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Danica Sotto-Pingris has a message to those who, like her and her younger brother Oyo Sotto, come from a broken family. Their parents, ace comedian Vic Sotto and noted actress Dina Bonnevie, separated when they were just kids.
Danica, 38, said in a recent Facebook post, "To the children of separated parents…You are not doomed to repeat the mistakes of your parents. You will find love and you have love kasi you learned from what they did wrong."
The actress/TV host/cooking mama pointed out, "Marriage lang nila ang nag end pero ikaw hindi… you are not broken."
She then shared this advice: "Ask God to help and guide you. Kasi if we genuinely experience and understand God’s love. You won’t need to prove yourself to other people. You know na buo ka kasi HE fills in the gaps. Yung di kayang punuin ng mga tao lang."
Danica herself has found true and lasting love in Marc Pingris, 40, a retired Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) standout. They are celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary on March 3, 2022. They have two children: son Michel, 13, and daughter Caela, 10.
The couple once said in a TV interview (read here), that they rarely fight and they know how to say sorry to each other. Marc explained, "Talagang pinag-uusapan namin. Hindi kami natutulog hanggat hindi kami nagso-sorry. Pinagpi-pray namin, para next time, alam na namin. Di na namin pag-aawayan."
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWJust like Danica, her brother Oyo is happily married to fellow actress Kristine Hermosa. Oyo and Kristine have five children: Kiel, Dre, Kaleb, Vin, and Isaac, 6 months old. The couple celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary last January 12 (read here).
Danica and Oyo's parents have found their own happiness as well. Vic has been married to his Eat Bulaga! cohost Pauleen Luna for six years, while Dina with Ilocos Sur first district representative Deogracias Victor Savellano for almost 10 years.
How can parents help their children cope after the separation
Clinical psychologist Zachele Marie Briones, M.D. explained in a past interview with SmartParenting.com.ph: “The separation translates to the sudden absence of a parent in the home. The sense of family has been shattered. When the kid is used to doing routine stuff with the absentee parent prior to the breakup, it affects him in a big way.”
Dr. Briones shared these Three As in helping raise a child, even with a broken home: "First, assure your child that, despite the separation, both parents still love him. Next, adjust to the routine that your child is familiar with, to cushion the sense of loss. Last, agree with your ex-partner on the best shared parenting technique.”
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowShe added, “A strong support system is also very essential. If the single parent feels she could not do these on her own, she could also seek professional help.”
What's the worst age for a child to lose his or her parents to separation? Read here.
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