Former Kapuso actress Iwa Moto recently appeared on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” where she talked candidly about the highs and lows of her life, including her engagement to Pampi Lacson in Japan. She was fidgety during the interview because it was her first time being on TV again. It has been more than a decade since she visited GMA 7.
“It feels like home po talaga. Actually, noong pagdating ko kanina, I was so happy to see almost all of the ‘StarStruck’ staff,” she said. Iwa started her showbiz career after joining “StarStruck” Season 3 and emerging as First Princess at the end of the reality talent competition.
Iwa recalled the moment she broke down and cursed on national TV during her “StarStruck” days.
“It was not my brightest moment, pero it happened for a reason. Because of that incident, na-realize ko na I am not okay pala mentally,” she shared.
Iwa revealed her mental struggles and that she has been seeking help from a psychiatrist since 2017.
“Dati, akala ko impulsive lang ako. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and severe panic attacks with PTSD. So, medyo marami akong pinagdadaanan. I’m not gonna excuse my actions before. I really regret iyong mga ginawa ko dati, pero para sa akin, I learned from those mistakes.”
What’s the most important lesson that she learned from her younger, wayward days?
“Ang motto ko po ngayon, Tito Boy, if you’re having a bad day, it’s just a bad day. Not a bad life,” she replied.
Iwa secretly got married in 2010 to Mickey Ablan, who is now the husband of Janna Dominguez, but they also started working on their annulment that same year. “A lot of things happened, and we had to part ways.”
Photo from Iwa’s Instagram
The former actress admitted that she was really lost and didn’t know what to do since she was young at that time. Looking back, Iwa shared what lesson she gained from her past relationship. “Magtira sa sarili. Pag nagmahal po kasi ako, sobra. Na ‘pag sobra po akong magmahal sa mga tao na minsan na-te-take for granted ako. So, lagi po tayong magtitira sa sarili. And I’ve learned that the hard way, pero it’s a lesson learned.”
It has been a journey for Iwa, who has evolved into a mature lady with an optimistic perspective on life.
“Pag naiisip ko iyong mga pinaggagagawa ko dati, I feel regret and remorse, pero, at the same time, happy kasi if it wasn’t for that situation, I wouldn’t be the person I am right now.”
She decided to leave showbiz in 2010 at the peak of her career. Iwa admitted that she was in a dark place. So, she took time to rest.
“Noong nagpahinga po ako, I finally found the love of my life right now. When I met Pampi, and we started to build our family, ang nangyari po, hindi na niya ako pinabalik kasi sabi niya, ‘Let’s focus on our kids.’ So, naging full-time housewife ako. Tapos noong tina-try ko na pong bumalik uli, natakot na ako kasi nasanay na ako na tahimik.”
The couple had been together for 14 years before they finally got engaged last February during their trip to Japan. “Ang nangyari po noon, I wanted to visit my dad’s grave kasi my dad passed away a couple of years ago. It was his birthday, and I wanted to greet him personally. So, we went to Japan. Tapos nasaktuhan doon siya nag-propose sa Nara po,” Iwa explained. They are planning to tie the knot after the 2028 national elections.
Jodi Sta. Maria is definitely a part of the wedding entourage. Iwa admitted they weren’t on good terms at the start of her relationship with Pampi, but it blossomed into a wonderful friendship over the years. They earn praise from the public for their blended family arrangement.
“Pampi gave me a promise ring before that he would marry me after ng annulment po nila ni Jodi. Tapos, finally, ito na nga po iyong nag-propose na siya sa akin. And when I told Jodi, parang sabi niya na, ‘Madam, kung alam mo lang kung gaano ako ka-happy kasi ang tagal natin inantay ito.’”
All the best, Pampi and Iwa!
