ANGEL Locsin aired her dismay after her stepson Joaquin Arce was labeled as a “nepo baby” amid his journey as a “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab 2.0” housemate.
“Bihira lang akong mag social media ha, pero nagulat ako sa comments ng ilang tao dito. Ano namang kasalanan ni Joaquin at naging asawa ko ang dad niya para ma-brand sya as nepo baby?” the actress said through her X page on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Locsin is married to film producer Neil Arce.
Locsin did not immediately expound on the comments she cited, although she related the “nepo baby” remark to the flood control issue which involved contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya, which she had been vocal about in the past. It can be recalled that those involved in the alleged anomalous flood control projects as well as their children were criticized by the public for flaunting their lavish lifestyles.
“Para namang hindi ako nag-dyip o bus papuntang tapings ko dati. Ka-level ko pala si Discaya? [Laughing out loud],” Locsin stated in a seeming sarcastic manner.
“Pero ‘yung pera ko hindi galing sa nakaw,” she stressed. “‘Yung 12,000 na boto ko kay Joaquin sa buong journey niya, baka dagdagan ko ma-asar ko lang ‘yung ibang makagawa ng issue.”
Locsin was referring to the public voting wherein Joaquin won, making him part of the “Ultimate 8” of the reality show.
“My son could have asked me for a project, but ang hiniling niya is mag-audition sa ‘PBB,’” she added. “‘Wag bitter. Nakakapanget ‘yan.”
Locsin’s statement earned mixed reactions from netizens, with some arguing that Joaquin is indeed a “nepo baby” but in the context of show business as his parents could be considered influential figures in the entertainment field.
“The fact that he could ask you for an audition is nepotism itself. If he had auditioned by himself, without ever mentioning you or introducing himself as your son, edi hindi nepo. Iba yung corrupt (power abuse) sa nepo (family favouritism) (hindi ako nanonood ng pbb),” said X user @uliuliopae.
Locsin has been vocal in supporting Joaquin in his “PBB” journey, even previously appealing to the public for understanding as she disclosed that he is “completely deaf” in one ear.
Meanwhile, aside from Joaquin, other housemates who made it to the “Ultimate 8” and secured a spot for the Big Night on Saturday, Feb. 28, were Lella Ford, Krystal Mejes, Caprice Cayetano, Ashley Sarmiento, Princess Aliyah, Miguel Vergara and Heath Jornales. (Anne Pasajol © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
