Pops Fernandez is not just friends with ex-husband Martin Nievera, but she's also friends with his ex-partner Katrina Ojeda.
Read: Pops Fernandez recalls healing journey after separation from Martin Nievera
Katrina was the third party that led to the separation of Pops and Martin in the late '90s. Martin's relationship with Katrina, in turn, ended in 2003.
Given their history, it came as a surprise to the public when the trio were seen spending Christmas together in the U.S. back in 2020.
Martin's current girlfriend Anj Rosario was also present in the occasion, and their photo was posted on Instagram by Pops herself.
Read: Pops Fernandez, naka-bonding ang past at present loves ni Martin Nievera
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Pops revealed how she and Katrina buried the hatchet between them.
"Before that Christmas, siyempre may mga talks na. She actually reached out so I said, 'Sure, let's talk.'
"The past is the past, yun lang masasabi ko.
"The reason we got together is because we wanna be friends," she said.
When prodded about how their first meeting went, Pops said it helped that they were in the same page when it comes to love for their children.
Pops elaborated: "Yung mga details na iba, it's very personal. But at the end of the day, we did not feel we had to discuss the past anymore. It's done, it's happened.
"At that time, hindi pa [kami] friends. Ang napag-usapan lang namin, we want our kids to grow up together, care for each other because, after, all they are brothers."
Pops and Martin have two kids, Ram and Robin; while Martin and Katrina have one, Santino.
Read: Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera admit staying friends after their separation was not easy
PEP.ph, with Smart Parenting and Cosmo.ph, interviewed Pops when she visited the Summit Media office to promote her pre-Valentine concert, Always Loved, on February 9 and 10 at The Theatre at Solaire.
WHAT SOFTENED POPS' HEART
Still talking about becoming friends with Martin's ex-partner, Pops said she saw more of Katrina whenever she would fly to the U.S.
"Sinabi ko rin naman sa sarili ko, 'Okay na naman na ako. Na-accept ko na.'
"It was a game-changer, nung na-meet ko personally si Santino.
"I think it helped take away kung may natitira pang angst, anger—nabura na talaga.
"So when we talked, we just agreed that we want our kids to grow up close and as brothers. Yun ang gist."
Just like Ram and Robin, Katrina and Santino are based in the U.S. so they gather together as a family every once in a while.
The last time Pops posted about spending Christmas with them was in 2022.
But even if she's not in town, Pops said Katrina would invite her kids to catch up with them.
"I know a lot of people find it strange. Sasabihin nila, 'Ang weird mo naman.' Iba na yung panahon ngayon. Hindi na tayo 1970s."
Read: Pops Fernandez finds peace, healing and closure amid "modern family"
MARTIN'S REACTION
What does Martin say about her and Katrina being friends?
Pops replied, laughing, "You have to interview him."
Then she continued, "Hindi ko masabi. At the end of the day, I'm sure he's happy na wala nang tension.
"Kung meron man, iba nang situation."
Referring to her past issue involving Martin and Katrina, Pops underlined, "That chapter is done. Kung may ibang situations, it's a totally different situation."