Maxene Magalona reveals past ‘cool-off’ with family: ‘It was very much needed’

Maxene Magalona revealed that she took some time off from her family.

In recent years, the actress and healing advocate was reported to not be on good terms with her family, particularly her mom Pia and younger sister Saab.

In an episode of the “Updated with Nelson Canlas” podcast, Maxene admitted that she kept a distance from her family for a while so she could heal.

“Part of the healing journey is cutting ties with relationships, kahit family pa 'yan, na hindi na nakakabuti para sa inyong pareho, para sa inyong dalawa,” she said. “I kept a healthy distance from my family for a while so that I can find myself. So that I can understand myself, saan nanggagaling 'yung pain.”

Maxene clarified that she is not blaming her family for her pain. She learned that their close relationship ended up in them becoming a co-dependent family.

“When we become adults, we have to break away for a while para mas makilala natin ng husto 'yung sarili natin,” she added.

Maxene said that “it was one of the most painful things” to stay away from her family for a time, but that “it was very much needed.”

She added that it was actually advised by her psychiatrist, which she explained to Pia and Saab.

“Pero siyempre, at the beginning lahat galit pa. And then later on, nung nahimasmasan na lahat, naintindihan na rin namin na ay okay din palang mag-cool off,” Maxene said. “Minsan sa relationship kailangan natin mag-cool off. Ganun 'yung nangyari.”

Maxene added that during this time off, she and her family missed each other more.

“Na-appreciate namin 'yung isa't-isa on a deeper level kasi may absence. Diba absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

Maxene also revealed on the podcast that she and Saab are now okay and that they talked and reconnected last year.

“We cried, we hugged,” Maxene said. “And then now dahil magkalapit na kami ng tinitirhan, nakikita ko na siya with her kids. Nakilala ko na rin 'yung kids niya.”

With Pia, Maxene said they reunited for her dad Francis M’s 15th death anniversary at the cemetery last March.

“Okay kami,” Maxene said. “Kungbaga, time was lost but no love was lost. Nandiyan pa rin."

Maxene also said that time healed their relationship, and she just trusted that God will bring them back together again.

Maxene, a true daddy’s girl, previously dedicated her healing journey to her dad Francis M.

In the same podcast, Maxene also opened up about overcoming the pain of her failed marriage.

— Nika Roque/CDC, GMA Integrated News