After months of silence, actress Yen Santos has finally opened up about a past relationship she described as “controlling,” “manipulative,” and “draining.”
In the first episode of her YouTube vlog released on July 23, 2025, Yen candidly responded to long-standing questions from the public — including one about her most recent romantic relationship.
“Napakalaking blessing na natapos na ‘yon. Malaking blessing na nagising na ako sa nightmare na ‘yon and I walked away,” Yen said, choosing her words carefully. “It wasn’t worth wasting my time, energy sa someone na kino-control ka, mina-manipulate ka. That kind of life drains you and you lose yourself in the process.”
Although she did not name her ex-partner, many netizens speculate that she was referring to actor Paolo Contis, with whom she had a highly publicized relationship. Paolo confirmed their status in a 2023 interview but chose to keep most of their relationship private in later months.
Yen reflected on how she was deceived by the person she thought she knew. “The person I met at the beginning, that wasn’t really him. The one I saw at the end, ‘yon talaga siya,” she said.
“Siyempre sa una, hindi naman ‘yan magpapakilala ng totoong pagkatao nila eh. Gagawin nila lahat para makuha ‘yong loob mo tapos kapag nakuha na ‘yong loob mo, unti-unti na ‘yan. Doon na lalabas ‘yong totoong pagkatao nila.”
Admitting her own missteps, Yen expressed remorse for the people who may have been hurt because of her past choices. “Para po doon sa mga taong nasaktan ko noong mga panahon na ‘yon, I am so sorry. Wala po akong excuse doon. Mali po talaga ako. Nagkamali po ako,” she said.
The actress also opened up about the painful realizations she gained from the experience — including lessons about “red flags” and love bombing. “Isa sa natutunan ko na kapag ang isang tao, umpisa pa lang, mahal ka na agad, big gestures agad yung ginagawa para sa ‘yo… noong una akala ko nakakakilig ‘yon. Pero hindi, red flag ‘yon. Love bombing ‘yon. Patibong ‘yon.”
Despite the emotional toll, Yen emphasized that choosing herself and walking away was one of the most powerful decisions she’s ever made. “Minsan, the most powerful thing you can do is walk away and set yourself free. Piliin mo ‘yung sarili mo talaga.”
Now in a better headspace, Yen shared that she is finally at peace. “Right now, I’m at peace, and for me that’s one of the most important things I have. Payapa yung isip ko, ‘yung utak ko, ‘yung paligid ko. Mas at peace talaga.”
As of writing, Paolo Contis has not responded to Yen’s vlog.
