Ellen Adarna Shares Her Decision On Letting Her Kids Spend The Holidays With John Lloyd Cruz And Derek Ramsay

Ellen Adarna is spending Christmas with one thing in mind: her kids' happiness, even if it means making tough decisions.

During a candid Q&A on Instagram Stories last December 24, Ellen shared that she allowed both her children, Elias and Liana, to spend Christmas with their respective fathers—John Lloyd Cruz and Derek Ramsay. It marked a first for both kids and, as Ellen admitted, it wasn't an easy decision. Still, it was one she made with a clear heart.

"Elias is spending Christmas with John Lloyd, and this is the first time ever that their time is not divided," Ellen explained. In previous years, holidays were split half-and-half, but this year, Elias will be celebrating Christmas fully with his dad and spending New Year's with her instead.

As for Liana, Ellen revealed that she initially said no to letting her daughter spend Christmas with Derek's family in the United Kingdom. That changed when Derek's father personally reached out—and when Ellen learned about his health condition.

"He's sick, and I don't want to carry that guilt," she shared honestly. "Can I sleep peacefully at night if something happens to him and I didn't allow Liana to spend time with her grandfather?" For Ellen, the answer was clear.

Her heartfelt honesty drew widespread attention, especially given the very public and painful context surrounding her separation from Derek. The two have been estranged for months following Ellen's allegations of infidelity and verbal abuse, issues she said she chose to speak about so as not to enable harmful behavior.

Despite everything, Ellen made it clear that her decisions this Christmas weren't about her relationships with her exes, but about her children.

That clarity was especially evident when she talked about Elias and John Lloyd. When asked how her son was coping after her separation from Derek, Ellen gently explained that John Lloyd has always been Elias' father figure because he's consistently present. "John Lloyd was, has been, and is always Elias' father figure," she said. "Elias is very in love with his father."

She even recalled emotional moments that show just how close the two are—like when Elias cries and says he misses his dad after spending time together. Ellen expressed deep gratitude to John Lloyd, especially during a vulnerable period for their family, saying she couldn't imagine what things would have been like if he hadn't been there for their son.

Adding to the picture of healthy co-parenting, Ellen also shared that she has a warm, friendly relationship with John Lloyd's girlfriend, artist Isabel Santos, describing their dynamic as comfortable, fun, and full of chika. "Elias loves her. She is cool. She is pleasant. And she is fun, grabe ang sense of humor," Ellen shared. She even tagged Isabel playfully in her post, asking, "Hi Sabel, ano pa yung mga chika natin?"