Comedienne and actress Candy Pangilinan revealed her deepest fear—passing away too soon and leaving behind her 21-year-old son, Quentin, who has special needs.
During the press conference for her upcoming film Un-Ex You on March 12, 2025, Candy spoke candidly about the uncertainties of her son’s future and why she remains focused on securing his well-being.
The actress did not hold back her emotions as she expressed her worries.
“Ang kinatatakutan ko, yung mamatay na po,” she admitted. “Kasi kapag namatay ako, hindi ko alam kung kakayanin niyang mag-isa, at this point. So, hindi ako puwedeng mamatay ngayon o bukas kaagad. Siguro kailangan pa ako humaba-haba nang konti pa yung buhay ko.”
Candy, a single mother, shared that she is working hard to establish a financial safety net for Quentin, ensuring that he will be taken care of even if she is no longer around.
“Yun ang dasal ko, saka magtrabaho at mag-ipon para sa anak ko. Yung maka-establish ako ng something for him that will sustain him kapag nawala ako.”
One of her biggest fears is how vulnerable Quentin could be in a world that may not always be kind to him.
“Yun ang kinatatakutan ko dahil yung mga batang katulad nila, dahil hindi sila independently functional, madali rin silang utuin, kausapin. Lahat ibibigay nila because they have such innocent hearts and, you know, they just want friends.”
“Parati nga silang ganoon, gusto nila ng kaibigan. So, yun lang ang takot ko.”
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Despite her fears, Candy remains grateful for the lessons and love that Quentin has brought into her life.
“Kung bubuksan mo talaga yung puso ko, meron akong gratefulness sa anak ko, yung pagpapasalamat. Dahil kung wala po si Quentin, hindi ninyo po mababago yung Candy. Hindi po ako ngayon ito.”
She shared how raising Quentin has given her a deeper perspective on life, helping her appreciate even the smallest blessings.
“Hindi ko matatahak itong journey na ito at mare-realize kung gaano po tayo lahat kasuwerte because we have so many things that we take for granted. Na, we are so blessed in so many ways. Na-simplify po niya ang buhay ko.”
For years, Candy has remained single, dedicating her time and energy to Quentin. While she has received romantic advances, she admitted that she has yet to meet someone who fully accepts both her and her son.
“Hindi ko sinasabi na by choice na, ‘Sige ho, gusto kong maging single talaga.’ Siguro, wala pa talagang dumarating na kikiligin ako katulad ng dalawang ito [Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles].”
She explained that any potential partner must be willing to take on the responsibility of being with a single mother to a child with special needs.
“Na tatanggapin yung anak ko, kasama yung responsibilidad. Mahirap yun, e. Aminado naman ako kasi buy one take one po ako.”
Candy clarified what she meant by her “buy one, take one” statement.
“Iba na ngayon kapag buy one take one. Buy one take one with responsibility and accountability. Siyempre, iba din yon. Bonus na po yun, ipinagdarasal na lang po.”
Although her focus is on her son, Candy admitted that she longs for a loving and supportive partner who can also take care of her.
“Yung aalagaan naman ako. Napapagod ho kasi ako. Saka gusto ko sana yung puwede akong magpahinga.”
While she is not looking for material wealth, she values hard work and dedication in a partner.
“Hindi naman ako naghahanap ng mayamang-mayaman. Gusto ko lang ho masipag.”
Candy Pangilinan stars in the upcoming romantic comedy ‘Un-Ex You’, directed by RC Delos Reyes. The film features real-life couple Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles, alongside Marnie Lapus, Vladia Disuanco, and Candy Pangilinan.
The film opens in cinemas nationwide on April 9, 2025.
