Judy Ann's Daughter Yohan Turns 18: "Friends Come And Go, But Family Is Permanent"

It seems just like it was yesterday when Judy Ann Santos, at the height of her showbiz career, surprised everyone by having a baby girl. Now, Yohan finally enters adulthood. 

Juday shared her heart-felt birthday message for her eldest daughter on her Instagram account, “18 years. Just like that, time does really fly fast my love. At 24 years old I started praying for a baby when I turned 26, in the same year that I turned 26, God gave me you.”

She continued her message, “And how lucky I am to have you. You taught me a lot. And up until now mommy’s still learning. We grew up together. Literally.”

She also acknowledged husband Ryan Agoncillo, “and we are both blessed to have dad to guide and experience life and love with all our imperfections.”

Juday closed her sweet message with a promise to Yohan, “This we promise you, life is tough my love. Friends come and go. But, family is permanent. Wherever you wanna go, whatever you want to be, we will be here for you, always and forever. Happy 18th, our big buding. We love you, with all of our hearts.”

How Yohan came into Judy Ann's life

At 24 years old, Judy Ann specifically prayed that she wants to have a daughter when she turns 26. A week after her 26th birthday, she got a call about Yohan.

In a 2019 interview, Judy Ann said, “I prayed for years to have a baby girl. I'm very specific with my prayers. I want to have a baby girl at 26. And I got a call a week after I turned 26. And it was a baby girl, so that was you. Even before I had a family, it was you and me only.'

After learning the full story, Yohan began to appreciate her story. "Dun, ano na siya, 'Ah, oo nga. Sa iyo ako kasi ginusto mo,'" Judy Ann continued.

RELATED: How Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo Told Yohan About Her Adoption

In 2004, Judy Ann’s prayers were answered when God gave her Yohan. Adoption was quite taboo at that time, but Juday didn’t mind other people’s opinion. 

The timing might seem off to some, because Judy Ann was at the top of her game and her romance with Ryan Agoncillo was in its early stages–but for Juday, the timing was perfect. 

The following years, while Yohan was growing up, Judy Ann got engaged to Ryan and they eventually married in 2009. The couple had two more children together, Lucho and Luna. 

RELATED: Judy Ann Felt Ryan Was The One Because 'He's Really After For My Own Good'

Turning 18 years old: what parents need to remember

Very Well Family gives a few reminders for parents with kids who are turning 18 years old. Much of it is the reminder that an 18 year old person gains legal rights. Here are some reminders:

• An 18 year old has legal rights that include voting. 
• An 18 year old needs to know about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. 
• Philippine law has set 18 years old as the minimum legal drinking age.
• An 18 year old can still need your emotional support.

To know more about how to get your teenager to talk to you, read this story.