Gretchen, mother in new word war

MANILA -- The word war among the members of the Barretto family is not yet over with socialite actress Gretchen Barretto once again at odds with her mother on social media. In her Instagram page, Barretto told one of her followers that her mother disowned her to cover up for all her wrongdoings. "She has to discredit me to conceal all her wrong doings. May kasabihan na Ang kakambal ng sinungaling [ay] magnanakaw," the actress wrote. Barretto posted the message on Instagram after her mother, Inday Barretto, called her "evil" in a statement sent to Pep.ph. The Barretto matriarch was fuming mad after Gretchen called her "narcissistic" and her father "alcoholic" in an exchange between the actress and a supposed basher @bullygretchen on the Instagram page of her sister-in-law Connie Barretto. It was clear from Gretchen's replies that she believes the basher is her mother. And based on Mrs. Barretto's statement to the entertainment website, she also believes her daughter is addressing her during the exchange. In the heated exchange between Gretchen and the "basher," the actress threatened to divulge a "molestation" incident and also hinted about a theft in Miladay jewelry. "If you don't stop I will finally speak about the molestation. I am no longer the Gretchen that you can hurt nor can you silence me. I will go all out," Gretchen wrote, sarcastically noting that she is "blessed to have a narcissistic mother who is abusive in every way & an alcoholic father who made his 2 daughters work for the family ." "Remember miladay jewelry store? When you were hanging out a lot there & pretending you would help sell the jewelry ? An expensive piece got lost -- do you remember where you kept that missing piece?" Gretchen also said. "It was a big issue where that missing jewelry went. Miladay even got a manghuhula to try & find out where that piece went. I guess it's time the dayrits find out," she said referring to the Dayrit family who owns the jewelry store. "I have reached a point wherein it's time to protect myself. It has been 43 years of abuse from you . I will not take it. Respect is earned , you have not seemed to earn it from anyone of your children," she said, adding that "I don't hide my identity , I can own up to what I say or do. You are afraid of the truth" In her statement to Pep.ph, Mrs. Barretto explained about the Miladay incident, saying she "owned" the missing piece which was eventually found and returned to her. She also noted that the incident happened when Gretchen was only 8 to 10 years old. "That had always been her forte! Smear campaign and character assassination!" Mrs. Barretto told Pep.ph.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/28/13/gretchen-mother-new-word-war

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Claudine calls Gretchen 'baliw, adik'

MANILA -- "Nababaliw na yata siya." This was how Claudine Barretto dismissed questions about her estranged sister, Gretchen, who she believes is behind the theft charges filed against her by her former personal assistant. On Thursday morning, Claudine filed her counter-affidavit answering the complaint before the Marikina Regional Trial Court, where several cases related to her marital spat with actor Raymart Santiago are also being heard. This latest legal complaint to beset the 34-year-old actress was filed on September 11 by Dessa Cadelario Patilan, who was imprisoned in May following Claudine's own accusations of theft. At the time, the former TV star alleged Patilan stole a watch and jewelry amounting to over P10 million. In Patilan's countercharge against Claudine, she claimed damages amounting to over P100,000. These include the items supposedly stolen by Claudine -- a wallet, an electronic tablet, a memory card and a sim card. Gretchen involved? On Thursday, Claudine's legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, raised several points questioning the motive of Patilan's filing of the theft complaint. He emphasized that it was formalized four months after the same May incident cited by both camps in their respective sworn statements. Topacio also stressed the fact that Patilan is being represented by Atty. Alma Mallonga, who he accused of conspiring with Claudine's sister Gretchen. "Alam naman natin ang istorya dito, 'di ba?" he began. "Sinasagot lang naman namin [ang mga akusasyon ni Patilan]," Topacio said. "Wala naman kasi talagang katotohanan eh. Kasi kung totoo 'yan, bakit ngayon lang? At saka bakit kung noong nabigyan lang siya ng abogado ni Gretchen, saka lang siya nag-file ng countercharge?" Referring to a published interview last month, Topacio continued, "Inamin naman ni Atty. Mallonga eh. Hindi naman kami nagsabi noon eh, hindi naman haka-haka 'yun eh. Inamin naman nila, 'diba. Nagpa-interview sila. Sinabi niya na si Gretchen ang kumausap sa kanya para ibigay siya bilang abugado ni Dessa. And then after that, nag-file na ng countercharge. So alam na natin 'yon." Topacio was referring to Mallonga's statements in a report published on the TV5 news website Interaksyon. The report quoted Mallonga as saying: "Yes, it is true Gretchen is a client and a good friend. This matter concerning Dessa was brought to my attention, my personal capacity really, by Gretchen." The lawyer stressed, however, that she did not get any specific instructions from Gretchen concerning the case, and that the older Barretto had only endorsed Patilan to her out of concern. 'Magsama sila sa kulungan' Shortly before filing her counter-affidavit on Thursday, Claudine was asked by reporters whether she is ready to face Patilan's allegations. "Magsama na lang sila ni Gretchen sa kulungan," she shot back. Asked whether she is convinced that Gretchen is out to ruin her by endorsing the case, "Syempre malungkot, syempre nakakaawa. Nakakalungkot kasi ginagamit siya (Patilan) ng kapatid ko." Claudine added she would be willing to drop any legal spat with Patilan if she apologizes. "Oo naman, iyon lang naman ang hinahantay ko [na humingi siya ng tawad]," the actress said. 'Sino'ng adik?' The "Mula sa Puso" star was brief words when asked on her other pending legal case, specifically on the subject of her siblings' testimonies backing her husband's allegations against her. In Santiago's counter-affidavit responding to Claudine's allegations of "physical, sexual, psychological and economic" abuse, Gretchen and two other Barretto siblings, JJ and Marjorie, alleged their youngest sister is mentally ill and has a history of drug abuse. Gretchen, in a subsequent published statement, went on to detail this alleged illness and use of illegal drugs, and how their family supposedly conspired to have Claudine hospitalized for treatment. Referring to her sister's statement, Claudine said, "Hindi ko alam. Hindi ako nakikinig sa mga sinasabi nila. Hindi ko alam kung sino ang adik sa amin talaga."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/10/13/claudine-calls-gretchen-baliw-adik

