Amid spilled tea and controversies engendered by fleeting romances and dramatic breakups in the local entertainment scene, the enduring love stories of these celebrity couples admirably stand out.
Let’s shift our focus to the bonds that withstand the test of time.
Here are 16 relationship tips straight from our favorite stars, who graciously share their secrets to a happy ever after.
Through their wisdom and first-hand experiences, we’re reminded that through life's chaos, love prevails.
SOLENN HEUSSAFF AND NICO BOLZICO
Solenn and Nico are undeniably one of the coolest modern couples around. With thriving careers and a knack for crazy humor, they show us the importance of keeping things light in relationships and life.
Nico took to Instagram to mark his 40th birthday with 10 life lessons he learned for the past 40 years.
He wrote, “Who you marry will play a fundamental role in who you become and what you achieve."
Their secret to a happy marriage? For Nico, it all boils down to priorities, especially family.
He wrote, "For me, it's about priorities. So even if you are very busy during the day, if you prioritize your life and your wife or loved ones, you'll always find time.
"If you work 16 hours in a day, I don't think that's very efficient.
"You should always prioritize time with your loved ones, because at the end of the day, that's what life is about.
"And that's what's gonna give you energy and positivity to keep [working] or running your company."
In May 2016, Nico and Solenn said their “I dos” in France after five years of being a couple. They welcomed Thylane in 2020 and their second daughter, Maelys, in 2022.
Read: Nico Bolzico "cracks the system" on successful marriages
BIANCA GONZALEz AND JC INTAL
Television host Bianca Gonzalez and former basketball player JC Intal exchanged vows in December 2014, and have been inseparable since.
In an interview for broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano's YouTube channel last October 28, 2023, Bianca shared what keeps their relationship strong:
"Choose a partner that will not clip your wings—that will allow you to make your own choices and do what makes you happy."
JC admitted that the marriage game hadn't been a slam dunk for him and Bianca at the start, but it improved as they both learned from each other.
He said, referring to his wife, "Sobrang workaholic nito as in... Na-i-inspire ako sa kanya.
"Pero yung research niya, [grabe] mag-prepare iyan. Minsan kapag kinakausap ko, wala siyang naririnig. Yun, that before may inis na ako. Pero now, alam ko na.
"Go, do your thing... Mas naintindihan ko yung linya ng trabaho niya, kailangan niya yun."
In 2014, JC prepared an airport proposal, catching Bianca off guard as she was on her way to London for a short course.
JC said he knew he wanted to marry Bianca because he had already witnessed both her good and bad sides.
Nine years on, they're happily married with two daughters—Lucia and Carmen.
Read: Bianca Gonzalez, husband JC Intal keep peace despite opposing political views
DREW ARELLANO AND IYA VILLANIA
Drew Arellano and Iya Villania are among the most-loved celebrity couples, and the secret to their long-lasting relationship is simple: understanding each other's love language.
Drew prefers physical touch and affection, while Iya expresses her love through acts of service.
Interestingly, neither of them leans toward gift-giving; they simply tell each other what they want.
The couple also swears by the power of quality time to foster a joyful marriage and family life.
They also consciously plan kid-free dates to keep the spark alive.
In her interview with Smart Parenting, Iya said, "These are the moments I look forward to when we do travel alone, because once upon a time it was just you and me."
Drew and Iya first met in 2003 when they both starred in the Kapuso youth-oriented show Click.
The couple were together for eight years before they finally tied the knot in February 2014. They have four children: Primo, Leon, Alana, and Astro.
Read: Iya Villania on 12-year relationship with Drew Arellano: "It only keeps getting better."
MARIAN RIVERA AND DINGDONG DANTES
Marian Rivera shared that her relationship with her husband Dingdong Dantes has always been anchored on communication and their strong faith in God.
“Simple lang, basta every Sunday, kailangan bigyan namin ng time si Lord. Kailangan heart-to-heart kami diyan. Kasi, kahit anong gawin mong pagwo-work out sa relationship niyo, kung wala kayong guidance sa Itaas, wala talagang lahat," she explained to PEP.ph in an interview.
