AJ Raval reflects becoming first-time mother at 17

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December 16, 2025 | 10:06am

MANILA, Philippines — Actress AJ Raval commemorated the birthday of her eldest child with a reflection of becoming a mother at 17 years old.

Earlier this week AJ celebrated the eighth birthday of her daughter Ariane, whom she calls Yanna, with a series of photos on Instagram.

These include pictures of Yanna as a baby, early years as a toddler, and entering primary school.

In her post's caption, AJ recalled looking at the photos as a time of learning how to be a mother being so young herself at the time.

"I was 17, scared, broke, and trying to figure out how to be a mom when I still felt like a kid myself," AJ said. "Sometimes it honestly felt like a child raising a child. We argued, we cried, we struggled, and there were moments when life felt too heavy for both of us."

The actress said she had no money, stable income, or a house to call their own, "Just two girls trying to survive in a world that wasn't built to make it easy for us."

At one point AJ and Yanna live in a small P5,000 apartment with barely enough space and belongings after giving birth in a Lying-in Clinic.

She admitted there were moments wishing she could run to her parents, including father and fellow actor Jeric Raval, just to have the safety she was familiar with.

"I didn't want to feel like I was failing or asking for too much. So I held it all in," AJ continued, pivoting to words of perseverance.

"We did it. We kept going even when it felt impossible," she said, praising her daughter. "You were small, but you saved me in big ways. Your tiny hands and loud little voice reminded me that I had something worth fighting for. You're a blessing I never knew I needed, but the greatest one I ever received."

The 25-year-old AJ went on to describe Yanna as smart, strong, funny, wild, beautiful, and "everything I dreamed you'd be and more."

"When I look at you, I don’t just see my daughter. I see my survival. I see my growth. I see the reason I learned how to fight, love, and rebuild my life," AJ said, greeting the girl who "turned struggle into strength."

"We made it through the hardest parts, and I promise the rest of your story will be filled with warmth, love, and a home built from everything we've survived," the actress ended.

Last month, AJ confirmed that she had given birth to five children, one of them already deceased.

Her three youngest kids are with current partner Aljur Abrenica: a daughter named Aikena and two sons, Aljur Jr. and Abraham.

RELATED: AJ Raval confirms having 5 kids, 3 with Aljur Abrenica