What began as a lighthearted remark in an interview has now turned into an update between Ellen Adarna and Angelica Panganiban fans have been waiting for. Ellen recently revealed that Angelica, the former girlfriend of her estranged husband Derek Ramsay, is now officially part of the group chat made up of Derek’s exes.
This update traces back to Angelica’s interview with Karen Davila, where she was asked if she thinks she can be friends with Ellen. At the time, she said: “Feeling ko [oo]. Marami kaming pag-uusapan”.
Angelica then joked about the idea, clarifying that her comments were made in good humor. “Huwag lang niya i-screenshot ah. Huwag lang niya i-record. Hindi pa nga ako nai-invite doon sa group chat eh,” she said, hinting about the group chat of Derek’s exes.
Weeks later, Ellen addressed Angelica’s remarks during a question-and-answer session on her Instagram Stories on December 24 where netizen asked her directly, “May chance po ba na maging friends kayo ni Ms. Angelica [Panganiban]?”
Ellen responded casually, revealing that things had already progressed beyond speculation and that Angelica is now part of the group.
“Actually, super chika na kami, dai. Kasama na siya sa gc (group chat).”
Angelica and Derek were together for six years before confirming their breakup in 2012. Ellen and Derek’s marriage, meanwhile, lasted nearly three years before Ellen publicly shared news of their split.
READ: Ellen Adarna reveals commitment to remaining single: ‘I’m choosing regulation over rushing’
In the same session, Ellen also showed support for Angelica’s return to the big screen after four years, as the actress stars in the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival entry UnMarry, a film centered on a couple navigating annulment.
“Manonood nga ako ng UnMarry. So relatable,” Ellen said.
She then repeated the film’s title with laughter, “UnMarry… UnMarry…,” subtly pointing to the irony, as she herself married Derek in 2021 and later announced their separation last November after allegations of infidelity.
During the same Q&A, Ellen also spoke candidly about her personal decisions following the separation. When a netizen mentioned a prediction about her next partner, saying: “Based sa isang manghuhula, politician daw next partner mo probably next year. Any comments?”, Ellen revealed a choice she has consciously made for herself.
“I committed to five years of celibacy, renewable every five years. If it works, I continue. If it doesn't, the purpose and goal was still fulfilled. (And yes longer than my marriage 🤣🤣) will focus on my babies❤️” she wrote.
“Wait untiļ the dust settles,” Ellen said, emphasizing that the decision comes from a place of care rather than fear. “This isn't about fear, it's about healing my nervous system.”
Reflecting further, she shared how she is intentionally slowing down and learning from her experiences. “I’m choosing regulation over rushing (because duh, whirlwind romance pa more! Trauma izz real) 🤣🫠 as per Alanis [Morissette ] - you live you learn. T*nga ko nalang kung di 🤣”
Ellen also addressed questions about her family, particularly her son Elias, whom she shares with John Lloyd Cruz. Asked how Elias is coping after her separation from Derek, Ellen clarified that John Lloyd has always been the constant father figure in her son’s life.
“John Lloyd is always Elias’s father figure because he’s present. Elias is very in love with John Lloyd. They have a very close relationship,” she said, later reinforcing the point with, “Elias is very in love with his father.”
Ellen also shared moments that reflect how close the father and son are.
“Super silang close ni John Lloyd to the point na when John Lloyd brings Elias to me, Elias cries [and says] ‘I miss my dada, I miss my dada’.”
Rounding out the Q&A, Ellen spoke about her relationship with John Lloyd’s girlfriend, artist Isabel Santos, describing a friendly and comfortable dynamic between them.
“Oo dai. Chika galore kami dai. She is so nice. Elias loves her. She is cool. She is pleasant. And she is fun, grabe ang sense of humor,” she previously shared.