My real dream was to be a teacher. And I was so surprised because when we made a documentary… I didn’t know that my mom also dreamed of becoming a teacher. I only found out through an interview Dong did with my mom. What was your real ambition? In my slam book, my ambition was always to be a teacher. – Really, Mom? – I only realized it now.

Yes, my dream was to be a teacher. And whenever I was asked, I always said I wanted to be a teacher. Really? Yes! There were kids on my grandmother’s terrace. I was their teacher. “Oh wow, Mom, we were meant to be.” Such a strong connection with my mom. I didn’t even know it was her dream to be a teacher. After that, I asked her why.

Because she dreamed of having many children. And that’s what I always say in my interviews—I want many kids. I want a complete family. But she only had me. That’s all. [Laughs] Just me. But one who turned out to be beautiful. So you became a teacher? After college, before I worked at the mental hospital— because I also worked there for three months— I first became a SPED teacher.

I don’t know why but I have a special connection with kids. And even more so with children who have challenges, whether physical or mential. I felt drawn to these children. So I thought, why not try it? The problem was, when I tried it, I would cry every time I went home. Why are you crying [grandma would ask] I said I couldn’t take bear seeing those kids like that.

I thought, Maybe this isn’t for me. Because instead of showing my strength… Although, I really did show it, I  think I used that in acting. When I was there, I was okay. But every time I walked out the door, I would break down. Everyday. And what did you learn? Patience and gratitude for what you have. And that we have no right to judge anyone or anything without truly knowing their situation.

And then you worked at the mental hospital? Yes! I enjoyed it there. [Laughs] I really enjoyed it there. Seriously. I super enjoyed it there. Not because I wanted to be around those kinds of people… I enjoyed it because that’s the reality of life. You get to see different kinds of people, their problems, their backgrounds, and why they ended up that way.

It’s so interesting to understand why these situations exist. What was your job there? I facilitated. I distributed medicines. Then there were moments when you had heart-to-heart talks with the patients— asking them what they needed. But of course, there were times when things went too far. That was no longer my job; the doctors had to handle it.

But weren’t you scared? There was one time I got scared— something I’ve never shared in any interview before. Someone was… you know… doing that in front of me And I was like, Why is this happening? He looked so happy doing it while looking at me. Yes. I thought, Why is this happening?  So, I talked to the doctor, and apparently, that was their… their way of creating an illusion of power.

It’s like they draw strength from it— the more scared you are, the more aroused they get. And what did you do? I learned. Oh, you get aroused? Alright then. I ignored it. More practice. Really? So, every time he saw me, I acted like it was nothing. Like, Come on, do it. I see you. Whatever. Then he stopped doing it.

You’re so strong. But deep inside, I was praying, Oh God, what did I get myself into? But that’s when I became stronger. That’s what I always say— you have to know how to compose yourself in any situation. You grew stronger through your experiences, not just… Yes, totally. Everything combined. Growing up without parents, being raised by my grandmother, my struggles in high school, and how I had to take tricycles to get to school because I had no car… All those life experiences—I’m truly grateful for them.

I’m incredibly thankful that my mom worked hard to provide me with everything she could, to give me a better and easier life. And where is your mom today? She’s in Cavite. But we live in separate houses. Here’s my grandmother’s house, and here’s my mom’s house— they’re right next to each other. Because back when I was doing Marimar, I told her, There’s no reason for you to leave me for work anymore because I have a chance now—I’m an actress, I’m earning.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll earn more. You don’t need to worry about supporting me or paying for my education anymore. What I need is you. Come home and prove to me that you’re my mother, because I need YOU more than financial support. What about your dad? Do you keep in touch? Yes. Yes. But sometimes I don’t understand him because he speaks Spanish.

So when I call my dad and can’t understand what he’s saying, I’ll hand the phone to my mom and say, You talk to him. Then when I need to ask my dad for something—like about the wedding— I let my mom handle the conversation. Many people may not know that you’re a Spanish citizen. Yes. You were born in Spain.

Yes. Did you ever consider becoming an actress there? Oh, not really. It was clear to me that my goal was to work so that I could share whatever I had with the people I love. My status—whatever it is now—is just a bonus. And after that, my real dream was to have a family. So I never really thought about Hollywood or anything like that… That was never the plan.

