Is there more to parenting than just a biological or genetic connection?
Over the past years, the issue has sparked interest and debate.
While most people prefer to bear their children biologically, others choose surrogacy or in vitro fertilization.
There are also some who opt to extend their families through adoption—proving that family isn't defined merely by biological relationships but more importantly, created by choice and bonded by love.
In celebration of Father’s Day, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) lists down 10 celebrity dads who embraced adoption and treated their adopted children like their own.
RYAN AGONCILLO
Judy Ann Santos and husband Ryan Agoncillo have an adoptive daughter, Yohan, whom Juday took custody of when she was 26 years old and still single.
In 2009, when the couple tied the knot, Ryan went on to legally adopt the child. Ryan and Juday have two biological children: Juan Luis (Lucho), 11, and Juana Luisa (Luna), 6.
Read also: The day Judy Ann Santos told daughter Yohan she is adopted
KIKO PANGILINAN
In 2012, Megastar Sharon Cuneta and senator Kiko Pangilinan formally introduced their adoptive son Miguel, 12. Miguel is the only boy among their kids.
The couple has two daughters: Miel, 17, and Frankie, 21. Meanwhile, Sharon has a daughter, KC, with her ex-husband Gabby Concepcion.
JIMMY ALAPAG
Actress-entrepreneur LJ Moreno and basketball player/coach Jimmy Alapag are proud adoptive parents to son Ian Maximus, 10.
The couple met their adopted child at Grace to be Born shelter in Pasig City. In an interview with PEP.ph, LJ revealed that they were matched with Ian, two days after they found out they were pregnant with their first child, Keona.
Currently, the couple resides in the United States with their two other biological children: Keona, 7, and Calen, 4.
CHRISTOPHER DE LEON
Veteran actor Christopher de Leon has four adopted children, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth, with ex-wife Nora Aunor. They have a biological son named Ian.
Ian, Matet, and Lotlot eventually followed in their dad's footsteps in showbiz.
OYO SOTTO
Before the couple tied the knot in 2011, Oyo Sotto and Kristine Hermosa adopted Kristin Daniel, more popularly known as Kiel.
Oyo also clarified the status of his son to a netizen who said his eldest son is Kristine’s love child.
“Hindi siya anak sa ibang lalaki. Kiel is our adopted son,” he quipped.
Read also: Kristine Hermosa, Oyo Sotto's son Kiel turns 13 years old
Later that year, they welcomed their first biological child, Ondrea Bliss, who is now 10 years old.
The couple has three other sons: Kaleb Hanns, 6; Marvic Valentin, 4; and their 10-month-old Baby Vittoria Isaac.
CHITO MIRANDA
Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda is in the process of officially adopting his wife’s niece, Pia. For their seventh wedding anniversary, the couple posted a family photo with a teenage girl that caught the attention of eagle-eyed netizens on Instagram.
In the comment section, Chito replied, “@mrs.priya25 yup…she will soon be as we are in the process of making her ours, officially.”
Neri also cleared rumors about Pia. She wrote: “Thank you sa pagmahahal at pagbati sa aming anibersayo. Ramdam ko ang pagmamahal po ninyo. At sa mga Maritess, Pia is our daughter. Every child deserves a home and love. Period. Ok na? Gets na iyan? Grabe ang pagiging tsismosa ng ibang tao. Nahusgahan at nagawan na ng mga kwento. Merry Christmas!”
Chito and Neri have two sons, Miggy Alfonso, 5, and Baby Cash, who will celebrate his first birthday on October 2022.
Read also: Neri Naig and Chito Miranda introduce daughter Pia
RAYMART SANTIAGO
Raymart Santiago may have been estranged from ex-wife Claudine Barretto but his relationship with his children remains close. In 2019, the actor spent quality time with his adoptive daughter Sabina, 17, and biological son Santino, 13, during their trip to Japan.
He also penned a sweet message for his daughter’s birthday on Instagram. His caption read: “I am so grateful that I have a daughter as honest, beautiful, and intelligent as you. Happy birthday to my baby girl!I wish you only the best of luck in all you choose to do in life. I love you Sab."
FERNANDO POE JR.
The late actor Fernando Poe Jr. and late actress Susan Roces raised Senator Grace Poe like their own flesh and blood.
In an interview with DZMM, Senator Grace Poe shared she was only seven years old when she learned that she was adopted.
"Hindi sinabi sa akin ng aking mga magulang noong ako'y nag-aaral na. Kasi iniisip nila, kelan ba yung tamang pagkakataon? At ang tatay ko parang sinasabi 'bakit pa natin sasabihin?' Ayaw talaga ng dad ko, yung mom ko ang nagsabi." she said.
Senator Grace Poe has two other siblings from her father’s previous relationships.
Meanwhile, two dads on this list deserve a pat on the back as well for being father figures to the kids of their partners.
JOHN CABAHUG
Cebuano businessman and cager John Cabahug has been raising Lian Paz's daughters since they were two and three years old.
Xonia and Xalene are Lian’s daughters with actor Paolo Contis.
When asked if he has plans of adopting the two young girls, he replied, “Sobra! Napamahal na rin sila sa akin ng sobra.”
However, he says he still respects Paolo’s rights as the girls' biological dad.
“Sabi ni Attorney, kailangan kasi ng signature ni Paolo. Sabi ko, baka hindi papayag iyon. Pero ako, sobrang gusto ko.”
The businessman also revealed that the kids took the initiative in using his surname Cabahug in their school papers.
“May mga instances na rin sa school na sa family name, ang nilalagay nila yung family name ko. Hindi namin alam [ni Lian],” he said.
PHILMAR ALIPAYO
Surfer Philmar Alipayo treats Ellie, Andi’s unica hija with Jake Ejercito, like his own daughter.
The couple has also established a healthy co-parenting setup with Jake.
Andi shared that she found out that Ellie approved her relationship with Philmar when her surfer fiancé proposed to live with them in Manila.
“Na-surprise ako, sabi ni Ellie, ‘Yehey! We’re always gonna have a funny man in the house! And there’s someone who’s going to play with me when Mom is being boring!” she said.
The couple has been blessed with two kids: Lilo, 3, and Koa, 1.
Read also: Andi Eigenmann's sweet letter brings partner Philmar Alipayo to tears
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