In the 9th episode of interactive benefit show “Kilig Match,” celebrity couple Enzo Pineda and Michelle Vito shared how their love story blossomed and how they managed to make their ‘pandemic relationship’ last.
“Kilig Match” is part of ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Isang Daan sa Pagtutulungan” fundraising drive for Typhoon Odette survivors live streaming via FYE Channel on Kumu, ABS-CBN Entertainment Facebook page and YouTube channel, iWantTFC, and SKYcable Channel 955 HD and Channel 155 SD.
Besides the kilig kantahan with Michelle and Enzo, and other featured Kapamilya singers, the sweethearts gave us access to their love story in the “Slambook Challenge.” According to MichEnzo, they first met in a fashion show a few years before they became co-stars in “Nang Ngumiti ang Langit.” But there was no spark. Michelle said she wasn’t into Enzo. Besides, she’s not one to easily get attracted to a guy.
So it’s safe to say that Enzo fell in love first when they reunited in the daytime drama. He would drop hints of his feelings, just subtle ‘ligaw’ moves like giving her food. And the exact moment he felt Cupid’s arrow hit him was after talking to Michelle’s mom onset. Enzo, admittedly going through a midlife crisis at the time, received the best words of advice from Michelle’s Mommy Marian. Through his conversations with Mommy Marian, he realized that Michelle is raised with good family values, which is an important factor in a woman he’s looking for.
In turn, Michelle appreciates the respect Enzo has for her parents, evident whenever he asks for their permission first before inviting her out on a date. Besides this trait, she also commends his perseverance that never waned despite her rejections. She wanted to play hard to get, thus turning down his invitations as advised by her mom and friends. The only time she decided to go out with him was during his birthday dinner, although she considered it just a birthday treat and not an official date.
On Enzo’s part, Michelle’s constant ‘no’ pushed him to prove his intentions until he gets her sweet ‘yes.’ It was pretty challenging since Michelle isn’t expressive, “Sinubukan lahat ng magpapasaya sa kanya. As a guy, kailangan ko hanapin kung anong nagpapakiliti sa kanya.” Thanks to his consistency, Enzo finally won Michelle’s heart on February 28, 2020.
Even before they mark their first monthsary, the pandemic and lockdown threatened to affect their relationship. But they managed to survive, thanks to consistency, patience, and understanding. The couple believes love can be shown in little things like when Enzo cooks for Michelle and has the food delivered to her house.
The fact that they lasted two years despite the pandemic makes him feel proud of their relationship, “Especially nowadays na maraming relationship na nagwawatak-watak kaagad. Swerte ka na ‘pag one or two years. Kami, ang tagal na rin namin magkakilala. So we feel really blessed na going strong ang relationship namin.”
Another secret to making it last is lesser fights, Michelle shared, “Sa loob na magto-two years kami, parang never kami nag-away nang malala to the point na maghihiwalay kayo. Kung iisipin, wala kami ‘yung grabeng pinag-awayan.”
She continued, “Sinasabihan namin ‘yung isa’t isa kung anong dapat i-improve, kung anong mga mali namin. Hindi lang kami nandu’n sa part na to enjoy, have fun, lumabas. Nandu’n kami sa para mag-grow din, tulungan namin ang isa’t isa.” She added that Enzo makes an effort to be the best for her, “Hindi ‘yung bina-block off niya na ‘Ganito ako, eh.’”
In their recent Valentine’s Day celebration, the pair had dinner in a restaurant and went to a massage spa afterwards. Enzo was also surprised when Michelle gave him a rose and gift, saying it was his first time to receive Valentine’s gifts from a girl.
Still in the “Slambook Challenge,” they revealed that Enzo was the first to say ‘I love you’ during their prayer before meal. Team ‘Mahal’ also shared their sweet promises to each other.
Joining MichEnzo that night are recently evicted Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10 housemates Rica Kriemhild and Aleck Iñigo, or RiLeck to their shippers. The ex-housemates said they had meaningful Valentine’s Day spent with the family. Rica celebrated with her grandparents while Aleck went glamping in Tagaytay with his clan.
It’s been just days since their PBB exit, so RiLeck is still adjusting to their newfound fame and fans in the outside world. They were shocked to know people were shipping them together, although there was a strong attraction between them inside Bahay Ni Kuya. Aleck said he was physically attracted to Rica’s beautiful nose and fashion sense. “Matangkad at maganda talaga siya, pwedeng model ng shampoo,” he said on his first impression of her. Rica is likewise impressed with the way he dresses. Attitude-wise, they appreciate each other’s sweet and caring ways.
Taking on the “Slambook Challenge,” Rica defined love as “something unexpected,” talking about the love she received from her family, friends, housemates, and Big Brother. Meanwhile, Aleck described love as “family” but he said family isn’t just limited to blood relation “but who you bleed for.”
RiLeck said they would continue their friendship in the outside world and are still getting to know each other. For level-up ‘kilig,’ Rica performed Aleck’s favorite song “You’re Still the One'' and granted other song requests from KUMUnizens.
Tawag ng Tanghalan’s Marielle Montellano and Luis Gragera joined the show to serenade the viewers as well. Michelle and Enzo also dedicated a song to each other and shared a ‘kilig’ duet.
For information and other ways to donate, visit the official pages of ABS-CBN Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or go to https://foundation.abs-cbn.com. The DSWD Authority/Solicitation Permit No. of this campaign is DSWD-SB-SP-00026-21, which is valid nationwide until May 28, 2022.