DJ Jhai Ho explains defending Daniel Padilla during breakup issue with Kathryn Bernardo

• DJ Jhai Ho explained why he publicly defended Daniel Padilla during the actor’s controversial breakup with Kathryn Bernardo in November 2023
• The radio and television personality said his decision came from friendship and his belief that only Daniel and Kathryn had the right to speak about issues between them
• Although he was accused by netizens of taking Daniel’s side, DJ Jhai Ho stressed that he considers both Daniel and Kathryn his friends
• He also recalled a later encounter with Kathryn and said he felt that she understood where he was coming from despite the controversy

DJ Jhai Ho has opened up about the reason he chose to defend Daniel Padilla during the highly publicized breakup of Daniel and Kathryn Bernardo in November 2023, a period when the actor faced intense criticism and online bashing.

Speaking on “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” DJ Jhai Ho explained that taking a position was difficult because he considers both Daniel and Kathryn his friends. However, he eventually felt compelled to speak up after seeing Daniel become the target of widespread criticism.

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“Actually, Tito Boy, sobrang hirap po na dapat hindi ka papanig sa isa lang at lalo na kung kaibigan mo,” DJ Jhai Ho said.

He recalled that Boy Abunda had previously emphasized to him the importance of maintaining relationships with people, particularly when friendships are involved. DJ Jhai Ho said he initially remained quiet during the controversy, choosing not to insert himself into the situation.

“Tahimik naman ako that time pero dumating lang sa point na kailangan ko nang mag stand para ipagtanggol yung mahal kong kaibigan,” he said.

DJ Jhai Ho emphasized that his decision should not be interpreted as choosing Daniel over Kathryn. According to him, both were his friends, making the situation particularly difficult.

“Both, kaibigan ko si Kathryn at si Daniel,” he clarified.

However, he said that Daniel appeared to be overwhelmed by the amount of criticism directed at him at the time. Seeing his friend receive what DJ Jhai Ho described as relentless bashing eventually pushed him to speak publicly.

“Pero that time kasi, parang dapang-dapa na si Daniel with everything, with the bashing,” he recalled.

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For DJ Jhai Ho, another important consideration was his belief that the details surrounding the breakup belonged primarily to Daniel and Kathryn. Rather than allowing outsiders to determine what happened based on speculation, he believed the former couple were the only people who had the authority to explain their own circumstances and that some of the allegations against Daniel were false.

“Eh ang paniniwala ko, it’s between the two of them. Sila lang yung may karapatan na magsalita. Sila lang yung may karapatan na may i-clear sa mga issues,” he explained.

“Nanggagaling ako doon sa may attack kay DJ na alam kong hindi totoo… so tumayo lang ako bilang kaibigan,” he said.

The controversy eventually placed DJ Jhai Ho himself under scrutiny, with some netizens accusing him of siding with Daniel during the breakup.

Despite the difficult circumstances, DJ Jhai Ho also revealed that his friendship with Kathryn did not appear to be destroyed by the controversy.

He recalled an encounter with Kathryn while she was promoting a project with Alden Richards. The two happened to be in the same elevator, giving DJ Jhai Ho a moment to wonder whether their interaction would feel awkward after everything that had happened.

“Okay po. I remember na when she was promoting with Alden Richards, sabay kami sa elevator,” he said.

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DJ Jhai Ho admitted that he was initially unsure about how Kathryn would approach him after his public defense of Daniel.

“I’ll be very honest, nakakaramdam ako ng ‘ganun pa rin kaya ang approach pag nagkita kami?’” he recalled.

However, his concerns apparently did not materialize. According to DJ Jhai Ho, Kathryn’s demeanor during their encounter gave him the impression that she understood his position.

“In fairness po, pag pasok niya talaga… parang naiiintindihan talaga niya where I was coming from,” he said.

Daniel Padilla remains a major figure in Philippine entertainment, having built a career that spans both acting and music and earning the “Teen King” label during his rise to fame. His popularity was further strengthened by successful albums and commercially successful films, particularly during his relationship and professional partnership with Kathryn Bernardo, with the pair becoming one of the country’s most prominent celebrity tandems under the name “KathNiel.” Following that period, Daniel continued expanding his acting range through dramatic and action-focused projects. His career has also received international attention, including an Outstanding Asian Star recognition at the 2025 Seoul International Drama Awards.

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Kaila Estrada previously offered followers a look at her Japan getaway by posting a series of photographs from the trip. Among the images were moments featuring actor and singer Daniel Padilla, including scenes of the two spending time together, which generated renewed public interest and speculation surrounding their rumored romance.

After winning the Big Winner title on “PBB Celebrity Collab 2.0,” Daniel Padilla’s sister Lella Ford has focused on developing herself further rather than immediately rushing into a larger showbiz career. She has chosen to continue training and sharpening her abilities, with acting presently receiving greater attention than music. Lella has likewise discussed the expectations that come with belonging to a well-known entertainment family and the pressure that can accompany those expectations. As she plans the next phase of her career, she has expressed interest in eventually taking on a romantic-comedy role while also exploring action-oriented material.

Source: KAMI.com.gh