Love thy Woman star Sunshine Cruz is known for her strength and honesty, so when former co-star Chuckie Dreyfrus suddenly came out in the public bringing an intriguing revelation about their alleged romantic history, Sunshine was quick to deny the issue, much to netizens’ irk. Her attempt to clarify things only stirred ‘maarte’ tags. But no matter what others throw at her, Sunshine will fight for the truth, for her three teenage daughters’ sake.
In this episode of OKS’ (Online Kapamilya Shows) “Love Thy Chika,” Sunshine also talked about her past struggles as a single mom, future plans and even recent updates on her relationship with ex-husband Cesar Montano.
In 2013, news about Sunshine leaving the marriage she used to describe as ‘dark’ created a loud uproar. The devastated Sunshine was admittedly lost at that time, without a job and enough financial capabilities to support herself and her kids. But she knew the feelings of despair must not be prolonged anymore because she’s the only one her kids got. “There was a time na nalungkot ako pero binigyan ko ng expiration date ‘yung lungkot kasi hindi naman pwedeng habambuhay malungkot tayo kasi kawawa ‘yung mga bata. Sila ‘yung naging inspirasyon ko para makabangon.”
Sunshine expressed gratitude to ABS-CBN for helping her recover. “Binigyan agad ako ng ABS-CBN ng project, ng telserye, ‘yung Dugong Buhay. After that nagdire-diretso na ako kaya nagkaroon ako ng lakas ng loob. Nagkaroon ako ng pera para mabuhay ko ‘yung mga anak ko.”
Sunshine and Cesar’s marriage was annulled last year. Moreover, Cesar has now become more present in their daughters’ lives, and he even brings the kids to church at times. Sunshine always reminds her children not to use the past events in gauging their father’s love. “Kahit anong mangyari tatay n’yo pa rin ‘yan. May kanya-kanya naman na kaming buhay pero ang importante talaga dito ay ang kaligayahan ng mga bata.” Cesar dropped by her eldest daughter’s debut party last year, but opted not to show up in public to avoid tainting the occasion with intrigues.
Moving forward, Sunshine’s heart is full of bliss with current beau, Macky Mathay. The relationship is turning four years this September, so Sunshine always gets teased about marrying again. Her ‘tres marias’ look at Macky as a father figure and they get along well with his own kids.
While her daughters won’t forbid her from walking down the aisle soon, Sunshine wants to take things one step at a time. “In God’s perfect time. Kung talagang magpapaksal kami, wait and see na lang. For now, ang mahalaga magkakasundo ang mga anak naming at masaya kami.”
With all her experiences, it is easy for Sunshine to give her girls sound advice. Her top reminder to Angelina, Sam, and Chesca is to prioritize their studies over showbiz career and love because these two can still wait. “Ang lagi ko din advice sa kanila, kung magkaroon man kayo ng boyfriend o asawa, kahit sobrang yaman ng mapangasawa ninyo, maganda ‘yung may sarili kayong pera at trabaho. Iba pa rin ‘yung babae na may sariling trabaho at hindi lang umaasa sa asawa.” The three girls treat their mom like their sister and BFF and they tell her everything – no secrets!
Host Ruffa Gutierrez surprised Sunshine with a virtual greeting from Macky. In his heartfelt message, Macky said that all his future plans revolve around Sunshine and their six kids. Sunshine returned Macky’s sweet words with appreciation for his love and support.
Catch the next episode of “Love thy Chika” on OKS.abs-cbn.com.