Gretchen Barretto feels free, ‘vindicated’ amid family issues

MANILA, Philippines - Gretchen Barretto said she’s maintaining a positive outlook in life, amid the ongoing rift among the members of the Barretto family.

Related article: Gretchen blasts reporters, says she’s no longer part of Barretto family

The “Diplomat Hotel” star said problems happen depending on “how you see things.” And right now, “wala akong nakikitang problema.”

“I am positive because marami na akong napagdaanan sa buhay. Marami nang bumatikos, lahat na nang masasakit nasabi na sa akin. What else can be said against me? Wala na,” she told members of the press at the red carpet of the 7th Star Magic Ball on Saturday, September 7.

Gretchen added, “I’m free, I’m really, really free. I have been set free and I feel very vindicated.”

The actress, who starred in the recently-concluded ABS-CBN soap opera “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala,” was in the news recently due to her Instagram photo with Randy Santiago, the brother of Claudine Barretto’s estranged husband Raymart Santiago.

Claudine is currently in the middle of a legal battle against Raymart. In lieu of their rift, Claudine asked the Santiago brothers—particularly Randy, who defended Raymart in a media interview—to stop bullying her.

Many saw this photo as a sign that she’s siding with Randy and Raymart. However, Gretchen refused to comment on the issue.

“There’s a proper time for everything. Tonight is the Star Magic Ball. It’s a very important night for everybody,” she said.

Gretchen added she’s leaving for London with daughter Dominique, and she wants to “enjoy every minute of it.”

She dismissed her online bashers on Instagram, saying “that’s all part of life.” She even let her 18-year-old daughter Dominique—who went to the Star Magic Ball with actor Enchong Dee—to defend herself.

Also read: Gerald and Maja, Kim and Xian stand out at 7th Star Magic Ball

“Pwede ba namang wala kang bashers? Kung wala kang bashers, e di hindi ka na importante sa tao,” Gretchen said.

“Ganun naman ang buhay. 'Pag mahal mo, dedepensahan mo. But you can only go so far in defending people. And after a while… even si Dominique hinahayaan ko na to defend herself. She’s 18-years-old, she’s an adult,” she said.

Gretchen added: “Sabi ko, ‘Dominque, you’re even more intelligent than me, you’ve finished far more than I have finished ever’.”

“Naging matatag ako dahil sa mga pinagdaanan kong problema. I am who I am because of all that and I’m grateful.”