Kathryn and Daniel’s chapter may be over, but the lessons on life and love that they’ve learned together will remain forever

After a couple months of speculation and 11 years of being in a relationship, both Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla finally confirmed their breakup. Ending the ongoing rumors of their status, the two actors addressed the issue on Instagram.

“It’s true that Deej and I have decided to part ways,” Kathryn wrote in her post. “He was my person. I will always have love for him.” Meanwhile, Daniel wrote in his own post, saying, “Our lives may drift away, but our love will still ride that tide,” ending it with “Bal, ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo ay walang hanggan at walang katapusan.” The two also addressed their fandom, KathNiels, with a message of gratitude and respect.

Throughout their relationship, they brought us along their adventures on-screen, as well as their journey behind the cameras. And though their chapter has come to an end, they’ve imparted lessons on life and love to each other and their supporters that will always remain.

Love takes growth

Since their teenage years, KathNiel has grown holding each other’s hand in every project and milestone in their lives. When Kathryn officially entered adulthood on her 18th birthday, Daniel was her escort. Since his Parking Five days, the actress has supported DJ’s music and acting endeavors through her attendance and posts of encouragement. Their love wasn’t just felt between the two of them. It was also celebrated by their family, friends, and fans.

But at the end of the day, they are two individuals who happened to have crossed paths for more than a decade. Loving someone comes with the risk of accepting that growing together can mean growing apart. And for Daniel and Kathryn who are now embarking on their individual projects, the decision is a testament to how they allowed each other to grow.

Love entails acceptance

In her vlog where she read mean comments directed to her, Kathryn openly shared that it was with the help of Daniel that she accepted herself. Meanwhile, the actor has expressed his gratitude towards the actress in several interviews, always saying, “Tinanggap niya ako nang buong-buo.”

Given their public personas and their publicized relationship, a lot are aware of the moments that they have gone through, with some being rough patches in their relationship. However, until the end, KathNiel has continued to support each other and kept their respect for one another. Part of loving someone means knowing their good and bad sides, and learning to love them with all your heart. True love comes with commitment and contentment, as expressed by the actress in their press conference for 2 Good 2 Be True.

Love means courage

At the end of their relationship, we heard the truth straight from them. No third party news report, no messenger from their respective sides. Flashback to the confirmation of their relationship in 2016 during an interview for their movie, Barcelona, Daniel admitted his then-half a decade relationship with Kathryn.

As they finally conclude the speculations and bring the truth forward to the public, their courage to express their love, support, and respect for each other remains. With KathNiel moving forward with their lives in separate ways, they declared their decision in the best way they can—with respect.