Leave it to Kathryn Bernardo to handle everything with class—breakups included.

In a heartfelt statement uploaded on her Instagram account today, November 30, the Preview November 2023 cover star finally broke her silence on the rumors surrounding her high profile relationship with reel-to-real-life boyfriend Daniel Padilla. Featuring a nostalgic photo of the couple in their teenage years, Kathryn officially confirmed their much-speculated breakup: “It’s true that Deej and I have decided to part ways,” she wrote.

PHOTO BY instagram/bernardokath

Kathryn’s post, which sounds more like a personal letter than a public statement, paid tribute to the 11-year relationship she shared with the actor. Devoid of resentment and hostility, her emotionally vulnerable message was a bittersweet goodbye that chose to underscore the best memories they had growing up together before ultimately deciding to end their love story with mutual respect.

“We grew up together, dreamed together, and saw many of those dreams become a reality—still together. That’s almost half of my life that I would never regret and would never trade for anything in the world. These are 11 years that brought me joy, adventure, and the feeling of being home,” Kathryn’s statement reads. “Our love story began with respect and ended with respect.”

Closing the chapter, Kathryn concluded her statement with a message for their fans, thanking them for giving them the time they needed “to process the pain” and asking for their understanding as they continue to heal.

For Daniel, she wrote, “Deej, you gave me 11 beautiful years and the kind of love that I will forever cherish. I will always be grateful for you.”
 

PHOTO BY instagram/supremo_dp

Shortly after, Daniel also issued his statement on his own Instagram account. Echoing Kath’s tear-jerking message about their 11-year relationship, the actor also shared a poignant letter. “Ang mga alaala natin ay laging kong baon sa aking puso at magiging liwanag sa mga madidilim kong araw,” he wrote. “Thank you for dancing with me during my highsand thank you for singing with me during my lows. Our lives may drift away, but our love will still ride that tide.”

He also ended his letter with a bittersweet message for Kath: “Bal, ang pag mamahal ko sayo ay walang katapusan.”

READ: Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s heartfelt statements in full

Kathryn Bernardo

“I’ve been in showbiz for almost 21 years now, 12 years as the one-half of Kathniel, and 11 years as someone who loved Deej even behind the camera.

“I didn’t grow up in this industry constantly being controlled and dictated on. I was lucky to have had the best guidance and support system when I started my career and I’ve continuously worked hard to earn people’s trust. But since I became an adult, I took it upon myself to take charge of my own life—the projects I work on, the way I dress, the people I surround myself with. I’ve always tried to be my own person. I was encouraged to think for myself and decide for myself. Even when it comes to love. Especially when it comes to love.  

“I promised to never lose myself in this industry, so I’ve always been as authentic to you as I can be. I know what many of you are thinking right now. I’m well aware of the rumors and speculations going around, and as hard as it is to put everything into words, I want you to hear it straight from me: It’s true that Deej and I have decided to part ways. 

“What Deej and I had was real. It was never for show. We were together not because of the cameras, not because of the fans, not because of the money that comes with a successful love team. We were genuinely in love. We grew up together, dreamed together, and saw many of those dreams become a reality—still together. That’s almost half of my life that I would never regret and would never trade for anything in the world. These are 11 years that brought me joy, adventure, and the feeling of being home. Years that taught me the real meaning of unconditional love and friendship. He knew me more than anyone else. He was my first boyfriend. He was my comfort zone. He was my person. I will always have love for him.

“Like any other relationship, we tried our best to make it work. We’ve been drifting apart for a while now, and we ultimately had to accept that we can’t go back to where we used to be. It just won’t be fair to pretend that everything is still the same.

“These past few months have been tough, but thank you for giving us the time we need to process the pain and finally face the elephant in the room. 

“Our love story began with respect and ended with respect. 

“Kathniels, we know you are hurting, and trust me, this also hurts us both more than you can imagine. The last thing we want is for this family to break apart with everyone taking sides—please don’t. Deej and I will continue to support each other as we try to heal and move forward from this. We will continue to love you and make you proud, but we hope you understand that this is something we really need. We hope you can join us in this healing process and not let those precious memories go to waste. Kaya natin to. 

“Deej, you gave me 11 beautiful years and the kind of love that I will forever cherish. I will always be grateful for you.”

Daniel Padilla

“11 years.K [and] D. Pagibig.

“Thank you for dancing with me during my highsand thank you for singing with me during my lows
Our lives may drift away, but our love will still ride that tide.

“Kathniels, una sa lahat. Maraming salamat sa pag mamahal ninyo. maraming salamat sa napaka gandang pinag samahan natin. Hinding hindi namin ipag papalit at hindi makukumpara kahit anong pang gawin nila. Hinding hindi nila pwedeng sirain yun. This is beyond show business. Pamilya kayo at mga kaibigan.
Sabay natin yakapin ang bagong kinabukasan. 

“I pray for us to grow, and heal.

“Bal, ang pag mamahal ko sayo ay walang katapusan.”