Her family traces its roots back to Baler, Aurora, Philippines, though they later made their home in Pampanga. Her mother, Azucena June T. Jiongco, is a proud Filipina. Her biological father, Allan Aries Jiongco Esquivel, who carried Spanish and Chinese heritage, passed away—yet his memory remains an important part of her life. Later on, her stepfather, Rowel Balcueva, became part of their family.

She is the second child among four siblings. The eldest is Mark Angelo Jiongco Esquivel, followed by herself. Next is her younger sister, July Anne Mei Jiongco Esquivel, and the youngest, Maxine Balcueva.

Although their roots are in Baler, much of her life and inspiration were shaped in Pampanga, where her family continues to live.