Carlo Aquino (left) and Bela Padilla
Actor Carlo Aquino has denied courting ex-girlfriend Angelica Panganiban, saying he was still reeling from the breakup of his seven-year relationship.
“Everything is still fresh. We split up only two months ago,” Carlo told reporters at the media gathering for his new film, Irene Villamor’s “Meet Me In St. Gallen,” with Bela Padilla.
Carlo broke up with live-in partner Kristine Nieto shortly after he finished shooting the film, which was partially shot in Switzerland. “I extended my stay in Europe. I toured Italy, and spent Christmas in Venice—alone,” he said. “I’m still healing. Of course, there were crying moments, but I distract myself with work. ”
He clarified that there was no third party involved and that he initiated the breakup. “It was hard for her to accept it in the beginning,” Carlo shared with the Inquirer. “I can’t pinpoint what exactly caused it. One factor was the lack of time. I’ve accepted several projects, so there were periods when I wasn’t at home for days, but when I was there, she wasn’t around. It’s also possible that I got burned out. ”
In 2017, Carlo became busy doing the historical fiction film “Goyo,” which was shot for 60 days. He was also one of four lead actors in the TV drama series “The Better Half,” which ran for almost seven months. He likewise did the indie flick, “Throwback Today,” for the 2017 Cinema One film festival.
Carlo belied the rumor that he recently sent Angelica flowers. The two actors had dated for six years when they were in their teens. “We were supposed to have dinner in December, but that didn’t push through. Now, we’re both busy promoting our respective films,” the 32-year-old actor said. “We text each other regularly. Let’s just leave it at that, for now. ”
Angelica and Kristine know each other, Carlo said. They recently got together to watch a concert by the band Coldplay in Singapore with other Filipino friends. He added that Angelica was one of the first persons he talked to about the split.
“I’m not entertaining thoughts of courting anyone just yet,” he de clared. As to the possibility of a reconciliation with either of his exes, Carlo said, “I’ve never gotten back with any of the girls I’ve dated before, so I can’t say if that would happen.
“As for Angelica, I’m happy that people who supported our tandem years ago are back and now call it ‘CarGel.’ I hope Angel and I can work on a movie together. I just enjoy the projects that are coming my way. I’m only reminded of the sad moments in my life during interviews. ”
Carlo experienced many “firsts” while working on “St. Gallen,” which begins its theatrical run on Feb. 7. He explained: “It’s my first time to shoot outside the country and experience snow. It’s also my first time to play lead in a romantic movie.