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Gretchen says she's open to forgive

MANILA -- Despite the ongoing rift among her family members, socialite-actress Gretchen Barretto said she is ready to forgive but only to those who ask for it. "Oo, mapagpatawad tayo. Kung Diyos nga nakakapagpatawad," Barretto said during Saturday's Star Magic Ball at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. But Barretto, who is leaving for the UK to accompany her daughter, Dominique Cojuangco, who will be continuing her studies in London, refused to comment further on the marital problems of her younger sister Claudine and estranged husband Raymart Santiago. "There's a proper time for everything. This is the Star Magic Ball. It is very important night for everybody and I will be in London in few days and I want to enjoy every minute," she said, promising to keep showbiz watchers updated on her goings-on through her Instagram account. "Ang dami ko ng pinagdaanan sa buhay, ang dami ng bumatikos at lahat na ng masasakit nasabi na sa akin. What else can be said? Wala na. So for me, I am free. I've been sent free and I feel very vindicated right now. I'm just grateful with all the love all around me," she added. Barretto said she tries to keep a positive outlook amid all the controversies. "Ang problema para sa akin 'yung outlook mo sa buhay. 'Yun ang magiging problema, how you react. It is how you deal with things. For me, right now, okay naman ang buhay ko. I have a lot of love. I'm surrounded with a lot of friends with a lot of love. Outlook ko na lang sa buhay ang importante. It's how you see things. Wala akong nakikitang problema," she said. She said she also tries to pass this kind of positive mindset to her daughter, who recently defended herself against her bashers in social media. "Even si Dominique, hinahayaan ko na siya to defend herself. She's 18, she's an adult. I said, 'Dominique, you are even more intelligent than me." We are adults. Kaya na namin ito. Matatag ako dahil sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko. I am what I am because of that. And ganoon talaga ang buhay, di naman perpekto, di ba?" she said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/09/08/13/gretchen-says-shes-open-forgive

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Gretchen's daughter responds to 'basher' on Instagram

MANILA – The only daughter of socialite-actress Gretchen Barretto with her long-time partner, businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco, lashed back at one of her Instagram followers who made a comment about her being an illegitimate child. In her personal account on Sunday, Dominique Cojuangco responded to a certain @annelaspag whose comment read: “Kaya kapag namatay dad mo 1/4 lahat mamanahin mo kasi anak ka sa labas.” Obviously annoyed, Cojuango said: “I don't usually reply to crude comments, but: Whether I get anything or nothing, when he passes, means nothing to me.” Cojuangco said her dad has given her all the love, memories and opportunities in the world that her would-be inheritance is the least of her concerns. “My dad has given me all the love, memories, and opportunities in the world. And among all things, he's also given me many life lessons - one simply being to have faith in God as well as in myself. I was able to study in one of the best schools in the Philippines and is about to pay for my education in London,” she said. “From that, all I want to do is to be able to achieve as much as I can with the confidence that I've been given the education that many people are able to receive. Though materialistic things are needed for me to have had the education I've been given and will be given, money and education only goes so far,” she added. The 18-year-old Cojuangco believes the “love and the amount of memories he's given me from the moment I was born onwards, is enough for more than one lifetime.” “The lessons are a bonus. That's more than enough, for me. God bless you and your family. I pray that you one day find that importance lies within things other than those that are tangible and materialistic,” she ended. The comment of the Instagram user has since been deleted. Barretto, on the other hand, told Cojuangco how much she loves her following her lengthy reply to the Instagram user.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/09/04/13/gretchens-daughter-responds-basher-instagram

