MANILA – After facing her husband Timothy Tan and his alleged mistress for the first time in court last week, Sunshine Dizon said she does not regret marrying him.

“I got married at 27. All the pain and sacrifices are worth it, especially having my two beautiful babies,” she said in an interview with entertainment columnist Ricky Lo which was published on The Philippine Star on Sunday.

Dizon also said her marital problems taught her to be independent.

“All my life I was dependent on my mom and when I got married, my world revolved around my husband to a point that when this thing happened there were a couple of months when I really did not know what to do. That’s when I realized that wala na, ako na lang talagaito. So I started to pick up the pieces and decided I will not rely on anybody but myself,” she told Lo.

Dizon added that the ordeal pushed her to remain strong “mentally, emotionally and spiritually.”

“I realized that in order for me to protect my family and ensure my kids’ welfare I have to endure this and persevere. I believe I became more open and closer to my children. In return, I received more of their love which really did strengthen me. I always believe that this will pass. And this is all part of a greater plan that God has set for me and my family,” she said.

Even if Tan doesn’t live with them anymore, Dizon said she doesn’t consider their home an “empty nest.”

“Maybe I have gotten used to him not being around all the time. We may have parted ways but as long as my kids are with me and our home is still filled with their laughter and antics, it will never feel empty. They are my greatest joy and inspiration,” she said.

Asked if she has already turned her back on love because of what happened, Dizon said: “I’m still young and I’m not closing my doors. But for now, I just want to love myself more and concentrate on my children.”