Family
AJ Raval recalls giving birth in lying-in clinic at 17
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AJ Raval, who recently confirmed that she is a mother of five—three of them with her current partner Aljur Abrenica—continues to share glimpses of her life as a celebrity mom.
The actress first spoke candidly about her personal life in an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda last month, giving fans a closer look at her journey in parenthood.
On December 12, AJ marked a special occasion with a heartfelt tribute to her eldest daughter, Ariane Eliz, on her eighth birthday. Along with the touching message, she shared photos capturing moments from Ariane's childhood, offering fans a glimpse into the bond they share as mother and daughter.
AJ Raval opened up about her journey as a young mother in a deeply personal post, reflecting on the struggles she faced raising her eldest daughter, Ariane Eliz. She recalled the early days, saying there were times she wondered, “How are we going to make it?”
At just 17, AJ felt scared, broke, and uncertain about how to navigate motherhood while still feeling like a kid herself.
She described the hardships they endured: arguments, tears, and moments when life felt unbearably heavy. With no stable income, no home of their own, and only a tiny 5,000-peso apartment to call their own, AJ admitted that some nights she longed for the safety of her parents' home but held back to avoid feeling like a burden.
She recounted giving birth in a Lying-in Clinic and carrying the weight of responsibility largely on her own.
Despite these challenges, AJ emphasized the resilience that grew from those early struggles.
“We did it,” she wrote. “We kept going even when it felt impossible. You were small, but you saved me in big ways. Your tiny hands and loud little voice reminded me that I had something worth fighting for.”
Marking Ariane's eighth birthday, AJ celebrated the young girl she had raised through adversity. She described her daughter as “smart, strong, funny, wild, beautiful…everything I dreamed you'd be and more.”
Beyond celebrating Ariane, AJ reflected on her own growth, “When I look at you, I don't just see my daughter. I see my survival. I see my growth. I see the reason I learned how to fight, love, and rebuild my life.”
Concluding her heartfelt tribute, AJ expressed hope and promise for the future: “Happy birthday to the girl who turned my struggle into strength. We made it through the hardest parts, and I promise the rest of your story will be filled with warmth, love, and a home built from everything we've survived.”
Through her posts, AJ Raval continues to embrace her role as a mother while balancing the demands of her career, showing that even in the spotlight, family remains at the heart of her life.
Take a look at AJ and Aljur's family life in these photos, showing the couple's growing bond:
