Single Parent Jaclyn Jose Hopes, 'Sana Maalala Ako Ng Mga Anak Ko Palagi'

An emotional Jaclyn Jose graced an exclusive interview with PEP.ph amid rumors that she is retiring from showbiz.

The Cannes-winning actress and mom of two revealed in an exclusive phone interview how she regrets not being present for her children when they were younger.

"Mula nung ipinanganak ko si Andi, ako na ‘yan. Mula sa hospital, damit, pagkain, hanggang sa nag-aral, napagtapos ko. Gayundin yung isa ko [Gwen]. Sa kanya naman, katuwang ko ang lola niya sa father side. Pero, nawala nang maaga. Basically, ako lahat, pero okay lang yun," she recounts.

She added, "Kung hindi ako magtatrabaho, paano sila mag-aaral? Paano sila makakakain? Paano sila titira sa good environment na tinatawag? Inayos ko na talaga ang mga anak ko, hindi palipat-lipat ng bahay. Kumbaga, hindi ko inisip yung sarili ko."

Proud of Andi

Nevertheless, Jaclyn said she accepts this reality and lauds her daughter Andi Eigenmann for prioritizing her family and building a strong foundation for her kids. Andi is her daughter with the late actor Mark Gil.

"Masaya ako para kay Andi. Tama ang ginagawa niya kasi nagbubuo siya ng foundation. Siguro tama rin yung sa kanya na i-prioritize niya. Nakikita ko rin naman ang foundation na binubuo nila ni Philmar. Katulad niyan, nagbibiyahe. Kagagaling ng Bali [at] France... Kumbaga sa bahay, yung poste nila, malalim na. Hindi na matitibag."

READ ALSO: Hanga Si Jaclyn Jose Sa Anak Na Si Andi Eigenmann: ‘Napakatapang Mo, Sana Ako Din’

Too late to enter a relationship

While she feels sad being alone in life, she declines her son Gwen Guck's offer to help her find someone to be with in life. Gwen is her son with "The Dawn" band member Kenneth Ilagan, who is studying in the U.S.

"Hindi na rin. It’s too late na rin for me to enter a relationship. Mas importante sa akin ang feelings ng mga anak ko kesa sa feelings ko. Hindi na. Doon na lang ako sa place ko sa Laguna at magtanim."

On retiring

Jaclyn recently made headlines when she announced her retirement on social media. However, she clarified that it was just spur of the moment, and her manager said she still has a two-year contract with GMA 7. 

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A post shared by Jaclyn Jose (@jaclynjose)

"I feel na selfish nga after kong mag-post [na I want to retire]. Mahal na mahal ako ng GMA. Hindi ako nawawalan ng project, hindi basta-basta. I’m just very grateful to them.”

She said she enjoys being a Kapuso actress and appreciates the love and support she gets from her colleagues.

However, she just hopes and prays fervently that her children will check in on her once in a while. "If it’s not too much to ask, I know they’re busy. They have their own lives. Andi has a family. My son is studying so hard. Pero gusto ko na sana lagi nila akong naaalala," she said.

READ ALSO: A Single Mom's Letter To Her Fatherless Son: 'I Did Not Raise You Alone'

When asked what's her advice to single parents like her, "Siguro before it’s too late, maghanap sila ng katuwang. Yung makakasama sa buhay hangga’t maaga pa. Kahit na may mga anak na sila, kung single parent ka, isipin mo, aalis at aalis ang mga ‘yan. Maiiwan kang mag-isa."

Tips for single parents

Here are other tips that single parents might find useful, before it's too late.

1. Set aside quality time for your kids

It doesn't always have to be grand or regular, but putting effort into having time for each other could mean the world both for the parent and the child.

If you can afford it, a family trip will always be a good idea since it has been proven that family vacations become 'happiness anchors' for kids when they grow up.

2. Set aside time for yourself.

With all that a single parent has done for her kids, it's easy to neglect themselves in the process. Take up a hobby, catch up with your friends, or simply, spend time alone with yourself. Get that much-needed check-up, eat well, and sleep right. Do the things that you weren't able to do while you still have time.

3. Know that you are not alone.

Whether in-person or virtual, a single parent could use a support system, according to an article by Harvard Business Review on creative strategies for single parents.

"The most impactful networks are a blend of close connections and people you don’t know that well: Friends and family offer meaningful bonds, while acquaintances give you access to information you might not get from your inner circle," Marika Lindholm wrote for HBR.

And if you think a support group is what you or another single parent needs, the Smart Parenting Village is open for all kinds of parents. 

On Jaclyn's birthday last year, Andi posted on Instagram a message that warmed her heart.

"Maraming salamat sa walang sawang pagmamahal at pag alaga sa amin. Wala ako rito kung hindi dahil sa iyong pagmamahal at suporta. Mahal na mahal ka namin!"

She added, "Wag kalimutan, ibigay naman pagmamahal sa iyong sarili. We will see you soon!"