Five-year-old Dubai resident John Moriz Ascano. EXPAT MEDIA

If you’ve been to Filipino events in Dubai, chances are you’ve spotted Dumbo Comedian — the man with the outlandish mohawk, a big laugh, and an even bigger stage presence. But behind the lights and laughter, there’s someone who might just be stealing the show: his 5-year-old son, John Moriz Ascano. Moriz isn’t just proud of his dad — he’s following in his footsteps. “I watch daddy’s vlog. It’s good. He’s a dancer and a singer,” Moriz tells Expat Media with a grin. His father, whose real name is Patrick John, and his mom, Mariz Montealegre, are his biggest cheerleaders. “I love my mom and dad very much,” he says. Born in the Philippines and raised in Dubai, Moriz is a bundle of energy and dreams. He’s already been invited to sing on stage — and according to him, stage fright doesn’t exist. “I’m not shy. I sing, too, and people clap for me,” he says proudly. His dream? To become a singer and a dancer when he grows up, just like dad. When he’s not belting out songs, Moriz loves spending time with his parents. “We just play and have bonding time, like watch a movie and eat,” he says. One of his favorite things is helping his dad surprise his mom. “Like, daddy will buy drinks for her or something for her.” He also tags along to his dad’s work — but only when kids are allowed. “I go to work with daddy, and I’ll also work there when I grow up,” he declares. John Moriz Ascano with his dad Dumbo Comedian and mother Mariz Outside of showbiz dreams, Moriz has an adventurous side. He’s visited Global Village and climbed to the top of Dubai Frame (though he admits he was “scared I might fall down”), and he can’t wait for Disneyland Abu Dhabi to open. “It’s not far away,” he insists. “Is Mickey Mouse there?” His eyes sparkle when told yes. Like many kids his age, he enjoys playing Roblox and Fortnite, riding bikes, and hanging out at the playground near his home in Al Rigga. But what sets Moriz apart is his compassion. “I help old people and the homeless. I hope they will have money. When I see them, I give them food. They tell me 'thank you'. I also pray for them that they will be rich and have food,” he says. For now, Moriz is content making friends, dreaming big, and showing kindness wherever he can. “I love my life and I love UAE and Dubai. Happy ako sa UAE,” he says, smiling from ear to ear. In his words:

I’m John Moriz Ascano. I’m five years old… and people call me Dubai’s little star with a big heart.

I like helping old people and the homeless. I hope they will have money. When I see them, I give them food. They say “thank you” to me. Then I pray for them so they will be rich and have food.

You probably saw me with my daddy before. People call him Dumbo Comedian. He has big hair, a big laugh, and he’s always on stage singing, dancing, and making people laugh. Sometimes, I also sing — and I’m not shy! I keep singing and then people clap for me.

I go to work with daddy, but only if kids are allowed. If I can’t come, I watch his vlog. It’s good. He’s a dancer and singer. I’m proud of him. When I grow up, I want to be a singer and dancer just like my daddy.

I love my mommy and daddy very much. We always play and have bonding time, like watching a movie and eating. I love it when daddy lets me help surprise mommy. Like, he’ll buy drinks for her or something nice for her.

I’ve been to Global Village and that tall gold-and-glass tower — The Frame — but I was a little scared I might fall down. I can’t wait for Disneyland Abu Dhabi to open! Is Mickey Mouse there?

I also love playing Roblox and Fortnite, riding my bike, and hanging out at the playground. I play with my friends at school, too.

I love my life, and I love UAE and Dubai. Happy ako sa UAE. I love UAE!

Kids and teens, My UAE Story is where you can share your real stories—what it's like growing up in the UAE, your big dreams, small wins, favorite places, proud moments, or even your funniest memories! Got a story to share? Email us on editorial@expatmedia.net or DM us on our socials
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