MANILA, Philippines — Actress Bela Padilla has revealed that she and Swiss-Italian boyfriend Norman Ben Bay have ended their relationship after nearly five years together.

The actress made the announcement during a press conference held on August 6 for her upcoming film 100 Awit Para Kay Stella. When asked about her current relationship status, Bela responded with a smile, calling it “non-existent.”

Padilla attributed the breakup to the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship, especially after her move back to the Philippines. She had relocated to London in 2021 during the pandemic to pursue acting and writing studies but has since returned to focus on her career full-time.

Bay, who remained based in Switzerland, and Padilla mutually agreed to end the relationship, according to the actress, who emphasized that they remain on good terms.

“Dumalaw pa sa shooting. He was here and napasyal niya pa buong Pampanga. Hindi na kami noon,” Bela shared, referring to Bay’s visit to the set of her new movie even after the split. She added that they still spent time together during that visit and that she wouldn’t be surprised if the same happened should she visit him abroad.

The former couple met in Switzerland in 2017 during the filming of Meet Me in St. Gallen and went public with their relationship in 2020.

Currently, Bela has no plans to jump back into dating, saying she is focused on promoting her work. “Siguro after I finish promos first. Why not, I love falling in love. I don’t think there is anything wrong with putting yourself out there,” she said, joking that she’s unsure how to date these days.

100 Awit Para Kay Stella, directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, is the sequel to the 2017 hit 100 Tula Para Kay Stella. Bela and JC Santos return in their original roles, joined by newcomer Kyle Echarri. The film is scheduled to premiere on September 10.