Robi Domingo became emotional in a heartfelt video message shared on Instagram to celebrate his birthday.
The Kapamilya host turned 35 on Friday, September 27, 2024, and on that same day, released a two-part video reflecting on the life lessons and realizations he has gained since marrying earlier this year.
Robi tied the knot with Maiqui Pineda at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Pulilan, Bulacan, on January 6, 2024.
Read: WEDDING ALBUM: Robi Domingo and Maiqui Pineda's modern Filipiniana-themed nuptial
"I'm having some birthday blues, some people say it's time na nararamdaman mo nang 'okay tumatanda ka na,' but also it's a time na puwede kang mag-reflect sa buhay mo and that's what am I gonna do right now," said Robi at the start of the video.
He continued, "My plan in the next five years is to be a better house-band and husband and hopefully next year when the Lord permits it and when her condition permits it, depende sa clearance ng doctor, I hope to introduce you to a baby Robi as well or baby Maiqui or why not twins, him, her.”
EFFECT OF MAIQUI'S ILLNESS ON THEIR MARRIAGE
Robi alluded to his wife's fragile health, which the couple disclosed in August 2023, just months before their wedding.
Read: Robi Domingo fiancée diagnosed with rare autoimmune disease
Maiqui shared her struggle with a rare autoimmune disease on social media, overshadowing what should have been an exciting period as she anticipated her new life with Robi.
Read: Robi Domingo on moving forward despite fiancée’s health issue: “Laban lang.”
In his birthday video, Robi lamented how his wife’s health issues disrupted their plans for the future as a married couple.
"Alam mo yung may plano ka dati, especially I'm a man with a plan all the time, talagang nakaayos iyan,” remarked Robi.
Read: Netizens laud Robi Domingo for normalizing husbands doing household chores
“But last year, was really a blow, and questioned me, 'Ano ba ang nangyayari, ano bang mangyayari' especially with Maiqui, and then nakakakasa na ako na by this year, actually by this month, sana mayroon na akong anak, di ba? And it happened, it's hard.”
ROBI'S ONLY WISH FOR HIS BIRTHDAY
Despite the setbacks, Robi remains hopeful that Maiqui’s illness is merely a temporary obstacle and that they will eventually fulfill their dream of becoming parents.
Robi told his future child, “I am so ready to give all my love para sa iyo.”
But in the meantime, Robi acknowledged: "Maybe it's not time yet, not yet. But I am hoping na mangyari yun.”
For his birthday wish, Robi stated that his top priority is for Maiqui to recover.
“First things first, I want Maiqui's sickness to be gone so we can go back to our original plan,” said Robi.
“It's my wish for my birthday. It's not for me anymore.”
ROBI AND MAIQUI: FROM SCHOOLMATES TO COUPLE
Robi and Maiqui were batchmates at the Ateneo de Manila University.
The two would often bump into each other at parties mostly attended by their schoolmates.
Robi recalled seeing Maiqui with her boyfriend at these gatherings.
One time, Robi noticed Maiqui at the party alone, prompting him to ask about the whereabouts of her boyfriend as a way to jumpstart a conversation.
Robi learned that Maiqui and her boyfriend had broken up months before.
The TV host was also going through a heartache following his split with former volleyball player and TV host Gretchen Ho.
Read: Robi Domingo says he frequented bars for an entire year during “darkest moment” of his life
Soon after, Robi and Maiqui were going out "parang friends" until they started to develop feelings for each other.
The latter part of 2019 saw Robi posting photos of Maiqui on social media, confirming the relationship after it was rumored the year before that the Kapamilya host was seeing someone.
Robi and Maiqui got engaged on November 4, 2022, during a holiday in Tokyo, Japan.
Read: Gretchen Ho happy for ex-boyfriend Robi Domingo's wedding to Maiqui Pineda