A post shared by Jc De Vera (@akosijcdeberat) on Jul 1, 2018 at 6:02pm PDT

After welcoming their firstborn, JC de Vera and his girlfriend, Rikkah Cruz, are now planning to get married — but not until their daughter has learned how to walk.

In an interview on "Tonight with Boy Abunda" aired Monday, the 32-year-old actor confirmed that wedding bells are indeed next for him and Cruz, and that they are saving up for the big day.

"Ang goal namin... Kasi ngayon, very small pa si Lana, eh. By the time na nagwo-walk na si Lana, ang gusto ko sana, sumama siya sa Mama niya maglakad sa aisle," he said.

The "Since I Found You" star added, "Pinag-iipunan ko ngayon 'yon."

A post shared by Jc De Vera (@akosijcdeberat) on Jul 18, 2018 at 7:14pm PDT

Lana Athena was born in May this year.

Of his girlfriend, de Vera said, "I'm really proud of Rikkah. Sobrang ganda ng values. Hindi lang siya. Even her family."

Explaining why he has become more open about Cruz and their daughter, after initially keeping private about the topic, he said: "Ayoko sila itago. Hindi sila deserve na itago sila. They deserve all the happiness in life."

Becoming a father, de Vera shared, has also changed him in profound ways.

A post shared by Jc De Vera (@akosijcdeberat) on Jul 16, 2018 at 11:56pm PDT

For one, whereas he knew only how to "protect himself" growing up, now he first looks out for the welfare of his partner and child. This also translates to becoming more hardworking for the actor.

"Of course, magiging mature ka talaga. Instant 'yon," he said.

De Vera explained: "Kailangan ko mag-work hard for them, kailangan ko mag-provide. Growing up... ang alam ko lang talagang protektahan is myself. [Ngayon] meron na akong nakasandal sa akin.

"Kailangan ko nang maging responsible enough para mag-provide, para i-make sure na safe sila, lahat nakukuha nila. Kailangan, emotionally happy sila. Very important iyon sa akin."

A post shared by Jc De Vera (@akosijcdeberat) on Jul 25, 2018 at 9:54pm PDT