Former EB Babe member Lian Paz recently shared how her estranged ex-husband, actor Paolo Contis, slowly reconnected with her and their two daughters, years after their separation.
In an interview with Boy Abunda, Lian revealed that the reconciliation took a long time before it finally happened.
“Actually, matagal yung process. Nagreach out siya matagal na. Quiet lang naman talaga kami kasi ayon na nga na we are out of the limelight already and hinintay ko rin na magheal ako,” Lian shared.
She also shared that Paolo, despite not personally knowing him, spoke with Lian’s now husband John Cabahug after the pandemic happened which made her feel the former’s sincerity.
“Nakita ko yung sincerity ni Paolo kasi because more than me, mas nagmemessage siya kay John, sa husband ko,” Lian said. “He communicated with John through Instagram. Noong una hesitant pa kami because of course showbiz nga and I'm keeping the kids talaga away from the media.”
Lian admitted she initially questioned Paolo’s intentions, but later realized that forgiveness was part of her own growth.
“I've seen his sincerity and i've seen myself also na may mga pagkukulang din ako so it's really by the grace of God,” Lian added. “Hinayaan lang namin yung panahon and i really think it's just the right time.”
Recalling the time when Paolo first reached out to John, Lian said that her husband consulted her on what they should do and she admittedly said no at first.
“Kami ni John, open kami magcommunicate, everyday kami magkasama. Pinabasa niya sa akin yung message and tinanong niya sa akin ‘Are you ready?’ and ang sagot ko ‘hindi pa’ kasi gusto ko makita yung efforts talaga niya na dirediretso na and tuloy tuloy na and talagang pinagpray ko talaga,” Lian revealed.
The couple also decided not to immediately tell their daughters Xonia and Xalene about their father reaching out as it might affect their daily life. Eventually, Lian and John felt the timing was right and sat down with the girls to ask them if they were ready to give their father a chance.
“Decision din namin ni John. We decided to let the kids know already and we asked them if sila ay ready na. Pinakita ko rin sa kanila Tito Boy na, ayaw ko makita or masabi ng mga anak ko na hindi ako marunong magpatawad,” Lian shared.
“Ipinakita ko sa kanila na, ‘Girls, hindi perpekto ang Papa niyo, ganoon din si Mama but we want this family to be okay. I think everybody deserves a chance and we prayed about this and everyone is accountable to the Lord.'”
For now, Lian said they are not rushing into co-parenting arrangements. Instead, they are taking things slowly and focusing on rebuilding their relationship while keeping most details private for the sake of their children.
“Wala pa kami sa co-parenting. We are just enjoying the fact that we are friends right now, taking things slowly. One step at a time,” Lian shared. "Gusto talaga namin very private mga bagay so di lahat nilalabas namin sa publiko. So far, ngayon, masaya lang talaga kasi nakikita namin yung nga bata na naging masaya sila at ayon yung importante sa amin.”
Lian also said that the Paolo and their daughters are now communicating on their own. Though there were awkward moments at first, Lian said things gradually became lighter, especially when they started spending time together.
“For now, they treat their Papa as their friend. Magkukwento sila kasi na their Papa is overtalker, oversharer,” she laughingly said.
Lian also left her message to Paolo, saying: “Pao, thank you for being there and thank you for being a friend and I wish you well sa lahat lahat. Gusto ko maging masaya ka rin sa buhay and gusto ko mayroon ka ring makasama habang buhay.”
Paolo and Lian were together from 2008 until their separation in 2013. In a 2023 interview with Boy Abunda, Paolo admitted he had not seen his daughters for six years. Last year, netizens were surprised when photos surfaced of the family spending time together, signaling that Lian and John had finally allowed Paolo to reconnect with his daughters.
In a birthday message to John, Paolo expressed his gratitude to John and Lian for allowing him to reconnect with his daughters and forgiving him: “I promise to have a constant communication sa inyong lahat. I will not waste this chance. Thank you for taking care of the kids. Please know that I am always here para sa inyong lahat… Thank you for the friendship!”
Meanwhile, Lian and John tied the knot in September 2025 after being engaged for more than four years.