Read: Marian Rivera saddened by reported breakups of celebrity couples
For Dingdong, their mutual support through life's ups and downs has been key to their successful marriage.
He said in the same interview, "Nung nagsama na kami, kumbaga hinog na yung mga gusto namin sa buhay.
"Second ay, yung mga panahon na yun, dun nangyayari yung mga malalaking milestones na nagaganap sa amin.
"Maraming firsts sa aming dalawa, and na-experience namin yun together, so para sa akin, na-value ko yung mga moments na yun na kasama siya."
Marian chimed in, “Dagdag ko na lang din na malaking factor na kahit mataas man o mababa, matagumpay or hindi tagumpay, nandiyaan kayo para sa isa't isa. Kung anong pagkukulang ng isa, pupunan mo.
"Hindi kasi kailangan na isa lang yung nasa pedestal, kailangan nagtutulungan kayo para makamit yung mga pangarap niyo. And makakamit niyo kapag nandiyan yung love, respect, give and take."
Dingdong and Marian exchanged vows in what was dubbed by local media as a "royal wedding" in 2014.
They are proud parents of Zia, 7, and Sixto, 4.
PIA WURTZBACH AND JEREMY JAUNCEY
Wondering how Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and her husband Jeremy Jauncey had kept their long-distance love alive back when they were merely in a relationship.
The beauty queen revealed, “What’s been really helpful for us is that we are always communicating, and we’re transparent with our communication.
"There’s no sugarcoating, there are no flowery words, and there’s no beating around the bush. And we talk about everything.”
For those preparing to say 'I do,' Pia emphasized the importance of talking about the hard things.
“We went through a whole list of topics and questions that we needed to cover before we got married.
"I hear about couples who never talk about finances with their partners, so they don’t know if they’re about to marry somebody who’s in debt.
"Or, like, ‘Is the business going well? Are you saving? The gender-based roles in the relationship?
“I’m no relationship expert, of course, and we’re still learning along the way, but what I learned is that communication is so important.
"We’re still communicating as we go along, still learning about each other.”
The couple wed in March 2023, at a luxurious resort on the secluded North Island of the Seychelles.
Read: Pia Wurtzbach and Jeremy Jauncey: "We're so in love"
MARICEL LAXA AND ANTHONY PANGILINAN
From raising five beautiful kids to launching their own books and production company, Maricel and Anthony have set the bar high for an incredible marriage.
As self-proclaimed opposites, they revealed that going to counseling sessions early in their marriage helped them iron out their differences.
This was during their appearance on ABS-CBN's day time talk show Magandang Buhay in October 2023.
Maricel shared another secret to their 30-plus-year journey: “Ang motto namin ni Anthony, let’s not fight each other; let’s fight together. Magkakampi kayo, hindi kayo magkaaway.”
Anthony, smiling at his wife, said, “Siguro kung nasa 42 kilometers run tayo, sabi namin ni Maricel, e, nasa 30 na kami.
“But I hope the last 10 kilometers-12 kilometers will still be the best. Alam mo totoo ito, ha, in my epitaph, ang gusto ko ang nakasulat sana, ‘He loved Maricel til the end.’
“Totoo iyon. Kasi starting strong is great, but finishing strong—that’s epic, yun ang gusto natin."
Maricel returned the sentiment and said, “Honey, thank you for loving me the way that you do.
“And I am so excited for many more years to come with you. And today I celebrate you because you are really the love of my life.”
Read: Maricel Laxa reveals constant reminder to son Donny Pangilinan
AGA MUHLACH AND CHARLENE GONZALEZ
Aga and Charlene's love story unfolds like a plot from a captivating novel or a blockbuster film.
Skipping the traditional boyfriend-girlfriend phase, they met on the set of the sitcom Oki Doki Dok, swiftly leading to an engagement.
After 22 years of marriage, the ‘90s matinee idol credits constant communication as one of the secrets to their strong relationship.