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Gretchen: Santiagos are decent, respectable

MANILA – Socialite-actress Gretchen Barretto caused an uproar on the image-sharing site Instagram over the weekend when she posted her picture with singer Randy Santiago. This comes amid the legal battle between her youngest sister Claudine and husband Raymart, who is Randy’s younger brother. The photo was taken at the birthday celebration of Bench honcho Ben Chan held last Saturday. Captioned “With Randy Santiago,” some of Gretchen’s followers reacted negatively, saying she shouldn’t have posted the photo to show sympathy and respect for Claudine. Another follower of Gretchen said the photo just goes to show how the cliche “blood is thicker than water” does not apply to all families. Gretchen, for her part, replied: “Do you expect me to make enemies out of all her enemies? Because if that is so, then I will not have a single friend, I won't have photos to post on Instagram, I won't have parties & I won't have a job. Life is too short to be anything but happy. To love & be loved is essential.” Gretchen went on by saying she just “won't live a lie. I will stand by the truth even if I have to risk everything I have.” The socialite-actress said she has known the Santiago family for over 25 years now and she knows them to be very decent and respectable people. “How do you expect me to treat Randy Santiago when I see him knowing that the Santiago family is being publicly shamed & lies are being thrown at them? I know the truth. I have been a victim of their very painful lies. Now tell me do they have sympathy for their victims? You expect me to respect when I was never given one. You know nothing about this. Don't be fooled,” Gretchen told one of her followers. Raymart is currently facing a case for alleged violation of the Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, which Claudine filed Thursday afternoon before the Marikina Regional Trial Court. On Friday, Raymart attended a court hearing for the Gabriela-backed case which accuses him of "physical, sexual, psychological and economic" abuse against Claudine, supposedly dating back to 2002. Raymart and Claudine were married in March 2006. They have two children -- an adopted daughter, Sabina, 9; and a biological son, Santino, 6. Claudine had also accused Raymart’s brother Randy, of bullying her. "Wala namang sinasabi si Randy na ano... He was just protecting me. Parang... I don't know, baka she's overreacting," Raymart told ABS-CBN News. "Parang hindi naman bully siguro 'yung ginawa ng kapatid ko sa kanya, kasi sa mga nabasa ko, parang wala naman sinabi si Randy na nakaka-offend," he added. In an interview with ABS-CBN News on August 6, Randy asserted that his brother is not capable of hurting Claudine or their children, saying only dedicated fans of the actress would believe her allegations. The former noontime show host also expressed confidence that the "truth will prevail."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/09/02/13/gretchen-santiagos-are-decent-respectable

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Claudine denies she is Gretchen's 'basher'

Claudine on Gretchen: 'Ayoko siyang patulan' MANILA -- Claudine Barretto said she would rather focus on her court battle than expend energy addressing those who are "complicating" her publicized tiff with husband Raymart Santiago. The 34-year-old actress on Tuesday afternoon attended a court hearing on her petition for a permanent protection order against Santiago, her spouse of seven years. Citing a gag order, both camps refused to detail the court proceedings, which lasted two hours, at the Marikina Regional Trial Court (RTC). The petition stems from the alleged "physical, verbal, psychological, and even economical" abuse of Raymart against Claudine, as well as their two children, which the actor has repeatedly denied. Shortly after the hearing, Claudine was asked to address a supposed comment made by her estranged sister, Gretchen, who said the custody of her kids should be solely entrusted to Santiago. "No comment... Ayoko siyang patulan," a smiling Claudine said. Gretchen has been "disowned" by her mother, Inday, over her long-waged feud with Claudine over the years. The latest tiff, which erupted in April, stemmed from Gretchen supposedly accusing Claudine of "blocking" their niece Julia's showbiz career. Julia, the daughter of another Barretto sister Marjorie, is set to star in her own "teleserye." The young actress has said she wants to follow in the footsteps of Claudine, who has starred in several soap operas as a former Kapamilya actress. 'Basher' on Instagram? Over the last week, Claudine once again made headlines when Gretchen implied on image-sharing service Instagram that her younger sister is behind the hateful comments made by one "basher" on her page. Asked Tuesday if there is any truth to this, Claudine said, "Hay naku, hindi. Hindi talaga. Alam mo, I don't really care." She went on to give a message to those who are "interfering" with her legal battle, saying she would rather give importance to those who are supporting her. "Ang importante naman diyan 'yung mga taong nagmamahal sa akin. Pabayaan na natin 'yung mga taong gusto manggulo kasi bored 'yan sa buhay," she said. "Ang mas maganda na lang, magdasal tayo. Mas maganda, mag-feeding program na lang, mag-charity work, kasi kakatapos lang ng bagyo, 'di ba? Magpasalamat na lang tayo na hindi binabagyo ang mga buhay nila. Kung wala rin namang maitutulong, huwag nalang sana makikialam," Claudine said. Other family members The "Mula sa Puso" star also thanked those family members who continue to support her, citing her parents in particular. At the height of the family feud early this year, another Barretto sister, Gia, sided with Claudine. Marjorie and another Barretto sibling, Joaquin, are known to be in good terms with Gretchen, as both are frequently seen in Instagram photos shared by the latter on her page. "Syempre, 'yung ibang pamilya ko pa, marami naman kami. And of course 'yung friends ko, very, very loyal and loving, so talagang parang pamilya ko na," Claudine said on Tuesday. Thanking her fans, whom she refers to as "Claudinians," the actress continued, "Maraming, maraming salamat sa pagsuporta at dasal niyo para sa akin, sa mga anak ko, at hindi niyo ko dyina-judge sa kung anu-ano lang na naririnig niyo."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/27/13/claudine-denies-she-gretchens-basher

