Ellen Adarna praises Isabel Santos as ‘best stepmom,’ earns praise from fans

Ellen Adarna is earning praise from netizens after publicly expressing her appreciation for Isabel Santos, the girlfriend of actor John Lloyd Cruz, for the role she plays in the life of her son, Elias. The actress recently took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message for Santos following a family vacation in Boracay, where they spent time together with their children, Elias and Lily. In an Instagram Story, Adarna posted a photo of herself and Santos smiling for the camera inside a bedroom. She revealed that their conversation had moved her to tears as she thanked Santos for being a positive presence in her son’s life. “Eh yung iniyakan kita for being the best stepmom, mahal kita!” Adarna wrote. Santos later reposted the story and responded with a message of gratitude. “Love you. Thank you for being a friend and everyday textmate,” she wrote. Adarna also shared another photo showing Santos and Elias cuddling in bed, further highlighting the close bond between the two. “Mamshie! Subbing!” she captioned the post. The exchange quickly caught the attention of fans, many of whom praised the healthy co-parenting dynamic between Adarna, Cruz, and Santos. Others commended Adarna for openly acknowledging and appreciating Santos’ relationship with Elias, describing the gesture as a refreshing example of a blended family built on mutual respect and support. The Boracay trip is the latest in a series of family outings that have drawn positive reactions online. In March, the group also vacationed together in Amanpulo and later attended Elias’ piano recital, moments that were likewise praised by netizens.