Every morning, they share heartfelt conversations over coffee, a ritual that deepens their connection.
On top of that, Charlene adds, “There’s something in him [from] 20 plus years ago na he’s God-fearing, malaking bagay yun. That’s really one of the secrets also."
She also marvels at Aga’s emotional intelligence. “He’s articulate in a good way, so that also gives you security as a woman because he’s very articulate with his feelings, not over naman but just right.”
Aga and Charlene wed in May 2001 and were blessed with twins, Atasha and Andres.
Read: Aga Muhlach says marrying Charlene Gonzalez was "the best decision I ever did"
ANNE CURTIS AND ERWAN HEUSSAFF
Anne Curtis considers herself lucky to have married Erwan Heussaff, whom she calls the "hero of her life."
Balancing her A-list career and his entrepreneurial pursuits, they support each other through distance and busy schedules.
Erwan took to Instagram to share some relationship advice, addressing questions about why they were not constantly together early in their marriage.
He wrote, “Both people in a relationship need to be able to grow and pursue their careers, all while being each other’s cheerleaders.
“I’ve seen way too many toxic relationships where people end up blaming the other party for missed opportunities.”
Erwan also challenged toxic masculinity by reminding men not to feel threatened by their partner’s success.
He told them, “Macho men, your wife deserves to chase their dreams as much as you do. Ladies, vice versa. Just make time and be present whenever you can.”
His food analogy hit home. “Be like basmati rice grains, fluffy and free. Don’t be a Suman.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvkxpcgFdAR/
Anne added in the comment section, “There’s a time to be suman and there’s a time to be basmati rice. As they say, eh, everything in moderation.”
The couple tied the knot in New Zealand in 2017 after being in a relationship for six years.
In 2020, they welcomed their daughter Dahlia in Melbourne, Australia.
Read: Here's how Anne Curtis dealt with "gaguhan" in a relationship
JUDY ANN SANTOS AND RYAN AGONCILLO
Married since 2009, Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo swear by their date nights, even if it's just a simple at-home movie marathon.
In their interview by Karen Davila for her vlog on YouTube, Judy Ann emphasized the importance of open communication in marriage.
"You communicate whether you feel bad about your partner, you feel sad, or when you're at your happiest.
"Mas lalong magkaka-issue na dapat naman puwedeng wala if you don't communicate properly.
"Kahit masakit yung sasabihin mo, communicate. Kahit gaano ka kasaya, communicate."
The couple renewed their vows in 2016.
They are proud parents to three children: Yohan, Lucho, and Luna.
Read: Luna captures parents Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo's sweet moment
DOUG KRAMER AND CHESCA GARCIA
Doug and Chesca, married for 20 years, often come to mind when we talk about relationship goals.
In his 19th anniversary Instagram post for Chesca in October 2022, the former basketball player spilled the beans about their successful union
Doug wrote, “We have never talked down to each other during heated arguments. Speak life, not speak down.
“We have never ever fought about money, not even when we were in debt and in need.
“We respect each other’s roles. I choose to focus on how I can cherish and love her [while] she focuses on how she can respect and love me.
"Cheska’s still my No.1 cheerleader!"
Doug also credited their success to faith. "We pray together and continually acknowledge we need Jesus because of how imperfect we are.
"His grace sustains us and makes us want to work on our marriage every single day."
Cheska chimed in, "It's a choice to make it work. Loving your partner, everything is a choice. It’s a decision that you have to make every day.”
KRISTINE HERMOSA AND OYO SOTTO
The love story of Kristine and Oyo is one for the books.
In an interview by Toni Gonzaga, it was revealed that he proposed to her during a Bible study, even though they weren't yet officially a couple at the time.
Firm in their faith and trust in God, the couple have always believed that heavenly guidance enabled them to navigate their long-lasting marriage.
Oyo explained, “Kung wala si God, malamang di na kami umabot ng isang taon, malamang nagloko na ako, may anak sa ibang babae.
“Si God lang talaga. Kailangan siya yung sentro. Hindi naman araw-araw mahal mo yung asawa mo.”