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Gretchen gives up on helping Claudine

MANILA – Gretchen Barretto has already given up on helping her youngest sister Claudine. This is what the socialite-actress told one of her Instagram followers after the netizen commented that she and her other sister, Marjorie, should help Claudine, who is currently embroiled in a legal battle. Responding to the netizen’s comment, Gretchen said they “have done everything possible to help her.” “She has been attacking us and our children for the help we wish to give her. I have been publicly scorned and accused of a liar for helping her. Why don’t we all just pray that she will go seek help. I guess the time has come when everyone just gave up,” she said. Gretchen added: “She has caused too much hurt that we just have to withdraw from her and her hurtful ways. It’s called self-preservation.” The Barretto family feud erupted back in April after comments on the image-sharing service Instagram, supposedly made by Gretchen, saying Claudine is not happy about Marjorie’s daughter Julia's rise so stardom. In response to reports on the alleged exchange on Instagram, the Barretto matriarch, Inday, released a statement denying Claudine's supposed plans to "block" Julia's career. In the same statement, Inday disowned Gretchen "in order to save one who has always been there for all, and with all of her love...Claudine." The issue divided the Barretto siblings, with Gia siding with her mother and youngest sister, while brother Joaquin sided with Gretchen, saying Claudine's "condition" should be addressed. Asked whether she is saddened that she is going through her legal battles without her sisters by her side, Claudine, in a separate interview, said: “No comment.” Santiagos remain mum Meanwhile, the brothers of Claudine’s husband, Raymart Santiago, refused to comment on their brother’s marital life. Riley Santiago, Raymart’s older brother, said their family has yet to agree on coming out with a statement regarding the matter. In late July, Claudine filed a temporary protection order (TPO) against Raymart, citing "physical, verbal, psychological, and even economical" abuse. While Raymart repeatedly denied the allegations, the TPO was granted in early August, with Barretto filing a petition to make it permanent. Both Claudine and Raymart are now seeking the sole custody of their two children, with the actress filing a case against Raymart for his alleged violation of the Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. Under a gag order issued by the Marikina Regional Trial Court, neither camp is allowed to divulge information as to the court proceedings, but according to Claudine’s legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio on Thursday, "Umaandar ang mga kaso."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/25/13/gretchen-gives-helping-claudine

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How Gretchen Barretto treats intrigues

MANILA – A lot of celebrities get affected by intrigues negatively but not socialite-actress Gretchen Barretto. Speaking to a pool of reporters at the red carpet of the Mega Masquerade Ball on Tuesday, Barretto said she treats intrigues thrown at her as challenges. “I still believe that no one can ruin you but yourself. Your actions will ruin you, not what people say,” she said briefly. The actress said people can say anything good or bad about her – or to any other celebrity for that matter – but their opinion will not define her as a person. According to the 43-year-old actress, an intrigue can either be good or bad for a career depending on how the celebrity takes it. “It depends but I guess for as long as you’re being talked about, it matters because I guess people are interested. People won’t talk about you if they are not interested or fascinated about you,” she said. For Barretto, as long as people show interest at what she does, “it can be good” for her career. In the past months, Barretto has made the headlines after getting involved in a feud among her siblings and mother Inday. But Barretto said she’d rather leave family matters behind since much have already been said. “I don’t think gusto kong buksan ang mga sarado na. Sinara na iyan so let’s leave it there. I don’t think I’m ready to answer any family questions,” she said in June. Just last week, Barretto reiterated she does not intend to get involved in any of the Barretto’s problems anymore, reminding reporters that her mother already disowned her in favor of her youngest sister.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/15/13/how-gretchen-barretto-treats-intrigues

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Gretchen: I'm not part of Barrettos anymore

