Maalaala Mo Kaya capped off the “love month” by featuring the inspiring and relatable love story of letter senders John Muni and Theza Aliporo-Muni, compelling portrayed by fast-rising loveteam Karina Bautista and Aljon Mendoza who were able to capture the ups and downs of the real-life couple’s relationship.
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Host Charo Santos-Concio had the chance to talk with the couple in a recent episode of MMK “Kumustahan”, wherein she initially asked them what motivated them to share their story to the viewers. According to Theza, she just tried her luck in sending a message to the official Facebook page of the long-running drama anthology, and she immediately received a response for the interview.
Being able to impart their love story was indeed a pleasure for them as John disclosed how avid fans they are of the program ever since they were young and how the moral lessons it conveyed through its every episode have been ingrained in them. Thus, never in their wildest dreams that they had imagined that their story would be known by many people in different parts of the world.
As their paths first crossed in a famous fastfood chain where they used to work together as members of the service crew, the couple told the host that that experience had taught them a lot of things, which they were able to apply in their marriage.
“Nakatulong po siya doon sa pagbu-budget ng pera, ‘yong pagsisikap po namin. Nagkaroon na po kami ng mga pangarap sa buhay, nagkaroon na po kami ng goal,” Theza said.
Her husband added, “’Yong [pagiging] fastfood crew po namin, hindi rin po siya nae-experience ng lahat e. Una po, ang pinakamahalaga po na natutunan namin ‘yong pagpapakumbaba, ‘yong humility po talaga. Kasi karamihan po, ang tingin kapag pagfa-fastfood crew ka, medyo mababang uring hanapbuhay. Pero hindi po kami natinag do’n kasi mas natutunan po namin na kasama po talaga sa trabaho ang pagpapakumbaba. And nagamit po namin sa relationship po namin ang pagpapakumbaba kasi talagang kailangan naming magpakumbaba sa isa’t isa.”
With regards to the challenges they encountered as fastfood crew members that affected their relationship, Theza recalled that it was really time management, given how strict their company and how hectic their schedules were. Those taught them to be organized and manage their time well.
When Charo asked John if he still wants to pursue his ambition of becoming a lawyer, he related that he’s still dreaming about it. But for now, he chooses to prioritize first his elderly parents, especially that we’re still in the midst of a pandemic.
Aside from his personal ambition, John also wishes that their dream of having a child will come true. It may not be given to them yet, but they’re optimistic that God is going to bless them according to His will and perfect time. They may be already a family now, but they see having a kid as something that’s going to make them happier and more complete.
When asked for their advice for young couples out there, John and Theza enumerated that having constant communication, not easily giving up, putting your partner’s welfare before you, and working together for their dreams are indeed the keys to having a healthy, fruitful, and lasting relationship.
Charo concluded the MMK Kumustahan episode by echoing their advice and sharing her own thoughts about it.
“Kailangan laging nag-uusap, lahat ay nadadaan sa magandang pag-uusap kasi magkakaibang tao tayo, may kanya-kanya tayong pananaw, may kanya-kanya tayong paniniwala, may kanya-kanya tayong ugali. So, ang nagtatawid sa atin sa isa’t isa ay ang tunay at magandang pakikipag-usap sa isa’t isa,” she elaborated.
Then she continued, “’Yong tunay na pagmamahal na hindi nag-e-expect ng anything in return, may nauuna sa’yo [and] it’s not just about yourself. Siyempre, mamahalin mo ‘yong sarili mo, kailangan mahal mo ang sarili mo para makapagmahal ka rin nang tunay.”
Get your weekly dose of inspiration by watching MMK every Saturday night on on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z Channel 11, TV5, and iWantTFC.