Arzen Rose Dulzura

Sandra Lemonon and Sol Mercado welcome second child through water birth

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>Former beauty queen Sandra Lemonon and her husband, former PBA player Sol Mercado, had welcomed their second child, Zaliyah Joie. </p><p>Sandra shared the happy news on Instagram on August 23, giving followers an intimate glimpse into the home water birth that brought their daughter into the world. </p><p>Looking back on her birth experience, Sandra revealed that she went through 15 hours of active labor. </p><p>“It’s been 10 days since we welcomed you in the comfort of our home 🥹 15 hours of active labour…I’ve never felt so strong/connected &amp; so weak/humbled in my entire life… (the beauty of motherhood experiencing ALL the different Layers at the exact same time 😂),” she wrote. </p><p>For Sandra, welcoming Zaliyah was more than simply adding another member to their family. She described her daughter’s arrival as a deeply personal and healing experience. </p><p>“I’ve prayed for you my sweet love &amp; you have blessed us with your loving presence &amp; healing energy 🥹✨ You have healed parts of me that needed to be fortified/grown &amp; you have mended our bloodlines… just by your being you,” she said. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/8/28/alex-gonzaga-welcomes-first-child-with-mikee-morada-1534"><strong><u>READ: Alex Gonzaga welcomes first child with Mikee Morada</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Sandra also opened about the importance of having her family and immediate relatives around her throughout the home birth. Their presence allowed her to experience the moment with a stronger sense of trust and support. </p><p>“Zaliyah 🥹✨… this time around mama got to experience the power of her own body/mind/soul all united &amp; connected as one ❤️ &amp; how I CAN LEAN onto family… as everyone was collectively doing their part in welcoming you home. 🥹 (one of my biggest fears was trusting that I can lean onto someone other than myself/papa Solomon),” she continued. </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcYOApXD_40/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=728&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A21864199.399999976%2C%22ls%22%3A69825.80000007153%2C%22le%22%3A69830.39999997616%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="926" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Choosing a water birth at home also meant that Sandra and her family could immediately spend time with her newborn “with no rush but much ease,” in a familiar and comfortable environment. </p><p>She recalled being able to snuggle with Zaliyah right after giving birth and rest while they cherish their precious moments. </p><p>“One of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced in my life 🥹… Wholeness… it’s as if you have opened all our hearts with your presence &amp; created this ripple effect of pure love,” Sandra added. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/8/24/joj-agpangan-gives-birth-to-first-child-after-60-hours-of-labor-1933"><strong><u>READ: Joj Agpangan gives birth to first child after 60 hours of labor: ‘Forever grateful to God for this gift’</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>As she looked back on the 15-hour journey, Sandra expressed her gratitude to the family members, relatives, and everyone who helped make the home water birth possible and supported her throughout the experience. </p><p>Her birth story was met with congratulations from fellow parents, friends, and netizens who celebrated the arrival of her daughter. </p><p>“So happy for you, beautiful mama! And for the rest of the family 🤍,” Coleen Garcia wrote. </p><p>“Truly amazing and such a blessing🫶🏾congratulations to the both of you!❤️,” basketball player Ray Parks added. </p><p>Miss World 2013 Megan Young wrote, “So beautiful🥹 congratulations and welcome to earthside, Baby Z 💖.” </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/8/30/jai-agpangan-enters-her-auntie-era-as-twin-sister-joj-welcomes-first-baby-0954"><strong><u>READ: Jai Agpangan enters her ‘Auntie Era’ as twin sister Joj welcomes first baby: ‘You feel like you became a mom too!’</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>The couple welcomed their firstborn, Zaiah Rafael, in 2022. </p><p>Two years later, Sandra and Sol celebrated another milestone when they exchanged vows at a destination wedding in Bali in September 2024.</p>

<p>Former beauty queen Sandra Lemonon and her husband, former PBA player Sol Mercado welcome their second child, Zaliyah Joie, through water birth at home. </p>

Former beauty queen Sandra Lemonon and her husband, former PBA player Sol Mercado welcome their second child, Zaliyah Joie, through water birth at home.