Jean Garcia: Proudly single, fiercely free

For award-winning actress Jean Garcia, being single isn’t a phase — it’s a lifestyle. And for the past eleven years, it’s one she has fully embraced by choice.

In a recent sit-down with Boy Abunda on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Jean was as candid as ever when asked about her relationship status. “What’s good and bad about being single?” the King of Talk asked. Her answer? “Wala nang bad, eh. Puro good, kasi I feel good, I’m happy.”

Now in her 50s, Jean has redefined fulfillment on her own terms — one that no longer hinges on romantic partnerships. “Parang iniisip ko na lang sa sarili ko na mag-aalaga na lang ako ng mga apo ko, ng mga anak ko,” she said honestly. “Kung hindi ko rin lang mahahanap ‘yung talagang para sa akin… ginawa na lang ng Panginoon na makuntento ka na lang nang mag-isa.”

What makes her radiate, Jean explains, is her ability to choose peace and happiness daily. “I don’t take life too seriously,” she said. “Bakit mo iis-stress-in ang sarili mo? Gawa ka ng mga bagay na ‘pag may problema, solusyunan mo unti-unti… ‘This too shall pass,’ ‘di ba?”

The queen of primetime drama and iconic kontrabida roles showed a lighter side as she joked with Boy about her views on men. “Mali yata ka ng tinanong, Kuya Boy. Baka mawalan ako ng male viewers!” she laughed. But her thoughts were as empowering as they were frank: “Ang mga lalaki, ‘pag seryoso sila, seryoso sila. ‘Pag hindi, talagang liliko at liliko ‘yan… Maaaring hindi ikaw ang problema. [Maaaring] lalaki ang problema.”

Jean believes every woman has the power of choice — to stay, to walk away, to be happy alone. “Choice nila ‘yon kung magloko sila, maging seryoso sila. Hindi ‘yon kasalanan ng babae. At choice mo rin kung magsi-stay kang martir ka. Or stay na parang, ‘Ayokong i-burden ang sarili ko sa ganito.’” she said