Actress Angelica Panganiban shares valuable insights on navigating the painful journey of breakups, emphasizing the importance of embracing the pain and going through the necessary steps for healing. In collaboration with ABS-CBN Publishing, she contributed the foreword to Beau Ang’s book, “Para Kay Ex,” a project she was actively involved in, ensuring its alignment with her perspective.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Angelica candidly advises against skipping the steps in the healing process. She stresses that each stage is crucial for truly moving on and learning the lessons that come with the breakup. In her words, “If you miss a step, you’ll just have to go back to it, till you learn the lesson that the whole experience is trying to teach you.”
The actress sheds light on the reasons behind her breakup with ex-partner John Lloyd Cruz, choosing the book’s item titled “Natanggal ang Helmet,” indicating a realization that the relationship had become toxic. Angelica reveals that she is currently in the “Jennylyn Mercado stage,” signifying a phase of ultimate survival where pain and hatred towards the ex have dissipated.
Despite being at a stage of healing, Angelica admits to being cautious about embracing new love. At 31, she expresses a fear of feeling “kilig” and emphasizes the prioritization of her own happiness.
During an autograph-signing session for the book, actor Carlo Aquino, Angelica’s ex from 2005, makes a surprise appearance with a bouquet of flowers. Describing himself as the “representative of all of Angelica’s exes,” Carlo humorously falls under the book’s category of “He’s an astronaut. He asked for space.” Angelica, emphasizing their enduring friendship, assures that Carlo remains the quiet, loner, and shy guy she has known for 15 years.
In offering advice to Carlo, who recently ended a long-term relationship, Angelica encourages him to enjoy being single, acknowledging the roller-coaster of emotions that come with this new chapter in life.
