When a celebrity couple's seemingly perfect romance suddenly faces rumors of infidelity, the internet wastes no time digging into their lives and searching for cracks in a relationship once thought unshakable.
Such is the case for business moguls Small Eduardo-Laude and her husband, Philip Laude, whose high-profile union have come under scrutiny following controversial screenshots that surfaced on December 16, 2024.
The screenshots were of intimate conversations between a man, purportedly Philip, and a woman, purportedly someone not his wife.
That story is still unfolding, with January 16, 2025 news reports saying Philip Laude has sued the woman in the screenshots.
That said, the journey of Small and Philip Laude to wealth and luxury is fascinating to netizens, millions of whom have become fans.
This is the story of how that journey began, how it led to their much talked-about empire, and the unwanted spotlight that comes with fame.
Read: Small Laude reveals the star of her family's Noche Buena
SMALL AND PHILIP'S EARLY BEGINNINGS
Born Marissa Eduardo on June 17, 1968, Small hails from a family with a background in business.
The Eduardos began as a middle-class family. Over time, they started to own businesses, from garments exportation to rice milling to rice trading.
Small's knack for business may have been honed by her highly driven sister prospering in the same industry—Alice Eduardo, today known as the "Woman of Steel," for being responsible for the construction of many billion-peso complexes.
They have another sister, Melba Solidum, who is also a businesswoman.
Philip, Small's other half, comes from confectionery pioneers. His family owns Candyman, the 65-year-old company behind iconic brands such as Kendi Mint, White Rabbit, Orange Kist, and Viva.
Growing up alongside his sister Christine, Philip inherited the family's thriving enterprise.
Small was studying at St. Paul University while Philip was at De La Salle University when their paths crossed through a common friend.
Friends have always pointed out how Small's outgoing and bubbly personality seamlessly matched Philip's quiet and reserved demeanor.
The couple affirmed in several interviews that Philip fell head over heels for Small almost immediately, describing the socialite as "the prettiest person."
This was supported by Small, who told one of her closest friends, the singer-actress Pops Fernandez: "Well, Girl, bata pa lang ako, patay na patay na sa akin si Philip. Nung nakita niya ako, gandang-ganda siya sa akin."
Love Against All Odds
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Vicki Belo, uploaded on YouTube May 3, 2024, Small and Philip Laude shared how their love story blossomed.
When they first met, both admitted, they were seeing other people. Small said she actually found Philip slightly annoying at their initial group dinner.
"We went out for dinner with a group of friends. And then, parang when we were left alone, sabi niya, ‘You know, your hair is not bad. It was bad the first time we saw you,’" Small recounted.
Annoyed by his unsolicited criticism, she thought, "Sino 'tong nakikialam?" She added, "I was even wearing an off-shoulder top!"
Philip's comments didn't stop there. He told her, "Mas maganda sa 'yo yung hair, mag-loose. Hindi yung ponytail," leaving Small flustered.
"My gosh, what does he mean?" she asked herself.
However, Philip himself broke the ice when he began expressing less criticism and more admiration, albeit in bursts of phrases.
He said “dostet daram,” an Iranian phrase meaning “I love you,” and “ichiban kirei,” Japanese for “the prettiest.”
Within a few months, their connection deepened, particularly over shared moments involving food.
"Na-fall ako kay Philip kasi ang dami kong Chips Ahoy! and Pringles from him,” Small said, recalling the imported snacks he gave her at a time when they were hard to find in regular marts.
"That time you cannot even get from the groceries, you just get it from PX stores."
As with all relationships, theirs faced challenges. A big one was Small's mother who disapproved of Philip when she learned he came from a Chinese family.
"Ay naku, wag Chinese kasi di ka papakasalan niyan," Small quoted her mom, explaining the traditional expectation for Chinese sons to marry Chinese girls.
"Because, di ba, should be like married to a fellow Chinese," as she put it. "It's the first time that Philip, in the family, dated a Filipina. They're always with a Chinese."
Despite this, Philip's thoughtful gestures went over big with Small.
"Every time he went abroad, he’d ask, ‘Babe, what do you want? Do you want Archie comics?’ or, ‘What do you want from Hong Kong because I'm here in Hong Kong...’ So, when he comes back, dala na niya yun."
Even their courtship was not conventional and was conducted mostly in the presence of Small's older sister, Alice, CEO of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation, the couple's penultimate third wheel.
