“I can now say I am not just Claudine Barretto. I am now Claudine Barretto YAN.”
This was the proud statement of actress Claudine Barretto on her social media pages last September 13, posted alongside a video montage of her sweet moments with her former reel-and-real partner, the late Rico Yan, with Ben&Ben’s “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay” playing in the background.
The reel began with a video of Claudine saying, “Medyo nakakapagmove-on na ako. Na-accept ko na wala na siya; hindi siya babalik. Sa susunod na buhay, magkikita kami. Doon, matutuloy ‘yun.”
It has now been over two decades since Rico’s passing. While she has journeyed her own path in the past years, staying active in her career and building a family of her own with her children, Claudine continues to keep Rico’s memory alive in her heart.
Aside from the memories he left with her, what Claudine holds more dear is her rekindled relationship with Rico’s family.
“It’s not about Rico anymore,” clarified Claudine, as she posted about this new milestone in her personal life. “It’s about my love and relationship with his Mom, who has now accepted me as her daughter.”
“Not as sister in law, not a daughter in law, but Sita Yan’s daughter,” she said, thanking Rico’s mom for embracing her as part of the family.
“I am so blessed bcoz she makes me feel loved every single day. What once was just forgiveness is now a REAL FAMILY,” she added.
She also tagged Rico’s sisters, Tina and Geraldine, whom she now refers to as her “REAL SISTERS”.
In the comment section, Tina replied: “Always has been for us. God is good @claubarretto”
Claudine reconnected with the Yan family when they commemorated Rico’s 20th death anniversary in 2022. It was Rico’s mom who invited her to join them at the memorial.
“She's been part of Rico. He loved her. She loved Rico. That won't change,” said Mrs. Yan in a video posted then. “Now, let's celebrate that. Not only the 20th death anniversary of Rico but... with Claudine by my side."
Mrs. Yan expressed gratitude to all who continue to remember Rico with fondness. “I know people who still love Rico and I am very, very grateful for that. Kaya even if he’s gone, of course we miss him, that’s natural, but I think he lives in your hearts, he lives in our hearts and, of course, in Claudine’s heart.”
READ: Claudine Barretto reunites with Rico Yan’s mother
On November 8, 2024, Claudine posted a reel showing her spending quality time with Rico‘s family over dinner.
“Thank [you] Tita Sita, @gerryytee @tinamarieyan @fran_rem @alfytueres2 @alfyy.tueres. Divine intervention [and] all is well in our souls,” wrote Claudine in her caption then.
To Rico, she promised to always care for his family. “[You] are truly an angel from God to remind us that you are just right beside us. Missing [you] terribly. I promise to always be there for Tita Sita [and] your whole family. Tita, Ger, Francis, of course, Cheska [and] Alfy, Bobby, and Martina #thankyoulordforeverything”
Netizens sent their love and support for the Optimum Star, joining her in remembering Rico and wishing her happiness.
Claudine and Rico were first paired up in the 1996 film Radio Romance. They strengthened their love team in the original version of the ABS-CBN hit teleserye Mula Sa Puso, which ran from 1997 to 1999. They also headlined Saan Ka Man Naroroon from 1999 to 2001. Rico and Claudine went on to make more hits with films such as F.L.A.M.E.S The Movie, Madrasta, Mula Sa Puso The Movie, Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita, and Got 2 Believe.
READ: Claudine Barretto shares throwback letter from ex-boyfriend Rico Yan
But more than the chemistry they brought to the screen, what really captured the public’s hearts was their real-life relationship. They were together for four years. Rico passed away at the young age of 27 on March 2002, and at that time, Rico and Claudine had already parted ways. Despite that, Claudine has maintained that Rico has and always will hold a special place in her heart.
READ: Claudine Barretto seeks to clear issue connecting Rico Yan to Sabrina M
In a previous interview on the vlog of Janelle Jamer, Claudine talked about her regrets and her love for Rico.
“Mahal ko pa rin siya. Hindi nawawala 'yon. I think hindi nawawala 'yung (love) kapag namatay na 'yung tao. Kahit hindi na kami, nandoon pa rin. Lalo pa yatang lumalabas kung ano ang nararamdaman mo towards the person kapag nawala na 'yung tao," shared Claudine.
"Yes, mayroon akong pagsisisi na sana mas matagal ko siyang nakasama, sana nandoon ako nung nangyari 'yung dapat sana ay hindi nangyari," she added.
READ: Claudine Barretto marks Rico Yan’s 46th birthday with a simple celebration
Claudine ended her Instagram post with a message for Rico.
“RY u can now rest Hun. We now have each other to take good care of. You can now fly with youre beautiful dimple faced smile. As I let u go I carry all the luv & beautiful memories with me in my heart till infinity & beyond,” she said.
“Rest now my sweet Prince. I luv u, always have & forever till eternity & beyond will.”