Kapamilya actor and ‘Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0’ housemate Joaquin Arce has spoken up about allegations branding him a “nepo baby,” saying he wants to succeed in show business based on merit rather than family connections.
During the February 25 episode of the reality show, the Ultimate 8 housemates faced the ‘Ultimate Tapatan,’ where they answered questions from hosts, former housemates, and the public. Among the questions directed at Joaquin were whether he considers himself a nepo baby, the influence of his family, and their financial capacity to support him through to the Big Night.
Joaquin clarified that even before entering Bahay ni Kuya, he had already spoken to his family about not spending money on votes.
“Well sinabi ko sa pamilya ko before coming here not to spend [money on voting me]. I believe that whatever I get, I shall deserve,” he shared. “Everything that I want to achieve in this industry as an actor, because it is my dream to become an actor, gusto ko na deserve ko siya.”
Joaquin is the son of producer-businessman Neil Arce and stepson of actress Angel Locsin. Given his family background, he admitted being frequently asked if he wants to work with his stepmother.
“Lagi akong tinatanong ng, ‘Do you wanna work with your stepmom? Do you want to work with Tita Angel in the future?’ Lagi kong sinasabi na, ‘I think it’s a privilege to work with her. I think I have to deserve it. I think I need to become a good enough actor to be able to act with her,’” he said.
He emphasized that if he were to win the competition, he would want it to be because of public support and his own efforts.
“And with that being said, I think, if I were to win and if I were to want to deserve a spot too, I think I have to deserve it. Dapat ‘yung mga taumbayan ang pipili sa akin,” he added.
Earlier, Angel Locsin addressed social media comments criticizing Joaquin and questioning his place in the competition.
“Bihira lang akong mag social media ha. Pero nagulat ako sa comments ng ilang tao dito. Ano namang kasalanan ni Joaquin at naging asawa ko ang dad nya para ma-brand sya as nepo baby? Para namang hindi ako nag dyip o bus papuntang tapings ko dati,” she wrote.
She added that her stepson could have easily asked for a project but chose to audition for PBB instead.
“My son could have asked me for a project, but ang hiniling nya is mag audition sa PBB. Wag bitter. Nakakapanget yan,” she said.
Locsin also revealed she had been voting for Joaquin throughout his journey in the house.
The Big Winner of ‘Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0’ is set to be announced on February 28, where the public’s votes will determine who takes home the title.
