MANILA — Actress-host Toni Gonzaga described her sister Alex Gonzaga’s pregnancy as an “answered prayer” and a long-awaited blessing for their family.

In a report, Alex Gonzaga, 38, announced her pregnancy on social media on Thursday, saying the development came after years of fertility struggles, including “six years of marriage and three heartbreaking losses,” and while she was preparing for IVF with her husband, Lipa Vice Mayor Mikee Morada.

The announcement gained massive traction online, generating 76 million views, over five million likes, and nearly 400,000 comments on Facebook alone.

In an exclusive interview with The Philippine STAR, Toni said the family was overwhelmed with gratitude after Alex’s journey toward motherhood.

“Sobrang grateful to God na finally sinagot na Niya prayers naming family para kay Alex na ma-experience niya yung joy of motherhood and pregnancy,” Toni said.

She said the family continues to pray for a safe pregnancy and delivery.

“We’re praying till the finish line that everything will really go well, go smoothly for the baby, for the delivery and for their family na ang tagal na nilang hinihintay,” she added.

Toni also admitted she felt both joy and anxiety upon learning about the pregnancy.

“(There was no crying) kasi pang (fourth) pregnancy niya na ‘to. Alam mo yung happy ka, but at the same time kinakabahan ka rin for her. Pero ang sinabi ko lang, ‘Ito na yun. Ito na yung pinagdadasal mo,’” she said.

The actress said she considers her sister’s pregnancy as if it were her own.

“Actually, of course, I’m the happiest because si Alex, parang eldest daughter ko siya. Parang ako yung second niyang nanay,” she said.

“Parang feeling ko buntis din ako (and) pareho kaming pregnant,” she added.

Their parents, Mommy Pinty and Daddy Bonoy, were also said to be overjoyed at the upcoming addition to the family.

“They’re rejoicing dahil madadagdagan sila ng apo. Tapos si Alex na matagal na rin nilang pinagpe-pray. They’re super happy and excited,” she said.

Toni said their family draws strength from faith when facing challenges.

“It’s all about faith. They said, you’ll go through a lot in your family life. But if your anchor is Jesus, malalampasan niyo kahit gaano kabigat, kasakit, kahirap. That’s what they always teach us.”

She also referred to her sister’s pregnancy as a “miracle,” citing Alex’s past health struggles involving thyroid-related and reproductive immunity conditions disclosed in a 2024 interview.

“I always tell her, God is truly faithful. Promise keeper talaga si Lord. Whatever He promised in the Word, ginagawa niya talaga. Yun ang testament na na-experience niya, nila ni Mikee,” Toni said.

“Siguro in-intend ni Lord na ganito katagal para makita niya na kay Lord talaga lahat yung credit. Dahil itong pregnancy na ito is a miracle,” she added.

“It was very impossible for their situation and her case because of her condition. But there’s no impossible thing (with God).”

Toni also shared how she and Alex supported each other through difficult times, describing their close sibling relationship.

“Ganun yung dynamics naming magkapatid. ‘Pag nasa mababa yung isa, yung isa nasa taas to uplift. Kapag ako naman yung bagsak, siya yung nag-u-uplift sa akin,” she said.

She added that during Alex’s long wait for pregnancy, she served as her sister’s emotional support and “cheerleader,” assuring her that she was enough despite the struggles.

“Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘I can only give my full emotional support to you, that I will be with you throughout this whole journey of waiting, and I will also be the first one to rejoice when your prayers are answered.’”