A post shared by Jed Madela (@jedmadelaofficial) on Apr 2, 2017 at 8:13pm PDT

MANILA – Jed Madela admitted that his friendship with Darren Espanto has been affected after some people put malice into their closeness.

In an interview on Sunday, Madela said things are no longer the same between them and he is saddened that it had to be this way.

“I’ve always been a kuya to Darren ever since he started. Ngayon na he is already finding his spot in the industry, I can’t help but be very proud of him. And for these people to come to the limelight and bash and give meaning, nakakasakit ng damdamin,” he said.

“In all honesty, ngayon, hindi kami masyadong okay. We just say ‘hi, hello,’ unlike before. I try to protect the kid. Kung iba-bash ninyo ako, okay lang. Pero kapag siya na or 'yung ibang kaibigan ko, mas lalo akong nasasaktan. Ako, naha-handle ko,” he added.

Although they still communicate with each other through text, Madela said things could have been better if only people weren’t malicious.

“Kapag maraming tao, we are kind of awkward. Hindi lang sa kanya. It’s more of kung sino ang mga na-intriga sa akin. It kind of become awkward na ‘hi, hello,’ alis. Ganun na lang. Wala ng harutan, wala ng lokohan. It’s pretty sad but that’s how the industry works,” he said.

Despite this, Madela is hoping things will go back to normal.

“Hopefully. Kanina nga we were talking, we were goofing around sa backstage sa dressing room. Pero nandoon pa rin 'yung pagka-awkward na baka may makakita na naman, may mag-picture tapos 'yung picture, bibigyan na naman ng kulay. It’s very disappointing and frustrating,” he said.

For Madela, he would rather be hurt than any of his friends because he is certain that he can handle all the bashing.

“I’m a very private person and I try to protect and value my privacy, especially my friends. For them to get bashed just because I’m their friend is very painful for me. Minsan, ako na lang, I try to keep it to myself and tell them, ‘Sige lang, go lang, okay lang ako,’” he said.