MANILA, Philippines—It was supposed to be a joyous birthday celebration for Janice de Belen on GMA 7’s morning show “Sis” on Monday.

Instead, the TV host-actress, who marked her 41st birthday on Monday, unleashed a mouthful against ex-husband John Estrada.

A source said Janice’s remarks were a reaction to John’s comments about her parenting style.

In an SMS sent to Inquirer Entertainment, Janice noted: “I would like whatever statements I made today [on the show] to be left as is.”

In a sit-down interview conducted by guest Paolo Bediones on “Sis,” Janice explained that she had declined previous requests to talk about the issue. She said it all started with a “status item” she wrote on her Facebook account.

Janice proceeded to recount what she posted online, apparently addressed to John: “Is it difficult to understand what child support means? It’s a monthly responsibility. I’ve already given you your freedom [even if] you were the one who committed adultery.”

Hours after her on-air remarks, Janice’s Facebook account was deluged with messages of support from friends and followers.

She further stressed on “Sis” that the issue was “not about me and John ... it’s about John and his kids.” John earlier announced he was to wed girlfriend Priscilla Meirelles in February.

Friends? Never!

Janice asserted: “We were never friends. [The monthly support] is not for me... it’s for the kids. That’s why I am working hard.”

She has four children by John (Inah, Moira, Kyla and Yuan); her eldest Luigi is by Aga Muhlach.

(In a text message to the Inquirer on Monday, she said: “My kids and I are all fine.”)

For the first time, she also talked openly with Paolo about her recent breakup with a non-show biz guy. “I’ve been dodging questions for so long because I hold [my relationships] sacred. It’s not fair for someone who’s not in show biz,” she said. “It’s a closed book already. I bear no grudges.”

She’s not completely turning her back on love. She told Paolo, “I haven’t met anyone who deserves the kind of love I can give.”

She also talked candidly about the recent wedding of eldest son Luigi to Patricia Petil, who’s pregnant.

“I’ll be a grandmother soon. Since my kids are thrilled every time we pass by a baby store, I also get excited,” she said.

She and sister Gelli de Belen described Luigi’s wedding as “surreal.”

“[Aga and I had] to put all the drama and angst behind us because we were there as Luigi’s parents,” Janice said.