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Jake Ejercito dedicates win to daughter Elllie

The actor mentions Ellie Belle in his acceptance speech at the PMPC Star Awards

25 Oct - Jake Ejercito recently won Best New Male Personality at the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Music and Television, and dedicated his win to daughter Ellie Belle.

As reported on PEP News, the actor, who attended the event held last Sunday at the Novotel in Cubao, expressed his happiness for the recognition, and added, "My number one inspiration, my princess, my Ellie, this is for you."

It is the first time Ejercito mentioned Ellie's name in public, after previously publishing a post about their father-daughter relationship. Prior to the paternity news, which was leaked by Ellie's aunt and actress Maxene Eigenmann, Ejercito had never addressed his paternity head on.

When asked about his decision to dedicate his victory to Ellie, Ejercito explained, "I am actually relieved to finally be able to discuss her openly. I mean, Ellie deserves it."

Ejercito stressed that he never denied that Ellie was his daughter with Andi prior to Maxene's surprising revelation, but that he didn't talk about Ellie in order to protect her.

"Yes, there are times that I didn't answer directly or straightforwardly. It's all because I was trying to protect Ellie," said Ejercito, who admitted to have learned about Ellie's paternity a year ago.

"I was really surprised, but I am happy and I have no regrets. Life has a whole new meaning," he said.

(Photo source: instagram.com/unoemilio)