For many Filipino celebrities, the people who helped shape their lives were not necessarily the ones in the spotlight.
Behind the fame, awards and carefully curated social-media posts are stories of lolos and lolas who provided love, guidance, sacrifice and, in some cases, became the family’s strongest support system.
That sentiment takes on a particularly emotional meaning for actress Bianca Umali, who recently celebrated the 90th birthday of her grandmother, Vicky.
Bianca marked the milestone with a special celebration and described her grandmother as their family’s “superhero.” GMA News reported that Bianca shared photos from the pink-themed gathering and expressed gratitude for the nine decades of love, strength and wisdom her grandmother had given the family.
Bianca Umali’s grandmother was more than a lola
Bianca’s relationship with her grandmother goes far beyond the usual bond between grandparent and grandchild.
The actress has previously opened up about losing her mother when she was only 5 years old and her father when she was 10. Her grandmother subsequently became a central figure in raising her.
In an earlier interview with Kara David, Bianca revealed just how much responsibility her grandmother carried. According to GMA Entertainment, Vicky cared for as many as 15 granddaughters under one roof, despite already being retired and widowed.
Bianca has described her grandmother as the “real Sang’gre”—a reference to the strong female characters in GMA’s fantasy franchise—because of her resilience and determination to keep the family together.
For Bianca, Vicky’s greatest strength was not simply providing for the children but choosing to take care of them wholeheartedly despite the challenges.
Her 90th birthday became a celebration of a family legacy
Bianca recently gave her grandmother a celebration worthy of the milestone.
Calling it her grandmother’s “debut,” the actress shared photos of the celebration and reflected on the memories, sacrifices and lessons that Vicky had given their family.
GMA Entertainment reported that Bianca’s boyfriend, actor Ruru Madrid, was also present at the birthday celebration.
Other reports showed that the celebration featured a pink-themed setup, floral decorations and family portraits, turning the milestone into both a birthday party and a tribute to the woman who helped hold the family together.
The celebration comes at a time when Grandparents Day and Grandparents Month-related activities are also putting renewed attention on the role of older family members.
Araneta City, for example, launched activities under the theme “Forever Young at Heart,” including wellness initiatives and family-oriented events designed to celebrate Filipino grandparents.
The celebrity stories point to something bigger
Bianca’s experience is not an isolated story.
For many Filipino families, grandparents remain important caregivers, especially when parents are working overseas, families face financial difficulties or circumstances force younger generations to take on responsibilities earlier than expected.
That reality can be seen in the stories celebrities have shared over the years.
Marian Rivera, for instance, previously spoke about the important role her grandmother, Lola Iska, played in her upbringing while her mother worked overseas. Rivera described the love and support she received from both women as something she could never measure.
Another example is the story of Kiko Aquino Dee, grandson of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. In a recent Inquirer feature, Dee recalled how the nationally recognized political figure was also simply “Lolo Ninoy” within the family—a reminder that public figures can occupy an entirely different place in the lives of their grandchildren.
And beyond celebrity families, Filipino stories of grandparents as caregivers remain deeply familiar. A recent personal essay published by Positively Filipino described a grandmother stepping in as a primary caregiver and passing down lessons about kindness, vulnerability and family.
Why stories about lolos and lolas resonate so deeply
There is something particularly powerful about celebrities talking about their grandparents.
Fans usually see these personalities as performers, influencers, athletes or public figures. But stories about their lolos and lolas reveal a more personal side—one rooted in childhood, family and gratitude.
For Bianca, the story is especially poignant because her grandmother was not simply someone who spoiled her with food or affection.
She was the person who stayed.
She helped raise Bianca and other grandchildren, provided stability during difficult years and became a source of strength when the actress lost both parents.
That is why Bianca’s tribute to her grandmother feels bigger than a birthday greeting.
It is a public thank-you to the woman who helped give her a home.
And perhaps that is the real story behind the celebrities’ tributes to their grandparents: long before the cameras, followers and fame, there were lolos and lolas quietly helping shape the people the public eventually came to know.
Leave a Reply