Actor Keempee de Leon broke down in tears as he shared the heartfelt story of reconciling with his parents, veteran host Joey de Leon and actress Daria Ramirez, after years of estrangement.
In an appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Keempee recounted how he reunited with his father Joey following a five-year rift.
A Father’s Day Miracle
“It happened by the grace of God,” Keempee began. On Father’s Day, he prayed for courage to face his father, ready to accept any reaction.
Keempee visited Joey at the Eat Bulaga! studio. Although they did not discuss their issues, Joey’s silent but warm gesture reassured Keempee.
“I approached him and hugged him, saying, ‘Happy Father’s Day, ‘Dy.’ He didn’t say anything, but when he shook my hand as I was about to leave, I felt that everything was OK,” he recalled through tears. “I hugged him and said, ‘I love you, ‘Dy. Thank you.’”
A Proper Apology
Months later, Joey invited Keempee to lunch at his home with his wife Eileen and their children, Jocas, Jako, and Jio. During the gathering, Keempee seized the opportunity to apologize.
“I said, ‘Sorry po. Sorry for everything I’ve done.’ My pride got the better of me, and I know that’s something God disapproves of,” Keempee shared. “I told him, ‘Malaki ‘yung kasalanan ko sa ‘yo, sa pamilya.’”
Their estrangement stemmed from Keempee’s departure from Eat Bulaga! and his subsequent struggles with depression and isolation, which caused him to distance himself from his family.
Reconnecting with Daria Ramirez
Keempee also spoke about mending his relationship with his mother, Daria Ramirez, after two years without communication. Their reconciliation began during a Christmas gathering facilitated by his niece, Sophia.
“We didn’t talk about what happened. I just said, ‘My, kalimutan mo na ‘yon. Move on tayo,’” Keempee said, referring to Daria’s past interview, where she discussed their strained relationship and her feelings about her split with Joey.
Moving Forward
Keempee, now starring in GMA’s Prinsesa ng City Jail, expressed gratitude for the healing within his family, attributing it to forgiveness, humility, and God’s grace.