I just wanted a simple life like this. Are you going to have more kids? He wants to. [Laughs] He really wants to. He keeps saying, Please, one more, one more. So now, I’m 50/50 on the idea. I mean, I’ve always wanted a lot of kids. I even told Dong I wanted a big family. But now I think, can I really give 100% to all of them? I already have two kids, plus Dong, plus myself.

If we have another baby, can I still divide my time and energy and give everyone my full attention? He told me, Just give my share to the youngest, just give me one more. So we joke around like that. So it’s kind of planned? Not really.  Dong told me, Whatever your heart tells you, I won’t force you. But if you ask me, I want one more.

Wow. Like getting pregnant is that easy, right? Okay. How did you know Dong was the one? At first, I didn’t. But as time passed—and as I got older… I was never the type to have flings. Oh, I like you. I’m not like that. Maybe it’s because I grew up in the province, and my grandmother raised me differently when it came to relationships.

As far as I remember, I only had one ex before Dong, and then he became my boyfriend and eventually my husband. So just two people—and I married one of them. Before he courted me, I already felt a spark. I went to Quiapo with my mom and a friend. I prayed so hard . I said, Lord, I don’t want flings. If he’s meant for me, then let him be for me.

But if he’s not, please take him away now. Give me the one who’s truly meant for me. Then the next day, he showed up with flowers. I was like, Lord, is this the sign? And from then on, things just kept going. Then one day, he asked me, Can I visit you in Cavite? I want to meet your grandmother. And I thought, Why does he want to meet my grandma so soon? And then I saw, you know like he was lit up with sunshine, that maybe this is it.

That’s when I realized—wow, he’s really making an effort to know my family. I thought there was something there. How long were you together before getting married? Oh, my goodness. Dad, I don’t even remember anymore! I’ll ask him later. Honestly, we have so many birthdays, and anniversaries we need to celebrate,  but I forget all of them.

I told dad, okay? I had anesthesia, I already have two kids, I had a normal delivery, so a lot has happened, so I’m not really good at remembering dates. Did you ever doubt at one point that it may not be him? Not really, because I saw how serious he was. And also, his personality, and anything under the sun—we’ll talk about them.

Whether positive or negative, we became very open with each other. Soulmates. I hope so. [Laughs] Because with Dong, I’m really proud to say… Dong influenced me to have a broader perspective on people. Dong was the one who made me realize that there are more good people than bad. Because sometimes I get scared, you know, in showbiz, you encounter so many people.

But Dong never failed to remind me that there are more good people.  Remember that. Do you get jealous easily? Only when necessary. I’m very transparent . It’s a shame, if only I could rewind, right? I wish I could rewind, but I can’t. So, were you jealous before? Because there was a reason. A woman doesn’t get jealous for no reason.

And if you don’t feel any jealousy at all… People say, “If you’re jealous, that means you don’t trust your partner.” No. It’s in a woman’s nature. If you see something suspicious that your partner is doing, what, are you supposed to just admire them and say, “Oh, how sweet they are together, how sweet!” My God, that would be so hypocritical.

No. No. No, for me. If you see something questionable, you will react. My only problem was that I reacted to the woman, when I should have reacted to him instead. That’s it. Wrong! Have you made peace with all the women you fought with before? I think so. When I see them, they get uneasy because they know why I did what I did to them.

But now, when I see them, I try to be civil. And at one point, I even took the initiative and told one of them, “I forgive you.” – You said that? – Yes, she was shocked. [Laughs] She was stunned. My point is, I’m just really happy with what God has given me. There’s no reason for bitterness anymore—I’ve let that go.

I’ve reflected on it—learn your lesson, girl. Don’t do that to anyone else. But you know, it’s still better when you have no enemies, when you forgive those who have wronged you. Yes. Do you have any insecurities? Be honest. – Of course, every woman has insecurities. – Like what? I’m curious. Before, when I joined pageants, I was always the shortest.

And maybe my hips— sometimes, when I wear a dress, I feel like my hips are too big. But then I say, “Hello, Spanish blood!” So, yeah, those things. That’s it? Maybe my English. No way. Because it’s a big deal now. But for me, it was never really a problem. In Cavite, we didn’t speak English all the time. Even in school, not everyone spoke English.