Isang taon sau ng KathNiel: Kathryn umuunlad, Daniel unti-unting nawawala

A year after KathNiel

Today, 30 November, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla marks the first anniversary of their official breakup statement as a couple.

It was on 30 November last year that Bernardo announced her separation from Padilla, her boyfriend of 11 years.
Bernardo confirmed the breakup via an Instagram post where she shared an old photo of herself and Padilla.

“Chapter closed. I hope this finally helps all of us move forward,” she said, promising it would be the first and last time she’d talk about it.

“I’ve been in showbiz for almost 21 years now, 12 years as one-half of KathNiel, and 11 years as someone who loved Deej even behind the camera. I didn’t grow up in this industry constantly being controlled and dictated to. I was lucky to have had the best guidance and support system when I started my career, and I’ve continuously worked hard to earn people’s trust,” she said.

“But since I became an adult, I took it upon myself to take charge of my own life—the projects I work on, the way I dress, the people I surround myself with. I’ve always tried to be my own person. I was encouraged to think for myself and decide for myself. Even when it comes to love. Especially when it comes to love,” she explained.

Bernardo wanted the confirmation to come from herself, weeks after rumors of their separation surfaced on social media.

“I promised to never lose myself in this industry, so I’ve always been as authentic to you as I can be. I know what many of you are thinking right now. I’m well aware of the rumors and speculations going around, and as hard as it is to put everything into words, I want you to hear it straight from me: It’s true that Deej and I have decided to part ways,” Bernardo explained.

Calling her relationship with Padilla real, the star of Hello, Love, Goodbye said she cherishes her romance with her screen partner.

“What Deej and I had was real. It was never for show. We were together not because of the cameras, not because of the fans, not because of the money that comes with a successful love team. We were genuinely in love,” she said.

“That’s almost half of my life that I would never regret and would never trade for anything in the world. These are 11 years that brought me joy, adventure, and the feeling of being home,” she added.

“He was my first boyfriend. He was my comfort zone. He was my person. I will always have love for him,” she stressed.

In parting, Bernardo also thanked KathNiel fans for their unwavering support.

“KathNiels, we know you are hurting, and trust me, this also hurts us both more than you can imagine. The last thing we want is for this family to break apart with everyone taking sides—please don’t,” she said to their fandom.

Bernardo was also grateful to Padilla for the “11 beautiful years.”

“Deej, you gave me 11 beautiful years and the kind of love that I will forever cherish. I will always be grateful for you,” Bernardo said.

Padilla likewise expressed his gratitude to Bernardo and the KathNiel fans.

“Sa mundo, buhay at sa limitadong oras na tayo ay nandito. Isang malaking biyaya ang pagmamahal. Ang mahalin ka. At mahalin mo,” he said on Instagram.

“Our lives may drift away, but our love will still ride that tide,” he added.

He also left a message for their fans, asking for their prayers for growth and healing.