AJ Raval recalls nearly losing son Aljur Jr. in premature birth

AJ Raval opened up about a difficult and traumatic moment in her life as a mom: her son Aljur Jr.'s birth.

On Facebook, AJ looked back at June 2, 2024 when her baby was born premature and in critical condition.

“In the delivery room for a moment we lost him," AJ wrote. "I did not know what to do. His lungs were not fully developed. The doctors said his condition was critical and that he needed to be transferred to another hospital.” 

AJ said she'd been terrified and could only pray, adding that instead of asking God for answers or explanations, she prayed for one thing only: a life extension for her baby.

“I saw the doctors performing CPR to revive my baby. After that I do not remember anything. I lost consciousness. When I woke up in the recovery room the first thing I did was ask for my baby,” she said.

Aljur Jr. had to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for days. AJ described those days as "heavy and quiet."

“In that waiting I realized there was only one thing to hold on to God. That experience changed me in ways I cannot explain. When you come that close to losing someone you realize how small everything else is. What truly matters is life love and the people God entrusts to us.” 

AJ urged everyone to appreciate every breath, every moment, and every heartbeat, saying that facing life’s fragility teaches us to be thankful for everything.

“Let this be a reminder to appreciate what you have every breath every moment. All glory belongs to God,” she said.

AJ first revealed in November that she has five kids now, three of whom are with Aljur Abrenica.

AJ and Aljur’s love story began in 2022 after they worked together on the film "Nerisa." They made their relationship public on Valentine’s Day 2023.

Aljur was previously married to Kylie Padilla.

After AJ finally confirmed her children with Aljur, Kylie expressed support for her fellow mom and said that their kids have good sibling relationships. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News