Sydney mum stabbed on a date was optimistic about life after divorce

A Sydney woman allegedly stabbed in a jealous rage by her ex-husband had revealed her high hopes for the future in the days before the attack that left her date dead.

Police have charged Alexander Villaluna, 44, with murder and attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed his ex-wife Jovi Pilapil, 38, and Keith Collins, 53, who she was dining with at a Korean BBQ restaurant at Hornsby Westfield on Wednesday night.

As recently as last week, Ms Pilapil, a mother of three, had posted on Facebook about receiving flowers from a secret admirer, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

On March 8 she celebrated her birthday and appeared to be looking forward to the future, posting: "I have already been through HELL. So give it your best shot. Not only will I SURVIVE, I will WIN."

In a February 12 post, Ms Pilapil, who describes herself as the deputy director of nursing at Uniting Aged Care, alluded to troubles in her life but expressed defiance.

"I was born on [sic] the year of the snake, a snake does not bite unless it is cornered and threatened. Just wait for it, I will give you the war you want!!! #‎youhavebeenwarned."

Police have revealed Ms Pilapil had taken a restraining order out against Villaluna just last month.

Ms Pilapil, who suffered stab wounds to her chest and cuts to her forearm, remains in hospital.

Mr Collins, who died at the restaurant, has been remembered as a loving father.

His daughter, Aisling, paid tribute to her father on Facebook this afternoon.

"I love you more than anything dad, I'll forever be your girl no matter what," Ms Collins wrote.

Mr Collins' profile features a large picture of the Dr Seuss quote "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened”, and many selfies of him with a broad grin.

It lists his hometown as Dublin but shows he was living at Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast.

Villaluna appeared in Hornsby Local Court yesterday and was refused bail.