Kathryn Bernardo on forgiveness: ‘It’s not an obligation, it’s a choice, gift’

MANILA — Kapamilya actress Kathryn Bernardo weighed in on forgiveness during the press conference of her upcoming film “Hello, Love, Again” with Alden Richards held on Thursday.

To conclude the event, the lead stars were asked if they believe in second chances.

“We all hope for a second chance, definitely,” Bernardo told repoirters. “Lahat tayo tao lang, human beings. Even ako sa sarili ko, alam ko na magkakamali at magkakamali ako, makaka-disappoint ako ng tao whether it’s intentional or unintentional. Given ‘yun tao tayo eh, nagkakamali.”

“Ako, personally, I’d do anything to be given that second chance, that opportunity to correct my wrongdoings, to rebuild relationships, I guess, and maybe to regain trust. All these things, lahat ‘yun part ng forgiveness, siyempre,” she added.

However, the actress noted that people may have different approaches in giving others a second chance.

“We have to remember, we’re all different. Some people can give a second chance like Tisoy (Richards), some can give multiple chances, and some won’t and that’s okay and we have to respect that kasi iba-iba naman tayong tao so depende talaga siya sa sitwasyon,” she said.

Bernardo stressed that it is not a person’s obligation to give someone a second chance.

“For me, lagi kong iniisip na forgiveness or second chances isn’t an obligation, it’s a choice and it’s a gift,” she said.

With this gift, the actress noted how the receiver should work hard to earn that gift: “So, kapag binigay sa ‘yo ‘yun ng tao, it’s a privilege. Just like any gift, you have to take care of that and you have to earn that gift.”

“Hello, Love, Again,” the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster film “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” will hit cinemas on November 13.

The blockbuster film ended with Joy leaving Hong Kong to pursue a career in Canada, while Ethan opened his own business. Viewers were left hanging whether they ended up together or not.

“Hello, Love, Goodbye” was the highest-grossing Philippine film of all time until January 2024, when it was surpassed by “Rewind.”