IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Celebrities and their own family feuds

Celebrity “family feud”. Sarah Geronimo and Mommy Divine (upper left); Izzy Trazona and son Andrei (upper right); Annabelle Rama and Ruffa Gutierrez (lower right); and, Carlos Yulo with her parents Angelica and Mark Andrew). Images from Facebook, Instagram, file photos;

The family drama that blighted Carlos Yulo‘s Olympic triumph had seemingly taken over the public’s interest in primetime shows, or even the political spectacles in the land. And while he is neither a showbiz nor political figure, the public is nonetheless swept into the tumultuous yarn that the young athlete (and his girlfriend, digital creator Chloe San Jose) have woven with his own family.

The complexities of the Philippines’ family-centric culture have always drawn the public’s attention, and Yulo’s case is not unique. His feuding family has shown that there may be another side to the glitz and glamor of success and popularity of an individual. The public is equally eager to give their two-cents into the private affairs of their beloved celebrities, possibly reflecting their own personal and familial heartbreaks.

Below are several Filipino celebrities who dealt or are dealing with the unfortunate reality of having their family members turn against them.

Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli vs Mommy Divine

(From left) Sarah Geronimo, Divine Geronimo, and Matteo Guidicelli. Images: Instagram/@justsarahgph

Sarah Geronimo’s relationship with her Mommy Divine garnered public attention after her mother reportedly stormed into her private Christian wedding with Matteo Guidicelli in February 2020. Both sides remained mum about what truly happened, but reports claimed that Mommy Divine looked “ready to fight” and was shouting “traydor (traitor)” at the couple.

In an interview with TV Patrol, the couple’s relationship counselor Letty Fuentes recalled that the confrontation escalated further, despite her efforts to stop Mommy Divine from interfering with the couple. This led to Fuentes and Geronimo being pushed to the ground, with the singer shaking from the incident. She also denied that Guidicelli punched anyone during the confrontation.

Four years later, it seemed that the couple and Mommy Divine are on civil terms, with Geronimo confirming in March 2024 that she has been speaking to her mother.

“Yes, thank you, Lord. I love you, Ma,” Geronimo told TV Patrol. Guidicelli also greeted his mother-in-law with an “I love you,” while noting that everyone “loves [their] moms.”

Jake Zyrus’ resentment vs Raquel Pempengco

Jake Zyrus (Instagram/@jakezyrusmusic); Raquel Pempengco (Facebook/RA QU EL)

More than a year after coming out as a trans man, Jake Zyrus revealed in his 2018 book “I Am Jake” that he “doesn’t know his own mother” Raquel Pempengco, while detailing some of the violent experiences he went through.

“When Mommy left Lola’s home, their similarities started to manifest: the bad temper, the need to win every argument, and eventually, the tendency to hurt their kids,” he wrote.

“Mommy often hit me on the head with her high heels. This is the reason why my scalp is covered with scars that have formed bumps and valleys on my head… I can’t bring myself to totally hate my mother because, despite her darkness, there is some light in her,” the singer further recalled.

Jake and Raquel appeared to be still not on good terms, with the latter asserting on Facebook in November 2023 that the singer will have “peace of mind” if he should choose to make up with her.

“Nandito lang ako, dahil hindi luluwag ang pakiramdam mo hangga’t magulang mo ang kalaban mo,” said Raquel. “Hindi aayos ang pakiramdam mo, hindi siya magkakaroon ng peace of mind kasi hanggang ngayon, mabigat pa rin ang dinadala niya sa magulang niya.”

Paolo Contis’ child support

Paolo Contis. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/GMA Network

Paolo Contis was on the brunt of criticism in January 2023 after revealing that he doesn’t provide financial support to his children Xonia, Xalene, and Summer Ayana. Xonia and Xalene are the actor’s daughters with estranged wife Lian Paz, while Summer is his child with New York-based ex LJ Reyes.

