Louise speaks up: I’m not guilty!

MANILA, Philippines - Unlike before when she’d silently bear the pain of controversies, Louise delos Reyes has finally learned to speak up and clear her name from false allegations.

“More than a fighter, I think I’m a better person now. I’ve become stronger,” said Louise. “I have learned to handle issues; I now know which ones to accept and should go straight into my heart from those that I should trash. As much as possible, I’d like to settle things peacefully.”

She, too, admitted to having been too sensitive in the past whenever she would hear comments from people “probably because I was still immature then to value their concern but now I think twice before taking action.” Saying a prayer, she added, helps her in arriving at a right decision.

That’s why, the Kapuso talent deemed it best to finally air her side on issues that hounded her the past weeks. First, she denied being pregnant. Louise said her posts on social media about her portrayal of the girl impregnated by her father in the recent episode of Magpakailanman had led many to the conclusion that she’s heavy with a child. “Perhaps, some people misinterpreted my posts that said, ‘Malakas maglihi si buntis ngayon,’ but with the hashtag Magpakailanman. They must have overlooked the hashtags.”

She also refuted allegations that she caused the relationship of Aljur Abrenica and Kylie Padilla to fall apart.

“There’s nothing romantic going on between me and Aljur. He didn’t court me,” Louise said, looking at reporters straight in the eye and without buckling. “Our closeness must have been misinterpreted because we were often seen together during Kambal Sirena days because he was my leading man. And since we were required to be together in most of the scenes, I have to be comfortable with him kasi rerehistro din naman sa screen if we are not at ease with each other and, eventually, I got along so well not only with Aljur but with the whole cast.”

It hurt her when her name was dragged into the break-up issue and at the same time, she was amazed at how people were able to weave stories together. It was also too bad for her that people have misjudged her without hearing her side first.

Asked if she is willing to iron out whatever kinks her closeness with Aljur have caused, Louise said, “Whatever problem they (Aljur and Kylie) had, I’ve got nothing to do with it. Whatever the reason of their break-up, I am saying this again that I’m out of it. Besides, I have my own problems to deal with at sana ’wag na bigyan ng ibang kulay kasi tapos na rin naman ang Kambal Sirena.”

Louise confirmed that she is single and loveless after her three-year relationship with Enzo Pineda had come to an end. “I believe that some relationships are not meant to last for you to grow and to learn more lessons about life. Masakit ’yun s’yempre but with the help of work and by serving God through Victory (Christian Fellowship), I am slowly moving on.” Her only regret was that their relationship didn’t have a proper closure.

But Louise didn’t show any sign of bitterness. Instead, she is positive that things happen for a reason. Her being loveless has made her all the more focused with her work.

Like her character Julie in the movie Island Dreams, Louise is determined to fulfill her dreams and aspirations.

“My experiences in life have given me better tools in acting. I have grown as a better artist kasi yung experiences mo ay nagiging bala mo din.”

Island Dreams, directed by Aloy Adlawan and Gino Santos with US-based Ken Au as producer, won the Most Gender Sensitive award under the New Wave category in last year’s Metro Manila Filmfest and was graded B by the Cinema Evaluation Board. It is set for release in cinemas on July 23.

“I am 70 percent of my character. The only difference lies in Julie’s bitterness on love. I am not bitter because I am being loved by God, my family and friends.”

And while Louise is on a TV break, she looks forward to discovering and learning new things by travelling to different countries. “I want to learn other cultures and languages.”

Acting-wise, Louise wants to do action roles in the future so she can use her skills in arnis.