MANILA – Actress Gretchen Barretto was apparently irritated after she was asked to comment on the legal battles of her younger sister, Claudine. Claudine recently filed for a temporary protection order against her estranged husband Raymart Santiago, with her legal counsel claiming that she was “abused.” Speaking to reporters after the awarding ceremonies of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival on Sunday, Barretto reiterated that she does not intend to get involved in Claudine’s problems. She also reminded the reporters that her mother Inday already disowned her in favor of Claudine. “Itinakwil na po ako. So in other words, wala na kayong karapatan tanungin ako tungkol sa Barretto family dahil I’m not part of that family anymore. Right now, my family is Tony (her husband) and Dominique (her daughter), Marjorie and Jayjay (her siblings) and the rest of my siblings. Mahirap naman ipilit ang sarili ko sa mga ayaw sa akin,” she said. Barretto also appealed that she and Marjorie be spared from issues that don’t concern them. “Tahimik na rin po ang buhay ko. Kung nano-notice niyo naman po, puro career na lang at pamilya ko or anak ko ang pinagtutuunan ko ng pansin. Huwag na natin isali ako at si Marjorie sa mga gulong hindi naman na kami dapat kasali pa,” she said. Barretto said she would rather focus on taking care of her "real" family . “I think I learned the big lesson na lumayo na lang para walang gulo. Di ba kapag walang sinasabi, wala ng problema? Mahirap ang mga gulo-gulo, masaya na ang buhay natin,” she said. When asked what she is praying for amid all the controversies, Barretto said: “Ang pinagdaanan ko hindi madali. 'Yung pang-iinsulto sa pagkatao ko, sa kredibilidad ko, napakasakit. Alam niyo iyon, hindi ko na kailangan sabihin iyon.” “Bakit ba kailangan paulit-ulit tinatanong ang hindi dapat itanong? What for, para masaya kayo at bahala na ako? That’s not right. Pati prayers ko pakikialaman niyo? Bakit? Artista ako, that’s all I can give you,” she added.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sites/default/files/a_images/graphics/teaser/gretchenbarretto.jpg

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Gretchen not shocked by Claudine-Raymart rift

MANILA -- Actress Gretchen Barretto said she is not surprised by the latest controversy involving her sister, Claudine. On Monday, Claudine filed a temporary protection order against her estranged husband, Raymart Santiago. Asked for comment about the issue, Gretchen said: "No. I was not shocked. With many things happening, I am only concerned with my self-preservation." Gretchen added that she and their brother, Jay-Jay, are hoping that the truth will prevail. Meanwhile, Gretchen said she is excited over her new projects, which include the Cinemalaya movie "The Diplomat Hotel" and the ABS-CBN series "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala," which stars Judy Ann Santos. She made her first appearance as a lawyer in Santos' soap on Monday (July 29). "Abogada niya ako. Akala ko professional na ako, pero mas pa pala si Juday. I learned so much from her," Gretchen said. -- Report from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/30/13/gretchen-not-shocked-claudine-raymart-rift

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Gretchen Barretto returns to primetime TV

MANILA – Socialite-actress Gretchen Barretto will soon be joining the cast of the top-rating primetime series “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala.” In her official Instagram account, Barretto posted several photos where she is seen sharing scenes with the show’s lead actress Judy Ann Santos. Photos taken from Gretchen Barretto's Instagram account “HKLM, joining this team & loving every minute of it,” she said in one of her photos’ captions. Barretto will reportedly play the role of Atty. Eva Custodio. No other details have been disclosed about her character. "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala," which aired its pilot episode last June 17, has already made its mark on primetime television. Based on the data from multi-national market research group Kantar media last July 5, the drama series placed second among the most watched programs nationwide. It garnered an average audience share of 31.4%, or nine points ahead of “Mundo Mo’y Akin” (22%), its rival show from the GMA network. Since it began airing in June, the nationwide ratings of "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala" steadily increased. The Santos-starred series airs from Monday to Friday at 9:15:pm, after "Muling Buksan Ang Puso" on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/09/13/gretchen-barretto-returns-primetime-tv

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Gretchen closes door on family feud

MANILA – Actress Gretchen Barretto has chosen to keep her mouth shut when it comes the Barretto family feud. In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Tuesday, Barretto said she’d rather leave family matters behind since much have already been said by both camps. “I don’t think gusto kong buksan ang mga sarado na. Sinara na iyan so let’s leave it there. I don’t think I’m ready to answer any family questions,” she said. Barretto said she is content and happy with her life and this is evident in the pictures that she posts in the image-sharing site Instagram. “I’m good with how things are right now. I share a little bit of my daily life with the public through Instagram. I think that’s as far as I’m gonna go,” she said. Asked if the bashers on Instagram still affect her, Barretto said: “It’s my way of sharing my everyday life. I’m happy to do it. I know I can’t please everybody but it’s just really sharing of my everyday life.” Last month, Barretto spoke on “The Buzz” saying she has decided not to fight back despite the accusations made against her by her own mother Inday and older sister Gia. “Hindi madali ang pinagdadaanan ko ngayon. Hindi madali na pinag-uusapan ka ng buong Pilipinas. Hindi madaling pakinggan 'yung pinagdaanan ko, 'yung childhood ko. [Pero] away pamilya ito, hindi dapat isapubliko,” she said at the time. Amid this ordeal, Barretto said she is very grateful that there are still many who truly value her. “I learned this week that a tight embrace means the world to me. I learned that madami din palang nagmamahal sa akin. I also learned that life is not perfect and I can’t have everything,” she told "The Buzz" host Boy Abunda. That was the only time Barretto opened up about the controversy. Meanwhile, Barretto shared that she will be doing another project soon but no details could be divulged yet. She is also starring in the independent film, "The Diplomat Hotel," an entry to this year's Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Barretto will play a reporter in the horror film about a haunted hotel directed by Christopher Ad. Castillo, the son of the late director Celso Ad. Castillo.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/06/19/13/gretchen-closes-door-family-feud

