Melissa Mendez after scandal: I have to rise up and move forward

MANILA, Philippines – “I've learned my lesson the hard way.”

 

Thus said actress Melissa Mendez as she reflects on the offloading scandal she figured in weeks ago.

 

It can be remembered that Melissa was offloaded from a Cebu Pacific flight after a confrontation with model Andrew Wolff and his friend Rey Pamaran. The actress has since apologized for the incident, while Pamaran filed a slander case against Melissa.

 

READ: 'I am owning up to my mistake'

 

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Melissa said has the scandal has brought her “sleepless nights” but she has chosen to own up to her mistakes. The actress added “it’s time to get past my past.”

 

Here is Melissa’s complete statement.

 

“As I reflect this Lenten Season, I am again reminded of the cross, Jesus who shed His most precious holy blood who had no sin but became sin so that through Him I am forgiven of my sins and by His grace I have eternal life.” 

 

“In my 50 years of existence, 32 years in the industry I belong, I've never been involved in any kind of scandal. I live a peaceful life being a mom and grandmom to my children and grandchildren. We are not wealthy in terms of material possession but we are happy. I support my family through the talent fees I'm getting in my movie and TV appearances. 

 

“I have a loving and supportive family who never ceases to love me unconditionally. For this I am grateful. 

 

“I have always been a professional as I love my job. Acting is my passion and it is my bread and butter. 

I know I can never be perfect. Only one is perfect, Jesus Christ who died on the cross and resurrected from the dead more that 2,000years ago.

 

“I tried my best to protect my testimony but I failed. I have fallen short of God's expectations of me and those who I try to disciple and bring forth to God's kingdom. For this I repent and I know God has forgiven me. 

 

“I've learned my lesson the hard way nonetheless God covered me with His unfailing love and mercy. 

 

“I have this photo courtesy of @cloudsbymmendez whose main purpose is to continue to ridicule, mock and cause me misery but I have my peace now knowing that in my heart of hearts I've asked everyone for forgiveness and for being dumb enough to ask a favor just to take shots of the clouds and gaze upon them for a few minutes hence this scandal. 

 

“Being in such a scandal has caused me sleepless nights and trauma but God hid me in the shadow of His wings and gave me assurance that this mess He will turn into a message and this test He will turn into a testimony. 

 

“I've made a mistake and I owned up to it. It's time to get past my past. I am forgiven by Him, that's all that matters now. I have to rise up and move forward.”