Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla share the stage in first public appearance together after breakup
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla shocked the nation once again, but this time because of a surprise reunion—their first public appearance together after their breakup.
The former lovers were captured performing the song I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts by attendees of ABS-CBN's Christmas Special 2023 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Judging by the wide smiles on their faces as they looked at each other while singing, this can be a sign to fans that everything is going well between Kathryn and Daniel despite their deciding to part ways after an 11-year relationship.
There was even a point in their performance where their hands appeared to touch as they danced.
KATHNIEL REUNITED! Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla reunite on stage at tonight’s Forever Grateful: The ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2023, performing The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You”. pic.twitter.com/QCq56dLoS2
— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) December 13, 2023
Another user captured a video of them while they were in the backstage, where they could be seen standing close to each other and smiling at their fans.
KATHNIEL OFFCAM LIKE OH MY KATHNIEL HEART I CANNOT 😭💙
— KATHNIEL VIBES OFFICIAL 💙 (@KathNielVibes) December 13, 2023
LEGENDARY KATHNIELS#AllForKathNiel pic.twitter.com/BRYkzXV8bB
Many of their fans could not help but express their happiness on social media at their first public appearance together.
"Kath and DJ on their own are powerful, but KathNiel together are on a different level. Just too magical. Praying for your happiness, Kath and DJ," one user wrote.
Another one posted, "KathNiel singing the OST of Friends, I’Il Be There For You. Friends and KathNiel—my comfort. Oh my god, you don't know how much this means to me."
Both Kathryn and Daniel broke their silence regarding the status of their relationship following weeks of swirling breakup rumors. In separate Instagram posts, they detailed the reason why they ended their 11-year relationship.
In a heartfelt statement, Kathryn shared that she and her partner had decided to go their separate ways. They explained that despite their best efforts to maintain their relationship, they'd ultimately drifted apart.
"Like any other relationship, we tried our best to make it work. We've been drifting apart for a while now, and we ultimately had to accept that we can't go back to where we used to be. It just won't be fair to pretend that everything is still the same," the actress detailed.
Nevertheless, she emphasized that their love story "began with respect and ended with respect."
Kathryn and Daniel debuted as a love team in 2011 for the teleserye Growing Up and have since starred in more shows and movies. They confirmed their relationship in 2018 and announced their breakup on November 30, 2023.
They are set to appear at the upcoming Asia Artist Awards 2023 to be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Dec. 14.