MANILA —For Claudine Barretto, the tribute party of star-maker Johnny Manahan was “a special night” as she was finally able to spend time with her niece, Julia Barretto.

“I am really, really very happy. We see each other but only for a few times. The last we saw each other was [in] Zsazsa Zaturnnah. It was always just fast during family gatherings. She would just kiss me and greet [me]. But we would not be able to catch up,” Baretto told reporters at the pocket press conference of “When Magic Hurts,” Wednesday afternoon in Quezon City.

“That night, it was the time we are able to really spend time. I really missed it. The hugs, the kisses,” she added.

The older Barretto clarified while her older sister Marjorie never stopped Julia from staying in touch, she understands her niece was put in a difficult position. 

“My sister never stopped her. But probably because she knows there is a tension between my older sister Marjorie and I. We are civil, but of course, that is her mom. She probably isn’t comfortable, Marjorie and I are not comfortable,” she explained.