There comes a moment when love outweighs biology, and the decision to raise a child becomes a conscious act of devotion.
Motherhood may begin in many ways, but at its core lies a choice: to show up, to protect, to love unconditionally.
For the following women, that choice came through adoption.
In celebration of Mother's Day, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) lists nine celebrity moms who opened their homes and hearts through adoption.
Read: These celebrities are amazing dads to their adopted children
CELEBRITY MOMS
Nora Aunor
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor, had five children with former husband Christopher de Leon, though only one is biological: Ian de Leon, born in 1975.
The couple later adopted four children—Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth.
Lotlot de Leon, born Charlotte Jennifer Villamayor in 1972, is the biological daughter of Donald Olson, a former US Navy serviceman, and Eva Rodriguez. She was adopted by Nora and Christopher when she was a baby.
Lotlot eventually pursued a showbiz career, and has publicly expressed gratitude for the life Nora gave her, even reuniting with her biological father in 2023.
Matet de Leon, born Maria Nora Ana Theresa Villamayor in 1983, also entered the entertainment industry and has been candid about her adoption. She has always regarded Nora with loyalty and love, saying she was raised with no less warmth or protection than a biological child.
Kiko and Kenneth de Leon, while not as publicly visible, were likewise adopted by the couple and have acknowledged their deep bond with Nora.
In a 2025 interview with PEP.ph, all four adopted siblings expressed their pride in having been raised by the Superstar, with Lotlot saying, "Mommy kasi never treated us any differently from Ian."
Read: Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, Kenneth proud to be adopted by Nora Aunor
Sharon Cuneta
Sharon Cuneta and her husband, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, formally welcomed their adopted son, Miguel Samuel Mateo, into the Cuneta-Pangilinan family in 2012.
The couple celebrated Miguel's third birthday and Christian dedication on October 27, 2012, with a Thomas & Friends-themed party attended by over 200 guests, including members of the press.
PEP reports, on October 28, 2012, that Sharon “went through the normal, usual, no VIP treatment” method of processing Miguel's adoption papers.
Sharon has been open about her adoption journey, sharing how she and Kiko decided early on to inform Miguel about his adoption to avoid future confusion.
In a 2019 vlog, she recounted a moment when Miguel, then nine years old, asked her, "Am I adopted, Mama?"
She responded affirmatively, explaining that while his sisters came from her tummy, God sent him to their family.
Throughout the years, Sharon has expressed her deep love for Miguel, referring to him as her "answered prayer" and a "blessing straight from God."
She has also addressed critics who question the bond between her and her adopted son, asserting that love is not limited by biological ties.
In a 2022 Instagram post, she wrote, "Miguel Samuel Mateo, my only son, YOU are the best gift God Almighty has given to our family - to MAMA. Thank you for being the kind of son I always dreamed I could have" .
Miguel joined Sharon's family, which includes her daughters KC Concepcion, Frankie, and Miel.
Read: Sharon Cuneta's son Miguel receives Nokia 8210 for his 13th birthday
Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo
Judy Ann Santos embraced motherhood when she adopted her first child, Johanna Louise, known as Yohan, in 2004.
At 26, she expressed a deep desire to become a mother, regardless of the method.
This aspiration materialized when she received a call from her mother about a baby available for adoption. Without hesitation, she agreed.
At the time of Yohan's adoption, Judy Ann was not yet married. She later married actor and television host Ryan Agoncillo in 2009.
Following their marriage, Agoncillo legally adopted Yohan. The couple has since welcomed two biological children: Juan Luis (Lucho) in October 2010 and Juana Luisa (Luna) in January 2016.
The celebrity couple have been transparent with Yohan about her adoption from an early age.
They introduced the concept to her when she was around four years old, ensuring she understood her unique place in their family.
At a press lunch in March 2019, Judy Ann recalled when Yohan was much younger and confused about what being adopted meant.
She narrated: "Dati kasi ano siya, e, sumasama loob niya, naba-bother siya.
"Nalulungkot siya kaya sinasabi ko sa kanya, 'Sweetheart, it was my choice. I know naman at some point, I could still have a child. It's just that I so wanted to have a child, and I prayed.
"I prayed for years to have a baby girl. I'm very specific with my prayers."
Read: The day Judy Ann Santos told daughter Yohan she is adopted
Kristine Hermosa-Sotto
Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Boy Sotto's journey into parenthood began with the adoption of their eldest child, Kristian Daniel, nicknamed Kiel.
Born on August 16, 2008, Kiel was welcomed into their family before the couple tied the knot in January 2011.
In 2018, Oyo publicly addressed misconceptions about Kiel's parentage, clarifying, "Hindi siya anak sa ibang lalaki. Kiel is our adopted son."
Kristine later expressed on Kiel's 13th birthday in 2021: "Walang aksidente kay God. Hindi aksidente na binigay ka niya sa amin.. na ikaw ang naging daan sa matinding training namin bilang magulang.. [emoji]
"Thank you for always trying to be better and for understanding our shortcomings. You are a good and obedient son, Kiel.. don’t forget that."
Following Kiel's adoption, the couple welcomed their biological daughter, Ondrea Bliss, in 2011.
Their family continued to grow with the births of sons Kaleb Hanns in 2014, Marvic Valentin in 2016, and Vittorio Isaac in 2021.
In September 2024, they announced the arrival of their sixth child, Isaiah Timothy.
Read: Kristine Hermosa is okay to have 10 kids with husband Oyo Sotto
Claudine Barretto
Claudine Barretto is a proud mom of three adopted children:
- Sabina Santiago, adopted in 2004, while Claudine was still married to Raymart Santiago.
- Quia Barretto, whom she introduced publicly in 2015 during a heartfelt interview with Kris Aquino.
