Those who have been watching television shows and movies produced by ABS-CBN, particularly in the ‘90s, probably know Kaye Abad, who was among the most popular actresses at the time.
But after starring in a number of teleseryes and films in the two decades that she had been active in showbiz, which included “Tabing Ilog,” “Super Inggo,” “Precious Hearts Romances Presents,” “Angelito,” “Annaliza,” and “Two Wives,” she decided to step away from the limelight in order for her to focus on two of the most important roles that she has ever played in her life—becoming a wife to former actor Paul Jake Castillo and a mom to their two sons, Pio Joaquin and Iñigo Leon.
And she enthusiastically talked about this side of her life during her guesting in the latest episode of “Kuan On One,” wherein she amazed viewers with how she has already fully embraced already being a Cebuana by speaking in Bisaya fluently and eloquently.
Right in the beginning of her lighthearted conversation with host Kuantie Melai Cantiveros, it was established that she must be addressed as “Kaye Abad-Castillo." She related that her husband actually gets upset whenever she is called “Kaye Abad” only, asking her what’s the point of them getting married if she wouldn’t use his surname.
Even though her husband’s family owns a number of businesses in Cebu, Kaye remained simple, low-key, and frugal—just like how her in-laws are. Attesting to that is how excited she is about freebies and gift certificates, as well as how she’s never shy about taking out food whenever they would attend parties, to which a lot of moms like her can definitely relate to.
She also showed frugality when she gave birth to their first child in 2017, recalling with Kuantie Melai how she really made sure to push their baby out of her womb within four hours in order for them to avoid paying an additional amount in the hospital bill. Besides, apart from how difficult it is to bear and rear children, Kaye is also not keen on the idea of her and Paul Jake having another child since it would mean that their travels are going to be costlier.
Thus, she took this opportunity to debunk the rumors about her having bodyguards while doing the grocery at a local supermarket. This made rounds online after a netizen posted on social media a video of her being surrounded by several bodyguards. She shared that they actually don’t have a family driver, so it’s impossible for them to hire their own security personnel.
The gregarious host then veered their conversation to Kaye raising her two sons, which she described as “fun and scary.” According to her, taking care of two young boys is completely challenging, especially since both of them are so ‘naughty’ and vigorous, just like their dad. While she has allowed them to try boxing, Kaye is firm not letting them ride motorcycles since Paul Jake has already figured in two accidents.
However, when asked if she would ever permit her firstborn to enter showbiz and become an artista like them, she told Kuantie Melai that she was actually against the idea at first, but she’s now okay with it, as long as he will not turn it into a full-time job. Besides, she has also noticed his potential as an actor because of how sociable he is, just like his dad.
Kuantie Melai then had Kaye speak with and give advice to a kuanizen Nouf Mallari from Davao City, who asked for her comment regarding her decision to set aside her career in order to focus on being a mom to her three kids, which makes her feel that her old self is no longer proud of her.
“Alam mo, ako, because it was always my dream to have my own family, hindi ako nahirapan i-sacrifice ang career ko dahil alam mo, ang family, hindi naman once in a lifetime pero mababalikan mo ang career mo kapag matatanda na ang mga anak mo. You can always go back, ‘di ba? You can always explore pa other things,” she related.
She went on to remind Nouf how tough it is to become a mother and that it’s way harder than working, so she was hoping that the latter would never lose her self-esteem. Thus, she advised her, “Huwag mawala ang kumpyansa sa sarili at kapag tumanda na sila, you can always go back. And masasabi mo na once you raise your kids well, iba ang reward o feeling sa sarili na pinalaki mo sila nang maayos and you were a good mom to them.”
Kaye also advised her that even though she’s already a mom, she must never forget to take good care of herself and to still find time for herself and her friends.
She further reflected on her motherhood experience in the “Ultimate Yawyaw” segment, wherein she reiterated how completely challenging it is to become a mom.
“Yes, it’s a hard job, but then it’s a very rewarding feeling na makita na you’ve raised them well. Totoo talaga na unconditional love ang pagiging ina, no matter what,” she conveyed and went on to share how their firstborn tends to say words that could hurt her feelings. “Kahit baby pa sila, tapos napupuyat ka at wala kang tulog, pero ngitian ka lang ng baby mo nang kahit konti, parang nawala ang iyong [pagod].”
Watch out for the all-new guests of “Kuan On One”, which may be popular Visayan artists, influencers, content creators, and beauty queens, when a new episode drops every Tuesday on ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube and iWant.