Television host Karla Estrada has broken her silence on the much-publicized breakup of her son Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, revealing how deeply affected she was by the backlash her son received.
During her guest appearance on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on January 29, 2025, Estrada admitted that the criticism directed at Daniel was difficult for her to handle.
“’Yung salita ng tao na halos hindi mo na makain at sobrang kabastusan, ‘yon ang hindi ko na kinakaya. Hindi ko kinakaya na parang ikamamatay ko.”
She also confessed that she struggled with the urge to personally respond to negative comments aimed at her son but ultimately chose to stay out of the issue.
“’Yung paghihiwalay kasi nila, sa kanila ni Kathryn ‘yon eh. Sila naman ang nakakaalam talaga at sila naman ang magreresolba kung anuman ‘yung dahilan ng paghihiwalay.”
On November 30, 2023, Kathryn and Daniel confirmed their separation after 11 years of being together.
Kathryn’s official statement read: “We’ve been drifting apart for a while now, and we ultimately had to accept that we can’t go back to where we used to be.”
Following their breakup, Daniel became the subject of intense speculation, with rumors linking him to actress Andrea Brillantes and other women. This led to a barrage of online criticism, with many blaming him for the split.
Estrada admitted that witnessing her son endure public scrutiny was one of the most painful experiences of her life.
“Siguro itong mga ibinatong masasakit na salita kay Daniel nitong mga nagdaang taon.”
She noted that while Daniel and Kathryn were the only ones who truly understood their relationship, the harsh judgment from netizens made the situation even more difficult.
“Hindi ko na halos kayanin na hanapin ‘yung mga taong ganoon magsalita at isa-isahing sagutin.”
Despite the challenges, Estrada emphasized that she let Daniel handle the situation on his own.
“Parang ganun, but of course kinakausap kita [Boy], kinakausap ko ‘yung iba nating kaibigan. Kaya ang pinakamaganda nating ginawa ay ipaubaya doon sa dalawa.”
She also reminded her son that making mistakes and learning from them is a part of life.
“Kailangan mong magkamali para may matutunan ka at para mas maging maayos ka at mabuti kang tao after that.”
Estrada encouraged Daniel—and everyone else—to practice forgiveness, especially in the face of public scrutiny.
“Bago ka matulog, magpatawad ka. Humingi ka ng tawad, magpatawad ka. Ipagdasal mo ‘yung mga taong nagagalit sa iyo.”
As Daniel continues to navigate his career and personal life after the breakup, Karla remains a pillar of strength and support.
“Nandito lang ako lagi sa likod ni DJ if ever tawagan niya ako at gusto niya akong makausap.”
While Kathryn and Daniel have yet to confirm any possibility of reconciliation, Karla Estrada’s message is clear: life moves forward, and what matters most is how one chooses to grow from the experience.
