Filipino celebrity power couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla break up after 11 years, shocking the country
Bernardo and Padilla were frequently paired as onscreen lovers throughout the years.
Kathryn Bernardo (left) and Daniel Padilla (right) were lovers onscreen and off-screen. (Photos: Instagram/bernardokath, supremo_dp)
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On Thursday (Nov 30), Filipino celebrity couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla announced their break-up, sending fans and other celebrities in the Philippines into a frenzy. Bernardo and Padilla had been together for 11 years and were lovingly called KathNiel by the adoring public.
In a carousel post on her Instagram page, Bernardo, 27, uploaded a photo of the pair as teenagers and paid tribute to their relationship.
"What Deej and I had was real. It was never for show. We were together not because of the cameras, not because of the fans, not because of the money that comes with a successful love team. We were genuinely in love."
She later admitted that the couple "had been drifting apart" and "ultimately had to accept that (they couldn't) go back to where (they) used to be".
Acknowledging the fans who were invested in the couple's relationship, Bernardo requested that fans not take sides in the break-up.
"We will continue to love you and make you proud, but we hope you understand that this is something we really need."
She finally thanked Padilla for giving her "11 beautiful years".
"I will always be grateful for you."
Padilla, 28, also took to Instagram to announce the break-up. He said: "Our memories will always be in my heart and will be the light in my dark days. Thank you for dancing with me during my highs and thank you for singing with me during my lows."
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla first appeared on-screen together in the 2011 television series Growing Up. The first time they were paired as a couple was in 2012's Princess And I.
Over the years, the two continued starring as love interests in multiple shows and movies, which gave rise to a fanbase that wanted to see them get together in real life. After years of speculation, Bernardo and Padilla confirmed their relationship in 2018 – delighting fans throughout the nation.
News of the break-up has sent shockwaves throughout the Philippines, causing the term Kathniel to trend on social media. An article announcing the break-up was screened on stage during an event at Batangas State University, causing attendees to groan in disbelief.
One fan wrote: "I honestly believed KathNiel would soon be engaged or married, this is heartbreaking."
Fellow celebrities have also displayed a wide range of emotions towards the break-up. A few showed their support to the former couple, including Filipino-Australian model Anne Smith who wrote, "Sending you a big hug Kath."
On the other hand, singer Juan Karlos Labajo briefly paused his show to express his sadness at the news.
