More than a year after being embroiled in a highly publicized cheating controversy involving his former on-screen partner Maris Racal, actor Anthony Jennings revealed that all parties involved have finally moved on and are now on good terms.
The issue initially erupted in December 2024 when Jennings’ former girlfriend, Jamela Villanueva, accused the actor and Racal of infidelity, leaking screenshots of alleged private conversations on social media. Racal later clarified that Jennings had led her to believe he was already single before pursuing her, prompting Jennings to issue a public apology to both women.
Reflecting on the turbulent chapter during an interview with talent manager Ogie Diaz on the latter’s showbiz vlog on May 14, Jennings shared that the dust has finally settled.
“Okay na kaming lahat and everyone. I think everyone is past that now,” Jennings said.
(“All of us and everyone are okay. I think everyone is past that now.”)
“Pinagsisihan ko ang bagay-bagay. Wala eh, kailangan mong harapin ang kaso mo. Gan’un lang ang buhay,” he continued.
(“I regretted things. But there’s nothing else to do, you have to face your consequences. That’s just how life is.”)
“Okay naman na ako eh. Naka-move on na rin ako sa nangyari na ‘yun. Ang buhay tuloy-tuloy. I [still] have bills to pay. I just have to accept and go through with it. That’s how life is.”
(“I’m doing okay now. I have also moved on from what happened. Life goes on. I [still] have bills to pay. I just have to accept and go through with it. That’s how life is.”)
The actor candidly admitted that he once feared the scandal would permanently derail his showbiz career after experiencing immediate setbacks.
“Pumasok din sa utak ko ‘yun. Nand’un ka sa sitwasyon na ‘yun at ang daming nawala sa’yo. But it’s okay,” he shared.
(“That also crossed my mind. You were in that situation and you lost so much. But it’s okay.”)
“Alam ko naman kung anong ginawa ko. I’m slowly picking up right now, pero ngayon, okay naman eh. I have work to do, and I’m still doing my best. Kailangan kong maging magaling din.”
(“I know what I did. I’m slowly picking up right now, but now, everything is okay. I have work to do, and I’m still doing my best. I also need to be good [at what I do].”)
Ultimately, Jennings explained that the ordeal provided him with a profound lesson on career perspective and personal resilience.
“It’s not about me. It’s about the audience and kung gaano ako kasaya sa eksena. Proud lang ako na ginagawa ko ‘to in my everyday life and tinataguyod ko ‘to. I’m just happy. Busy ako sa [iba kong ginagawa], but other than that, I’m happy,” he concluded.
(“It’s not about me. It’s about the audience and how happy I am in the scene. I’m just proud that I am doing this in my everyday life and that I am sustaining this. I’m just happy. I am busy with [my other commitments], but other than that, I’m happy.”)