If it's just up to her, Vanessa Hudgens would consider getting married to fiancé Cole Tucker in the Philippines.
She gave the statement when she met with the Philippine entertainment media, including PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), earlier today, March 31, 2023.
READ: Vanessa Hudgens makes memories with mom Gina Guangco and sister Stella in Palawan
Held at Manila House in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, the presscon was hosted by seasoned host Boy Abunda, who subtly asked Vanessa about her wedding plans.
Vanessa, however, opted not to give details about when she is planning to tie the knot.
As for the possibility of picking the Philippines as a wedding venue, Vanessa said, "I mean, if it was just me and my fiancé eloping, yes. But we're not."
She explained that there are "many things" to consider for a wedding, but refused to elaborate on what she called a personal matter she would rather not discuss at this time.
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GETTING TO KNOW HER FILIPINO ROOTS
The Hollywood actress did say, however, that one of the reasons she decided to visit the Philippines is to know more about her Filipino heritage. Learning more about her roots is something she could pass on to her future kids with Cole.
Her mom, Gina Guangco, is a Filipina, while her late father Gregory Hudgens was of Irish-American descent.
When asked what her mom told her about the Philippines, Vanessa answered, "It's always about family. It's very much about the closeness of your family.
"How when someone's married, they're like, 'Move into the family.' And it's like you don't leave when you go to college, you don't leave the house, everybody sticks together.
"But, like, I didn't really know much about the history and the lineage and what the vibe was, honestly."
While she grew up with her mom cooking "pancit and adobo" in their household, Vanessa didn't hide the fact that she was "definitely raised very American" in her ways.
DISCOVERING HER FILIPINO TRAITS
But now that she's finally here in the country, Vanessa said she is discovering how a lot of the things that she identifies with, but was not aware of in the past, are very Filipino.
"It's been really interesting and really beautiful and eye-opening. I feel like just the family aspect of the Philippines is something that is so prominent and so strong.
"I've always been close to my mom and my sister. We kinda like go as a pack all the time.
"That's definitely something that comes from my heritage."
Her fascination for the "mystical," she observed, is also "very Filipino."
Vanessa said there are more things she loves about the Philippines.
"I'm so obsessed with the Filipino furniture and lighting. The use of natural elements, the wicker, the rattan, the mother of pearl.
"It's all just so beautiful to me. And something that I've always loved. And I'm, like, 'Oh yeah, makes sense, because it's Filipino.'"
ON LOVING THE PHILIPPINE BEACHES
Over the past few days, Vanessa spent time in Pangulasian Island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, which she described as a piece of "paradise."
Other places she'd like to explore next time are Cebu and Mindanao.
"I already can't wait to come back," she happily exclaimed.
"I feel like the time I have spent here has been so special. But I need more time. The country is so big, it has so much to offer.
"I'm a big nature girl, big beach girl. There are so many beautiful beaches here that I still have to go to.
"There's so much to do. I haven't even gone shopping."
But more than anything else, Vanessa described how she's finding the Filipinos she met so far.
"It's about kindness. Everybody is so warm and so friendly. The people here are very unique. Everyone is just so warm.
"I feel like I haven't met anyone who seems like they're having a bad day.
"The hospitality is unmatched. It's just a really magical place."
Vanessa is scheduled to fly back to the U.S. tonight.