real life. Carlo's actions prove that loving someone often means embracing the people they love, too. And he was more than willing to go the extra mile. Literally!