Kristine affirmed, “Love is a decision naman talaga. It’s a commitment. Hindi naman talaga everyday nakakatuwa yung ugali niya. It’s a choice."
One of the longest-standing couples in showbiz, Kristine and Oyo marked their 13th wedding anniversary last January.
Read: Kristine Hermosa pays tribute to husband Oyo Sotto on their 12th anniversary
GLADYS REYES AND CHRISTOPHER ROXAS
Childhood sweethearts are rare, but Gladys and Christopher continue to defy expectations with a relationship that began during their Mara Clara days back in 1992.
The actress explained during her appearance on Mars Pa More how prayers, patience, and partnership have been key to their journey.
“Malaking bagay ang faith sa relationship namin. Individuality is also important.
“Respect each other’s individuality; di porke mag-asawa na kayo, wala ng ‘me time.'”
“You should have interests other than those you share with him. This way, you’d have interesting things to tell each other when the day ends.”
“Hindi rin uso sa amin nagche-check ng phone ng bawat isa kase we trust each other na kahit di chine-check faithful pa rin.”
Last month, the couple celebrated 20 years of marriage and 31 years of togetherness. They have four children.
Read: Gladys Reyes, Christopher Roxas celebrate 20 years of marriage
CHRISTOPHER DE LEON AND SANDY ANDOLONG
After 43 years of marriage and raising five children, Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong have not ceased keeping the romance alive.
"Being romantic has to be there, even if you're old," Christopher told the press during a recent media conference for his movie When I Met You in Tokyo.
He further explained, "Like every so often, you give her flowers; every so often, you go out on a date.
"Hindi puwedeng kakain kayo sa labas tapos hindi naman kayo mag-uusap. You also have to be funny.
"You need to be exciting and adventurous at the same time. Travel the world together.
"These are the stuff that make [a relationship] pretty solid."
Offering advice to young showbiz couples, Sandy said in another interview back in 2018: “You need to sit down, assess each other’s moods, as well as your needs.
"Agree to talk things out in such a way that nobody gets hurt.
"Our pastor said that, in marriage, it’s important that you tell the truth, but in a loving way.”
Read: 21 most enduring couples in showbiz (one pair have been married for 53 years!)
LUIS MANZANO AND JESSY MENDIOLA
How do Luis Manzano and Jessie Mendiola make their relationship work despite their 11-year age gap?
Their tip for couples with a big age difference: Invest in the relationship, treat each other like equals, and respect each other’s timelines.
Citing his mom Vilma Santos, Luis offered the following advice in February 2022, when he became a love guru and answered questions about relationships for a Valentine's campaign of a chocolate brand.
He said then, “Sa mga married couples naman, like what mom said, enjoy the journey. Iyong kilig, mapapalitan iyan.
"Admittedly, mapapalitan ng companionship iyan, but still, never lose the respect.”
In a separate post, he added, “The best advice I could give is you do not have to wait for an exact date to celebrate the love.
"Every day should be courtship. Every day should be Valentine’s, and you always have to do sweet surprises for your loved ones.
“You always need to make conscious efforts to keep your partner happy.”
Luis and Jessy said their “I do’s” in February 2021. Two years later, they welcomed Baby Rosie into their lives.
Read: Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola finally reveal Baby Rosie's face
MEGAN YOUNG AND MIKAEL DAEZ
We've all heard it: communication is the key to a healthy relationship, and for Megan and Mikael, it’s still their top advice.
Both believe that staying consistent and open is crucial in a relationship.
The actor said, "My only piece of advice is to be honest and communicate."
Read: Megan Young's mindset about pregnancy: "If it's there, it's there; and if it's not, tatanggapin ko."
In an interview by Boy Abunda, the couple graciously shared their vows.
Mikael promised Megan, “I vow to always make the most out of life with you—in the good times and bad times.”
Megan reciprocated, “I will always work towards being better and better every day.”
Mikael and Megan tied the knot in 2020 after dating for over 10 years.
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