Veteran entertainer and UMD star Jim Salas openly admitted his disappointment over the past controversy involving his son, actor Paul Salas, and the latter’s former girlfriend, actress Barbie Imperial.
During an appearance on GTV’s ‘Lutong Bahay’, hosted by Mikee Quintos and Chef Ylyt, Salas shared his thoughts on the matter.
Host Mikee Quintos asked Jim about his feelings regarding the publicized issues between Paul and Barbie, which were highly publicized during their breakup in 2018.
“Oo naman,” Jim said when asked if he harbored any ill feelings. “Aaminin ko talagang sumama ang loob ko [kay Barbie]. Siyempre, bilang magulang, malalaman mo ‘yung balita na ganon, para sa amin, hindi siya fair.”
Jim revealed that he considered Barbie as part of their family during her relationship with Paul. “Tinuring ko siya na parang anak na rin. Kasi ako, basta mahal ng anak ko, mahal ko na rin,” he explained, adding that he felt hurt by how their family was portrayed after the controversy. “Parang kami pa ‘yung pinalabas na ganoon, so parang na-hurt ako,” he added.
Paul and Barbie ended their relationship in 2018, citing a “toxic” dynamic as the primary reason for their split. The breakup was surrounded by controversy and negative headlines that Paul later addressed in a 2024 interview with ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’.
“Actually, aaminin ko po, ngayon lang po nawala yung pagiging bitter ko sa kanya,” Paul shared. He also denied certain rumors that surfaced during the breakup. “Hindi ko matanggap, Tito Boy, na ilabas yung mga ganung news about me na matagal ko nang sinasabi na hindi naman talaga totoo.”
Now in a happy relationship with Kapuso actress Mikee Quintos, Paul has turned over a new leaf. The couple is set to star in their first romantic-comedy film, slated for release in 2025.
Jim Salas, while acknowledging his past disappointment, has moved on and continues to support his son’s journey in both his career and personal life. “At the end of the day, mahal ko ang anak ko. Ang mahalaga, masaya siya ngayon,” Jim said.
