1-12-2023 (MANILA) Fans and celebrities across the Philippines were left in shock on Thursday (Nov 30) as popular Filipino celebrity couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla announced their separation. The couple, fondly referred to as KathNiel by their adoring fans, had been together for a remarkable 11 years.
In a heartfelt carousel post on her Instagram page, 27-year-old Bernardo shared a throwback photo of the couple during their teenage years and paid tribute to their relationship. She expressed, “What Deej and I had was real. It was never for show. We were together not because of the cameras, not because of the fans, not because of the money that comes with a successful love team. We were genuinely in love.”
Bernardo candidly revealed that they had been growing apart and had reached a point where they had to accept that they couldn’t rekindle their past. Despite the emotional announcement, she kindly requested their fans not to take sides in the break-up, assuring them that they would continue to love and make them proud. Bernardo ended her post by expressing gratitude to Padilla for the “11 beautiful years” they shared.
View this post on Instagram
Padilla, 28, also took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the break-up. He expressed, “Our memories will always be in my heart and will be the light in my dark days. Thank you for dancing with me during my highs and thank you for singing with me during my lows.”
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla first captured the hearts of audiences when they appeared together in the 2011 television series “Growing Up.” Their on-screen chemistry led to numerous roles as love interests in subsequent shows and movies, fueling a fanbase that eagerly awaited their real-life romance. The couple officially confirmed their relationship in 2018, bringing joy to fans across the nation.
News of the break-up sent shockwaves throughout the Philippines, causing the term “KathNiel” to trend on social media platforms. The immense popularity of the couple was further emphasized when the official Facebook page of KitKat Philippines indirectly referenced the break-up. Heartbroken fans expressed their sentiments, with one stating, “I honestly believed KathNiel would soon be engaged or married, this is heartbreaking.”
Fellow celebrities also extended their support to the former couple, including Filipino-Australian model Anne Smith, who sent a message of comfort to Bernardo, saying, “Sending you a big hug, Kath.” The impact of this break-up reverberates not only in the lives of Bernardo and Padilla but also within the hearts of their devoted fanbase who had hoped for a different outcome.
