By Carissa Alcantara
Known for her successful career in both acting and directing, Gina Alajar is not new to personal drama.
During an interview for Aster Amoyo's "TicTalk" on YouTube recently, the award-winning actress opened up about her former husband, veteran actor Michael De Mesa, and how she became a mother at a young age.
Gina and Michael fell in love while doing the movie "Cofradia" in 1973. She was only 17 when she gave birth to their first baby, Ryan Eigenmann. Their two other children are Geoff and AJ.
When Ryan turned one year old, Gina and Michael got married at the Sanctuario De Jose in Greenhills. Gina described the wedding as simple, with family and close friends in attendance.
Gina and Micheal lasted for 23 years as a couple until they decided to call it quits in 2001. Their marriage was annulled in 2006. In the interview, Gina revealed one of the reasons for their separation.
When she was starting her career as a director, Gina asked Michael if it was okay to accept directorial assignments.
"So I told him is it okay to accept offers? Kasi isa yun sa mga dahilan ng paghihiwalay because of sinasabing Insecurities, because I became more successful than him when it comes to directing," Gina shared.
When they split, Gina also had a hard time moving on from her former husband. "Kahit nagmomove on kana, madali lang yun pero deep inside, nasasaksaktan ka pa rin."
She also said that her friends called her "bitter" after leaving Michael. Despite the heartbreaking issue, the two had worked together on other projects.
Gina said that she and Michael have become more civil with each other, adding that she would still accept offers to work with him.
"Hindi ko naman masasabi na friends kami. We're civil. Okay naman kami kapag magkasama sa work," Gina said. (I don't think we're friends, but we're civil. We can still work together).
Watch the full interview below: