LJ Reyes: 'Yes, There Are Days That I Find [The Separation] Difficult'

Over a month since LJ Reyes confirmed to the public her split with Paolo Contis and moved to New York, the actress said Paolo Contis has yet to reach out to her.

After doing a tell-all virtual interview with Tito Boy Abunda last September 2021, LJ recently met the talk show host in New York and shared updates on how she and her kids have been doing since moving to the United States.

She admits she hasn't fully recovered from the separation yet, saying there are days when she still finds herself crying.

"I don't want to share sana but knowing nga that there are other women, other people that they find it empowering that  they hear my story, I wanna be honest that: yes there are days that I find it difficult."

In the same exclusive interview uploaded on YouTube last October 27, 2021, Tito Boy asked LJ if she had heard from Paolo yet, to which she quickly responded: "No, Tito Boy... No efforts."

But LJ says she will eventually forgive Paolo. "I know na if I don't forgive him, this very dark emotion will just eat me up."

LJ and Paolo were together for six years and have a daughter, Summer Ayana. 

LJ is grateful for mom and sister's support

Since moving to the U.S., LJ shared the immense support she received from her mom and sister, who run a restaurant in New York.

"Very supportive po ang nanay at sister ko. Sila 'yung nagsasabi na parang 'oh relax ka lang dyan, enjoy'," LJ said.

LJ also felt like being beside her mother is a big help as she try to move past her separation with Paolo.

"Iba talaga kapag sinabi ng nanay mo na 'Sa akin ka na muna.' Yung para bang feeling mo hindi ka ilalaglag, hindi ka bibitawan kahit anong mangyari."

Aside from her family's help, LJ is thankful for the support she continues to receive from friends, even from her previous partner, Paulo Avelino, who is the father of her son, Aki.

When Tito Boy asked if Paulo tried to contact her, LJ said Paulo had already messaged her and expressed willingness to extend help.

"He's (Paulo) been there for Aki naman. We've been in touch especially siya 'yung nag-message sa akin...Nagsabi lang siya na parang, 'I know you've been going through a very difficult time.' Siyempre ang iniisip niya rin si Aki. If anything daw that I need when it comes to Aki, I can always tell him," LJ told Tito Boy.

LJ on plans for the future

When asked whether she plans to go back to the Philippines or remain in the U.S., LJ says she's "taking life one day at a time."

"Mayroon pong dalawang batang umaasa sa akin... I feel like I cannot make any more wrong decisions."

"Hindi ko po alam what's gonna happen and I think, Tito Boy, it's okay that you don't know. It's okay to take your time. It's okay to give time to yourself, to heal, to figure out things. Kasi mahirap po kung mamadaliin yung mga bagay-bagay."

Speaking of the future, Tito Boy asked LJ if she is willing to visit Baguio someday with a friend. LJ's response was: "Yes, why not!"

A single mom opens up about feeling "relate much" and seeing herself in LJ Reyes. Read her story here.