Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, JM de Guzman all agree: ‘Know your self-worth’

(From left) Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, JM de Guzman. Image: Courtesy of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

Cheating can shatter one to the core, such that doubt overcomes love. But as painful as it is, Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, and JM de Guzman choose to see infidelity as a reminder to know your self-worth.

The Kapamilya stars are the leads of the drama series “Linlang” which revolves around Victor Lualhati (Paulo Avelino) who discovers that his wife Julianna (Kim Chiu) is cheating on him with his brother Alex Lualhati (JM de Guzman).

“Linlang,” directed by FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin, also stars Maricel Soriano, Ruby Ruiz, and Kaila Estrada.

While touching on the topic of infidelity, the actors stressed during the show’s press conference that they will never tolerate cheating in any form.

“Hindi ko kayang i-tolerate ang pagli-linlang,” Avelino said. “If it happens at this point [in my life], move on na. Just stop and move on. Baka masaya siya sa ginawa niya. Hindi [ko na ipaglalaban pa], unless may importanteng kailangan ipaglaban.”

(I will never tolerate cheating. If it happens at this point in my life, move on. Just stop and move on. Maybe they’re happy with what they’ve done. I can’t fight for the relationship anymore, unless there’s something important that needs to be fought for.)

Chiu, meanwhile, opted to not disclose any past experiences in particular. However, she admitted that it’s hard to think rationally when you’re in love with an unfaithful partner. But being completely drunk in passion causes someone to be unable to distinguish what’s right or wrong, she said.

“Kapag puso na ang pinapairal niyo, hindi ‘yan magsasabi ng ‘Tama yan, mali yan.’ Hangga’t nararamdaman mo na hindi ka na nirerespeto, gamitin mo na ‘yung utak mo,” she said. “Dapat alam mo ‘yung self-worth mo. Lahat tayo na-linlang, imposibleng ni isa sa inyo, hindi pa nali-linlang. Baunin natin ‘yun bilang aral.”

(If you choose to think with your heart, it wouldn’t tell you what to do. But if you feel that you’re being disrespected, it’s time to use your head. Know your self-worth. Everyone has been cheated on at some point. It’s impossible that one hasn’t experienced it before. Learn from that lesson.)

JM de Guzman as Alex Lualhati. Image: Courtesy of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

On the other hand, de Guzman said he subscribe to the saying that “karma is real,” especially for those who choose to be unfaithful to their partners. His statement, however, was followed by another reminder about practicing self-love as he chose to see its painful effects as an opportunity.

“Nangyayari talaga ang deception sa buhay natin eh. Meron at meron tayong makakasalamuhang na ide-deceive tayo. Huwag kang manloloko because karma is real,” he said. “Pero you’ll [eventually] learn from [its effects]. Mahalin mo na muna ang sarili mo.”

(Deception happens at some point in our lives. We will certainly meet people who will deceive us. But cheating shouldn’t be done because karma is real. However, you’ll eventually suffer then learn from its effects. You have to choose to love yourself first.)

Cheating has a purpose

Paulo Avelino as Victor Lualhati. Image: Courtesy of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

Avelino, who clarified that he hasn’t been cheated on before, said he’s someone who has the “tenacity to find the truth” should it happen in his life. And while he’s aware that infidelity is painful, he believes it’s more gut-wrenching if it’s done by someone he loves.

“[Cheating] will always have a [void] hangga’t hindi mo pa nahahanap ang katotohanan at sagot sa iyong tanong. But deceit is more painful when it comes from someone you love, whether it’s from a family member, romantic partner, or best friend. If you love the person, doble or triple ‘yung sakit kapag niloko ka,” he said.

(Cheating will always result in a void, as long as you haven’t found the reason behind it and the answers to your questions. But deceit is more painful when it comes from someone you love, whether it’s from a family member, romantic partner, or best friend. If you love the person, the pain is doubled or tripled than usual.)

Chiu said that getting cheated served a “purpose” as it taught her how to be the “bigger person.” When asked if she understands where her character is coming from, the actress says she acknowledges where she comes from to a certain degree, but noted that cheating is “not okay.”

“Ang gusto lang naman [ng isang babae] ay atensyon, pagmamahal, oras, at security. Kung kulang, maaari siyang makagawa ng isang bagay na hindi niya gusto (A woman just wants attention, love, time, and security. If one of those is lacking, she might do something she doesn’t want to do). It’s just a matter of choice and decision. But I’m not saying that it’s okay to cheat,” she said.

Kim Chiu as Julianna Lualhati. Image: Courtesy of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

During the press conference, Chiu couldn’t help but laugh when she was asked if she was ever in a relationship with someone unfaithful. Without divulging his name, the actress reminded reporters to “forget” that moment of her life as she’s “stronger” than before.

“Parte naman ng buhay ‘yun. It made [me] stronger and [into becoming the person I am] right now. Ito na ako ngayon. Kalimutan niyo na ‘yun, nagka-amnesia na nga ako d’un (It’s part of life. It made me stronger and into the person I am right now. This is me now. Forget that. I already moved on),” she said in response.