Ara won’t be first to say sister is bipolar

ARA MINA: “I’m used to her mood swings.”

For actress Ara Mina, family is more important than anything else in the world, including fame and fortune.

“Actors, especially the younger ones, get blinded by fame and fortune sometimes,” Ara observed. “They have to be told that these are only temporary, and family is still the most important thing.”

The 33-year-old actress remained hopeful that she and younger sister Cristine Reyes (who is also an actress), would eventually patch up their differences.

“Pamilya ito [This is a family matter]. I hope other families will learn a thing or two from what’s happening to us,” Ara said at the recent media launch of her latest drama series, “Yesterday’s Bride,” on GMA 7.

In April, Ara filed libel and grave coercion cases against Cristine following a dispute over the sharing of payment for a house they had bought for their mother.

“To be honest, I don’t know AA [the latter’s nickname] anymore.” she said. “Her personality has changed completely.”

She added: “The way she’s acting now really bothers me. Mabait naman ’yon [She’s really a good person]. I just don’t know what’s happening to her right now.”

Demands respect

It’s been a long time since she last spoke to her sister, Ara said.

“But I won’t be the first one to reach out to her,” she stressed. “She has hurt me so many times. I demand respect from her.”

She revealed that Cristine also had a falling out with another sibling recently. She said: “Now even our brother can’t stand her. He wanted to go public about the incident, but our mom managed to convince him not to. He told me, ‘Ate, now I understand how you feel.’ AA shattered his heart, too.”

Ara surmised that Cristine could be getting bad advice from people around her. “I hope these people, who aren’t even members of her family, would still be beside her when she’s no longer popular in show biz,” she said.

Ara hinted that Cristine could be suffering from bipolar disorder, which is characterized by disruptive mood swings. “I hear this from people who are close to both of us, but I don’t want to be the person to say it. I’m used to her mood swings.”

She said she felt hurt when people called her “publicity hungry,” and denied using her tiff with Cristine as a means to promote herself.

“I don’t personally seek reporters to grant them interviews,” she said. “I’m pretty sure somebody would again accuse me of milking the issue for all it’s worth, especially now that I’m promoting a new show. To be honest, I prefer to keep quiet.”

Supportive boyfriend

Cristine’s boyfriend, actor-dancer Rayver Cruz, has been taking all the blows, according to Ara.

“I’m amazed with the way he is supporting Cristine,” Ara said. “He knows I’m telling the truth. I salute you, brother! Take good care of her.”

Ara plays Josie Ramirez, the scheming mother of Justin Ramirez (Rocco Nacino’s character), in the newest Kapuso afternoon show. “Yesterday’s Bride,” which also features Lovi Poe, Luis Alandy, Karel Marquez, Nina Ricci Alagao and Emilio Garcia, premiered on October 29 on GMA 7’s “Afternoon Prime” timeslot. It is directed by Gil Tejada, with original concept by Liberty Trinidad.

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