MANILA, Philippines -- Even before news of their feud erupted last year,
celebrity sisters Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes did not have a close
relationship growing up.
Reyes, who is 10 years younger than Mina, characterized her
relationship with the former sexy actress to reporters in an interview
on Tuesday, saying she had never sought her for advice on love.
"Never naman akong tumawag sa kanya ever 'pag may heartache ako eh,
kasi ever since naman, to tell you honestly, hindi naman kami ganoon
ka-close ni ate eh," the 23-year-old Kapamilya actress said.
When asked on her publicized rift with Mina, Reyes said, "Well,
syempre, kung ako ang tatanungin ninyo, mas gusto ko na magkaayos kami,
kasi kahit anong mangyari, kahit hindi kami ganoon ka-close ni ate,
magkadugo parin kami."
In April last year, Mina filed charges of libel and grave coercion
against Reyes before the Quezon City fiscal's office. The legal feud
stems from an alleged dispute over the remaining balance for a house
they bought for their mother.
In subsequent interviews, Mina said she remains unmoved by the "insincere" apologies of her younger sister.
Referring to Mina's on-record messages for her, Reyes said, "Sana kung ano man 'yung buhay ko, sa 'kin na 'yun, sana huwag na lang niya ako i-interrogate o idiin pa sa mga press, kasi nakakalungkot na sarili mong kapatid ginaganoon ka 'di ba?"
Despite their unresolved conflict, Reyes said she hopes to be at least civil with her sister, if only to maintain harmony within their family. Reyes noted that some family affairs, such as weddings, would only either have her or Mina in attendance.
"Naaawa na ako sa family ko eh. Ako naman, willing naman talaga ako, kahit civil lang, kahit hindi niya akong kayang sikmurain makita, basta okay kami. Sana man lang pagbigyan niya," she said.
