Joaquin Arce is grateful to his stepmother, Angel Locsin, supporting him on his “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” journey, where he was eventually named the Third Big Placer.
Arce, who described Locsin as his “second mom” on the March 13 broadcast of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” said he appreciates the actress going out of her way to end her social media hiatus just to vocally show her support for him.
He was also joined by his fellow “PBB” housemates Ashley Sarmiento, Miguel Vergara, and Princess Aliyah.
“Grabe ‘yung nag-stop siya ng hiatus just to defend me. Pinagtanggol ako ni Darna. ‘Di ba, parang wow, I’m so grateful for her, and I really couldn’t have done it without her,” he said.
As a fan of Locsin himself, the rising star said the actress is the type of person who always gives him advice.
“Parang second mom ko po siya. She’s my mentor, and she also gives me advice in life,” he said.
When asked if he’s willing to work with the “Lobo” star on a film, he said he would, but pointed out that he wants to be “deserving” of the opportunity.
“I’m a fan for sure. I want to [do a movie with Angel], of course. [But] I feel like I have to deserve to act in a movie with her. I feel like I have to deserve to work with her,” he said. “I mean, come on, she’s the best. I can’t act with the best unless I am along those lines, so I want to deserve to work with her. I have to work to that point.”
This is not the first time Arce has addressed the possibility of working with Locsin. During his contract signing with Star Magic in July 2025, the rising actor said he wants to work on himself before he feels ready to share the spotlight with his stepmom.
Throughout Arce’s “PBB” journey, the “Four Sisters and a Wedding” star has long been vocal about showing her support for her stepson, the most recent of which was defending the former from being labeled as a “nepo baby” on X (formerly Twitter).
Co-managed by Star Magic and Cornerstone Entertainment, Arce is the son of film producer Neil Arce and former beauty queen Sunshine Samson. Locsin has been married to the film producer since 2021. (Hannah Mallorca © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
