Lian Paz shares how reconciliation with Paolo Contis started

Lian Paz opened up about how her reconciliation with ex-partner Paolo Contis began.

On Wednesday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Lian shared that it was a long and quiet process that started with Paolo reaching out to her husband.

“Actually, matagal ‘yung process. Nag-reach out siya, matagal na. So, quiet lang naman talaga kami, kasi, ‘yun na nga I'm out of the limelight already. Hinintay ko rin naman na mag-heal ako. Pero nakita ko ‘yung sincerity ni Paolo kasi because more than me, mas nagme-message siya kay John, husband ko,” she said.

She also took into consideration the baggage that can come with being in showbiz and her desire to keep their children away from the public eye.

“Nung una, parang hesitant pa kami because showbiz nga, ganiyan. And, I'm keeping the kids away from the media. And mahirap, of course, magtiwala at first. But then, I've seen his sincerity. And, I've seen myself also, Tito Boy, na also may pagkukulang din ako. So, it's really by the grace of God,” she said.

Lian also spoke about John’s reaction when he started receiving the messages, saying he was naturally protective of their family and especially mindful of the kids.

“Siyempre very protective talaga siya sa amin. Ang unang iniisip talaga niya, more than me, is ‘yung mga bata talaga. So, ayaw din namin na mabigla sila because ‘yung mga bata is lumaki talaga sa amin ni John.  So, I don't want them na parang magulat sila sa situation and all, so hinayaan lang namin ‘yung panahon. I think it's really just the right time,” she said.

Lian was hesitant at first, admitting that she was not ready.

“Hindi pa kasi gusto ko talagang makita ‘yung effort talaga niya na talagang dire-diretso na. Tuloy-tuloy ba? Tsaka, Tito Boy, pinag-pray ko talaga,” she said.

They didn’t tell the kids right away because they felt they weren’t ready yet, especially with everything going on in school.

“Masyadong maraming nangyayari sa school. You know, pagod din sila sa school. And nakakatuwa kasi very, very focused ‘yung mga bata sa school. So, tinignan muna namin talaga kung okay ba,” she said.

Eventually, Lian and John decided it was time to let Xonia and Xalene know.

“Actually, desisyon din namin ni John. We decided to let the kids know already. And we asked them, of course, kung sila mismo ready na. And pinakita ko kasi sa kanila, Tito Boy, na ayokong makita at masabi ng mga anak ko na hindi ako marunong magpatawad," she said.

"So, pinakita ko sa kanila na girls, hindi perpekto ang papa niyo. Ganon din si mama. But, we want this family to be okay. I think everybody deserves a chance. And we prayed about this. And we know that everyone is accountable to the Lord. So, let's just put it that way. Do you want to give your papa a chance? ‘Yes, of course.'" 

While things have improved between her and Paolo, Lian clarified that they still are not at the stage of formal co-parenting.

“Wala pa kami dun sa co-parenting. We're just enjoying the fact that we are friends right now. Taking things slowly.”

Last August, Paolo shared their bonding moment together.

In November, they attended the Blackpink concert, and Paolo also brought John and Xalene to the set of "Bubble Gang." 

Meanwhile, Lian and John got married in September 2025.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News