Joaquin Arce, tumugon sa mga komento ukol sa 'nepo baby' remarks

Published 20 Mar 2026 at 3:25 AM

by Stacy dela Fuente

3 min read

Joaquin Arce reacts to being called a “nepo baby” and says he’s not offended
He emphasizes gratitude for his supportive and hardworking family
Joaquin praises his stepmother Angel Locsin for guidance and defending him publicly
He finished as third big placer in PBB Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 alongside Ashley Sarmiento

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Joaquin Arce, who placed third in Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0, spoke up about being tagged a “nepo baby” during an interview with Ogie Diaz. He is the son of film producer Neil Arce and the stepson of actress Angel Locsin.

Joaquin Arce, tumugon sa mga komento ukol sa 'nepo baby' remarks — Photo: Joaquin Arce (@joaquinsarce) & Neil Arce (@neil_arce)
Source: Instagram

When asked about the comments, Joaquin remained calm and honest.

"'Di ako na-hurt doon kasi totoo naman na 'yung dad ko and 'yung stepmom ko, sikat sila at mayaman. It's undeniable," he said.

He added that he feels grateful for his family rather than ashamed.

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"Honestly, I'm happy that you know I was born into a family like this. I'm happy that I'm fed well, and lived a good life growing up. I'm grateful to God for that. But of course, on top of that, wala akong control doon. I don't have control over what family I'm born into," Joaquin explained.

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The young star stressed that everything his family has was earned through hard work.

"Pero at least alam ko sa sarili ko at alam ko na my money or my family's money and status was earned and worked for. It wasn't gotten unjustly like the other nepo babies we've been hearing about recently," he said.

"I can stand tall, and I can stand proud. Keep my chin up because alam ko na 'yung family ko they work for what they have. They work honestly [and] justly for it. So it's not something I get offended for," he added.

Joaquin also expressed deep appreciation for his stepmother.

"Like she's my mentor, she also gives me advice in life. Grabe 'yung nag-stop s'ya ng hiatus just to defend me. Pinagtanggol ako ni Darna. I'm so grateful for her. And like, I really couldn't have done it without her," he shared during Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.

Welcoming Angel Locsin as his stepmother in July 2021, Joaquin credited his family’s support for helping him achieve his success on the show. With his talent, charisma, and fan support, he completed his PBB journey alongside fellow finalist Ashley Sarmiento.

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Joaquin Arce is an emerging Filipino actor under Star Magic who first gained attention through Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0. Known as the “Rising Dreamer ng Muntinlupa,” he is the son of producer Neil Arce and stepson of actress Angel Locsin, who has been a vocal supporter. Born deaf in his right ear, Joaquin impressed viewers with his poise, determination, and athleticism in the PBB house, earning a “Big Ticket” and finishing as the 3rd Big Placer of the season.

In separate news, Joaquin Arce shared that he was deeply touched by the support of his stepmother, Angel Locsin, during his stint on Pinoy Big Brother. Locsin defended him online when critics called him a “nepo baby,” prompting Joaquin to express immense gratitude for her backing. He noted that she was one of the first people he saw after leaving the show. Despite not winning the season, Joaquin remains thankful for the overwhelming love and encouragement from his fans.