Singer-actress Karylle said she underwent therapy after her highly publicized break-up with controversial actor Dingdong Dantes ? and was once ashamed to admit it.

?I was afraid people would laugh at me, that they?d think I?ve gone crazy,? Karylle told Inquirer Entertainment at the media launch of the ABS-CBN teleserye ?Nasaan Ka Maruja??

Positive feedback
But when she started talking about it in interviews, Karylle ?received messages from people in my e-mail and Multiply account, about how they also wanted to go on a retreat.?

Karylle said there was a time ? while she was out on mall shows and provincial tours ? supporters would hand her small notes, thanking her and telling her how she has inspired them.

?Even the sisters running the retreat house where I went to in Baguio City said a lot of people came to them after reading or hearing me talk about it. So I guess it?s OK to talk about it some more,? she explained.

Karylle continued: ?Kahit maraming matawa sa akin, at least I?d get to help people. There?s nothing wrong if you just choose to cry your blues away. It?s just that it?s also comforting to know that you can seek help from professionals. There?s also nothing wrong with that.?

The 28-year-old daughter of Zsazsa Padilla revealed it also helps that she no longer watches Dingdong?s shows. ?I also don?t react to every issue involving him because we don?t have a relationship anymore.?

Change of environment
The former GMA 7 talent added that a change of environment also helped heal her broken heart a little faster. Karylle is now a contract artist of rival network ABS-CBN.

?I look at it as something similar to transferring to a new school. If you used to be quiet and shy, you can start fresh in your new school. You don?t have to keep people?s old impressions of you,? she pointed out.

Now that she?s a Kapamilya, Karylle said she?s hoping to find new friends.

?They?re all accommodating here. They welcomed me warmly,? she said. ?Kaya lang wala pa akong ka-close. I get to spend time with actors my age only on Sundays in ?Asap ?09.??

In ?Komiks Presents Mars Ravelo?s Nasaan Ka Maruja??, Karylle plays Helen, half-sister and confidante to Kristine Hermosa?s character Cristy.

The show also features Derek Ramsay, Gloria Romero, John Estrada and Enciong Dee, among others. It premiered last Saturday.

Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph