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Miriam Quiambao admits to having suicidal thoughts after her breakup with ex-husband

By Kristine Kang
Published August 23, 2024 10:38 AM PHT

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Miriam Quiambao


Miriam Quiambao on her failed first marriage: “I was so empty emotionally and spiritually, and I didn't feel loved in that marriage.”

Filipina host-actress and Miss Universe Philippines 1999, Miriam Quiambao, courageously shared a glimpse into her darkest times, revealing untold stories from her past.

In a candid interview on Toni Gonzaga's YouTube channel, Miriam opened up about the emotional struggles she faced during her failed marriage and her journey toward healing after the divorce.

The actress remembered how she was excited to get married and start a family with her Italian ex-husband, Claudio Rondinelli. For her, it was a new way to give meaning to her life, as she felt empty after earning fame in her career.

"I was looking for meaning and searching. Sabi ko,'Siguro magkakaroon ng meaning ang buhay ko kapag meron na akong pamilya or asawa,'" she said.

Miriam moved to Hong Kong with Claudio, leaving behind her life in the Philippines. Initially, their marriage was filled with love and promise. However, over time, their relationship deteriorated, leading to a painful divorce.

"I was so empty emotionally and spiritually, and I didn't feel loved in that marriage. Like if I stayed on and insisted and I didn't have my support system around me, I was going to die or probably get very, very sick and die," she shared.

Following the divorce, Miriam returned to her family and faced the difficult process of coping with her shattered dreams. She admitted feeling "devastated" and struggled with suicidal thoughts and bipolar depression.

"Ang taas-taas ng expectation ko tapos ganito. I was suicidal. I was ultra-depressed and diagnosed with bipolar depression," she revealed.

Miriam described questioning her purpose daily and feeling like she had no reason to live. "I remember lying down in the sofa of my parent's house. Sabi ko, 'Lord kunin niyo na ako. Wala na akong dahilan para mabuhay' kasi lahat ng pangarap ko nakalakip sa marriage na iyon eh. So I just want to end my life," she said.

Despite these struggles, Miriam slowly began to heal. An opportunity to work on GMA's show, Pinoy Meets World, provided a welcome distraction and a way to earn a living.

"That kinda kept me busy, distracted from my own problems, allowed me to earn my own keep," Miriam said.

During a period of scarce opportunities in show business, Miriam even posed for Playboy Magazine. Yet the reactions from her father and their religious organization, World Vision Development Foundation, allegedly led her to question her faith and future once again.

"Noon, I used to be so sure of every step that I would make. I was so confident. But when all of this happened, parang wala na... I had to go back to, 'Paano nga ba ako naging successful noon? Ah, si God pala,'" she said.

In the end, Miriam deepened her commitment to her faith and religion. During this period of renewal, she met her current husband, entrepreneur Ardy Roberto. They married in 2014 and are now the proud parents of three children: Joshua, Elijah, and Ezekiel.

Check out Miriam Quiambao's life as a mother in this gallery: