Brothers Andre and Kobe Paras paid a courtesy call to GMA executives last May 9 at GMA Network Center.
The Kapuso talents were warmly welcomed by GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., and GMA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong together with the top officials of the Network.
During their visit, Andre and Kobe delivered good news to them as they finally reconciled with their mother Jackie Forster.
In a statement of the recent reunion, Kobe recognized their childhood and innocence as factors in their silence about their relationship with mother Jackie, “So ever since we were kids, our dad would always ask us if we want to see our mom, but you know, Andre and I made a decision not to just because we’re kids pa lang.”
“We didn’t really know what forgiveness was, so at least now we realized that we’re grown and we’ve been through a lot, and it’s time to forgive our mom. At least now we’re all happy. Forgiveness is not something you can force to anyone and forgiveness takes time,” Kobe explained.
Andre then added to his brother’s account and recalled his earliest memory in show business when he had to keep mum about the issue.
“Sa’kin naman po, four years na ‘ko dito and of course maraming nagtatanong sa’kin, and always the first question is ‘Kamusta na kayo ng nanay mo?,’ and I’d always say ‘no comment’ or ‘just give me time.’ I’m thankful na you guys gave me time and wala naman po kaming sinabi na we hate her, we dislike her, it’s just like we needed time to heal. And like what Kobe said, we are more mature now,” Andre said.
Both of them are filled with gratitude for the respect and support that they get from their parents.
“They’re saying our dad’s a bad person for not making us forgive our mom, but at the same time, he’s one of the greatest dads ever because he listens to us. He listens to what Andre and I had to say not just with forgiving our mom, but like in basketball and in school he never forces us to do anything. He’s the type of dad who’s just there for us, to support us no matter what so we’re happy na ito yung nangyayari, na this is all happening with God’s blessing,” Kobe said.
Andre further said that it was a crucial decision that needs maturity and proper timing, and they have their parents to thank for it.
“I just want to thank my dad and my stepmom for always being there for us and our stepmom for treating us like her own. I’m thankful for all the support that you’ve given us by being patient. We are all happy and I hope you guys are happy as well so thank you so much for the patience and thank you again for the love and support,” Andre concluded.