Former Vivamax star AJ Raval became emotional as she finally opened up about the difficult journey she shared with actor Aljur Abrenica, particularly the years they spent keeping their relationship—and their children—away from the public eye.
In a candid interview with ‘Toni Talks’, hosted by Toni Gonzaga, AJ tearfully recalled the sacrifices and challenges they endured, especially at the start of their relationship and throughout her pregnancies.
When asked why they chose to hide their relationship before, AJ explained that it was largely to protect their children amid public controversy.
“Siyempre maingay po nu’ng time na ‘yun dahil po sa mga issue. Siyempre ayaw po namin madamay yung mga bata,” she said.
AJ was firm in clarifying long-standing allegations that she was involved in an overlapping relationship.
“Nag-start po kami ni Aljur malinis po talaga,” she stressed.
Toni followed up directly, asking if Aljur was already out of his previous relationship at the time.
“Wala na po,” AJ replied.
Addressing the widespread public assumption of a third-party issue, AJ said, “Pero hindi po. Hindi po talaga.”
Toni summed it up clearly for viewers: when AJ and Aljur became a couple, Aljur was already separated—something, she noted, the public never fully understood.
AJ admitted that the judgment took an emotional toll on her, but she held on to her faith.
“Sa part naman na ‘yun Ms. Toni alam kong wala akong ginawang masama. Kaya lumaban talaga ako,” she said, fighting back tears. “Alam ng Diyos na hindi ako. Wala akong kasalanan.”
Reflecting on the hardship, AJ added, “Naiisip ko nga Ms. Toni, bakit nangyari sa akin ‘yung mga ‘yun, kasi iyon ang plano sa akin ni Lord.”
She said she eventually learned to accept what happened.
“Wala anong magagawa kung ito ang plano sa akin ni Lord, kundi tanggapin at i-embrace yung nangyayari.”
Asked why they finally decided to reveal that they have children together, AJ said it was about freedom and safety.
“Kasi po Ms. Toni gusto na namin matapos magtago, gusto na naming maging malaya,” she explained. “Sa bahay po namin may pumupuntang tao na hindi ko kilala, gusto lang nila maka-capture ng picture sa mga bata.”
She added that they simply wanted a normal life for their children.
“Gusto namin silang ipasyal, gusto namin silang bigyan ng malalaking birthday celebration.”
Since going public, AJ said they finally feel free.
“Mas carefree na po kami ngayon. May freedom na po kami. Wala nang kailangang itago.”
When Toni asked what she saw in Aljur despite the backlash, AJ answered honestly.
“Ang kagandahan po kasi kay Aljur yung values niya… very responsible po siya and he’s a good provider.”
AJ also shared the struggles of hiding her pregnancies, including avoiding medical checkups out of fear of being exposed.
“Mahirap. Isipin niyo po hindi po ako nagpapa-check up… ginagamot ko ang sarili ko, nagse-search ako ng vitamins,” she said in a separate part of the interview.
Now 25, AJ previously revealed that she has five children, three of whom she shares with Aljur Abrenica. Looking back, she said the most important lesson she wants to pass on to her children is freedom.
“Yung ituturo ko po sa kanila ay ‘yung maging malaya sila at huwag magpapaapekto sa kahit kanino.”