Actress Katrina Halili and singer Kris Lawrence have put an end to speculation about their relationship, confirming that they have not rekindled their romance despite recent bonding moments that sparked fan curiosity.
The former couple separated in 2014 after five years together. Just earlier this month, Katrina fueled talk on a possible “comeback” after posting a video from their El Nido, Palawan trip she described as “where everything resets.”
READ: Katrina Halili and Kris Lawrence spark buzz after Palawan 'reset' trip
Addressing the matter in an interview with the King of Talk Boy Abunda on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, they both clarified that while they have reconnected, it is not in a romantic sense.
“Reset ng friendship...kasi first time lang din namin nagbonding non eh,” Katrina said, adding that she had initially seen Kris before he flew to the United States but did not have a longer conversation that time.
Kris was just as direct when asked if they had reconciled. “No, we have not. Hindi kami nagkabalikan Tito Boy,” he admitted.
“But like I said, I’m really, really grateful for this time that we have together because honestly, when we became okay this year 2026, Katie has been probably the best that I’ve ever seen her,” he expressed.
Kris expressed delight at seeing their daughter, Katie, in a better version of herself after he and Katrina reconnected.
“Her smile has been more genuine. Yung kilos niya mas gumanda. You could just tell that she’s so much happier. We're doing this all for Katie. Where the road leads, we don’t know. But at least, it’s fine,” Kris said.
While their daughter has openly expressed hopes of seeing them more affectionate, both only laughed at the idea, maintaining that they are simply enjoying each other’s company for now.
“I don’t think anyone could be ready. It just happens,” Kris said, while Katrina added, “Sa ngayon, nag-eenjoy lang kami sa company ng bawat isa.”
Their renewed connection, they revealed, stemmed from a conscious effort to communicate better for their child. Katrina admitted that she also reflected on past expectations from Kris that affected their relationship as parents before.
“Communication lang...Nabanggit ko rin before na last year, ang dami kong realizations. Minsan magso-sorry ako kay Katie kasi lagi kong inuuna yung trabaho. Natatakot ako paano kung mawala ako, ang dami kong [iniisip] na mga ganon.”
“Last year sobrang sensitive ko...Na-realize ko na sige nga, kung ano man yung mga feeling ko kulang na ginagawa ni Kris, okay na nga. Ako rin naman na kasama ni Katie mismo may mga pagkukulang din. Parang, ‘Sige, okay na. Magtulungan na lang tayo for Katie.’”
For Kris, a turning point came when Katrina invited him to her birthday last January.
“For that, I am super grateful. Last year, she gave me the hardest year ever. We were not on good terms last year. This year, it was her birthday that changed everything.”
“I am very thankful that I went because I feel like my presence on her birthday is when everything changed,” he added, recalling how he almost skipped the event but chose to show up.
Despite past challenges, Kris said he tried to remain present in their daughter’s life, which ultimately led to reconciliation with Katrina.
“I saw her whenever I could...I really understand where [Katrina] is coming from. Over the years, [I have also realized that] I wanted to be a better human being. I wanted to be a better father. So [I] have to show up.”
As fans continue to root for a romantic reunion, both Katrina and Kris emphasized that what they share online now is real, authentic, and centered on their daughter.