Bianca Umali calls grandmother ‘superhero’ for saving her life

Bianca Umali credits her grandmother for helping her overcome the loss of both parents when she was still young, calling her the “superhero” who saved her and helped shape the person she is today.

In an emotional interview on Oh My Gan!, the Kapuso actress recalled witnessing her parents’ final moments and struggling to understand what their deaths meant for her future.

“I both saw their last breaths. I don’t think I was skilled to process anything. I didn’t know, I didn’t even know what questions to ask, or who to ask or where do I go? Anak ako ng dalawang tao na nawala, so saan ako mapupunta (I am the child of two people who are gone, so where will I end up),” she recalled.

Her grandmother stepped in to raise her, providing the care and support she needed during a painful and uncertain time.

“I call my lola my ‘superhero’ kasi sinagip niya ako (she saved me). If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I wouldn’t be who I am now,” Bianca said.

Rather than dwell on what she lost, the actress has learned to see how her experiences helped her become stronger.

“I choose to look at it not as something that I will pity myself for. I choose to look at it as...I have become strong because of my experiences,” she shared.

Her Christian faith has also helped her make sense of her childhood and find the courage to move forward.

“Naulila ako because gano’n kalakas ’yung tingin sa akin ng Lord. Alam niyang kaya ko. Alam niyang gano’n ka-strong ’yung puso’t isip ko (I was left orphaned because the Lord saw such great strength in me. He knew I could handle it. He knew my heart and mind were that strong),” she explained.

Bianca has since built a career in television and film, but her story remains closely tied to the grandmother who raised her. She continues to recognize the sacrifices that helped her through childhood and gave her the chance to pursue her dreams.

By speaking openly about her loss, the actress also offers a glimpse into the grief she carried while growing up. Her experience shows how the support of a loved one can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.