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Despite that we are still in the middle of a pandemic, drama actress Valerie Concepcion was able to celebrate her 33rd birthday yesterday, December 21.

In her Instagram post, Valerie shared her simple celebration this year and revealed that she marked her special day without her husband Francis Sunga.

“Thank You Lord for my 33 years of existence and for all the blessings. YOU are amazing Lord! My heart is filled with gratitude. Thanks to my dear husband for surprising me even if we're miles apart.

“I love you, @franchise_33. #HappyBirthdayToMe 12.21.2020.”

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A post shared by Valerie Concepcion 🇵🇭 (@v_concepcion)

Several celebrities sent their well-wishes to the birthday girl including Chika Minute host Iya Villania, versatile actress Jean Garcia, and primetime actress Max Collins.

For his part, Francis made a heartwarming Instagram post for Valerie.

He wrote: "Happy Birthday to my Queen V. We're an ocean apart today, but I'm thankful that God continues to pour blessings upon our family. Congratulations and I can't wait to watch your netflix series. 2021 is gonna be great for us. See you soon Mrs Sunga. @v_concepcion #valerieconcepcion"

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A post shared by franchise_33 (@franchise_33)

Family and career

On December 28, Valerie and her non-showbiz husband will mark their first wedding anniversary.

Last year, the two exchanged “I Do's” in a beautiful garden wedding at The Hills at Silang in Cavite.

Valerie mentioned in her previous interview that she first met Francis in 2017 in Guam.

Prior to meeting Francis, Valerie already has a daughter named Heather Fiona from a previous relationship with Jeremy Carag. She give birth to Heather Fiona when she was 16.

Back in 2016, Valerie was featured in an episode of Tunay na Buhay, where she shared her life as a single mom and how her family helped her raise Fiona.

Valerie said, “When I had my daughter parang all of a sudden I said to myself 'I'm going to work hard.'

“Because everything that I'm doing is for her. Parang biglang nagkaroon ng direction 'yung buhay, bigla ako nag-mature.”

She added that she would not mind if her daughter would want to have a connection with her biological father in the future.

The actress told Rhea Santos, “Even noong bata pa siya pinakita ko 'yung picture ng dad niya, Sabi ko: “Ito 'yung papa mo ganyan.'

“His name is like this, like that.

“Kasi kahit paikot-ikutin ang mundo tatay niya 'yun e, kaya I always tell her that even if you don't love him because you don't know him, you always have to have respect for him.”

The birthday girl has been part of several big projects under GMA-7.

In 2019, she was cast to be part of the high-rating afternoon soap Ika-5 Utos. She portrayed Clarisse in the series, while Jean Garcia played Eloisa. Former 'SiS' host Gelli de Bellen bagged the role of Kelly.

Valerie Concepcion was also chosen to be part of the star-studded cast of telefantasya series Mulawin Vs. Ravena (2017). Also part of this big-budget primetime series were Dennis Trillo, Heart Evangelista, Carla Abellana, Derrick Monasterio, and Bea Binene.

Miguel Tanfelix reprises his role as Pagaspas, while his on-screen partner Bianca Umali became Lawiswis.

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WATCH: Valerie Concepcion and Francis Sunga's SDE wedding video