“Sa sustento issue, I don’t give. Again, I have my reasons why, but I’m saving for them. I have some savings for them that hopefully, one day, I could give to them straight,” he said in a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview.

“It’s a mistake na nasimulan ko na hindi ako nakapagbigay, but ever since na nagtrabaho ako nang maayos, unti-unti akong naglalagay sa account para kay Xonia, kay Xalene, pati kay Summer.”

Contis claimed that he chose to keep silent about certain matters concerning his children. He also shared that it’s been years since he had been in contact with his daughters, hoping he would get the chance to meet them in the future.

Back in June 2023, Paz revealed that Xonia and Xalene no longer wanted to use their father’s surname.

Heart Evangelista vs parents

Heart Evangelista with her mom Cecilia Ongpauco. Image: screengrab from Instagram/@iamhearte, @bobnicolas

Heart Evangelista and her parents, Cecilia and Reynaldo Ongpauco, were thrust into the spotlight after their highly publicized rift.

Back then, Evangelista’s parents were not in favor of her relationship with her now-husband, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, with Cecilia claiming in 2013 that he “manipulated” the fashion influencer to go against their family. The feud was more evident after they were absent in their wedding two years later.

“[Heart] is easily swayed by people who prey on her insecurities and lack of confidence… [Chiz] projects himself as a wholesome candidate, but we know better,” Cecilia told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in March 2013.

Heart and her parents have since reconciled months after her 2015 wedding. Six years later, Cecilia publicly showed support for their relationship while describing the politician as a partner who “doesn’t stunt” her daughter’s growth.

Cecilia was also present in Evangelista and Escudero’s renewal of vows in February 2024. According to the Kapuso star, her father was unable to join the ceremony due to his recovery from an undisclosed treatment.

Annabelle Rama and her children

Annabelle Rama and Ruffa Gutierrez. Image: Instagram/@iloveruffag

Annabelle Rama needs no introduction when it comes to her relationship with her children, who she safeguards like a mother hen.

Of late, Rama was front and center in the collapse of the marriage of her son Richard Gutierrez with Sarah Lahbati. She was unstoppable on social media, as she made known her disapproval of her daughter Ruffa Gutierrez’s love interests. Overall, she was portrayed as the epitome of a monster mom and a meddling mother-in-law.

“Lagi akong pinapagalitan ni mommy. Hindi raw ako marunong pumili… We are so much better now because when I was younger, my mom was so pakialamera when it came to my love life,” she said. “I think ngayon lang yata siya hindi masyadong pakialamera. Pero may mga pasundot-sundot pa rin.”

But on the flip side, she was a caring to those who were able to get past her tough exterior. Among them was her late daughter-in-law, Alexa, wife of Rama’s son Elvis, who recently succumbed to cancer.

SexBomb Izzy vs Andrei

Izzy Trazona-Aragon and her son Andrei. Image: Facebook/Andrei Trazona

SexBomb member Izzy Trazona-Aragon found herself in the heat of backlash in September 2023 after she voiced out her disapproval of her son Andrei, who introduced himself as a drag queen named Sofia.

On Facebook, Trazona-Aragon said that while she is aware of parents and children having disagreements, she will remain firm on the “truth that is written in the bible.”

“All I want is for your best. [I’m holding] on with the TRUTH that is written in the bible, the word of God. The One who created us,” Trazona-Aragon said. “So if my children, the 4 of them, will do something that is against the faith that I have in Christ, that will I disagree. I point them to Jesus because with that I will be secured with their future… Putting my hope on what Jesus did on the cross for me.”

The SexBomb member’s public disapproval led to Andrei revealing on Facebook that he lied about Trazona-Aragon’s acceptance of his drag career, in hopes of protecting his mother from criticism.

“I LIED IN AN INTERVIEW that she supports [what] I am and for what I do just to protect her from any backlash but there’s no point in protecting her because the truth came out straight from her. As much as I love you, you know that I don’t wanna live in a lie,” he said.