IT was in November 2022 when Vivamax's then-most prized artist AJ Raval was reported to have given birth to a baby boy courtesy of her beau Aljur Abrenica.
In a photo that made the rounds of social media, the already months-old baby bore facial features similar to those of AJ's most especially its pair of chinky eyes.
However, it was later found out there's no truth to AJ having delivered her love child at an undisclosed hospital in Pasig City.
News about mothering a baby boy Aljur continues to hound AJ. In fact, it persisted until a couple of months later.
Another photo — this time with an accompanying video — surfaced on the internet last year. It showed Aljur and AJ walking with an underaged girl in tow.
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Taken in Subic, Zambales in August at an opening of an aesthetic clinic which the romantic couple endorses — believed to be walking with them is — again! — their love child.
On the contrary, the more discerning netizens cast their misgivings if only because of the girl's age-based looks.
The couple's girl companion couldn't possibly be their child if AJ and Aljur's relationship was made public in May 2022 — a year after they did a film together. And yes, when the romance was slowly building up.
So, if the girl in the picture isn't the couple's — whose child is she?
Jeric — AJ's dad — finally unravelled the mystery: "She's the daughter of my rapper son Ace." In other words, the unnamed girl is one of Jeric's grandkids to all 18 children.
Also in a separate vlog interview by Julius Babao, AJ categorically denied having a child by Aljur.
Looking back, it was clear why AJ had to back off from showbiz.
Jeric refreshed Julius: "She wanted to continue her studies so she enrolled in ALS (Alternative Learning System)."
So, it wasn't because she got pregnant? "If the reports were true, I'd be pregnant every year," AJ sadly intoned.
But did her choice to lay low have anything to do with Aljur's disapproval of her going daring onscreen?
"Not at all. It's my own decision," AJ said, corroborated by her dad: "She quit because she's no longer interested."
Showbiz or no showbiz, Jeric swore he's always supportive of AJ and whatever she intends to do with her life.
There are limitations though: "She still stays with me, so it's not true that she and Aljur are shacked up together."
Jeric's imposed no-nos on his daughter are as clear as his gentleman's agreement with Aljur at the very onset.
"Straight to his face, I told him that 'If you are serious with my daughter, then fix what needs too be fixed.'"
Reading between the lines, Aljur seems well aware of what has to be done in a heartbeat.
No further delays please.
Does the couple's quaint silence these days mean they're getting ready it to heed Jeric's ultimatum?