How Kathryn Bernardo Reacted to Daniel Padilla's 'Audio Scandal'

Image courtesy of Instagram: bernardokath

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

At the height of the controversy surrounding Daniel Padilla's so-called "audio scandal," his mother, Karla Estrada, visited his rumored girlfriend, Kathryn Bernardo, in the hope of clarifying the situation.

In a live interview on "Aquino & Abunda Tonight" on Friday, Estrada said she immediately sought to speak with Bernardo and her mother, Min, to ask them to give Padilla a chance to explain when he faces them.

The 90-second clip, which triggered speculation about Padilla's relationship with "Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo" co-star Jasmine Curtis-Smith, made the rounds online last September 18.

Recalling her conversation with Bernardo's mother asking to meet her, Estrada said: "Siya ang una kong tinawagan. Sabi ko, 'Tita Min, humihingi ako sa'yo ng paumanhin sa nagawang pagkakamali ni DJ.'"

According to Estrada, she went to Bernardo's home at the height of tropical storm Mario, which battered parts of Metro Manila last September 19.

"Pinuntahan ko siya sa bahay niya, dahil importante sa akin si Kathryn at ang nanay niya. Maganda ang pinagsamahan namin. Mahal ko sila," Estrada said.

"Sinabi ko sa kanya, I told Kathryn na, 'Anak, hindi ako nandito para ipilit sa'yo si DJ, pero alam ko na merong puwang sa puso mo. Kilala mo ang tunay na pagkatao ng anak ko, at gusto ko 'yun ang makita mo.'"

Asked how Bernardo reacted, Estrada said the young actress was holding back emotions, but did not say if she was sad.

"Tahimik siya. No, [she did not cry]. Pareho kaming nagpipigil ng emosyon, pero mas gusto ko kasing bigyan siya ng magagandang mensahe," Estrada said.

Explaining why she initiated the meeting, the former actress continued, "Para hindi tumagal and para bago humarap si DJ (Padilla) ay bukas na ang kaisipan ni Kathryn."

Bernardo has since forgiven Padilla, according to the actor in an interview last Monday. On September 19, Bernardo even posted on Instagram a photo of her with Padilla, captioned only: "Best guy ever."

Padilla said he explained the conversation in the audio clip to Bernardo, whom he thanked for being understanding.

At the Bench fashion show a day later, the two made headlines when Padilla hugged Bernardo in front of thousands of fans during their turn on the runway.

The onscreen couple are currently in New Zealand with fellow ABS-CBN talents for TFC's One Kapamilya Go concert.

'I'm so proud of DJ'

Before speaking with Bernardo and her mother, Estrada said she advised Padilla to be truthful to his fans as to whether his was one of the voices heard in the audio clip.

"Sabi ko, 'Anak, harapin natin ito. Nasa tabi mo 'ko.' Sabi ko sa kanya, 'Huwag tayo mabuhay sa kasinungalingan, anak. Maging totoo tayo, dahil hindi ka magiging masaya pag ito ay tinago mo sa lahat ng tao.'"

Estrada added: "Sabi ko, 'Napakasarap na kinalabit tayo ng Diyos sa ganitong paraan lamang, anak. You have to be thankful. Imagine, hindi mas malala.'"

Last Monday, Padilla confirmed to ABS-CBN News the authenticity of the audio clip, and admitted that its circulation online strained his relationship with Bernardo.

While Padilla did not directly mention Curtis-Smith, who has confirmed communicating with him through text message, the actor also asked his fans to refrain from further disparaging anyone's name to supposedly defend his tandem with Bernardo.

Padilla said the controversy has strengthened him and that he has learned from it. The actor added he gets by by reminding himself that other people have worse problems to confront.

"I'm so proud of DJ," Estrada said. "Hindi ko winawaglit 'yung katotohanan na nagkamali 'yung anak ko, pero ang mas importante sa akin, buong puso niyang hinarap 'yung pagkakamali na 'yon. Maraming taong nagkakamali pero hindi lahat kayang harapin ang pagkakamali."

Addressing Padilla, Estrada continued: "Anak, congratulations, ipagpatuloy mo 'yan, iyong ganyang ugali, pero mula ngayon mag-ingat ka na sa -- paulit-ulit kong sinasabi -- mga kaibigan. Hindi lahat ng ngumingiti sa'yo ay gusto ka."

She reminded her son, who is dubbed local showbiz's "Teen King," that some people are out to ruin him with the level of success he has achieved.

"Mas marami ngayon, sa estado ng buhay mo, na gusto kang sirain, anak. Masakit na katotohanan ito, pero ito ang kailangan mong tanggapin, anak -- na sana, maging lesson talaga sa'yo ito dahil you don't deserve this."

"Bigyan man ako ng pagkakataon na mabuhay ulit, ikaw parin ang hihilingin ko sa Diyos na maging panganay na anak. I love very much, DJ," Estrada said.