Inigo Pascual has nothing but admiration and support for his former onscreen partner, Kapamilya actress Maris Racal, after she recently announced her breakup with her longtime partner, singer Rico Blanco.

During the media launch of his Heartbreak Trilogy songs on Wednesday, July 17, Inigo was asked about his thoughts on his former partner’s breakup.

“I saw it, actually watched it. I feel for her. I know it’s tough, but I see it in a good light. The way she talks about it, she’s getting to know herself, choosing herself. That’s something I’m very proud of her,” the "Dahil Sa’yo" singer expressed.

He then shared how he admired Maris for bravely speaking up about her and Rico’s status despite the heartbreak she was experiencing.

“It’s always hard to turn a page, to turn a chapter. It’s always hard to do that, but it’s out of good heart, yung ginagawa ni Maris. Walang masamang nangyari, walang masamang anything. It’s a good intention and her expressing it’s not a third party or it’s not anything else. It’s her choosing herself and getting to know herself more,” he added.

“It’s something the strongest people can do. Minsan mas mahirap piliin yung sarili mo kaysa sa mga bagay na gusto mo,” he continued.

Maris and Inigo's last project together was the Kapamilya online series Boyette, Not A Girl Yet in 2020. Prior to the project, the two had already parted ways as a love team.

Maris went on into her solo career in the Philippines while Inigo moved to the United States and pursued his career abroad.

READ: Maris Racal at Iñigo Pascual, inilarawan ang level ng kanilang pagkakaibigan

Inigo also revealed that he and the actress don't have any communication anymore, but he still wanted to express how happy he was for Maris for choosing herself.

“I want to tell her na I’m happy for her that she’s choosing to be strong for herself. Hindi madali iyon kasi minsan you get blinded by the things you want or the things you’re comfortable with. Me moving to the States is, I feel like it’s a parallel situation (with her). It’s not the ideal move for me, but when you learn to choose to learn about yourself, it’s a big step,” he said.

On Friday, July 12, Maris confirmed her separation from former Rivermaya member Rico Blanco during her interview at the Spotlight Presscon.

“Ang daming tanong kasi about him and I’m tired of smiling and nodding. I’m so scared because if I announce it, then it’s real. But yeah, Rico and I are over,” she revealed when asked what the status of her relationship was and if she was ready to settle down.

READ: Maris Racal confirms breakup with Rico Blanco

“Rico and I–– our universe was so beautiful, it was so full of love, laughter, [and] music, everything. It’s spontaneity–– everything. Sa five years namin together, we were always on the same page–– always on the same page–– I don’t know what happened to me,” she expressed.

“Maybe I turned to the next page and saw a new perspective sa life. I had visions of who I wanted to become, how I wanted to evolve. I’m so curious about the world and the truth is I am going through changes and alam naman natin na change is either good or bad,” she added.

Despite breaking up, Maris expressed her love for Rico but maintained she still has several questions about herself that she needs to answer on her own. 

“It was so difficult, but it was a very polite separation. Up until the very end of our relationship, it was still full of love. Full of understanding and Rico is one of a kind… If only I could skip through my twenties, you know, but I can’t because I have to face it and sit through my feelings and acknowledge my changes,” she continued.