Gina Alajar Shares How Sh*bu Use Nearly Cost Her Family and Career
GINA ALAJAR – Veteran actress and filmmaker Gina Alajar has opened up about a dark chapter in her life, revealing how sh*bu use in her younger years took a toll on her personal relationships and family life.
Gina Alajar has candidly shared how substance use during the early years of her career deeply affected her personal and family life. In an interview with journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes for the Usapang Real with Luchi YouTube series, the discussion began with Luchi asking about child stars and why some fade from the limelight early.
Gina admitted that she faced immense pressure as a young actress, revealing that her struggles extended into her years as a married woman with children.
“If you’ve heard my testimony before, nagpunta ako sa drugs because yung paniwala ko before is ‘If you cannot stop them, join them,'” she said, recalling how she first experimented with marijuana. Her curiosity eventually led her to try other substances, including shabu (methamphetamine), which she confessed to enjoying at the time.
Gina explained that shabu was often used by actors to endure grueling, unpredictable work schedules. “Alas-singko na ng umaga, hindi mo pa alam kung kailan ka matatapos. Alas-siyete, change location para sa sampung eksena pa, so dire-diretso,” she described, adding that the drug allowed her to stay awake for two to three days without sleep.
The actress recounted her longest stretch without rest—72 hours—which led to hallucinations. She noted that these disturbing effects would occur even without drug use, making the situation more alarming.
At the time, Gina was in her 20s, and her substance use lasted for about three years. She decided to quit when she realized the toll it was taking on her relationships and home life.
“With my bags and the kids’ things, umalis ako sa bahay. I needed to get out para… sa connection sa tao na kadugtong ko doon, I needed to separate from the person,” she shared, describing the painful choice to leave in order to break free from harmful influences.
Gina acknowledged it was a heartbreaking decision, especially since she had three children with her ex-husband, fellow actor Michael de Mesa. Her story serves as both a personal reflection and a cautionary tale about the dangers of substance abuse.
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