Businessman raised in Norway by adoptive parents returns to Philippines to find biological mom

Despite already being successful as the CEO of his own company in Norway, Espen Haugland decided to fly back to the Philippines to search for his biological mother.

According to the latest episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Espen was taken to Europe by his adoptive parents in 1989.

He was only one year old when he was adopted by a Norwegian couple from a children's home in Legazpi, Albay.

He grew up in Haugesund, Norway, where he had a good life.

"My family was very loving and caring and super happy to have me in Norway. My father is in the oil industry and service and my mother is in government. I also came home to a sister," he said, admitting that he experienced getting bullied because he was different.

"I was just asking why I look different. And they told me that I was originally born in the Philippines," he added.

Espen's life in Norway

While Espen was growing up, his parents would find ways so that he still had a connection with the country he came from.

"They tried to go to the Asian stores to find something that was Filipino so that I could try to get some Filipino food or taste this kind of food also in Norway," he said.

Espen said that he made sure that he would succeed in life to prove those who bullied him wrong.

He finished high school at the top of his class and would constantly practice football and soccer.

"I have a dream to play one game for the Azkals," he said. 

Espen is now the CEO of his own company, and he's into technology and real estate.

But despite his success, Espen still couldn't help but feel the longing for his biological mother.

Espen's search for his biological mother

When Espen started investigating his life in the Philippines, he found out that the real name of his biological mother was Eufemia and that he was her first child.

"My Norwegian name is Espen, but when I looked at the papers, I found that my Filipino name is Jerad Marquez Daria," he said.

Espen then sought the help of the agency that handled his adoption papers.

CSWD staff Lea Dat said that on July 15, 2008, they received from the Inter-country Adoption Board "requesting to locate the family."

Meanwhile, Espen said that he simply wishes that his biological parents "could see me thrive in my sports adventure," adding that he has no bad feelings at all towards his mother.

"I am very forgiving. I believe that the Lord will shed light on our darkness even within our questions than the hardships. So I've let down my anger or my disappointments. I forgave her for this and I tried to understand and accept the fact that she finally gave me away for adoption," he said.

On New Year's Eve, Espen finally flew to the Philippines with his partner, Anna.

"I think it also has something to do with my relationship with my girlfriend because we have been discussing and talking about having children ourselves. So then I felt that I really have to have a good answer for my own children: where is dad's country and where is he from, what is his history," he said.

Espen also posted his search on Facebook, which went viral and gave them leads about his mother.

Espen's biological mother

A woman from Legazpi City in Albay came forward, saying she also once had a baby for adoption, but the child's name was not Espen but Jerad.

"Ipinanganak ko nu'ng August 1988. Ipinaampon ko siya noon pagkapanganak ko pa lang, mga 4 days siya. Tapos ibigay sa taong magkakaroon siya ng magandang kinabukasan," Eufemia said in tears.

["He was born in August 1988. He was only 4 days old when I had him adopted. I wanted someone to give him a better life."]

She said that she had no choice but to give her son to an orphanage because of poverty.

"Kahit binigay ko ang anak ko, napaiyak ako, sabi ko ganito pala ang pakiramdam ng ina 'pag ang anak pinamigay. Sabi ko, 'Anak, hindi sana puwede kaya lang hindi ko naman kaya ang buhay ko. Intindihin mo. 'Pag may pag-iisip ka na, huwag kang magagalit sa akin," she said.

["It was a very difficult decision for me. I found out how hard it is for a mother to give her child away. I hope he'll understand what I did."]

When Eufemia found out that her child had already been adopted, she asked about their information.

Eufemia later on had another son, Melvin, whom she promised she would keep, but she admitted that her first son is still always on her mind.

Eufemia said that she did not like the decision she made, but she had no choice.

Melvin said he was surprised to learn that he had a sibling.

"Sana nakasama ko siya ngayon. Sana naging kalaro ko rin nu'ng bata pa ako. Sabi ko, 'Ma, hanapin natin siya,'" he said.

["I hope to see my brother someday. I wish I had a chance to play with him when we were children. I told my mom that we should try and find him."]

It's through her boss that Eufemia heard about Espen's post.

Espen and Eufemia's reunion

Espen headed to Albay with a nervous heart to meet Eufemia.

Eufemia and Melvin waited for him inside a church, and when Espen arrived, she couldn't help but tear up as she hugged him.

"I miss this, my son. I miss you, oh my God," she said in tears.

Espen told her, "You are so beautiful."

Eufemia took the chance to apologize.

"I'm very sorry because I gave you to... because nu'ng time na 'yun I'm very, hirap na hirap ako sa buhay. Kaya ko siya binigay. It's difficult life."

["I'm very sorry that I had to give you up. It was a difficult life."]

Espen assured her that he understands. "It's okay. Don't worry. we're here now."

In their interview with KMJS, Eufemia and Espen expressed their happiness upon seeing each other.

"Masayang-masaya po. Naano na po ang panalangin ko, natugon na po," Eufemia said, adding that Espen has the same features as him.

["I'm so happy, my prayers were finally answered."]

Espen added, "It's been overwhelming."

To further confirm if they were really related by blood, they took a DNA test, where they found out that they had a 99.9999% probability of maternity.

"No more question," Espen said. "I feel so lucky, so happy to find my mother and my brother. And now, we have special relationships after this time. And I hope we can share many good moments together in the future."

Espen now plans to apply for dual citizenship and use his Filipino name.

"We've had many plans already. And maybe also there will be a time for them to visit Norway," he said.

—JCB, GMA Integrated News