Joaquin Arce addresses ‘nepo baby’ remark: ‘I’m proud to be my parents' child’

Joaquin Arce said he is proud to be his parents’ child amid being called a “nepo baby” by several netizens on social media.

In an interview with GMA News Online on Friday, the “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” 3rd Big Placer did not deny being a “nepo baby,” and said that everything his parents have achieved right now was because of pure hard work.

“Well, first of all, like, I'm proud to be my parents' child, my parents' son, because alam ko na pinaghirapan nila 'yung kung saan sila ngayon and they worked hard for it. Hindi sila nangurakot,” Joaquin shared. 

“So, I'm a proud son of my parents and alam ko naman wala naman silang ginawang mali. At totoo naman na I'm their kid, and I can't really avoid that label. So, it's true,” he added.

The Kapamilya star also shared that he joined "PBB" to make a name for himself and work hard for his dream. 

“But, you know, that's why I joined 'PBB.' Kasi gusto ko na ipakilala ko 'yung sarili ko sa mundo as me. I want to make a name for myself. I want to have something for myself,” Joaquin said. 

“I want to take the stairs, not the elevator. I want to work hard for what I want to get. I want to deserve what I want to get because I feel like that's what's right. I want to get there fair, just like how everyone else." 

Ang Rising Dreamer ng Muntinlupa also said that he feels pressured to prove himself, not because of his parents’ status but because he wants to be the best. 

“Whether I had, you know, sikat na parents or hindi, I guess, inevitably, pressure. In any field of work, I guess. I guess it's good that I have that pressure because I can use that pressure to, you know, further heighten my drive,” Joaquin told GMA News Online.

“I'm happy that I have another reason to, you know, do my best. And I really want to do my best.”

Joaquin is the son of Filipino film producer Neil Arce and his former partner, beauty queen Sunshine Samson. He is also the stepson of Angel Locsin, who is married to Neil.

Previously, Angel came to the defense of Joaquin after he was labeled a "nepo baby" by some netizens, and during the "Tapatan" challenge inside Bahay ni Kuya.

"Ano namang kasalanan ni Joaquin at naging asawa ko ang dad [Neil Arce] niya para ma-brand siya as nepo baby?" the actress wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

During the "Tapatan" challenge in "PBB," Joaquin was asked about being branded a "nepo baby" in showbiz, to which he responded: "Everything that I want to achieve in this industry as an actor, because it's my dream to be an actor, gusto ko na deserve ko siya."

The term "nepo baby," short for nepotism baby, is often used to describe children or relatives of celebrities who are perceived to benefit from family connections in the same industry. Amid the issue of flood control last year, "nepo babies" became a trending topic as netizens slammed children of politicians and contractors for their lavish lifestyles.

Joaquin emerged as the 3rd Big Placer alongside Ashley Sarmiento in “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.” 

—CDC, GMA Integrated News