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How Gretchen, Marjorie got by amid controversies

MANILA -- Celebrity sisters Gretchen and Marjorie Barretto surrounded themselves with "love and prayers" to surpass the recent string of controversies that have rocked their family. "I'm so much better now. Through the grace of God, I am okay. The love of my friends and family around is just amazing... I'm okay now," Gretchen said in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News' Marie Lozano on Thursday. In April, Gretchen's mother Inday released a statement saying she had disowned the 43-year-old actress. The feud stemmed partly from allegations that her sister Claudine has set out to "block" the showbiz career of Marjorie's daughter, Julia. This was denied by Inday. Subsequent statements made by two other Barretto siblings, Joaquin and Gia, brought up previous issues among their family members, including one about Gretchen being the breadwinner of the family when she was just a teen. Asked on Thursday whether she still hopes that "things will get better" among her family, Gretchen said, "Honestly, no, I'm not. I don't think about that." "I try not to talk about anything that's painful, anything that's negative. I just try to move on and do my thing," she said. NO HOPE FOR RECONCILIATION? She added that she has also "given up" on the possibility of reconciling with the family members she's been at odds with. Gretchen cited the unfailing presence of her friends and loved ones as helpful in moving past the publicized family feud. "I surround myself with people who love me, and who appreciate me. I think that's what's important for me," she said. According to Gretchen, the support of loving friends and kin is likewise helping Marjorie overcome the controversy involving private photos of the latter which went viral online. "Nung nagka-problema ako or si Marjorie, nandiyan lang kami, andiyan 'yung mga kapatid ko, andiyan yung mga pamangkin namin," she said. She added: "They're just there, walang sinasabi, ayaw namin pag-usapan 'yung problema, o kung sino 'yung problema, o kung sino 'yung nakakasakit, we just tried to be positive." The actress said she also realized the value of the physical presence of her loved ones. "One of the things that I really appreciate is that importante pala talaga 'yung yinayakap ka pag may problema," Gretchen said. "Kasi 'di ba masakip sa dibdib pag may problema, so when you embrace the person, kahit wala kang sabihin, it means so much. "I never thought na ang yakap pala, when it's given to you at a time... that very painful time, it means the world to you. Parang 'yung lang, sapat na," she said. Above all, Gretchen said her friends and other family members continuously prayed to survive the ordeal. "Kung walang dasal, siguro I gave up already na," she said. "Salamat sa Diyos, I have friends, I have people who love me, I have people who pray for me. Kapit sa Diyos, iyon ang importante," she said.

Source:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/05/24/13/how-gretchen-marjorie-got-amid-controversies

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Gretchen, Claudine post happy family photos

 

MANILA – Life goes on for the celebrity sisters Gretchen and Claudine Barretto even as they are caught in the middle of a controversy that seemed to have divided their entire family. In the image-sharing site Instagram, Gretchen and Claudine posted separate photos showing they are unfazed that their family has become a hot topic among Pinoys. Claudine Barretto with parents Mike and Inday, sister Michi and nephew Cholo. Photo from Claudine barretto's Instagram account In Claudine’s Instagram account, she is seen with her parents Mike and Inday, as well sister Michi and nephew Cholo. In her photo captions, Claudine said she's happy to just be around her family over a simple dinner. Gretchen, on the other hand, posted pictures where she is seen with sister Marjorie, brother Joaquin, niece Claudia and nephew John. Gretchen Barretto with sister Marjorie, brother Joaquin, niece Claudia and nephew John. Photo form Gretchen Barretto's Instagram account Meanwhile, Marjorie also turned to Instagram to prove that she has remained strong despite her sexy photos making the rounds online. One of Marjorie’s posts says: “A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.” She also quoted the lyrics of David Guetta’s hit song “Titanium,” which says: “I'm bullet proof nothing to lose fire away fire away... Ricochet you take your aim.. Fire way fire away... You shoot me down BUT I WON'T FALL I AM TITANIUM.” The latest feud to rock the Barretto family stemmed partly from comments on the image-sharing service Instagram, supposedly made by Gretchen, saying that her sister Claudine is not happy that their niece, Julia, is starting to make a name for herself in showbiz. Julia, the second daughter of Marjorie Barretto, was recently introduced as an artist of Star Magic, the ABS-CBN talent management firm that launched Claudine to stardom until her transfer to another network in 2009. In response to reports on the alleged exchange on Instagram, the Barretto matriarch had released a statement denying Claudine's supposed plans to "block" Julia's road to stardom. In the same statement, she announced she has disowned Gretchen "in order to save one who has always been there for all, and with all of her love…Claudine." Subsequent statements made by Joaquin and Gia addressed the issue. Gia sided with her mother and youngest sister, while Joaquin sided with Gretchen, saying Claudine's "condition" should be addressed. Last Sunday, Gretchen finally broke her silence and maintained that she will not fight back despite the accusations made against her by her own mother and older sister. The socialite-actress said she’d rather not talk about the ongoing feud involving her family because it is fight that’s supposed to be solved privately. Claudine has yet to speak about the issue.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/05/09/13/gretchen-claudine-post-happy-family-photos

