In a surprising turn of events following the death of his father, actor-director David Chua revealed that he is one of 16 children fathered by the late Gerson Kummer Mallillin — children born to different women across various parts of the world.
“Ang dami naming magkakapatid, sixteen. Iba-ibang lahi, United Colors of Benetton nga. Meron sa UK, meron sa Amerika, meron sa Dubai, sa Qatar, sa Japan,” David shared. “Ang alam ko, pang-12 ako sa mga anak niya na panganay.”
Used to growing up almost alone — only with his mother and one sibling — David was stunned when he was contacted by one of his half-siblings in 2017 through Instagram. They eventually met for a mini-reunion in Bonifacio Global City.
“Nagulat ako pagpasok ko sa bahay, ang dami namin. ‘O, ito yung pamangkin mo, ito yung apo.’ Pero wala ang tatay ko doon. Sanay akong mag-isa… biglang ang dami pala namin.”
He admitted that while he tries to connect with his half-siblings, it hasn’t always been easy. “Pinipilit ko na magkaroon ng relationship sa iba kong mga kapatid sa tatay, pero hindi ko masyadong makuha kasi nasanay nga po ako na mag-isa.”
Now turning 36 this March 26, David is focused on moving forward and giving back. “Ang birthday wish ko, gusto ko muna yung kaluluwa ng aking mga minamahal, nanay ko, tatay ko, e, talagang mamayapa na.”
In line with his mission to uplift his community, David Chua is running for councilor in District 2 of Manila in the May 2025 elections, bringing his passion for storytelling, education, and advocacy into the world of public service.
