DENISE Laurel is aware that being born into the esteemed Laurel clan has its pros and cons. But she wanted to break free from her family background and do things her own way, and that includes not entering politics.
With a clan that established itself in politics and the entertainment industry, Denise is proud of her heritage but at the same time determined to prove that she is no “nepo baby,” a term that refers to the scion of a famous or powerful person who achieves success and fame in a similar field due to their family connections and the opportunities that provides.
That may be hard to do, being the great granddaughter of former president Jose P. Laurel, granddaughter of vice president Salvador “Doy” Laurel and his wife, philanthropist and artist Celia Diaz-Laurel, and former House speaker Jose Bayani “Pepito” Hidalgo Laurel Jr., among other government officials.
She is also the niece of the late theater actor-singer Cocoy Laurel, as well as the cousin of actor Franco Laurel, singer Nicole Laurel Asensio, and fashion designer Rajo Laurel.
But Denise seemed to be fairing quite well in her chosen field, albeit shy whenever the topic of her family crops up.
“I always get shy!” the singer-actress said when asked about her family connections to high places in an interview with broadcast journalist Karen Davila on August 21.
Despite her family’s political background, Denise declared that she won’t enter politics at all, reiterating that celebrities planning to become politicians should “educate themselves” first.
Denise said being surrounded by a family of actors and politicians is “inspiring” for her, at the same time, made her more grounded, seeing its “pros and cons” while growing up.
“Growing up as a Laurel is inspiring; it does have its pros and cons. I look at my family, and it gives me so much honor and pride, and it also makes me work harder.”
As a result, the actress said she had to “work harder” to prove her worth, especially when she caught the acting bug.
“You really have to, I guess, bring honor to the family. You have to keep yourself in check at all times,” she said.
“I had to work harder than most people my age. Because people didn’t think I deserved to be there, or I was there because of a relation, but I really was in it alone. In my family, we really practiced hard work and not resting on our laurels, pun intended,” she said.
Denise also pointed out that she wanted to make sure that every opportunity was earned in her own efforts. (Hannah Mallorca © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
