As if the drug scandal wasn't enough, Abayari soon discovered that her then-boyfriend, businessman and former athlete David Bunevacz, had taken advantage of her predicament. While she was detained in Guam, Bunevacz sold her Rolex watch and her car without her knowledge and even attempted to sell her condominium unit in Pasig City by sending her a power of attorney form to sign. He also reportedly kept donations that friends and well-wishers had given to help with her legal fees. Abayari revealed this betrayal publicly when she returned to the Philippines in 2015, stating she was able to recover the car with her uncle's help, but the Rolex was never returned.

Because Abayari held American citizenship, the Philippine government, then led by President Joseph Estrada, announced it could not provide official diplomatic intervention.

Unlike many stars who cling to fame, Anjanette chose to step away at her peak. She moved to the United States, specifically to Las Vegas, where she currently resides. Why Vegas? For a performer, it’s the perfect retirement home—close enough to the stage if she wants it, but far enough from the toxic politics of Manila showbiz.

The remains one of the most high-profile controversies in Philippine entertainment history, culminating in the 1990s superstar being declared persona non grata and barred from the country for years.

The turning point in Abayari’s career occurred in at the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport in Guam.

In an age before social media "breaks," her exit was a mystery. While rumors swirled about marriage and relocation, the truth was far more serene. Abayari had prioritized her education and personal life. She completed her degree at and later moved to the United States. She traded standing ovations for quiet mornings, camera flashes for natural light.

Growing up in a small town in the Philippines, Abayari's early life was marked by simplicity and a strong sense of community. She was raised in a traditional Filipino family, where values and culture played a significant role in shaping her personality. Abayari's interest in modeling and beauty pageants began at a young age, which eventually led her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

While Abayari dealt with the legalities on American soil, a massive political fallout erupted back in the Philippines. Then-President was actively spearheading a highly publicized national war on drugs. Viewing her arrest as a direct contradiction to the country's anti-narcotics stance, Estrada declared Abayari persona non grata .

Today, Abayari continues to be active in the entertainment industry, albeit at a slower pace. She has transitioned into a more lifestyle-focused career, where she shares her expertise and experiences in fashion, beauty, and wellness. Here are a few of her current endeavors:

: Abayari fiercely maintained her innocence. She stated the cosmetic items and the pen belonged to her sister and asserted she had no knowledge of the hidden substance.

She also discovered that many friends and well-wishers had sent her financial help, but , and the money never reached her.

Her story resonates because it is honest. She did not leave showbiz because she failed; she left because she grew. For millennials who grew up watching her on VHS tapes, seeing her now as a grounded, happy, and healthy individual is the ultimate plot twist.