Pokwang confirms split with American partner Lee O’Brian
POKWANG and Lee Obrien
Actress-comedienne Pokwang and American husband Lee O’Brian have parted ways.
Pokwang, 51, whose real name is Marietta Subong, herself confirmed the separation.
Entertainment columnist Ogie Diaz reported on Youtube that Pokwang and Lee broke up as early as last November 2021.
There was no reason advanced for the separation, although some hinted there could be a third party, which Pokwang denied.
Pokwang and Lee have a daughter, Malia, now four years old.
Lee and Pokwang met and worked together while filming “Edsa Woolworth” in 2015, which was shot in the United States.
Their tandem led to a serious relationship and eventually, Lee came to the Philippines to join Pokwang and later also joined local showbiz.
Despite the split, Pokwang said she and Lee remain on good terms. “We’re okay. No third party involved and we’re both co-parenting kay Malia,” she said.
“In fact, welcome siya sa bahay. Every weekend ay magkakasama kami. Seven months of surviving and peace (In fact, he’s still welcome at our house. We spend some time with each other every weekend.) ,” she added.
Ogie made his revelations about the separation when followers and friends also asked another popular entertainment columnist Cristy Fermin about the real status of Pokwang and Lee.
The netizens raised the inquiry after noticing that Pokwang and Lee have not posted photos of them together lately.
The packaging of the sauce-and-condiments business of Pokwang, which used to carry a branding with Lee, is now branded Pokwang only, it was noted.
Ogie said Pokwang confirmed to him the separation seven months ago.
“Noon ko pa ito alam,” Ogie admitted.
Ogie added, “Bilang paggalang kay Mareng Pokie, makakaasa siya na di ito babanggitin.”
The columnist opted not to reveal the separation then to avoid talks and speculations.
“Since lumabas din na iyan, e, kailangan din nating linawin iyan bago pa magsanga-sanga ang isyu na iyan, ” he said.
“Last year pa, wala sila. Iyan po ang totoo. Last November 2021 pa ay wala na at hiwalay na si Pokwang at si Lee O’Brian,” he said.
“Kaya si Papang Lee ay nasa nagsosolo ng tirahan at siya’y may hanapbuhay yata, at nakatakdang umuwi sa US,” Ogie said. “Hindi ko alam kung kailan. Nakatakda siyang umuwi…”
In his vlog, Ogie also discussed the reason for the breakup of Pokwang and Lee.
“Sa totoo lang masalimuot, pero ang sinabi lang ni Pokwang, ‘Ang importante ay hindi kami magkagalit nung maghiwalay kami ni Papang.’”
“Sabi naman sa akin ni Pokwang, tinanong ko siya, ‘Naghahanap ba si Malia kay Papang?’” Ogie said as reported by Maharlika TV’s Evelyn Diao.
Pokwang answered, “Minsan. Pero alam naman niya pag ako naman ang naka-lock-in o nagti-taping tinatawagan ko si Papang para siya naman ang tumoka kay Malia.”
Pokwang replied to him, “Okay na, Mars. Sanay naman ako nag-iisa noon pa naman, di ba? Alam mo iyan. Kilala mo ako. Ang importante sa akin mga anak ko. Basta kasama ko yung mga anak ko, ‘ke may partner o wala…’”
Pokwang has another daughter Mae, 25 from a previous relationship. (Jeanne MichaelPenaranda)
