MANILA - Actress Beauty Gonzalez faced reporters on Tuesday for the first time following her controversial pregnancy that forced her to exit the hit daytime series "Ningning."

In a press conference for the upcoming light-hearted comedy "The Achy Breaky Hearts," Gonzalez sat on a seat left of the film's stars Richard Yap, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Ian Veneracion.

As expected, the questions, ranging from the things that made them feel "kilig" to the pressure of living up to the hopes of fans, were focused on the three, as well as director Antoinette Jadaone.

Gonzalez only had to speak in length during the tail-end of the press conference, when each of them were asked to give their message to the public.

She could not contain her emotions.

Gonzalez, who gave birth to her daughter with her non-showbiz boyfriend four months ago, teared up as she expressed her gratitude towards Star Cinema for offering her a way back into the limelight.

"Akala ko hindi na ako makakabalik," the actress said.

Gonzalez admitted that she also felt a tinge of regret that her decision to get pregnant cost her possible roles that might have propelled her acting career to new heights.

"May kaunting panghihinayang. Hindi naman iyan nawawala sa atin," she said.

However, Gonzalez added, in an assured tone, that she could not be any happier now that she has a daughter: "Parang feeling ko may purpose na ako in life. I feel so complete. Ang sarap, sarap maging nanay."

She turned reluctant though when asked about her plans to marry the father of her daughter, art curator Norman Crisologo." Gusto ko munang gawin ito having may ino-offer sa akin. I want to fill up my own cup first before marriage."

A photo posted by Christine Marie Gonzalez (@beauty_gonzalez) on Jun 18, 2016 at 3:31pm PDT

In "The Achy Breaky Hearts," Gonzalez will play the friend/love advice guru to the character of Sta. Maria. She sees the role as a chance to prove her worth as an actress.

"As a mother, may mga insecurities tayo: 'Do I look good? Kaya ko pa ba itong work? Kaya ko bang iwanan anak ko? May maniniwala pa ba as akin?' Kasi hindi naman maganda ang pagka-exit ko."

"Hindi mo rin kasi alam kung anong mangyayari sa iyo eh, kung tatanggapin ka ba ulit. Siyempre nabuntis ako ...kaya takot ako. Pero I'm so happy ako at naalala pa rin ako ng mga taong nagmamahal sa akin," she said.

"The Achy Breaky Hearts" will hit theaters nationwide on June 29.