Sheryl Cruz on cousin Sunshine: I have the utmost respect for her

MANILA, Philippines – Sheryl Cruz commends cousin Sunshine Cruz for handling herself levelheadedly amid her marital problems.

Sunshine recently filed a case against estranged husband Cesar Montano for allegedly violating the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children act.

Related article: Sunshine Cruz claims Cesar Montano sexually abused her

“Despite kung ano yung mga pinagdadaanan niya ngayon sa personal life, hanga ako sa pinsan ko because she’s a good mother to three daughters,” she said during the press conference for ABS-CBN’s upcoming afternoon show “Galema” on Tuesday, September 10.

“Yung best interest ng kanyang children, yun ang kanyang iniisip.”

She added, “I have the utmost respect sa kanya, sa craft niya and pati how she handles her personal life.”

Sheryl — the daughter of Ricky Belmonte, who is the brother of Sunshine’s father Danny Cruz — said their family is giving their “all-out support” to her cousin.

“It’s part of life,” she said. “It’s just unfortunate kasi na-magnify yung problem a hundred times more kasi nga nasa show business kami.”

Mending fences

Both Sunshine and Sheryl will be in “Galema,” which also stars Andi Eigenmann and Matteo Guidicelli. Surprisingly, this will be the first time the two cousins will work together.

Related article: Matteo not dating Sarah, willing to work with Maja

“It’s a bonding experience for the both of us. Kasi nga, it’s been a while since we last talked to each other and we last talked,” Sheryl said, revealing it’s been almost eight years since she last talked to Sunshine.

Sunshine and cousin Geneva Cruz allegedly criticized Sheryl for not coming back to the Philippines following the death of Belmonte back in 2001. This reportedly caused a rift between the cousins, but Sheryl said it was now all in the past.

“Wala na yun. It’s already done. Things were said because emotions were running high. I know naman na sometimes it’s hard to bite your tongue or to control what you want to say, lalo na pag emotions are in play,” she said.

On working with Sunshine, Sunshine said, “I’m actually very excited how she flourished as an actress.”

“Galema: Anak ni Zuma” premieres Monday, September 30, on ABS-CBN.