Nepo baby? Denise Laurel not resting on family laurels to make it big

Denise Laurel. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/Karen Davila

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 Thursday, 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.

“I don’t dabble in politics at all. You won’t hear anything from me. I just feel that artistas [who] didn’t go to school or didn’t educate themselves on the government and laws should not be running,” she said.

“How are they going to help the country if they don’t know even just the basis of the groundwork? The love to help the people will always be there. But if you really, truly love your country and do something good for it, educate yourself first,” she continued.

READ: Bianca Gonzalez slams kids of ‘corrupt’ officials for flaunting lavish lifestyle

Working harder

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.

She started in ABS-CBN when she was 8 years old as member of Star Magic, but her parents were “not so happy” about it.

“I was very adamant about being independent. I wanted to earn it. So I would commute to ABS (by herself),” she said when she started on TV, proudly saying she was able to do it without an assistant. Her parents eventually capitulated, but with a strict reminder to not to neglect her studies, and to work diligently and with discipline. “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.

“Every line that I got, every part that I got, every position I was in, every opportunity that I was given. I really wanted to show my family that I can do this on my own. Con-wise, it was also funny because I would go out, I’m related to everybody, so I can’t mess up,” she said.

On Papa Doy

Denise also recalled her close relationship with Doy during the interview, saying she never felt that he was the vice president of the country. She added that they both share a love for chocolate.

“For me, I never felt that. He was just my Papa Doy that would sneak little chocolates under the table for me kasi parehas kaming mahilig sa tsokolate (because we both love chocolates). So, we live in the same house. Growing up, we’re very close. He was always present. He would drop everything for us,” she said.

Notable for her roles in “Annaliza” and “Midnight Phantom,” Denise is a cast member of the drama “Prinsesa ng City Jail” and a host on the morning show “Unang Hirit.” She is also a regular host at multiple K-pop fan meetings and concerts held in the country. /edv