Cute, furry pets like dogs and cats are often the go-to, but some people are drawn to more unconventional, scaly companions.
In local showbiz, a few Filipino celebrities are proving that pets don’t always have to be cuddly to be loved.
These stars have openly shared their fascination with snakes, turning what might seem like an unusual choice into something intriguing for fans.
JANELLA SALVADOR
Janella Salvador, best known for playing the snake-haired villain Valentina in Darna, leaned into her role by becoming a reptile owner in late 2021.
On December 5, 2021, Janella took to Instagram to introduce her pet corn snake, Versace, affectionately referring to the five-month-old reptile as her “baby girl.”
Just over a week later, she revealed a second pet—a yellow ball python named Valentino—joking that having two was better than one.
INKA MAGNAYE
The voice talent and internet personality Inka Magnaye also owns ball pythons that have charmed her followers online.
In July 2022, she shared a playful TikTok of her ball python, Persimmon, seemingly “crashing” her work meeting.
In the clip, Persimmon can be seen draped around her neck and even poking his head through her glasses frame, adding a cute and amusing twist to her routine.
Months later, Inka introduced another pet—a Blue-Eyed Leucistic ball python named Andromeda—in a separate video.
YASSI PRESSMAN
Yassi Pressman is also a proud snake mom. She began her journey with exotic pets in November 2018 when she adopted her first ball python named Fluffy.
She introduced the adorable reptile on social media and even created an Instagram account for him.
Weeks later, just before the New Year, she welcomed her second ball python, Sky, received as a Christmas gift from a friend.
View this post on Instagram
COCO MARTIN
Coco Martin, best known for his role in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and Batang Quiapo, surprised fans when he introduced his pet ball python named Matilda.
Yassi was actually inspired to get her own reptile pet after meeting Coco’s, sharing a video of it on Instagram in October 2018.
Coco also previously posted photos of Matilda on his now-deactivated Instagram account, @mr.cocomartin, which went offline in June 2020.
GRACE TANFELIX
Mommy Grace Tanfelix also caught attention online after showing off her unusual pet—a snake she named Señorita.
Featured in a post by her son, actor Miguel Tanfelix, the reptile quickly became a talking point among netizens, especially as Mommy Grace appeared calm and at ease while handling it, in contrast to Miguel, who looked a bit uneasy and nervous.
When Miguel asked her why she chose such a pet, she simply replied, "Kasi Year of the Snake ako."
Read: Miguel Tanfelix gets nervous meeting mom Grace's new pet snake
KIM ATIENZA
TV host and personality Kuya Kim Atienza is known for keeping exotic pets, including snakes. Among them is his largest pet, an albino reticulated python named Albee, now about 26 years old.
In an Instagram post in April 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kuya Kim shared how he was able to spend more time bonding with Albee.
Along with a photo of the massive reptile, he wrote in the caption: "Albee, the 21 year old, captive bred, 18 foot albino reticulated python has been under my care since I was single. #covid19 quarantine made me appreciate how beautiful she is up close!"
MIKEY BUSTOS
Content creator Mikey Bustos is also known for his choice of unique pets, including a green tree python he named Valentino.
He introduced the reptile through an Instagram Reel, where he described it as “My miracle snake, a senior Green Tree Python named Valentino.”
In the video, Mikey revealed that Valentino is already in his senior years and nearing the end of his life.
He also explained why he considers it a “miracle” pet—he took the snake in when it was suffering from a respiratory infection, nursed it back to health, and helped it go on to live a full life.
View this post on Instagram
PATRICK RAMIREZ
Former Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 housemate Patrick Ramirez is also an owner of a ball python named Winx.
He introduced his white reptile companion in 2024, back when he was still in a relationship with his ex-boyfriend, Dingdong Bahan.
READ MORE: