Andre and Kobe Paras release official statement on their reconciliation with Jackie Forster
On May 9th, Andre and Kobe Paras visited GMA Network to release a statement concerning their much-talked-about reconciliation with their mother, Jackie Forster.
Andre and Kobe personally shared their thoughts on their reconciliation shortly after they made a courtesy call to GMA Network Chairman & CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon and President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.
Kobe started his statement by sharing how they’ve made a decision to reconnect with their mother, Jackie, after being separated for years.
He said, “Ever since we were kids our dad (Benjie Paras) will always ask us if we want to see our mom. Andre and I made our decision not to just because you know we're kids palang eh. 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 na.”
Kobe admitted that the "forgiveness" that they were waiting to come took some time. Through it all, their dad Benjie gave them the support that they needed.
“It's time to forgive our mom and you know at least now we're all happy and forgiveness is not something you can force to anyone. Forgiveness takes time. There's a lot of people who think na they're talking bad about me,
"Andre, my dad and I our whole lives because like they're saying a dad is a bad person for not making us forgive our mom. At the same time, he's one of the greatest dads ever because he listened to us. He listened to what Andre and I had to say; not just with forgiving our mom but like in basketball and in school. He never forces to do anything. He's the type of dad who's just there for us to support us no matter what.
"So I'm just glad na I'm 20 and Andre's 22, we're more mature and we've just decided na it makes sense to just forgive our mom because we lived the lives they have when they were young. Now that we're mature, we're happy na ito 'yung nangyayari. I'm just happy na this all happened in God's blessing.”
Andre followed his brother’s statement by saying that all throughout his showbiz career, he was constantly asked about his relationship with Jackie. Now he’s pleased to declare that his relationship with his biological mom is in the process of healing.
“Four years na ako dito, of course maraming nagtatanong sa akin always the first question eh. Kamusta na kayo ng nanay mo? I'd always say no comment or give me time and I'm thankful na you guys gave me time and wala naman kaming sinabi na we hate her, we dislike her.
"It's just that we needed time to heal and like what Kobe said, we're more mature now. It's our decision naman noong bata kami kasi you know. That was our parents' roles so they're there to respect our decision. I'm thankful now, I believe this is the right age, 20-22. Mature na po kami.”
The Kapuso star also disclosed that he’s grateful for his dad’s unwavering support and for their stepmother, Lyxen Diomampo, for giving them love all these years.
“I also wanna thank our stepmom, Lyxen. She was there to treat us like her own. And a good example is that it hurts lang there are a lot of negative comments about her. But if you guys see what we are right now we could've been problematic people.
"We could've been doing other things that are bad or negative. But we're raised right and I'm proud of that. I just want to thank my dad and stepmom for always being there for us, our stepmom for treating us like her own.
"I'm thankful for all the support that you guys have given us by being patient. There you have it, we're all happy and I hope you guys are happy as well. Kaya thank you so much for the patience, thank you again for the love and support."