Elisse Joson Acknowledges McCoy De Leon's Sacrifices As Partner, Dad

At a time when people are taking sides on the impending divorce law in the Philippines, actress and entrepreneur Elisse Joson's heartwarming appreciation post to her partner, McCoy de Leon, stands out.

In a post on Instagram on June 5, the Smart Parenting's May 2023 Mom We Love cover star penned an honest and sweet message for McCoy, which moved her friends and followers to tears. In it, Elisse acknowledged the struggles that McCoy faced as a first-time dad in his 20s, and stressed how she sees the changes and growth in him.

Elisse Joson pens appreciation post for partner McCoy de Leon

Elisse wrote, "Not everyone will understand how hard you are trying to be the best partner for me, how hard you're working to provide for us, how you're learning to become a family man."

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A post shared by Elisse Joson (@elissejosonn)

She continued by saying that McCoy is a loving and selfless partner who puts their needs and safety first. "Hindi nakikita ng lahat... na mawalan ka na sa pang-sarili, maibigay mo lang sa iba."

Elisse added, "Tayo ay dalawang tao na patuloy pa ding lumalaki, lumalago, natututo, lalo sa pagiging magulang." She also acknowledged that despite McCoy's past and mistakes, she too had shortcomings. 

"At hindi lahat pare-pareho ng pamamaraan ng pag hilom ng mga sugat. Sometimes we don't even know how to take away the pain. I'm sorry I put [you] through this," she explained. 

Elisse then urged others to see McCoy as a person and not judge him based on how he he has been portrayed.

"Don't put him in a category. Don't put him in a box. He's a person. Not any label or description [you] put him into. A person worthy of being known for himself as a whole. Not his past, not his mistakes, not whatever [you] see him as. McCoy, " just "McCoy." A human being just like you," she stressed.

Towards the end, Elisse recognized McCoy's significant role in their family of three. "For me and Felize, he is our strength. He is our family. He is what Felize has."

"McCoy ko, these pictures are not enough. But I hope these moments remind [you] that for the people that matter [sic].. we see [you], we hear [you], we appreciate [you]," she concluded.

Celebrities moved by Elisse Joson's message to McCoy de Leon

Iza Calzado, Vern Enciso, and Dimples Romana were among the celebrities who empathized with Elisse. 

Melai Cantiveros Francisco expressed, "Supre [sic] nakakaiyak naman to. I'm sure umiiyak ka Elisse habang nagtatype nito, hayaan mo ang mga 'di nakakintindi sa mga asawa natin," she continued. "Ang importante, tayo ang makakaintindi sa kanila and kahit tayo lang sapat na."

"And that’s how you build a family," said Benjie Tiongco, a wedding photographer. 

Elisse and McCoy's loveteam, called McLisse, started in 2016, when they paired up in the reality show, Pinoy Big Brother season 7. The couple revealed in 2021 that they are already parents, and introduced Baby Felize to the public that same year.

In January 2023, rumors that the couple have parted ways surfaced, further sparked by McCoy's letter to his daughter, saying, "Sana pagtanda mo, 'wag magbago ang tingin kay daddy ha."

Elisse then revealed that, aside from their daughter, one of the reasons they chose to stay together was the support of their loved ones. In an interview in August last year, Elisse said, "I’m grateful kasi ang daming nagmamahal sa amin na nakakatulong din for us to come together, kasi alam niyong maraming sumusuporta sa inyo, maraming nagmamahal."

"A lot of people, sa family, hindi naman yan basta susukuan lang agad eh, you have to work hard for it. Kahit anong mangyari, gagawin mo lahat talaga para magsama-sama kayo [at] maayos."

Elisse's heartfelt message to McCoy is more than just an appreciation post—it's a testament to their enduring love and commitment. Their journey inspires others to believe in the power of love and resilience amid struggles and challenges.

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