Rita Daniela said she is happy to be back on both television and on stage.The talented actress and singer took a break from showbiz after giving birth to her son Juan “Uno” Andres in 2022. Rita is also part of the cast of the upcoming 9 Works Theatrical musical Liwanag Sa Dilim which will features the songs of Rico Blanco and starts its run next month.

Last year also proved to be an extra challenging one for the 29-year-old artist when she filed a complaint for acts of lasciviousness against her co-star Archibald “Archie” Alemania before the City Prosecution Office of Bacoor, Cavite in October. In a previous report on ABS-CBN, Rita claimed in her affidavit that Archie sexually violated her and made repeated inappropriate remarks against her in September when he offered her a ride home.

The case, which is still currently ongoing, admittedly left Rita feeling more guarded now with her colleagues. In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN during a press visit for the Liwanag Sa Dilim rehearsals, she shared how the experience has definitely changed her especially when it comes to how she views co-workers on the set.

“Well of course it affected me so much. I just don’t like talking about it actually. Most especially now because it’s already a case. It’s already there. But I just think that everything happens for a reason and I trust God why He let that thing happen to me. I have to say mas guarded na ako, a bit. I try my very best to still act the same but siyempre hindi mo na yun maaalis sa akin na siyempre may trauma pa rin yan eh. So I just have to really be guarded and be more mindful and really choose the people that I open up to and that I talk to,” she told PUSH ABS-CBN.

After becoming a mom, Rita admitted acting has taken on a deeper meaning for her, especially when doing more dramatic scenes and songs.

“Ang laki. Sobrang laki (ng difference). Mas madali ako nakaka-relate sa mga kanta, sa dapat na ibigay na emosyon. Mas madali ko siyang nagagawa at mas madali akong nakakahugot kung kinakailangan. Naisip ko talaga na ang daming units na pumapasok sa isipan at puso ko. Malaking bagay,” she said.

During Mother’s Day last year, Rita shared just how happy she is being a parent. She wrote in a post, “one of my dreams is to be a mother. i’m beyond grateful that God made that happen and he gave me YOU. you make me a happy and good mother, Uno. because of the love you show me, you inspire me to become the better version of myself. you make me the happiest every time you smile at me, stare at me and laugh, when u sing for me, when you kiss me. more experiences and moments to come! i will never ever get tired to be your nanay 🏼”