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Gretchen breaks down on 'The Buzz'

MANILA, Philippines – Socialite-actress Gretchen Barretto broke down on “The Buzz” on Sunday after she was asked by host Boy Abunda if she wants to make a statement regarding the feud that has rocked the Barretto family during the past two weeks. It was Barretto’s first TV appearance since her mother came out with a statement disowning her, while defending daughter Claudine. Gretchen, in tears, said she would rather not fight but admitted that she is going through a very difficult time. – The Buzz, May 5, 2013

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/05/05/13/gretchen-breaks-down-buzz

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Gretchen eyes legal action vs sister

MANILA – Actress Gretchen Barretto is eyeing legal action against her own sister Gia Barretto-Reyes, in the latest development in the controversial spat among the members of their family. In an interview with entertainment website Pep.ph editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon, Gretchen said she was advised by her lawyers in Manila and the United States to "keep mum" and "let the case speak for itself." "Masakit itong gagawin kong hakbang pero kinakailangan para makamit ko ang aking katahimikan," Gretchen said of the plan to bring the matter to the court. Asked by Pep.ph whether the case will be filed in the US, where Gia is currently based, Gretchen said: "Yes, Gia is based in Boston. Our local lawyers, the Siguion-Reyna group, advised that we take action there." The report said that Gretchen did not reveal whether she also plans on taking any legal action against her mother Inday, who has called her a "liar".

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Gretchen's best friend denies being paid

MANILA, Philippines – Former actress Tanya Montenegro denied allegations of Mrs. Inday Barretto that her best friend, Gretchen, paid her to come out and speak for her. In a text message she sent to entertainment website Pep.ph, Montenegro said “there was never any money involved between me and Gretchen.” “My 30-year friendship with Gretchen knows no amount of money and the love we have for one another will always bring us to situations where we will defend one another,” she said. Montenegro said she also has no intentions of fighting with Mrs. Barretto, saying she grew up respecting her. “Tita Inday, I did not come out to fight you, but I came out only to speak the truth of what I saw,” she said. “Tita Inday, I also have a mother and you know her well. My mom lives with me and I am proud to say my mother, after my children, is the most important to me. We may not be overwhelmingly rich but we truly live with love and respect for one another. I will always treasure my mom and the sacrifice,” Montenegro said. In an interview with “The Buzz” on Sunday, Montenegro came to Gretchen’s defense amid an ongoing feud involving the actress, her siblings and their mother. Montenegro countered most claims of Gretchen’s sister Gia, who collaborated with their mother’s earlier statement. When they were in grade school, Montegro shared that Gretchen would normally go to school with only enough food for either recess or lunch. She added that there was also a time when Gretchen was not able to take their exams because of her unpaid tuition. Montenegro said Gretchen also grew up “emotionally deprived of love from the parents.” Mrs. Barretto refuted all these, saying Montenegro is in no position to contest what she said, as well as those asserted by Gia, because she is not part of their family.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/04/29/13/gretchens-best-friend-denies-being-paid

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Gretchen mum on reconciliation with mother

MANILA – Socialite-actress Gretchen Barretto kept her silence when asked if she is open to patch things up with her mother Inday, who recently disowned her and called her a “liar.” "I have no answer for a possibility of reconciliation," Gretchen said in a statement she sent to “The Buzz.” According to "The Buzz" host Boy Abunda, Gretchen is choosing to keep silent amid their ongoing family feud because she is still hurting. Abunda said Gretchen is saddened because the controversy her family is currently embroiled in reminds her of all the difficult times she had to endure in the past. While she has yet to speak on the issue, Gretchen, on Thursday, took to the image-sharing site Instagram to express her gratitude to everyone who continuously support her in this trying time. “Thank you. I'm won't deny I'm hurting but I thank God still for all those who continue to love me,” she said. Mrs. Barretto released a statement on Wednesday defending her daughter Claudine against the allegations of Gretchen, who had supposedly criticized her younger sister for "bashing" their niece Julia on Instagram. Julia was recently introduced as an artist of Star Magic, the ABS-CBN talent management firm that launched Claudine to stardom until her transfer to another network in 2009. Gretchen's brother, Joaquin Barretto, coming to the defense of his sister, issued a statement on Wednesday night, expressing shock over their mother's allegations. He also appealed to his mother to "put a stop to this before our family totally falls apart while there is still something to save." Meanwhile, Gia, another Barretto sibling, sided with her mom and youngest sister Claudine. She said Gretchen’s “claims of financial support for this family have no basis, because dad always managed to provide.” Gia also echoed their mother's appeal to Gretchen to stop hurting their family and just disappear from their lives.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/04/28/13/gretchen-mum-reconciliation-mother