"Every time we go out, when we go out on dates, she's always there. She's always there," Small said with a laugh.
Philip agreed, adding, "She just likes to be with us wherever we go."
Despite the interruptions, the couple cherished their moments together, whether at a performance in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, or dining at The Peninsula Manila, or simply talking all night.
BUILDING A FAMILY TOGETHER
After seven years of exclusively dating, Small and Philip tied the knot on October 31, 1993.
They faced personal challenges in their quest to expand their family, failing to have a child three years into their marriage.
Though fertility challenges arose, they eventually had four children, aided by medical interventions and Obando fertility rites, a traditional Filipino dance ritual that old folk believe help couples conceive.
Their eldest, Christopher "PJ" Laude, works at Timson Securities, having proven his worth in trading stocks from a young age.
Michael Laude, the secondborn, uses his management degree from Ateneo de Manila University in his job as Chief Operating Officer for companies Soul Trading Corporation and Small Steps Skin.
The 23-year-old Timothy Laude, a budding internet personality, finished his tertiary education in July 2023.
Finally, Small's only girl, Allison Laude, completed her senior high school education at the International School Manila in May 2023, and now studies at Claremont McKenna College in California.
Staying strong through the years
Small and Philip Laude's 25th wedding anniversary in 2018 was a grand affair.
At the ceremony, the presiding priest offered these inspiring words: "Philip, be the best father, and Small, be the best mother for your children. Again, they are God's best gifts to you and they deserve the best also.
"We pray, all of us gathered here together for you, and we look forward. Today is the 25th and hopefully all of us are looking forward on your 50th, on your 75th, and by the graciousness of the Lord himself, even on the 100th year."
He went on to highlight respect as the cornerstone of their lasting union: "Continue to give respect to one another.
"In Filipino words: Ang mag-asawa, kahit may pagtatalo, kapag may respeto, panalo. For 25 years I know you've been together and that respect has always been there.
"And that because respect has always been there, that should continue. That respect should be given to your wife, to your husband."
The couple's unica hija, Allison, added her personal touch with a cello piece during the ceremony.
At the reception, family and friends shared speeches brimming with admiration and humor.
Alice, the eldest Eduardo sister, talked about surpassing tests in the early stages of a relationship as a marker of a strong bond.
"At this day and age, staying together for 25 years is a huge achievement. 25 years is admirable, amazing, fantastic, and heartwarming in anyone's book," she said.
"They say the first five years is your true test. If you can get past that, you're on the right track.
"Just like any couple, I have seen you go through the challenges and life as a couple. The best is yet to come."
Meanwhile, TV host Karen Davila brought light and affection to her speech, focusing on Small's personality and the joy she brings to those around her: "What makes you beautiful is really that you're funny.
"It's not the fact that you are physically beautiful, but you just add so much life, into even Alice's life.
"Alice tells me, ‘Karen, I don't know what life would be without Small.’ So, now you know. So, Small, we love you.
"Peace is lasting just tonight. Bukas, wala na to, dear. So, love you both Philip and Small."
Pops, a dear old friend, offered sage advice drawn from her own experience. She reminded the couple: "There's no such thing as a perfect marriage."
Continuing, the singer/actress/host said: "So, that means that you guys both have to really, more than the love, di ba? This is my experience, more than the love, I think you guys have to respect each other."
Praising Small and Philip's dynamic as a great tandem, she joked, "Philip says 'yes' to Small and Small asks for everything, am I right?
"No, whatever it is, Small makes Philip laugh. Small is actually the one that makes all of us laugh, and it's true.
"Here is wishing you guys many, many more years, not just 25 years."
Finally, Philip thanked the guests on behalf of himself and Small, saying they appreciated everyone making time to join them celebrate their 25th anniversary.
He reflected on the "adventurous 25 years" they had shared, acknowledging the highs and lows they had overcome together.
"I love Small very much. My life won't be the same without her."
Read: 11 famous ninangs at grand weddings in Philippine showbiz
On their 30th wedding anniversary in 2023, Philip wrote Small a note attached to a bouquet of flowers:
"Happy Anniversary Babe. For 30 years you have been beside me through the ups and downs. You have been the bond that kept our marriage and family together.
"As we embark to new journeys and adventures together, here's to another 30 years of love. I love you, Phil"
LAVISH LIFESTYLE
Despite coming from families with successful businesses, both Small and Philip chose to venture on their own.
