Kenneth and His Relationship with Nora Aunor

Kenneth de Leon is the youngest adopted son of legendary Filipino actress Nora Aunor and her former husband, actor Christopher de Leon. He is one of the couple’s four adopted children, alongside Lotlot, Matet, and Kiko. Their only biological child is Ian de Leon.

Although he is not as prominent as his siblings in the acting industry, Kenneth seems to have pursued a career behind the scenes. Some reports suggest that he may be the same person as John Kenneth de Leon, the credited head writer and creator of the 2025 TV series Slay, which stars his adoptive sister Matet de Leon. This indicates that Kenneth has chosen to continue his mother’s artistic legacy through a creative path of his own.

After Nora Aunor passed away in April 2025, Kenneth was mentioned in several tribute articles as one of her children who remained close to her and supported her in her final years. In a vlog from 2020, Nora publicly expressed her gratitude to Kenneth for his presence and love, especially during a time when tensions arose between her and her biological son Ian de Leon. (abs-cbn.com)

Though Kenneth rarely appears in the public eye, his contributions to the television industry and his close relationship with his adoptive mother highlight his important role in the family and the Filipino entertainment world.

***Thank you. Now let’s move on to the family. My youngest sibling is… [Applause] Kenan.

Okay. Good evening to all of you. On behalf of our family, I would like to thank each and every one of you who are here with us today. Your presence, your prayers, and your love mean so much to us.

I just want to say this—Ma, thank you.
Thank you for choosing to raise me even when you didn’t have to.
Thank you for every meal, every reminder, every quiet act of love that helped shape the man I am today.
You were my strength, Ma. Even when you were tired, you were my mother in every way that mattered.

Ma, it hurts to let go, but I know you’re finally resting now.
I will carry you with me—in how I live, in how I love, and in how I move forward.
Rest easy now, Ma. We love you always. I love you.

Thank you so much to everyone who came. We truly feel your love. Thank you. [Applause]

Next is Kiko, my brother. I’m just trying to lighten the mood. So… where is Kiko now?
Matet too. Oh—hello, sis. I don’t think… I don’t think he’s coming. Maybe after 100 years, we’ll still be here waiting for our brother.

Anyway, while we’re waiting for my brother—later, after the family’s eulogy—there’s a special tribute video that was prepared by our good Senator Robin Padilla.
We hope you can stay to watch it—he prepared it for our mom, and he wants to share it with all of you.

So, Ian, you want to go ahead?
He’s on his way. He’s on his way.
Maybe he’s already in Cubao.
Uncle Cel, maybe you can scold my brother a little.***