Liza Soberano Opens Up About Childhood Abuse in the U.S.
Many see Liza Soberano as one of the most beautiful and successful actresses in the Philippines. But behind her smile is a painful past she carried for years.
In her recent interview on Can I Come In?, Liza shared the dark side of her childhood in the United States — a story she rarely talks about.
She grew up without the love and guidance of her parents. Her mom, Jacqueline, and her dad, John, had her when they were very young. Life was tough — her mom struggled with drug addiction, and her dad got involved in illegal activities until he was deported to the Philippines.
Left in her mother’s care, Liza thought life would still be okay — until her mom began dating a man named Michael. He was violent and dangerous. Liza remembers nights filled with fear, moments when her mother was gone, and Michael would hurt her.
The nightmare got worse. Michael once stole a van and took their family along. Eventually, both her mom and Michael were arrested, and Liza and her younger brother were placed in foster care.
She later ended up living with a woman named Melissa, who her mom claimed was her best friend. At first, Melissa was kind. But slowly, the kindness faded. Liza became the target of cruel treatment — being called the “family dog,” made to sit in a cardboard box during movie nights, forced to eat a meatball even when she was choking, and the most humiliating of all… being told to clean dog waste with her tongue.
A social worker finally stepped in and took them away. Liza and her brother were sent to the Philippines to live with their father. But instead of feeling at home, she felt distant. They were strangers, and his way of raising her felt controlling and cold.
Through it all, Liza made herself a promise — never again would she let anyone make her feel worthless. Her message now is clear: love yourself, leave when a situation harms you, and never be afraid to stand up for your dignity.