Small used to own Greenhills Learning Center, an elementary school, before co-founding Timson Printing, a company specializing in commercial printing; and Timson Securities, a brokerage firm, with Philip.
As their businesses grew larger, their lifestyle grew more lavish.
Today, the couple resides in a six-story, resort-inspired home designed by renowned architect Ed Calma and nestled in an exclusive enclave.
The move proved to be fortunate and transformative for their family.
The home boasts expansive outdoor decks on each level, ideal for hosting guests, and features two scenic elevators, elevating it to a true sanctuary of luxury.
Small personally selected Italian furniture from Milan to furnish their home with.
Notable pieces include a Minotti sofa, Rimadesio console, Fendi coffee table, and Poltrona Frau stools, with prices ranging from PHP300,000 to over PHP3 million, making their residence a monument to their success and taste.
In addition to their multimillion-peso home, the couple and their kids are avid travelers, with documented trips spanning the globe from Thailand to Dubai, Botswana, Europe, and the United States.
Read: Small Laude's Yaya Lotlot gets a taste of celebrity life
Social Media Presence
Small's foray into the klieg lights was anything but planned.
With encouragement from journalist Karen Davila, she began vlogging to share glimpses of her daily life, which unexpectedly catapulted her into online fame.
Speaking in Karen's vlog, Small quipped, "Because, guys, ang pinagpipilian ko, kung magko-congresswoman ako o YouTube!"
Despite initial reservations by her daughter about joining the digital world, Small’s lively and engaging personality proved magnetic. Even her children’s friends became avid fans of her content.
Now, with over two million subscribers on YouTube, Small has built a robust portfolio of brand endorsements and partnerships.
She even starred in a four-part cable TV special titled It's a Small World, and briefly appeared in GMA-7's Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters.
However, her television stint was short-lived, as she candidly explained, "I don't like memorizing."
Her influence extends beyond YouTube, boasting an equally strong presence on other platforms with two million followers on Facebook and 951,000 on Instagram, cementing her status as a social-media sensation.
FACING CONTROVERSIES
While the couple is associated with glamour and high society, they are no strangers to controversy.
In 2014, Philip Laude was hit with a criminal complaint by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for allegedly attempting to evade taxes.
He was accused of failing to report PHP21.98 million in taxes, after making investments totaling PHP50.66 million and declaring only PHP741,000 in earnings. (PEP has yet to find out how this ended.)
Then in January 2019, Small and Alice found themselves in the spotlight when Gretchen Barretto singled out Alice during a Facebook Live that dropped the names of Marjorie Barretto and Kris Aquino in the conversation.
After discussing Alice's tax payments, Gretchen remarked: “I have ‘tampuhan’ with her sister, but I won’t say her name because it doesn’t suit her. She may be small in stature, but she has a big attitude.”
Small quickly denied the accusations, responding in an Instagram comment with: “It’s a lie. It’s slanderous.”
Apparently, Small and Gretchen patched up things on February 14, 2024, at Juan Ponce Enrile's 100th birthday, to go by the short video Small posted of her and Gretchen putting their smiling faces together for the camera.
Read: Philip Laude files writ of habeas data petition vs Precious Larra Su
Philip's rumored affair
Very recently Philip has found himself in the center of chatter on the net alledging an extramarital affair.
The claims arose from screenshots shared on Twitter on December 16, 2024, by a user under the handle @sachidmpskrt.
The screenshots, purportedly from an Instagram account named @preciouslara_su, included private messages and images that sparked widespread speculation online.
Messages from the linked content hinting at emotional struggles, jealousy, and a significant age gap between the individuals involved further pointed to an alleged romantic involvement.
As the screenshots continued to circulate, a cease-and-desist order from Philip's legal team was issued.
The letter demanded that all parties involved immediately stop sharing the compromising images and delete any evidence in their possession.
It emphasized that further dissemination of the screenshots would result in legal action, including claims for invasion of privacy and defamation.
Recently, on January 2025, Phillip filed a petition for writ of habeas data against Precious Larra Su.
READ MORE:
- From Asia to Europe: 30 Celebrities' Holy Week 2024 travel destinations
- Small Laude, Melai Cantiveros, Dani Barretto reveal shopping spending limit
- Small Laude wowed by new walk-in wardrobe of Singaporean socialite Jamie Chua: "Ang daming Hermes!"
- Small Laude cautions netizens against "DIY veneers" trend
- 23 Female Celebrities, Social Media Personalities with Beauty Businesses