For Daniel Matsunaga, it’s important to stay friends with one’s exes

Daniel Matsunaga.

Actor-model Daniel Matsunaga claimed to have already learned his lesson—he now prefers to keep his romantic life private.

“Yes, I am dating somebody now. I have a girlfriend, whom I prefer not to share with my followers on social media just yet. Lately, my posts are about what’s happening to my family and my investments,” Daniel told Inquirer Entertainment.

“I chose this instead of being 100 percent public. I’ve learned so much from all the ups and downs I’ve experienced. I just opted to be more exclusive. Privacy, even though I’m from show biz, is really important to me,” said Daniel, whose most publicized romantic relationship was with actress Erich Gonzales in 2015. The two met and fell in love while working on the romantic-comedy series “Be My Lady.”

Matsunaga (right) with fellow brand ambassador Kylie Verzosa

“As in any other relationship, having a misunderstanding is normal. Anything can go wrong, even though you think you’re already right for each other. I just want to keep things like that between us, or just among the people around us. Besides, she is not from show biz,” explained the 33-year-old.

Asked for some advice to young guys who are still in search of a romantic partner, he replied: “Every relationship is different, but there’s only one relationship you can have that is constant and always inspiring. It’s the one you have with your God. By making Him the center of your life, you will eventually be able to find the right one for you. Pray to Him about it.”

God’s bigger plan

Daniel Matsunaga.

Daniel said it’s also important to make sure to stay friends with your exes. “It really depends on how your relationship ended. I have exes who eventually became my friends,” he stressed.

“I reach out to them. When I learn that they’re happy after finding someone new, I tell them I’m happy for them, too. I’m a Christian. I believe that if a relationship does not work out, it means God has something bigger planned for each of you.”

However, when it came to talking about Erich, Daniel declined.

“I prefer not to say anything because it just brings up more stuff from haters. These haters are everywhere. I appreciate people who support me, those who really try to get to know me first before choosing to judge me. There’s nothing else you can do for people with so much negativity. If you mind them, you’d go crazy. I mean, it’s useless to keep worrying about bashers. There’s always somebody who’s unhappy with life. I just pray for them,” he declared.

Series of US shows

Daniel Matsunaga.

Daniel, who is “Pinoy Big Brother All In” grand winner in 2014, said he has been receiving offers to do TV projects but is still studying his options.

“It will all depend on whether tapings will not be in conflict with my schedule for my other businesses. What is certain is that I will be part of a series of shows in the United States from August to September. That will take a lot of my time,” pointed out the Brazilian Japanese national.

Is Daniel working so hard because he’s getting ready to settle down?

“For now, I choose to just chill, to take it slow. Everything will happen in God’s time. I still have a lot to do with regard to my businesses. What’s for sure is that I will always keep on working for my future, as well as for my would-be family’s future. I will keep doing show biz. In my heart, I’m a Filipino. I love it here. I’m basically set here,” Daniel said during his launch as brand ambassador—along with 2016 Miss International Kylie Verzosa—of Étoile Salon, located on Sgt. Esquerra Ave, Quezon City.

“I’m excited about this. I’m actually part-owner, too,” said Daniel, who coowns Étoile with Mac Andrew Merla, a senior artist handler at Cornerstone Entertainment, and Dennis Pagliawan, a long-time hairstylist-barber.

“I’ve been investing in businesses in different areas. This is something new for me. My advice to young professionals is to always try to learn from experts in their respective fields. It’s important to have mentors. I know this because I’ve had experiences with scammers. Only work with people you can trust 100 percent. Be smart. Invest in the right things at the right time,” said Daniel.