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Better times: Barretto sisters 'strong together'

MANILA – Before the latest controversy to rock the Barrettos, the showbiz clan figured in several other personal feuds that went public. Over the past decade, sisters Gretchen, Marjorie and Claudine -- who are the youngest siblings of seven, in order -- were estranged at different times due to conflicts within their family. Notably, Gretchen and Marjorie had a falling out over the former's reported tiff with her sister's husband Dennis Padilla in 2004. Claudine and their mother Inday supposedly sided with Marjorie, leaving Gretchen estranged. All four reconciled after three years. In 2010, Claudine and Gretchen's earlier feud resurfaced due to issues related to their aborted co-starring stint in a TV series, and what was seen as a competition between them as actresses. The conflict eased a year later, with Claudine releasing a statement on her reconciliation with her older sister. Early this week, however, what is seen as the worst conflict to hit the Barrettos made headlines, when Inday announced that she has decided to disown Gretchen in favor of Claudine. These two celebrity Barrettos, a decade earlier, were the most vocal of their close bond as a family. "Our love for each other I guess is so great. We've always known that we were strong together," Gretchen said in an interview in 2002. "When you say sisters, or brothers, or family," Claudine added, "the bond has to really be there and intact. Iyon ang pamilya, iyon ang totoong pamilya."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/04/27/13/better-times-barretto-sisters-strong-together

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Gretchen Barretto in tears, says Mother Lily

MANILA -- Despite her silence on the controversy, Gretchen Barretto is in tears over the recent statements made against her by her mother and sister, according to Regal Entertainment matriarch Lily Monteverde. Gretchen Barretto. File photo "She cried, she talked to me a while ago. She was crying," Monteverde told ABS-CBN News on Friday. Gretchen, who rose to fame in the '80s as a sexy actress, was one of Monteverde's "Regal Babies," or showbiz talents whose careers are managed by the industry veteran's entertainment production company. Recalling her phone conversation with Gretchen on Friday, Monteverde said, "Sabi ko, 'Gretchen be strong. Don't ever feel sad, because this is the moment for you to pray hard, pray for your mom, pray for the family, that's the best." She added: "Naaawa ako sa kanya because I love her so much. Gretchen, you are a precious gift. I treasure you so much because I know who you are, and I love you from the bottom of my heart." The latest feud to rock the Barretto family stemmed partly from an Instragram post, supposedly made by Gretchen, saying that her sister Claudine is not happy that their niece, Julia, is starting to make a name for herself in showbiz. Julia, the second daughter of Marjorie Barretto, was recently introduced as an artist of Star Magic, the ABS-CBN talent management firm that launched Claudine to stardom until her transfer to another network in 2009. Early this week, Gretchen's mother Inday released a statement denying Claudine's alleged plans to "block" Julia's road to stardom, saying the former "Mula sa Puso" star would not do anything to ruin her niece's career. In the same statement, Inday announced she has disowned Gretchen "in order to save one who has always been there for all, and with all of her love…Claudine." Gretchen as 'breadwinner' Subsequent statements made by two other Barretto siblings, Joaquin and Gia, addressed the issue. The latter sided with her mother and youngest sister Claudine, while Joaquin sided with Gretchen, saying it was Gretchen who had raised their siblings in the absence of their parents. On Friday, Monteverde backed Joaquin's statement that Gretchen started to support her family at the age of 12, when she entered showbiz -- a matter denied by Gia in her letter released on the same day. "I cannot speak on this issue (on whether Gretchen was forced to work by her parents at a young age), but she (Gretchen) started with me (as a Regal talent) at 12 or 13. She really strived hard to work for her family. It was the mom [handling the finances], 'yung kinikita. Basta I know she always mentioned, every time she gets paid, that she's excited to give it to her family," Monteverde said. Asked to expound on Gretchen's family history, the veteran film producer refused, saying, "I don't want to hurt Inday. Also, I don't want to hurt Gretchen." "But in my heart, I know who Gretchen Barretto is. I really love Gretchen. Kung ano ang mga intriga sa kanya, I will be the first one to defend her, because I know her very well," she said

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/04/26/13/gretchen-barretto-tears-over-feud-says-mother-lily

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