Netizens paid tribute to Lydia Mercado, the late aunt of Kapuso star Jennylyn Mercado, who rescued the actress when she was battered by her stepfather.
"We miss you Mommy Lydia. Sigurado kaming tuwang tuwa ka from heaven na ngayon ay madadagan ang apo mo," said fans wrote in the comment section of her Facebook fan page recently.
Jennylyn's FB fan page uploaded a screenshot that showed a battered actress when she was a child and being carried by her aunt Lydia, then an overseas Filipino worker, who later became her legal mother.
In the caption, the FB fan page wrote: "Her past made her stronger, kinder, and wiser. Jennylyn is truly the ultimate survivor."
Jennylyn, 34, said that she was battered by her stepfather.
She recalled how she was treated by her stepfather during an interview for the defunct GMA program "Powerhouse" in December 2014.
“'Yong likod ko pinaplantsa tapos pinapaso ako ng cigarette.
"Kapag pinaso na niya ako ng cigarette. 'Di ba lolobo siya? Pipisain niya 'yon. Gusto talaga niya ng nakakasakit.
"Dumating na sa point na sa sobrang kakabugbog sa akin hindi na ako makabangon sa bed. 'Yong tipong black and blue na talaga.
"Tapos makikita nila iba na 'yong itsura ko kasi maga. 'Yong nakalabas ng gano'n 'yong mata ko tapos ang laki ng ulo ko. Kasi siguro sa sobrang kakabugbog sa akin," said Jennylyn, during an interview for the defunct GMA program "Powerhouse" in December 2014.
Jennylyn rose to fame when she joined Starstruck in 2003 and won, along with actor Mark Herras. They were dubbed "Ultimate Survivors."
In October, Jennylyn revealed she is pregnant and engaged to actor Dennis Trillo.
Netizens also praised Jennylyn who beat the challenges when she was a child. Some comments:
'You always blessed and your husband together with your kids."
"You weren't just called "THE ULTIMATE SURVIVOR" for nothing. You are a true survivor in real life!"
"I'm a fan Jen. Since the beginning of ur journey . God bless you always.
"And she deserves all d blessing and love."
"My ultimate idol and my inspiration as strong women. We love you idol Jennylyn Mercado. Keep safe always and God bless you more."