Fact-Checked by Ronna Capili Bonifacio
Actress Claudine Barretto recently opened up about being a single mom to four children, three of whom she did not give birth to.
“I have so much love to give. Even if I give it to Sabina and Santino lang, my cup was overflowing pa rin. I wanted to share it,” the mom of four told Karen Davila in a recent interview.
Recalling the time she first embraced her eldest child, Sabina, Claudine said she had a profound realization: mother and child can be connected not just by genes alone.
"This is mine, this is for me. I'm going to keep you safe,” said Claudine, as she recalled her inexplicable connection with Sabina. She later on gave birth to Santino, her son with ex-husband Raymart Santiago.
As Claudine took in more children, Keah, 8, and Noah, 4, she encountered some well-meaning but misguided opinions from others. People would say, "Iba yan, di mo kadugo" (They're different; they're not your biological children). These words stung, and Claudine knew she needed to share her perspective. Claudine said that when you adopt, they adapt. It's not about blood; it's about the love and care you provide.
“If you can love your husband and not your own blood, how can you not love your children unconditionally?” Claudine said.
Claudine also emphasized that there was no difference between the love she has for her biological child, Santino, and for her chosen children. Wanting to change the narrative around adoption, Claudine also uses the word adopted sparingly.
“Change adopted to chosen - because you chose them. You don’t get to pick your own child, kung ano itsura. There’s no difference when adopting,” said Claudine, who understands how tedious the adoption process is in the Philippines.
READ: Planning to Adopt? Updated Guidelines About Adoption From DSWD
For Claudine, her children are her greatest reward. They have brought immense joy and fulfillment into her life. She lovingly refers to them as her "award." Her children have been a source of strength and inspiration, and they continue to motivate her to be the best version of herself.
“If I didn’t have kids, I didn’t think I’d still be here,” added Claudine.
READ: Here's Why You Should Tell Your Child That They Are Adopted—ASAP
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