More than two decades since the sudden passing of matinee idol Rico Yan, his former on-screen and real-life partner Claudine Barretto has once again opened up about the pain of losing him and why, even after all these years, she still cannot forget him.

In a recent exclusive interview, Claudine, now 45, revealed a deeply emotional side of herself that fans have long suspected but rarely heard so openly. Her eyes welled with tears as she spoke about her enduring love for Rico, who passed away unexpectedly in March 2002 at the young age of 27.

“He was my great love,” Claudine admitted, her voice trembling. “People move on, people heal, but some memories, some people, stay with you forever.”

A Love Story Etched in the Hearts of Millions

Claudine and Rico were the ultimate love team of their generation. Their chemistry on-screen in shows like Got to Believe and movies such as Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita made them household names and fan favorites. But behind the scenes, their love story was just as real—and just as unforgettable.

“We were young, we were in love, and we were at the top of our careers,” Claudine recalled. “It was a magical time, and he made me feel safe, loved, and understood.”

Their relationship lasted for several years before they quietly separated. Yet even after their breakup, the bond remained strong. Just weeks before Rico’s untimely death, the two had reportedly reconnected and were considering rekindling their romance.

A Sudden Goodbye That Shattered Her World

Rico Yan died in his sleep during a vacation in Palawan, reportedly due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. His death sent shockwaves through the country, and Claudine was one of the first people to arrive at the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“I didn’t get to say goodbye,” she said softly. “I remember screaming, begging for it to be a mistake. It felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest.”

Claudine went into a long period of grief and depression following Rico’s death. Despite continuing her acting career and raising her children, she admitted that a part of her heart remained broken.

“I tried to move on. I really did. But I think some loves just never go away.”

The Presence That Never Left

Even now, Claudine says Rico’s presence still lingers in her life. She often dreams of him, and she keeps photos and mementos from their time together. Every year on the anniversary of his death, she lights candles and visits his grave.

“He visits me in my dreams,” she shared. “And in those dreams, he always smiles at me. He tells me he’s proud, that he’s watching.”

Claudine revealed that Rico’s family has remained close to her, especially his sister, who she considers one of her dearest friends. “His family was my family too. And they still are.”

Moving Forward, But Never Forgetting

Although Claudine has had other relationships since Rico, she confessed that none of them ever reached the depth and connection she felt with him.

“It’s not about comparison,” she clarified. “It’s just… when you find someone who sees your soul, who holds your hand without needing words—you never really stop loving them.”

Fans across generations continue to ship the Rico-Claudine love team, and Claudine welcomes the love and memories people continue to share online. She says those messages help keep Rico’s memory alive.

A Message to Rico

Toward the end of the interview, Claudine looked into the camera and spoke directly to the man who forever changed her life:

“Rico, wherever you are, thank you. Thank you for loving me, for showing me what true love feels like. I will always carry you in my heart. And I will never forget.”

Her voice cracked, and tears streamed down her cheeks—but this time, it wasn’t just grief. It was love. A love that refuses to fade, even with the passage of time.