Elisse Joson to Daughter Felize: ‘We Will Always Belong to You’

“No matter how life changes, we will always belong to her.”

Published on Jul 26, 2025

Elisse Joson and McCoy de Leon have shared a joint statement announcing their separation after five years together, while reaffirming their commitment to their daughter, Felize.

In their message posted on social media, Elisse began by reflecting on her biggest dream in life, which was to build a family she could call her own, saying this dream shaped and grounded them throughout their years together.

“For all the beautiful five years and more that we were together, we held onto that dream with everything we had,” the letter read. “We made that promise to love, to fight, to stay. And truthfully, we both tried. We both held on for as long as we could.”

Also read: McCoy De Leon Writes to Daughter Felize: ‘Sana Pagtanda Mo ’Wag Magbago Tingin Kay Daddy Ha’

Elisse Reflects on Her Dream of Family Amid Split with McCoy

Ultimately, Elisse and McCoy said they reached a point where holding on was no longer serving them. They decided to let go of the life they once envisioned, choosing instead to create space for peace, growth, and healing in their individual lives. “Together, we’re releasing that dream… so we can finally allow a new kind of peace, growth, and healing to enter,” their statement read.

Elisse and McCoy made it clear that this does not mean they failed. Their relationship gave them their greatest gift: their daughter, Felize, who is now four years old. In their letter, they shared moments when Felize would wrap her arms around them and say, “My family belongs to me.” For Elisse and McCoy, that will always remain true—no matter how life changes, they will always belong to her—her mommy, her daddy, her family.

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They also asked the public to hold their story with care, writing, “No need for speculations, no assumptions. This wasn’t easy for either of us. We simply ask for kindness and respect as this story, and how it’s remembered, may one day shape what our daughter believes about love, family, and letting go.”

Elisse and McCoy first met in 2016 inside the Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky Season 7 house. Their chemistry was instant, quickly blossoming into an onscreen love team that fans called “McLisse.” They confirmed their real-life relationship in 2018 and welcomed Felize, their first child, in April 2021 while living quietly in the United States. They introduced her publicly later that year through an emotional ASAP segment that left fans in tears.

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Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.