SHARON AND RICHARD HAVE FOUND 'HAPPINESS APART'
by Nestor U. Torre, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 23, 2000

"MINSAN, Minahal Kita," Sharon Cuneta and Richard Gomez's "reunion" movie after their real-life romance ended years ago, is expected to do well at the box office when it opens today. To make sure that it's a hit, the two stars have been going out of their way to promote the movie on TV.

At first, they didn't want to answer personal questions about their romance and why it went sour, because they didn't want the movie press to "feast" on their private lives, especially now that they're both happily married to other people, who might resent the past being brought up again.

But the questions can be persistent, and a little controversy does add spice to a promotional campaign, so, two Sundays ago, Richard and Sharon found themselves opening up more than usual to guest interviewers Martin Nievera and Amy Perez on Sharon's own TV show.

The big question, of course, was: if Sharon and Richard were so in love when they were sweethearts, why did they have to break up? At first, the answers were rather tentative: "With us, it was always wrong timing"--that sort of thing.

Then came Richard's statement: "She loved me more than I loved her." Surprised, Sharon retorted with a raised eyebrow, "I thought, pantay…"

If they could change what happened, what adjustments would they make? Richard: "I should have focused more on Sharon." Sharon: "I know now that nobody's perfect. I should have waited it out, I should have been more patient."

Despite their being more forthcoming than usual about that shared chapter in their lives, the two stars still ended up keeping the details about the real reasons for their breakup to themselves--as well they should.

In any case, the answers are moot and academic, because Sharon and Richard have found "happiness apart," with their respective spouses. But friends will continue teasing them about the fact that the Gomezes and the Pangilinans share the same wedding anniversary: April 28.

Of course, Sharon and Richard swear that the unique conjunction is purely, absolutely coincidental, but some people see in this a small sign that they are still psychically connected.