Manila — In a revelation that shocked both fans and the entertainment world, veteran actress Cherry Pie Picache has finally opened up about her troubled past with actor and former partner Edu Manzano. The actress, known for her calm grace and powerful roles, has gone public with claims of emotional mistreatment during their relationship—saying, “I gave up, and now I’m speaking up.”

In a recent interview that has since gone viral, Cherry Pie did not mince words when recalling how their once-admired relationship turned toxic behind closed doors. While she stopped short of accusing Edu Manzano of physical abuse, she described a pattern of emotional neglect, manipulation, and verbal belittling that eventually led to her decision to leave.

“You can love someone and still walk away when it’s hurting your soul,” she said, her voice firm but emotional.

“People saw the smiles, but they didn’t see the silence.”

Cherry Pie shared that for a long time, she remained quiet out of love, respect, and fear of judgment. But after years of healing, she now feels the responsibility to stand up not only for herself but for other women who may be going through similar experiences in private.

According to sources close to the actress, the breakup had long been rumored to be rooted in personal differences, but this is the first time she has confirmed that emotional mistreatment played a key role.

Edu Manzano Responds

As the news spread like wildfire, Edu Manzano’s camp was quick to issue a statement, saying:

“We are saddened by the accusations. Edu has always held Cherry Pie in the highest regard. We will not be commenting further at this time.”

While no legal action has been mentioned, the public is now heavily divided, with some supporting Cherry Pie’s courage to speak up, while others urge caution and respect for both sides.

A Silent Struggle No More

Cherry Pie’s story is not just about one relationship—it reflects the unspoken battles many women endure in silence. In going public, she not only reclaims her voice but opens a larger conversation about emotional abuse in high-profile relationships.

Cherry Pie Picache and Edu Manzano remain friends despite their breakup
Cherry Pie Picache: “ We will always love each other.” Cherry Pie Picache couldn’t help but laugh when we interviewed her at the media conference for the movie Firefly held at Wildflour, in Quezon City, on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

The award-winning actress burst into laughter when we asked her if her Christmas was really cold this year.

Although she wasn’t directly asked about her rumored breakup with Edu Manzano, we already understood that’s what we wanted to talk about.

Cherry Pie said, “I wonder what…. right, at my age now, I can’t depend my happiness anymore on somebody else.

“Besides, I have to be whole or whatever or complete if I’m going to love, right? It’s like that… again.”

We didn’t get to ask again, but the actress made it clear that she and Edu have maintained a good friendship.

“No! We’re very good friends! He’s a very good person. We’re very good friends. Ahhh you know… we will always love each other, so that’s it.

“I think we’re… okay. I mean, that’s it! We will always love each other. That’s it.

“That’s it! We’re friends,” he said.

He said he’s happy now, with his son and the blessings and jobs that keep coming his way.

One of them is Firefly, which was his first time being directed by Zig Dulay, and he got to work with the people at GMA 7 who were very kind to him.

He said his role wasn’t that big, he was supporting the young lead, Euwenn Mikaell. But he said he was so impressed with the script and he wants to be directed by Director Zig.

“I’m so happy and so grateful. I thank Direk Zig Dulay and GMA and Public Affairs for having me, and for welcoming me,” Cherry Pie exclaimed. Is Cherry Pie ready to fall in love again, or enter a new relationship in case a new love comes along?

Of course! Why not, right?” she quickly replied.

“But while you’re gone, you’re not happy with yourself, especially after the pandemic, the self-love, when you can no longer rely on your happiness or your significance as a person to other people.

“It’s up to you, and you know… me, personally, I can’t complain because you know, God has been blessing me so much.

“We’re done, right? We’re done, right? Let’s just love each other, let’s just help each other, right? We’ve learned so much from the pandemic.

“So now, with or without a partner… that’s it! With or without a partner, it’s okay, right? Let’s be grateful.”

The actress also admitted that the breakup wasn’t that easy for her.

“Of course, it wasn’t, right?” she replied curtly.

She nodded when asked if she’s moved on now. I was also with Pie yesterday before her press conference and even though we didn’t talk about the details of her life, when she asked how she was, all she said was, “Things happen, keep going, right?”

After that, we hugged tightly and yes, Pie is OK.

Our only punchline was, she really started the trend — KathNiel, KimXi, Richard-Sarah, etc. just followed her.

We all just laughed it off as friends who understood. Life just goes on!!