Actress Nadine Samonte admits she felt a burst of kilig when her husband Richard Chua proposed renewing their vows.
On April 2, 2025, Nadine joyfully announced on Instagram that she "just said yes again" to her husband, unveiling their intention to celebrate their 13th anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony in 2026.
Recalling the moment, Nadine told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview, "Siyempre kilig!"
This conversation happened on June 6, 2025 at the launch of Pop Mart's Space Molly Blooming Series Philippine-exclusive figure at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Continuing, "He asked me lang, then I said yes. So we're gonna renew our vows next year. And sobrang siyempre, walang isip-isip, yes, agad yun."
When asked about how she felt when her husband proposed for the second time, Nadine related that her heart was simply filled with love.
She expressed gratitude for their lasting marriage and joy in sharing this special moment with their children: Heather Sloane, 8; Austin Titus, 6; and Harmony Saige, 3.
In her words: "Siyempre nandun yung parang, 'Aww,' parang nakaka-touch.
"After almost 12 years of being together, parang nandun pa rin yung fire ng love sa isa't isa. So I'm very, very happy.
"And I'm happy kasi pati yung mga kids namin kinikiling."
NADINE SAMONTE: 13TH YEAR OF MARRIAGE
Nadine revealed that they have already started planning their vow renewal and she confirmed that it will be an intimate celebration next year with family and those closest to their hearts.
"We are starting to plan everything na—the location is there, mga tao. Pero this will be very, very intimate.
"Intimate lang talaga. Konti lang talaga. Kasi we want it to be more special and we just want to renew our vows.
"Not only sa mga visitor, but mostly sa mga kids namin.
"In front of our kids na para maramdaman at makita nila na hindi kami maging hiwalay kahit anong mangyari.
"This is our family. This is us. Parang ganun."
But as their vow renewal coincides with their 13th wedding anniversary, does Nadine believe in the superstition that 13 is considered an unlucky number?
For the actress, the answer is a definite no.
She explained, "Actually, come to think of it, our anniversary is 10-13-13. It's all 1-3-1-3. So parang hindi ako naniniwala. Hindi ako naniniwala.
"Sabi ko, actually, perfect nga e, sa 13th year namin kami magre-renew ng vows, which is our anniversary is 10-13-13.
"So puro 13-13 talaga yung number namin.
"So I think if... pag naniniwala ka na everything is perfect, everything is okay naman, walang negativity, [you] just have to be positive, and your faith is always there.
"I think... walang, walang sino na makakasira ng marriage or ng family."
Rather than focusing on superstitions, Nadine emphasized that the secret to a long-lasting relationship is maintaining constant communication with one's partner.
She believes that putting effort into resolving issues through open dialogue is more effective than opting for divorce or annulment.
Nadine said, "Communication is very, very important sa isang marriage or sa isang relationship. Para you'll understand each other's feelings and others."
She further said, "Actually, it's hard kasi sa mga newlyweds. Siyempre, adjusting period nila yun. Kami ng husband ko, ang dami namin adjustments talaga sa ilang years namin pagsasama.
"Pero we always chose na, meron kami yung 'vocabulary,' e... na sinasabi namin na 'dictionary' namin mag-asawa.
"Nakalagay doon, 'Bawal maghiwalay.' Kahit anong mangyari, no divorce, no annulment, nothing. Hindi puwede.
"Kahit anong mangyari, pag-usapan, pag-usapan. Bawal maghiwalay."
NADINE SAMONTE: COLLECTIOn
Meanwhile, PEP inquired about Nadine's Pop Mart collection.
As a fan of Space Molly figures, Nadine is thrilled to see the Philippines featured in their Blooming collection, and she can't wait to add it to her collection.
She said, "It's so nice! It's very Philippines kasi Sampaguita. Alam naman nga din natin na Sampaguita is Philippines talaga, di ba?"
Nadine also wanted the Rose version, which is exclusive in the U.S.
"Yung Rose! Yung U.S., yung red and black, it's so nice. It's beautiful!
"Pero wala nga mabibili dito, kasi iba-iba country siya, iba-iba Space Molly. Pero the good news is meron tayong mabibili sa online."
Read: Celebrities and their Pop Mart toy collections
But what are her latest favorite Pop Mart acquisitions?
Nadine answered, "The Royal Molly Childish kasi I'm really a Royal Molly fan. So lahat ng 400% kino-collect ko ngayon.
"Actually, isa na lang kulang ko, na-collect ka na lahat.
"And then the Skullpanda Red Crystal. I have the 1000% and the 400%. Lately, yun yung mga pinost ko.
"Tapos lately, I had a gift from my husband. He gave me a gift na matagal na matagal na ko nang inaantay na Star Upon the Sea, na Royal Molly.
"It's Hong Kong edition. So ayun, nakakuha ako so I'm so happy."
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