MANILA, Philippines - Katherine Luna won't be rejoining show business any time soon. Although recognized by various film bodies for her landmark role in ''Babae Sa Breakwater in 2003, the award-winning actress says she is happy with her quiet life away from the limelight.
But Luna, who has five children from different relationships, admits that it wasn't always easy, particularly during the first few years.
''Ang hirap-hirap maging single parent,'' she told ''StarTalk TX'' over the weekend.
''Minsan dumadating ako sa punto na, parang, ano ba? Iniisip ko na ibigay ko na sa mga tatay nila 'to,'' she said about her kids, claiming that ''kasi sila (mga tatay), parang, hangga't hindi ko ibinibigay sa kanila [ang responsibilidad], hindi nila ako sinusuportahan. Ganu'n 'yung nangyayari. So sabi ko, 'Hindi, kakayanin ko.' [Pero] hindi ko kaya, e.''
On top of it all, she had to contend with losing on several investments.
''Ang dami, sunud-sunod. Sinarado ko 'yung negosyo ko sa Cavite, 'yung babuyan medyo nagkaroon ng problema, tapos na-operahan ako sa gall bladder. Nabuntis ako. Siyempre nawalan ng trabaho.''
Luna confessed that she was so despondent that, at one point, she tried to end her life.
''Opo, nagtangka ako. Nagpa-overdose ako sa gamot. 'Yung time na 'yun na hindi ko kaya, na down na down na talaga ako.''
The former actress said that the thought of her children growing as orphans was the only thing that cleared her mind.
''Sabi ko, mas kailangan ako ng anak ko. Nanay ako. Sabi ko, bahala na.''
She revealed that she found work in a night club but denied going into prostitution.
''Hindi ko naman po siguro kailangang humantong pa sa ganu'n. Kuntento na ako sa kinikita ko. Kasi kung pumasok siguro ako sa ganu'ng sistema, sa ganu'ng hanapbuhay, baka yaman-yaman na ako.''
Luna nevertheless said she took the job because her children were already going to school.
''Kailangan ko po [magtrabaho sa club], e. Ilan sila? Nag-aaral pa. Tapos e wala naman pong suporta yung mga tatay, ako lang 'yung inaasahan. Pamilya ko, ako lang din ang inaasahan. Wala po, no choice po ako, kailangan kong maging praktikal.''
Among Luna's children is Nicole, her love child with actor Coco Martin who is now seven years old.
Luna refuted suggestions that she has been keeping the child from seeing Martin. ''Hindi ko ipagdadamot 'yun, hindi ko ipagdadamot sa kanya na makilala niya in person 'yung tunay niyang ama,'' she said.
According to Luna, Martin could see their daughter anytime -- that is, if he's actually willing to do so.
Luna alleged that Martin has made himself scarce since she gave birth to their child.
''Nung ipinagbubuntis ko, oo, meron po siyang [sustento]. Opo, nabilhan niya ako ng mga gamit. Pero nu'ng ipinanganak ko na si Nicole, wala, wala na, wala po akong narinig. Simula nu'ng first month,'' she claimed.
Coco Martin (NPPA Images)Not that she is insisting for a regular stipend from the actor.
''Hindi na kailangan, e. Nabuhay ko na siya [Nicole], e. Pitong taon, pitong taon nasa akin, nabuhay ko siya, napag-aral ko...pero kung ano'ng maitutulong niya...'' she trailed off.
She went on to address Martin saying, ''Hindi ko ipagdadamot sa iyo. Gusto ko ring makilala ka niya.'''
Luna says she has no regrets relating to her failed romance with the now very bankable actor, whom she met on the set of the indie film ''Masahista'' in 2005.
''Hindi ko pinagsisihan, kasi may naging bunga. Pero hangga't maaari, sa amin na lang, sa akin na lang [ang sakit], huwag lang du'n sa bata.''
Asked if she has ill-feelings for Martin, Luna said, ''Wala naman po.''
''Matagal ko nang sinabi sa kanya, wala na naman po akong pakialam kung meron siyang intensiyon na makita o wala. Wala akong pakialam. Iyon lang pong... huwag lang pong masasaktan 'yung anak ko.
''Pag dumating yung araw... huwag talaga, huwag iiyak, huwag masasaktan yung anak ko. Kasi, hindi ko talaga alam kung ano'ng gagawin ko.''
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