Claudine Barretto has once again become the center of controversy after she held a memorial service for the late actor Rico Yan on his 50th birthday. Although the act came from a place of deep respect and affection, the reaction from netizens was not entirely positive.

On March 14, Claudine Barretto posted an emotional post on social media, expressing her feelings for Rico Yan on his birthday. In the post, the actress shared beautiful memories and sent her gratitude to her late ex-lover. She also held a simple ceremony to remember him, which immediately attracted public attention.

However, not everyone was pleased with Claudine’s actions. Some netizens were upset and questioned whether she was using Rico Yan’s name to gain attention. Some harsh comments appeared:

*”Every year like this, Claudine, let Rico rest in peace!”*
*”It seems like she can’t move on and is clinging to the past forever.”*
*”Respect is good, but is it necessary to make such a fuss?”*

However, many people defended the actress, saying that this was her way of showing sincere feelings for the deceased. They emphasized that no one has the right to criticize the way Claudine remembered Rico Yan.

In response to the mixed opinions, Claudine responded on her personal page:
*”I will always remember and cherish Rico. This is not taking advantage but a way for me to express my gratitude to someone who was an important part of my life.”*

Although the controversy has not stopped, one thing is undeniable: Rico Yan will always be a beautiful part of Claudine Barretto’s memories. The question is whether she should continue to act like this in the future, or is it time to let the past rest in the past?

Claudine Barretto remembers late Rico Yan on his 50th birthday
Claudine Barretto: “Happy Heavenly Birthday RICO YAN.”

Claudine Barretto never forgets important dates in her life, especially when it comes to her late ex-boyfriend Rico Yan.

Including remembering his birthday.

Yesterday, March 14, 2025, would have been the late matinee idol’s 50th birthday.

But because of a nightmare, one of the most popular matinee idols in showbiz and his generation died while on vacation at Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan on March 29, 2002.

He was only 27 years old at the time.CLAUDINE BARRETTO: “YOU ARE LOVED, YOU ARE MISSED…”
On her Instagram Story last night, March 14, Claudine shared three consecutive greetings.

First, she made sure that she didn’t forget her reel-real life boyfriend when he was still alive.

She said, “You are loved, you are missed, you are remembered.”

She followed this with another greeting where there were pictures of Rico.

The date was also included as March 14.

She said in the caption, “Happy heavenly birthday, Rico Yan.” The same was her third message where she also showed various pictures of Rico.

The caption read, “@50, happy birthday in Heaven, Rico.” In her new Instagram post that had nothing to do with Rico, some of the late actor’s fans still sent messages.

CLAUDINE’S ONE GREAT LOVE
Claudine considers Rico her “one great love.”

On her Instagram on March 29, 2024, Rico’s death anniversary, the actress posted photos of her with the late actor, and a short video of Karen Davila’s interview with her.

It was captioned (published as is), “March 29 My heart stopped.”

.

She accompanied it with hearts emojis and the hashtag #alwaysandforever.

In the reel where Karen asked her why she visits Rico’s grave every year, Claudine replied, “Because he is a big part of my life.”

She added, “So there’s only one thing I really ask Rico’s fans to not forget him.

“And I’m also thankful and grateful that we’re really up to this day, uhm, they honor him, they celebrate him. And that’s all.”

The actress also mentioned “one great love.”

Claudine said, “Because, Karen, I realized, you know, uhm, in your life, they say, you just have one great love, right?

“It seems like that. So, I, I feel like, once upon a time… it’s really just once upon a time.”