- Noah Joaquin, adopted in 2019. Claudine shared on social media that Noah’s arrival made her feel complete as a mother.
Claudine has never shied away from declaring that her children are her greatest source of strength. She has called her family “proof that love chooses.”
In an interview with Karen Davila in August 2023, she expressed: "Children with autism are called special. Special because they are special.
"Why is it na when you adopt, it's like, some people do that— 'Ito na ba yung ampon mo?' It's true, but it's painful. It's not nice to hear.
"So parang I was trying to say, yung nilalaban ko [sa] DSWD for the longest time, is to change yung 'adopted' to 'chosen,' because you choose them."
Read: Claudine Barretto aims to redefine adopted children as "chosen"
Zsa Zsa Padilla
Zsa Zsa Padilla, singer and actress, embraced motherhood beyond biological ties when she and her long-time partner, the late Comedy King Dolphy, adopted Nicole in 1990.
Nicole, affectionately known as "Coco," was brought into their lives when she was just a few months old.
Dolphy recounted in his memoir that Nicole was presented to him at Hizon's, a popular restaurant in Manila, with the request from her biological mother that he take her in.
Recognizing the opportunity to provide a loving home, Dolphy and Zsa Zsa legally adopted Nicole.
From the outset, Zsa Zsa and Dolphy were transparent with Nicole about her adoption. By preschool age, Nicole was aware of her adoption status.
Growing up, Nicole was raised alongside her sisters, Karylle and Zia Quizon, without distinction. Zsa Zsa has consistently referred to all three as her daughters.
Nicole's bond with her family remained strong even as she pursued her education abroad. GMA reports in July 2012, that she studied in Melbourne, Australia, and continues to reside there.
Aside from Zia, Nicole has 16 siblings sired by her father Dolphy.
Susan Roces
Susan Roces and her husband, Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ), adopted Philippine senator Grace Poe as an infant.
Grace was found on September 3, 1968, in the holy water font of Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo City.
ABS-CBN reports in May 2013 that the 56-year-old politician was initially cared for by Sayong Militar, who later entrusted her to her friend Tessie Ledesma Valencia, a close associate of Susan Roces.
It was through Valencia that Grace came into the care of the showbiz heavyweights, who legally adopted her and raised her as their own daughter.
Throughout her upbringing, Susan and FPJ provided Grace with a nurturing and loving environment. They ensured she received a quality education and instilled in her strong values.
Grace went on to pursue a career in public service, becoming a senator and a presidential candidate. Susan remained a steadfast supporter throughout her political journey, often accompanying her during campaigns and public appearances.
On Susan's passing, Grace tells the press on May 21, 2022: “Pero alam niya na gusto niyang ihanda na kami, ilagay kami sa maayos. Halos dalawang dekada na rin ang nakalipas.
“Si FPJ siguro sabi niya, tama na siguro yun. Siyempre malungkot kami. Pero pag inisip namin wala nang sakit, wala nang hirap, at higit sa lahat, kasama na niya ang mga magulang niya at saka ang tatay ko, yun talaga ang true love niya, e. So yun.
“Imagine na lang natin na yun ang kanyang dinadatnan ngayon, 80 years old na siya, marami na siyang natulungan, marami na siyang nagawa sa buhay niya.
“So, sabi namin, mabuti na ring nakapagpahinga siya dahil 14 na taong gulang pa lang siya, nagtatrabaho na siya.”
Ai-Ai Delas Alas
Ai-Ai delas Alas, the Philippines' "Comedy Queen," is not only celebrated for her vibrant performances, but also for her dedication to motherhood.
Among her children is Seth Andrei, whom she adopted in 2011. She revealed to long-time friend Kris Aquino in an episode of KrisTV, that Andrei was the child of her longtime hair and makeup artist.
Initially, Ai-Ai declined the opportunity to adopt him due to her busy schedule, but after multiple requests, she felt compelled to welcome him into her family.
She later recalled in an episode of Boy Abunda's My Mother, My Story aired on October 27, 2024, how she told Andrei he's adopted, during a family vacation in Subic.
"Noong sinabi ko kay Andrei na adopted na siya, sobrang thankful ako. Sinabi kasi nung doktor niya, nung pedia niya, 'Alam ba ni Andrei?" Sabi ko hindi," she related.
"'Ilan taon na si Andrei?' Siguro mga five siya nun or four, ganyan. 'Sabihin mo na habang maaga pa.'
"Sabi ko, 'Anak, may sasabihin ako. 'Di ba, sina Kuya, si Ate, di ba, baby ko sila? Baby ko sila galing sa tiyan ko. Ikaw, baby kita. Galing ka kay God sa heaven.
"Sabi ko pa, 'Tsaka mahal na mahal kita kahit doon ka galing. Yung parents mo, hindi ko kilala.' Mga ganyan," Ai-Ai added.
Read: Ai-Ai delas Alas: Right at home in her super sosyal house!
Neri Naig
Neri Naig-Miranda, known for her entrepreneurial ventures and acting career, is also a devoted mother to her adopted daughter, Pia.
Pia is Neri's niece. The actress-entrepeur and her husband Chito Miranda have been raising her alongside their two biological sons, Miguel Alfonso, nicknamed Miggy, and Manuel Alfonso, nicknamed Cash.
In a 2022 interview with Karen Davila, Neri's husband Chito expressed that they consider Pia a "gift from God" and emphasized their desire to legally adopt her to solidify her place in their family.
He shared that when they discussed the legal adoption with Pia, she responded, "Finally, I can call you Daddy," highlighting the deep bond they share.
Neri also mentioned that from day one, Pia has been their daughter in every sense, and they are committed to providing her with the same love and care as their biological children.
