Many celebrities have faced difficult beginnings, with some growing up not knowing their biological parents. However, the love and care they received from their adoptive families helped shape them into who they are today.
Here are some famous Filipino personalities who were adopted:
1. Jennylyn Mercado
Kapuso actress Jennylyn Mercado was abandoned by her parents at just six months old. She was raised by Mommy Lydia, a distant relative who took on the role of her mother. Despite this, Jennylyn eventually reunited with her biological parents, Noli Pineda and Jinkee Mercado, later in life.
2. Angelica Panganiban
Kapamilya actress Angelica Panganiban always felt different growing up, sensing that her parents weren’t her biological ones. In 2010, she confirmed that she was indeed adopted. Tragically, her biological mother passed away in 2008 in Singapore. However, two years later, Angelica was able to meet her father, Mark Chalson, an American citizen.
3 & 4. Matet and Lotlot de Leon
Actresses Matet and Lotlot de Leon were both adopted by Christopher de Leon and Nora Aunor. They also have two other adopted siblings, Kiko and Kenneth de Leon. Over the years, Lotlot managed to reconnect with her biological parents, Eva Rodriguez and Donald Olson.
5. Angeline Quinto
Singer Angeline Quinto was raised by Sylvia Quinto, the aunt of her biological father, Pop Quiros. Even though her father passed away in 2013, she later met her biological mother, Rosemarie Mabao. In 2012, her two mothers—her adoptive and biological—joined her on stage in ‘ASAP NATIN ‘TO’, creating a heartfelt moment for the singer.
6. Vicki Belo
Renowned dermatologist Vicki Belo was raised by Enrique Belo and Nena Gonzales, who was her biological mother’s sister. Her real parents were Augusto Cancio and Victoria Gonzales. Despite being adopted, she was given love and support by her adoptive parents, who helped her become the successful entrepreneur she is today.
7. Grace Poe
Senator Grace Poe was adopted by Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces, one of the country’s most beloved showbiz couples. Before becoming their daughter, she was first taken in by Sayong Militar and later fostered by Tessie Ledesma Valencia, a wealthy haciendera.
8. Aiai delas Alas
Comedy Queen Aiai delas Alas had a difficult childhood. Due to poverty and her parents’ separation, she was given up for adoption. She was raised by her aunt, Justa delas Alas, who never kept her adoption a secret. Aiai grew up knowing the truth but still received unwavering love and support.
9. Nicole Quizon
Nicole Quizon is the only legally adopted child of the Comedy King, Dolphy. Since she was a baby, Dolphy ensured she underwent the legal adoption process, making her his legitimate daughter.
10. Mark Herras
Kapuso star Mark Herras was abandoned by his father when he was five years old, leaving his mother to raise him alone. However, he was later adopted by his gay parents, Herminigildo ‘Papa Pim’ Santos and Daddy Jun Herras. Mark has always been proud of his upbringing and never felt ashamed of being raised in a loving LGBTQ+ family. Unfortunately, both of his adoptive parents passed away in 2014 and 2016, respectively.
11. Jobert Austria
Comedian Jobert Austria grew up not knowing his biological parents. On Mother’s Day in 2021, he shared how he finally met his biological mother after 50 years. In a heartfelt vlog, Jobert revealed that his family was extremely poor, forcing his mother to give him up for adoption. Before migrating to Canada, he mustered the courage to reunite with her for the first time.
These celebrities may have had difficult starts in life, but their stories prove that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about love and care.
