Diana Zubiri’s Powerful Journey as a Mother to Her Firstborn
DIANA ZUBIRI – Actress Diana Zubiri opens up about the emotional challenges and unwavering strength it took to raise her firstborn son.
Diana Zubiri recently captivated viewers with her powerful performance in GMA 7’s primetime series Mga Batang Riles, where she portrayed a grieving wife. For the actress, the emotional role hit close to home as it mirrored her own painful experience of losing her first husband, Alex Lopez, in 2010.
In a heartfelt interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Diana shared for the first time the struggles she faced raising her son, King, who was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. She said when she gave birth, they were all shocked, she recalled. “Iyak lang ako ng iyak. But as a mother, you have to accept it. Kailangan kong harapin ano ang mangyayari, and thankfully, I had a strong support system during those times.”
Diana admitted it was difficult not only for her but for Alex as well, who initially struggled to accept their son’s condition. “Hindi n’ya po masyadong natanggap agad. Naging mabigat ang pagtanggap, pero naging okay after a while,” she said. Their differences and challenges eventually led to their separation, with Diana taking on the full responsibility of raising King. “Many were asking why I didn’t publicize my first pregnancy.”
Eventually, forgiveness and healing allowed Alex and King to meet before his passing. Diana described that moment with grace and closure, saying, “He saw King after I forgave him. By then, King was doing well and had already undergone operations.”
King, now 15, was unaware of his condition until he saw a billboard by Dr. Vicki Belo supporting children with facial differences. When classmates began bullying him, Diana was prepared to explain—but King, wise beyond his years.
Their move to Australia ensured King received the best care. He had multiple surgeries beginning at just three months old. “This is why I was happy when we moved to Australia. Ito ‘yung pinaka main na lugar for his operation.”
Watch the video below:
Now happily married to Filipino-Australian businessman Andy Smith since 2015, Diana is also a mom to daughters Aliyah Rose and Amira Jade. Her journey is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the resilience of a family shaped by compassion, challenges, and hope.
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