I. Introduction: A Secret Life in the Spotlight

The relationship between actor Aljur Abrenica and controversial star AJ Raval has been a subject of intense speculation and tabloid headlines since their romance first emerged. Yet, the saga has taken a dramatic turn, moving beyond their complicated partnership to focus on their alleged children. Following years of persistent denial, the private lives of the couple have been thrust into the public domain, thanks to an unexpected “slip” by AJ Raval’s father, the veteran action star Jeric Raval.

This detailed account explores the sequence of events that led to the accidental revelation, the couple’s conflicting reactions, and the public’s varied responses to the news that Aljur and AJ may already be parents to two young children. The story is a complex mix of denial, paternal pride, and a calculated move toward public acknowledgment.

II. The Accidental Revelation: Jeric Raval’s Slip of the Tongue

The dam of secrecy surrounding the couple’s family life broke on August 23, 2025, during a press conference following Jeric Raval’s victory as Best Supporting Actor at the 73rd FAMAS Awards. Overwhelmed by the excitement of the moment, Jeric Raval casually let slip a significant family secret.

In what he later described as a “normal conversation” with the entertainment press, Jeric Raval inadvertently disclosed that he had new grandchildren through his daughter, AJ. He initially provided specific details, claiming that AJ and Aljur had a one-year-and-two-month-old son and a nine-month-old baby girl. Though he later attempted to correct the sequence and retracted the specific ages, the damage was done.

In a subsequent interview with seasoned host Boy Abunda, Jeric Raval admitted his error:

“Actually, I just slipped up then. I was talking to someone at the press conference and I was just overwhelmed. It felt like a normal conversation. But since I’ve said it, I can’t deny it anymore.”

He explained that the truth was revealed precisely at a time when the rumors had subsided, stating, “The real truth—the time when no one was talking about it—that’s when I said it. God, why am I such a blabbermouth?” Despite his initial regret, Jeric confirmed in later interviews that the existence of the children was factual, completing the tally of his many grandchildren.

III. Aljur Abrenica: The Hesitant Father’s Stance

In stark contrast to the impulsive candor of his prospective father-in-law, Aljur Abrenica maintains a cautious public silence. When interviewed as a brand ambassador for a furniture company, Aljur addressed Jeric Raval’s comments with profound respect but firm reluctance.

Aljur acknowledged Jeric’s perspective, stating, “Father Jeric is a father, and he always sees what is good for everyone. That is right.” However, he strongly asserted his personal decision to remain private for the time being:

“For me, for now, I cannot talk about it personally. I am not yet comfortable. As an individual, I prayed for it. I saw that it should wait. Everything will be unveiled in time, later.”

Abrenica framed his silence as a measured choice, perhaps driven by unseen complexities in their situation. He suggested his elders sometimes perceive things he does not yet see, indicating that the timing of the announcement might be the central issue, not the fact itself.

Aljur also offered a rare glimpse into his relationship with AJ, stating, “There is no perfect relationship. That’s what I love about it. If it’s smooth, there’s nothing to learn.” He proudly shared the enduring strength of their bond: “In my journey with AJ, what I’m proud and happy to say is that no one let go. It’s not smooth, but the learnings and the journey are truly happy.”

IV. AJ Raval’s Quiet Acknowledgement: A Halloween Unveiling

While Aljur Abrenica publicly stated he was not yet ready to discuss their children, AJ Raval’s actions suggest she is prepared for the truth to emerge. Just weeks after her father’s revelation, AJ subtly but powerfully acknowledged the existence of the children through social media.

In her Halloween costume photo post, where she dressed as the superhero Darna, a little girl was conspicuously present in her arms. The child’s face was obscured by a heart emoji, but the intimate nature of the photo—showing AJ kissing the child’s head—strongly implied a maternal bond. She followed this with a short video clip featuring two children, a boy and a girl, walking away from the camera, furthering the notion that the couple is indeed raising two kids, a fact that aligns perfectly with Jeric Raval’s earlier slip.

AJ Raval’s consistent posting of these subtle visual clues is interpreted as a clear sign that she is ready to move past the years of denial and embrace her role as a mother publicly, potentially signaling the “unveiling” that Aljur had prayed would happen “in time.”

V. The History of Denials and The Path to Acceptance

The public reaction has been intense, largely due to the years of strenuous denial from both AJ and Aljur regarding the pregnancy rumors, which first circulated in November 2022. At the time, AJ had repeatedly dismissed the persistent gossip, noting her frustration with the continuous false reports:

“First of all, I am not pregnant every year. It seems like I get pregnant yearly. Perhaps if I do get pregnant now, even if many people get angry, I will still be the happiest person in the world.”

She focused on her personal growth during periods away from the spotlight, having completed high school in July 2023 through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Aljur Abrenica was equally adamant in his earlier denial. In an interview with Julius Babao, he adamantly rejected the rumors, even laughing at the speed of the gossip: “Sir Julius, absolutely not. What happened to us was that a year passed before I even learned there was an issue! I said, ‘Why are people gossiping that we have a child? The child grew up so fast!'”

The couple’s public shift from aggressive denial to quiet acknowledgment follows a complicated history. Their relationship began amid allegations that AJ Raval was the third party in Aljur’s split from his ex-wife, Kylie Padilla, a claim Kylie later publicly refuted, urging people to stop bashing AJ. Aljur, however, did admit to cheating on Kylie, citing it as one of the reasons for their separation. By Valentine’s Day 2023, AJ and Aljur officially confirmed their relationship and began sharing glimpses of their life together, including videos confirming they shared a home.

Ultimately, the new visual evidence and Jeric Raval’s confirmation have established a new reality for the couple. While Aljur prefers gradual disclosure, the truth is already out, propelled by a proud grandfather and a mother ready to share her children with the world.