Why Katrina Halili Cut Down on Work to Focus on Daughter Katie
GMA actress Katrina Halili says she wants to focus on her daughter Katie, who has mild ASD.
Katrina Halili recently appeared on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda to give some updates on her life including being a mom to her daughter Katie, co-parenting with ex-boyfriend Kris Lawrence, and finding new love.
Focusing on her daughter Katie
During the interview, Katrina said that she has cut down on her work to focus on her daughter Katie, 9, who was diagnosed with a mild autism spectrum disorder.
“Meron po siyang austism spectrum disorder. So pina-check siya sa doctor, sabi sa akin kailangan ko na siya tutukan hanggang mag-12 kasi baka lumala pero nasa mild lang naman po siya,” she explained.
“So nag-decide ako mag-cut ng work, mag-paalam sa GMA na one soap a year na lang, para makatutok ako sa anak ko.”
The actress, who flies back and forth between Palawan and Manila, added that she is fortunate to have found a school called the Earth School which has helped in improving Katie’s skills.
“Iba siya sa mga schools kasi hindi siya traditional. Mas tinuturuan niya yung mga students na maging independent. Tapos tinuturuan magtanim, maglakad sa forest,” she shared of the school.
On being a mom and finding love
Katrina also shared during the interview that when she gave birth to Katie, she didn’t have time to date following her breakup with Kris Lawrence, Katie’s father. But she did admit that when she reached her mid-30s, she wanted to have someone again. She confirmed that she is again in a relationship.
It’s her boyfriend, she pointed out, who gets to spend time with Katie and Kris when they are in Manila. “Siya yung mas nag-guide sa akin para alagaan yung anak ko. Siya yung mas nagtuturo sa akin. Stubborn ako diba? Eh stubborn din yung anak ko.”
As for being a mom, Katrina admitted that she is only now spending time with Katie as she was working non-stop to provide for her. “Medyo nahihirapan. Umiiyak ako pero happy ako sa school niya kasi ang laki ng growth niya.”
When it comes to raising Katie, Katrina admits that she is somewhat like her mom. “Para akong kagaya ng nanay ko. Strict, sobrang protective.”
Co-parenting with Kris Lawrence
With regard to the setup she has with Kris, Katrina said that Katie calls him a lot. When they travel back to Manila, Kris borrows Katie and takes her out.
“Pinapahiram ko naman po,” she explained.
Katrina also added that she and Kris have a better relationship now as friends and co-parents. “Mas okay kami. Mas nagtutulungan kami sa lahat ng bagay.”
Katrina and Kris were in a relationship for five years before they parted.
More about co-parenting and autism
Rita Daniela Talks About Co-Parenting with Ex-Partner
Mikaela Lagdameo Shares a Co-Parenting Truth: “What Matters is We Show Up for Our Children.”
How Tony Snell’s Late Autism Diagnosis Helped Him and His Son
