After five years of being in a relationship, Kapuso actor Derek Ramsay has confirmed that he and his long-time non-showbiz girlfriend Joanne Villablanca have called it quits.
In an interview with DZRH’s showbiz program “Showbiz Talk Ganern,” Ramsay said it would be difficult for him to accept that they are no longer together but life still goes on.
“So for now, we’re giving each other space and, in time, I’m sure Jo and I will be able to be real friends once again.
“Kasi ganun naman talaga kami nagsama, e, and there were so many great times, and Jo is a fantastic woman.
“It’s sad kasi napalapit na rin ako sa anak niya. I treated her daughter like she was one of my own,” he said.
He added that he has learned so much from his relationship with Villablanca and that they realized they have to let go of each other for them to continually grow.
“But for her to grow and for me to grow, I think it is best that we made this decision na we go separate ways,” he said.
“You know, during this time of separation, I’ve taken time to reflect towards myself. Tingnan ko ang mga pagkukulang ko as partner.
“You know, it’s not all one-sided here. Both have faults. And just because you have faults, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re wrong. It’s just maybe hindi talaga kayo meant sa isa’t isa,” he added.
Amid the breakup, Ramsay said he is thankful to have his family and friends who are there for him.
He also said he finds comfort in the thought that he will have the right one for him in the future.
“There’s no time to waste. Matured na tayo. Matanda na tayo. Masakit. Pero lahat tayo… we’re all designed to love. I know I’ll love again. It will just take time. I’m praying with my friends and family na to find the right girl for me,” he said.
Nevertheless, he only has nice things to say about Villablanca despite what happened to their relationship.
“She’s a beautiful brilliant woman. It’s just… I guess our lives are not meant to be together. Joanne is a great girl inside and out. She’s doing really, really well now with her work. She has direction in her life now,” he said.
Ramsay went on to say that he will cherish the five years he has spent with Villablanca, saying he learned a lot from his time with her. However, he said their relationship is not growing like it’s supposed to be.
“I learned many things in this relationship. I learned many things in our five years being together. But all these things that I’ve learned will just help me in my future when I do find that person that I’m going to be with.
“Marami akong pagkukulang. Pareho kami. But, hindi kami nagbastusan sa isa’t isa. Hindi kami nanakit sa isa’t isa.
“It’s just… it’s not the relationship that is growing like it’s supposed to be. Kapag ganun na, it’s time to let go,” he said.
Ramsay also revealed that he purchased a house for them where they were supposed to live in after they got married.
However, since things did not go as planned, Ramsay decided to sell the house since it is too big for him.
Ramsay added that he will just focus on his new career with GMA-7 and move on from his failed relationship.
He ended the interview by saying that he still looks forward to getting married in the future. However, he said that he has to be sure about married life before he jumps into it.
Ramsay said in a previous interview with GMA News Online that he met Villablanca during “a time when he had almost given up on relationships”.
