(From left) Ai-Ai delas Alas and Gerald Sibayan. Images: Screengrab from Youtube/GMA Network, Instagram/@niceprintphoto
Ai-Ai delas Alas has finally broken her silence on her split from her estranged husband Gerald Sibayan, saying they have been separated since October 2024.
In a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview, delas Alas — who is celebrating her 60th birthday on Monday, November 11 — was emotional as she confirmed that Sibayan expressed his intention to end their marriage through chat last October 14.
“Hiwalay na kami noong last month pa. Hindi ko makakalimutan, October 14 na nagchat siya t’as madaling araw dito sa Pilipinas. Sinabi niya na gusto na niyang magkaanak at ‘di na siya happy. So medyo confused ako and shocked. Bakit ngayong oras na ‘to? Sana hintayin mo man lang ako makauwi sa Amerika,” she said.
(We’ve been separated since last month. I can’t forget it. He chatted with me on October 14, when it was early morning in the Philippines. He told me that he wanted to have a baby and he’s not happy. So I was confused and shocked. Why did he break up with me at this hour? He should’ve waited for me to return to the US.)
The actress-comedienne added that she was confused over their split since they never had major fights throughout their marriage. “Nagulat lang ako na why ngayon? Anong meron sa October? Anong meron sa araw na ‘to and bakit [kung kailan] madaling araw dito?”
“Noong nagpakasal naman ako kay Gerald, nire-ready ko naman sarili ko sa ganitong magiging sitwasyon,” she continued. “Alam kong bata pa si Gerald and pwedeng magbago ang isip. Pero alam mo ‘yun, sana huwag. Sana totoong may forever. Sana binigyan ako ni Lord ng pagkakataong magkaroon ng pag-aasawa nang matagal.”
(I was surprised. Why now? Why October? Why did he decide to break up with me on that day when it was still early in the Philippines? When I married Gerald, I prepared myself for this. I know he’s still young, and his mind can change. But I hoped it wouldn’t. I hope that forever is real. I hope the Lord will bless me with a long-lasting marriage.)
Delas Alas also said that Sibayan might’ve broken up with her because of his newfound priorities while working in the US.
“Nag-iba na rin priorities. Nakakita siya ng mas magiging masaya siya. Siguro naging factor ‘yun. Alam niya how to fly. Meron na siyang karapatan to fly. Nagwowork na siya sa Amerika (His priorities changed. He might’ve met someone who makes him happy, it could be a factor. He knows how to fly. He now has the right to fly since he’s working in the States),” she said.
When asked if Sibayan has a green card in the US, delas Alas clarified that she petitioned for him to have one since he is her husband. The latter noted in the interview that she already has a green card of her own, putting an end to earlier reports that her estranged husband is using her to obtain residency in the country.
Also known as a Permanent Resident Card, this identity document allows a person to live and work permanently in the US.
“Husband ko pa rin siya. Help ko na ‘yun sa kanya para magkaroon ng legal status sa Amerika (He is still my husband. It is my way of helping him to obtain legal status in the US),” she said, while adding that they have a prenup.
The “Tanging Ina” star also explained that she stayed silent at the height of their split, as she wanted to “move forward” in a “positive way.”
“Ayoko nang maging makalat… Let’s move forward and positive lang na may magandang mabibigay sa’tin ang Lord (I don’t want to be too loud about it anymore. Let us move forward and stay positive knowing that the Lord will give us something better),” she said.
The actress-comedienne, however, didn’t disclose if their separation is being processed legally, as of press time.
Delas Alas and Sibayan tied the knot in December 2017 at the Christ the King Parish in Green Meadows, Quezon City. They renewed their vows five years later.