MANILA - When Sunshine Cruz's eldest daughter releases her first single as a singer with Universal Records, it will be under the name Angelina Cruz and not Montano.

Sunshine made that clear in an interview on "Tonight with Boy Abunda" on Thursday, explaining that it will be best to use her surname as part of her daughter's stage name rather than that of her estranged husband, Cesar Montano.

"Kasi mag-uumpisa ang aking anak bilang singer, hindi naman po artista," she said. "And we all know even Donna is not a Cruz before. When she started she was a Yrastorza bilang a screen name. Even si Rayver and Rodjun, they are Ilustre, pero ginamit ang Cruz kasi nga --well, sabi nila ang mga Cruz ay known musicians. So I think it would be an advantage to use Cruz."

Sunshine has yet to talk to her ex-husband about the issue, but said talent manager Arnold Vegafria will be the one to approach Montano regarding it.

In 2013, Sunshine sued Montano for rape, saying in her complaint that she was a victim of "physical harm, obscene accusations, and grave defamation" under her "very domineering, philandering" husband.

She also accused the actor of performing lewd acts in front of their daughters, effectively ending their 13-year marriage.

A year later, Cruz filed an annulment case against Montano. The actress is hopeful that her "freedom" will be granted soon. "I want my 110% freedom then I will be the happiest. Please Lord!" Cruz, in a Facebook post, said.

Aside from Angelina, the former couple has two other daughters, namely Angel and Samantha.