Lian Paz, John Cabahug Open Up on Healing and Reconciliation with Paolo Contis

Local showbiz was blessed this week with the moving news about Paolo Contis' public message of gratitude for his ex-wife, Lian Paz, and her long-time partner, John Cabahug, on the latter's birthday.

- By Nathalie Tomada

In a social media post that has since gone viral, the actor thanked John not only for letting him spend time with his and Lian's children on that special day, but also for caring for his daughters Xonia and Xalene through the years.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing Lian and my kids nung araw na 'to. Oo, hinintay ko talaga ang birthday mo 'to publicly express my gratitude to you," Paolo wrote.

Commending John for his role in the children's lives, he continued, "John, I cannot thank you enough for this chance. I promise to have constant communication sa inyong lahat. I will not waste this chance. Thank you for taking care of the kids. Please know that I am always here para sa inyong lahat."

Paolo also addressed Lian: "Lian, you have always been kind and forgiving. This is why hindi kayo pinabayaan ni Lord. I appreciate all your efforts in talking to John about that day. Thank you for being strong and for how you nurtured the kids to have beautiful hearts."

"To more precious days like this. Happy birthday, John! Thank you for the friendship!" he happily ended his post.

It's no secret that the ex-couple's relationship went through a turbulent past—marked by estrangement, bitterness and annulment proceedings that once played out in the press. For Lian and John, this present situation with Paolo is nothing short of an answered prayer.

"I am happy because I know this was never about me, Paolo or John but a clear evidence of God's goodness and faithfulness," Lian told The STAR in an exclusive e-mail interview with her and John following Paolo's post.

John added, "I wasn't that surprised because friends naman kami. What I'm surprised about is that he publicly posted his greetings for me but I'm thankful to Paolo."