When Sunshine Cruz got separated with ex-husband Cesar Montano in 2013, she realized the importance of self-love that can be practiced through the likes of exercise and beauty routine, although she doesn’t regret pouring all her time to her family and kids back then. Sunshine clarified that self-care isn’t a form of selfishness but an important aspect of maintaining a healthy well-being.
Sunshine might have a pristine angelic beauty but she has a warrior’s heart. As a single mom to her three equally beautiful daughters for seven years, Sunshine once doubted her abilities to provide their wants and needs. She expressed gratitude to ABS-CBN for helping her get back up during those trying times. “Sila ‘yung sumalo sa akin. After a week na mabalita na separated na ako, dumating ‘yung offer sa akin at nagtuloy-tuyloy ‘yun talaga,” she recalled. The shower of blessings and projects replaced Sunshine’s fears with a brighter sense of hope.
Her kids’ scholastic achievement is what makes Sunshine most proud of being a single parent. She won’t deny that her family is far from being perfect yet she’s fulfilled to see her children grow up into respectful and loving individuals. She’s happy that her daughters listen to her advice. There are showbiz projects offered to Angelina, Sam and Chesca but their studies remain their top priority.
After four years of being separated, Sunshine’s romantic life bloomed all over again when she met Macky Mathay. “I was so focused with work. Sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, may nag-DM at nagpakilala na kapatid daw siya ni Ara Mina,” said Sunshine, looking back on how she met her current boyfriend.
Sunshine praised Macky for being supportive of her daughters as well. She revealed that Macky is always present during her kids’ special moments like graduation. “I’m very blessed to have someone like him na hindi lang ako ang mahal at tanggap kundi pati mga anak ko.”
Sunshine answered questions sent by her tres marias. Her eldest Angelina asked if having children once stopped her from accomplishing a goal. Sunshine had to admit that she took a break from showbiz and become a full-time housewife. This was a mutual decision between her and Cesar back then. “Pero hindi ko ire-regret na dumating ‘yung point na 24/7 nandyan ako sa tabi ng mga anak ko. Maybe kaya sila lumaki na mababait na mga bata kasi natutukan at naalagaan ko sila,” she expressed.
On the hardest obstacle of being a single mother, as asked by Sam, Sunshine thought of time management. They had to sacrifice time spent together, so Sunshine can go back to work and provide for their needs. She thinks being an introvert helps her set her priorities. When free from work obligations, Sunshine would rather crave for quality time with her children at home.