On Tonight with Boy Abunda, Ysabel Ortega teared up as she lamented about her estranged relationship with her father Lito Lapid. She began by saying how they used to be very close. “When I was a kid po, we were very, very close. It’s just ngayon po um, medyo wala na po kaming communication.”

Asked why by the host Boy Abunda, Ysabel said, “I don’t have their contact... so I contact his aide and um...” At this point, Ysabel couldn’t stop her tears. Then she emotionally continued, “Of course po, I always think of my Dad. So whenever it’s his birthday, I always make it a point na, I make sure to greet him and every holidays lagi ko pa rin pong binabati. And hoping that someday, I get to see him again.”

Asked if her Dad responds to her messages, Ysabel said, “No po.” She added, “I still have love for him. I still respect him as my Dad and he’s one of the reasons why I joined show business because I look up to him. He’s one of my role models and I’m very proud to have him as my father.”

She also had a message for her Dad. “Papa, if you’re watching I really miss you and andito lang po ako and no matter what happens I will always be here. And I will always be your daughter and I will always love you and I will always have respect for you.”

Ysabel ended with a wish. “I hope he’s proud who I am, hopefully what I will be.”