Jose Sarasola confirms split with Maria Ozawa: 'We tried'

Kapuso actor and chef Jose Sarasola revealed that he and Japanese star Maria Ozawa have ended their almost five-year relationship last December.

In an interview with PEP.ph on Thursday, January 13, he shared that the strain on their romance was caused by the challenges in their long-distance relationship (LDR) during the pandemic.

“To be honest, wala na kami. It's been difficult, e. It's been very hard. LDR is very hard. We never expected this to be difficult. We tried,” he said.

The celebrity chef also clarified that their breakup was a mutual decision, shutting down possible claims of a third party or a major fight causing their split.

“Last December, we had a talk. We mutually agreed to part ways. Pero wala naman kaming pinag-awayan, big fight, third party. Wala naman talagang away…Ang hirap lang talaga ng LDR. We didn't expect na ganito kahirap,” he added.

Maria returned to Japan in April of 2020, a few weeks after a strict lockdown was imposed over many cities in the Philippines due to the COVID-19 crisis.

“She left knowing na baka after three months, baka mawala eventually. Little did we know na [magiging] pandemic na siya. Up to now, she never came back. Nahihirapan talaga siya kasi sa mga rules [for] foreigners coming back,” Jose said.

While they tried to remain in constant contact, he revealed that it started to take a “heavy toll” on both of them.

“Nahirapan kaming dalawa. Medyo hard na to continue the relationship…it's hard when your partner is not here…Pero ang kagandahan naman diyan, we're still friends. And okay naman kami," he explained.

Jose and Maria started dating in 2017. The couple's breakup came a few months shy of their supposed fifth anniversary in February.

Meanwhile, relive the former lovers' romance in this gallery.