“It was so difficult. It was so painful."
These were the words of former actress LJ Reyes when she confirmed her separation from Paolo Contis back in 2021. In a tell-all interview with King of Talk Boy Abunda, she shared they parted ways after several years of being together.
“Kung hindi malakas 'yung pananampalataya ko sa Panginoon, hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupulutin,” LJ admitted in the interview.
READ: 'Difficult, painful:' LJ Reyes bares breakup with Paolo Contis
The celebrity mom didn’t go much into the details of why they decided to split, but maintained that Paolo didn’t physically abuse the kids. She later went abroad with her kids to start a new life in the US.
“I will never go into particular details because ayoko pong may masabing hindi maganda. Ang gusto ko lang, huwag magamit ang mga anak ko. Ang gusto ko lang po maintindihan ng publiko, bakit ako umalis at huwag nang gumawa ng iba-ibang kwento na 'mutual at okay lang ito,’” she previously shared.
“As much as I really want a complete family, 'yung mga nangyari po 'di ko na kakayanin na maging malapit siya sa mga anak ko. Ganun kasakit 'yung nangyari. Ganun kahirap. Hindi ko lang masabi on air kung ano 'yung mga 'yun. Pero 'di po kakayanin ng pusong nanay ko na ibalik siya sa buhay ng mga bata,” she admitted.
Despite the pain that she experienced, the former actress remained strong for her children as they had a fresh start living in another country.
READ: WHO SAID THIS: The controversial Baguio trip of Paolo Contis and Yen Santos
LJ would then eventually find another chance in love as she met her now-husband, Philip Evangelista. The two tied the knot in 2023 on Long Island, New York which was attended by friends and families from both sides.
“I can’t ask for more in this lifetime.❤️🙏🏻 Merry Christmas everyone!,” LJ previously expressed.
The couple have also ventured into a cookie business–– opening the Village Cookie in New York.