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Kapamilya Third Big Placer Joaquin Arce takes time to address comments circulating online about his prominent family background.

In an interview with Ogie Diaz, Joaquin reflected on his journey in the hit television series Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.

One of the things he reminisced about was the challenge of facing online hate from the outside world. This included being labeled a “nepo baby,” as he's the son of film producer Neil Arce and stepson of Angel Locsin.

When asked about his reaction, Joaquin calmly said that the comments did not hurt him.

"'Di ako na-hurt doon kasi totoo naman na 'yung dad ko and 'yung stepmom ko, sikat sila at mayaman. It's undeniable," he said.

Instead of feeling ashamed, Joaquin shared that he's grateful to be part of a loving family.

"Honestly, I'm happy that you know I was born into a family like this. I'm happy that I'm fed well, and lived a good life growing up. I'm grateful to God for that. But of course, on top of that, wala akong control doon. I don't have control over what family I'm born into," he added.

Joaquin admitted that he has heard such comments often. But he feels no shame, emphasizing that everything his family has comes from hard work.

"Pero at least alam ko sa sarili ko at alam ko na my money or my family's money and status was earned and worked for. It wasn't gotten unjustly like the other nepo babies we've been hearing about recently," he said.

"I can stand tall, and I can stand proud. Keep my chin up because alam ko na 'yung family ko they work for what they have. They work honestly [and] justly for it. So it's not something I get offended for."

It can be recalled that while Joaquin was still inside the PBB house, Angel broke her silence regarding the comments.

The actress highlighted how passionate and dedicated Joaquin is in pursuing his dreams on his own.

"My son could have asked me for a project, but ang hiniling nya is mag audition sa PBB. 'Wag bitter. Nakakapanget yan," she wrote.

Joaquin also expressed gratitude for having a supportive stepmother and revealed as a fan of the actress.

"Like she's my mentor, she also gives me advice in life. Grabe 'yung nag-stop s'ya ng hiatus just to defend me. Pinagtanggol ako ni Darna. I'm so grateful for her. And like, I really couldn't have done it without her," he said in Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.

Joaquin welcomed Angel as his stepmom when she and his father tied the knot last July 2021.

With his performance, personality, and the support of fans and family, Joaquin finished his journey as third big placer alongside Kapuso star Ashley Sarmiento.

Get to know more about Joaquin Arce in this gallery: