In September 2021, after her breakup with Paolo Contis, Kapuso actress LJ Reyes quietly left the Philippines to be with her mother and sister who are currently based in New York City.
Although LJ shared photos on her Instagram account, the public got a glimpse of LJ and her children's newfound life when she conducted interviews with Boy Abunda.
On their first Thanksgiving in the United States, LJ said that there were still a lot of things to be thankful and grateful for.
She wrote, "So much to be grateful for on our first Thanksgiving!"
Since their arrival in the United States, LJ has been sharing some of her precious moments with her kids on social media that are well-loved by her celebrity friends, fans, and netizens alike.
A year later, in September 2022, LJ established a simple and happy life with her kids in New York. While she has not officially left showbiz, LJ is busy working in her family business in Brooklyn, New York.
In May 2023, LJ got engaged to her non-showbiz partner Philip Evangelista. They got married in October 2023, in New York.
Take a look at LJ and her children's lives in the United States in this gallery.
When the news about her break up with Paolo Contis surfaced, Kapuso actress LJ Reyes quietly went to New York, where her mother is based.
LJ went to the United States with her children, Aki and Summer.
In an interview with Boy Abunda, LJ thanked God that He made it a "relatively easy transition" for them.
In the same interview, LJ admitted that she didn't think about the future for her and her family but, according to Paulo Avelino, Aki's biological father, his son is currently enrolled and studying in the US.
Although she still doesn't know what the future holds, LJ made sure that she can vote overseas in the upcoming 2022 Philippine election.
LJ's stay in New York is not all tears as she continues to be strong, attending the New York Fashion Week in September in an all-black ensemble.
Despite the challenging year, LJ still said, "So much to be grateful" as they celebrated their first Thanksgiving.
"Motherhood is a full-time job with no pay, but GREAT benefits!”
Now that she's a full-time mom, Aki and Summer grow really fast in LJ's eyes. She wrote, "Parang lumiliit ako! Or lumalaki lang sila? 'Di ako sure!"
Whatever LJ has experienced, or has been experiencing, her faith in God remains stronger than ever.
At two years old, it seems Summer is also living her new life in the States.
As a family-of-three, LJ assures son Aki that she will be holding his hand "through thick or thin".
Continue to find your happiness, LJ!
LJ Reyes and her kids, Aki and Summer, are enjoying their newfound life in New York City.
Summer Contis celebrated her third birthday in the United States. To mark the celebrity kid's special day, LJ Reyes dedicated a heartfelt birthday message for her baby girl.
Indeed, LJ Reyes deserves every ounce of happiness in the world.
The family of three looks like they had loads of fun during the holiday season!
LJ and Summer look so cute in their 2022 outfits.
LJ shares that Aki is not her baby anymore.
"Kisses overload for this baby boy! Ay di na pala baby! In private pwede pa sya ikiss, in public bawal na!!! wag nyo ko sumbong ah!!"
Summer says "be kind."
According to LJ, the best way to keep her kids away from gadgets is to do fun activities.
"Best way to keep them away from screens is to keep them busy physically! Kahit minsan nakakapagod kasi pag nasa labas kami naghihiwalay sila ni Summer! Disperse talaga. Tapos gusto ring mahati ng katawan ko para sundan sila ng sabay kaso di pala pwede yun."
LJ is proud of her loving kids.
The celebrity mom will do everything for her children's happiness. She revealed, "The day they decided to play in the park with a freezing weather!!! pero para sa kanila kakayanin ko -- ang lamig!!! Haha!"
LJ Reyes took her kids, Aki and Summer to an amusement park in the United States.
On Instagram, celebrity mom shared that she misses the joy of playing in the carnaval in the Philippines and she wanted Aki and Summer to also experience that fun.
"Nakakamiss din 'yung perya sa Pilipinas! Gusto ko rin maexperience nila 'yun! Favorite ko 'yung may hinihila tapos kailangan mag-match yung colors ng blocks and 'yung nagbabato ng coins," she wrote.
Aki and Summer are enjoying their "sibling time" while at the park.
"On my journey to finding a better version of myself! It's not easy at all," LJ confessed in an Instagram post. She added a message to her fans, "Honestly, you have inspired me more than I have inspired you!"
LJ, and kids Aki and Summer, spent Mother's Day 2022 together in NYC.
LJ took her kids out to visit a theme park.
Working out is more fun when Aki and Summer are around.
LJ pens a letter to Aki on her Instagram, "I know that at this age, I will never sound cool to you. Ever! but I don't care, I would still try to be cool to you (and your friends)! What actually is so cool though is that you have been in my life this long and we have been through so much and you still are the reason (and Summer) that makes mommy keep going and going. You have taught me a lot of things I know as a parent."
A year after flying to the U.S., LJ Reyes is happily settled in New York City while still considering returning to the Philippines for her showbiz career.
The name of LJ's fiancé is Philip Evangelista.
They're the perfect pair.
“'The RIGHT person will always find you at the RIGHT time' - R.M. drake ," LJ Reyes captioned her Instagram post showing her prenup photoshoot with Philip.
LJ had this prenup shoot taken in Northport, New York.
She's glowing differently now that she's in love.
"I never thought I would experience this in NYC. Thank you so much girls," LJ wrote on one of her Instagram Stories showing her bridal shower.
LJ and her friends happily danced to Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body" in one of their TikTok videos during her bridal shower.
LJ and Philip got married on October 8, 2023.
A first look at Mr. and Mrs. Evangelista.
They got married in Southport, New York.
Christmas 2023 is extra special for LJ and her kids.
LJ and her kids spent the holidays with Philip and Irvin Evangelista.
LJ look truly happier.
It's LJ and her kids' first holiday season with Philip and his family.