Ara Mina: I can’t tell you how happy I am

Ara Mina felt relieved that her year-long rift with celeb sister Cristine Reyes has finally ended. She tells tabloid! things are looking up in their relationship after a year of an agonizing fight that even reached the courts. 

How does it feel patching things up with your sister?

I can’t tell you how happy I am. Not only me but actually the whole family is relieved. It’s been a stressful situation for all of us. I’ve cried many tears. I am actually crying till now but they are tears of joy. 

How bad was it?

As you know, I took my sister to court. We exchanged some very hurtful words through the media. We fought like we did not have the same blood running through our veins. It was very bad as you can imagine. We broke our mother's heart and gave her unbearable pain; I would not wish for this to happen again. 

Who made the first move?

To her credit, she has sent feelers before but I felt she wasn’t sincere because I would still hear things behind my back. Last week, she sent an SMS on Maundy Thursday for us to meet on Good Friday. I didn’t think she would come, but as soon as she arrived at our house, tears just started flowing. We then organised a family dinner last Easter Sunday — it was the best Easter we’ve had in years. Same time last year, we were bitterly fighting and now we’re sisters again like nothing has happened. 

Were you really close to each other?

Honestly, no. I wasn’t there for her like a big sister because I was already working. We never had that strong sister bond, but after what happened I feel like, for the first time, we were really sisters. I’m so looking forward to be close to her and be her Ate (big sister). 

What lessons did this experience teach you?

I look back and I think I should have made an effort to be closer to my family. My thinking then was since I was working and supporting the family, I was doing my duty. I neglected that aspect of being a sister to Cristine, or a daughter to my mother. It wasn’t that bad, but if I could do it over again, I will be doing it differently this time. I’d spend more time with them, and just be there for them.