A heartbreaking revelation shook the public after actress Carmina Villarroel admitted a secret she had been harboring for a long time—that she had a child with her ex-husband Rustom Padilla , now known as BB Gandanghari .

In an emotional interview , Carmina revealed that despite the years that had passed and the long-ago annulment of their marriage, she and Rustom had a child together while they were still together as a couple. This revelation not only stirred emotions, but also reopened public discourse on love, sex, and parenthood.

 A Look Back at a Relationship Marked by History

Carmina and Rustom’s relationship began in the ’90s. The two first met at a debut party, where their connection became clear. After a few months of courtship, they eventually got married in 1994 , despite Carmina’s young age of just 20 years old at the time.

At first, it seemed like a perfect match . Their families were well-off, and their relationship was solid. But as time went on, Carmina began to notice changes in Rustom — he became clumsy, soft, and seemed to be hiding a part of himself.

And then came the most devastating revelation : Rustom admitted to her that he was unsure of his sexuality, and eventually came out and chose to become BB Gandanghari , a trans woman now based in America.

 The Secret Child

Perhaps the most surprising part of the story is when Carmina reveals that the fruit of their love was a child that she had kept from the public eye for a long time. At that time, Rustom had not yet fully revealed his true nature, so their union as husband and wife was a natural one .

“Even before he finally admitted to himself and the world his sexuality, our life was normal. And from there, we had a child.” – Carmina Villarroel

Although many will ask how this was possible, it is clear that this happened at a time when Rustom was pretending to be normal in the eyes of society—a man who was not yet ready to face the truth of his character.

 Quiet Life for a Sacred Person

According to Carmina, she intentionally hid her and Rustom’s child from the public , not out of shame, but to protect him from possible discrimination and wrong opinions from society.

The child was raised abroad , away from the media and showbiz, to have a quiet, safe, and normal life. This is not a rejection, but a form of protection .

 Friendship Despite Separation

It is also no secret to the public that even though they separated as a couple, Carmina and BB Gandanghari remained friends . They discussed their roles as parents, and although they are no longer together, they agreed to prioritize the well-being of their child .

This maturity despite the complexities of life shows deep respect and love for family, even though the original form of the relationship has completely changed.

 Rustom’s Great Repentance/BB Gandanghari

It can be recalled that in a vlog in 2020 , BB Gandanghari admitted that if he had the chance to go back in time, Carmina would still be the one he would choose to be with for the rest of his life — a statement that caused intense emotions in many who read and watched.

“If I hadn’t changed gender, if I were still Rustom, Carmina would still be the woman I want to be with for the rest of my life.”

A heartfelt confession that shows the depth of her feelings for her ex-husband, and the weight of the decisions she made.

 Today and Tomorrow

For now, Carmina and Rustom’s son is still quiet — a life chosen not to be made public , perhaps a decision that will continue until the child or the family is ready.

Zoren Legaspi , Carmina’s current husband, has not yet made a statement , but the public knows the stability of their relationship . Despite the old issue, their family has remained intact and strong.

 A Story of Truth, Acceptance, and Love

The story of Carmina Villarroel and BB Gandanghari is more than just a showbiz rumor — it is a reflection of real life : full of love, sacrifice, and ultimately, embracing oneself and the truth .

Their secret child is proof that no matter how complicated the situations, there are blessings that life offers that can never be matched by fame or recognition — parenthood, family, and acceptance.