Many fans are rooting for JM dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, as they not only look good together, but also sound beautiful together. That’s why love filled the air during this episode of "Kuan On One," a Bisaya podcast hosted by Melai Cantiveros, where JM, from Davao, and Marielle, from Cebu, talked about love and courtship, comparing the old-fashioned ways to today’s modern approaches, and relived their journey to becoming the first “Tawag Ng Tanghalan Duets” champions.

The singing duo shared stories passed down by their parents about how courtship was much stricter in the past. A man had to visit the woman's home to win not just her affection, but also her family's approval. Serenades and handwritten letters were the main forms of communication back then. In the provinces, like where JM and Marielle grew up, guys would chop wood or offer chickens and pigs as part of their efforts. During town fiestas, they’d also join in on preparations like cooking, to prove their genuine intentions.

But the era of courtship they really experienced was the one that involved cute gestures toward school crushes. JM recalls having puppy love for a high school classmate, and writing on her desk, "I heart you. Ako ‘yung nasa gilid.” He also once used his singing voice to win over a girl he was courting, thus, for him, serenade is still a thing.

As for Marielle, growing up in a very conservative household in Tabogon, Cebu, she wasn’t allowed to entertain suitors while studying, with the rule being to finish school first before entering a relationship. However, she noticed that the stricter her parents became, the more rules they added. After she graduated, they told her to focus on finding a job first instead of having a boyfriend. Now, Marielle just laughs looking back, realizing her family had a point all along.

Even though the world has changed a lot, traces of old-school courtship still linger, especially with the way JM and Marielle were raised. For Marielle, if she were to entertain a guy, she prefers the traditional approach where he asks for her parents' permission first. This, for her, is how a man shows respect to her family.

JM agreed, adding that love is more meaningful when it’s earned and deepened through friendship. “Mas maganda talaga ‘yung maging kaibigan mo muna siya at makilala mo siya sa tamang bagay. I think, better kung ganu’n ang paraan sa panliligaw para makilala mo siya sa kung ano ang hindi maganda at kung ano ang maganda sa kanya, para at least, may idea ka, ‘di ba?” he thought.

On the topic about courtship, JM and Marielle, or JMielle to their fans, asked Melai how many suitors she had before meeting her now-husband, Jason Francisco. Cue Kuantie’s hilarious stories. She admitted that during her first year of college, she got into a romantic relationship due to peer pressure. However, being young and inexperienced, her first kiss didn’t exactly go as planned. The funnier part was that she panicked after hearing stories from her elders that even a simple kiss or holding hands could lead to unexpected consequences, leaving her convinced that she might get pregnant after just one kiss.

So when Jason started courting her, Melai made sure he knew she was worth the chase. Fans of Melai and Jason, known as MelaSon, remember that their love story began in “Pinoy Big Brother.” As housemates, Jason already showed his feelings and even asked Big Brother for permission to court her. Jason’s efforts continued after leaving the Bahay Ni Kuya, with Melai often enjoying her ‘haba ng hair’ moments from his consistent gestures, like giving her flowers.

They broke up for a year, but after that, Jason pursued her once more, this time focusing on gaining the trust of Melai’s parents. Winning Melai back wasn’t easy, though, as she played hard to get to test his persistence.

Kuantie Melai made JMielle a bit nervous with her straightforward question about their real status, especially since spectators have noticed the way they exchange glances, whether performing on stage or even off-cam. The TNT Duets champions kept things simple and real, saying they’re just going with the flow in both life and their careers.

“Happy kami,” said JM, quickly answering Melai’s follow-up question on whether Marielle is worth it. “Si Marielle, parang nasa kanya na ang lahat. Magaling kumanta, mabait, dalagang Pilipina. Respectable siya, so, very Pinay.”

When it was Marielle’s turn to speak, her words echoed with sincerity, emphasizing how her duet partner is one of the most special people in her heart. As they continue to grow closer, both personally and professionally, from their days as TNT contenders to becoming a duo, she feels even more certain that their meeting was something extraordinary. It’s as if fate brought them together as partners in TNT Duets, allowing them to achieve their individual goals as champions in that edition.

“Maraming nangyari sa journey namin. Maraming opportunities na bumukas para sa amin at na-meet na people at napuntahan naming lugar,” Marielle reflected. “Akala ko, hanggang doon lang ako. So, grateful talaga ako.”

Their backstory about how they became partners for TNT Duets is another example of how destiny played a role. When select ex-TNT contenders were invited to participate in the special TNT edition, JM’s first thought was whether he could be paired with Marielle. At that time, Marielle was focused on living a normal life away from the spotlight and felt hesitant about rejoining the competition after six years. Learning that JM specifically requested her as his partner, she felt a bit intimidated since JM had finished 3rd in his batch. However, she was eventually convinced to join.

When asked why he chose Marielle, JM revealed that he admires her vocal qualities, “Kasi ‘yun ang kailangan sa duets, ‘yung hindi kayo magsasapawan kundi magsusuportahan kayo sa isa’t isa at feel ko magja-jive talaga ang boses namin.”

As they won and deepened their connection in the industry, they’ve discovered that their harmony goes beyond their voices. They also get along and understand each other in every aspect, which is why their partnership remains strong and free of conflicts. They can even converse through glances.

When Kuantie Melai asked if this makes them feel like soulmates, JM responded shyly, “Siguro. Oo.”

Dakong Problema

Let's level up the ‘kilig’ factor with a touch of music in the "Dakong Problema" segment, where Kuantie Melai challenged her guests to an impromptu musical play titled “Kantahan sa Panliligaw: Musical Edition.” JMielle was dared to act out a love and courtship scenario, where JM had to ask permission to court Marielle, but with a twist—they had to sing their lines.

The atmosphere was charmingly ‘kilig’ as the tandem created spontaneous lyrics accompanied by the soft strumming of a guitar. The highlight, though, was when Kuantie Melai, playing Marielle’s strict aunt, joined the musical, adding a hilarious twist to the performance.

Ulimate Yawyaw

The podcast went on to the “Ultimate Yawyaw” segment, where Kuantie Melai and her guests reflect on their conversation.

One of the key takeaways JMielle got from the discussion is the power of gratitude. “Be thankful always. Halos araw-araw nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa Diyos para sa lahat ng nangyayari sa buhay ko and to have her bilang partner ko sa lahat,” said JM, bringing a smile to Kuantie Melai's face.

Here, Melai expressed her pride in how JM and Marielle maintain their self-respect and avoid rushing things. “Nakita ko sa inyong dalawa na kalma lang kayo sa buhay. I-enjoy lang dapat ang inyong journey dito sa showbiz. Minsan lang ‘to binibigay sa atin,” she told JMielle.

She added, “Ang pagmamahalan ninyo ay aabot pa ng ilang taon. Pero ang inyong career, ngayon lang ‘to. Hindi naman tayo forever sikat. Hindi rin tayo forever kilala. Hindi rin forever ang talent natin.” If she were their parent, she’d be happy to see JM and Marielle understanding their priorities.

“Seize the moment,” JM advises. Life and fate have already shown them that the right things come at the right time. No matter what, JM and Marielle will just keep moving forward. As they say in Bisaya, “Padayon.”