We all love taking a little inspiration from couples who managed to stand the test of time. In this throwback video from Tonight with Boy Abunda, OPM singers Dingdong and Jessa Avanzado open up about their marriage and the time they almost called it quits.
There’s a popular belief about couples going through the so-called “seven-year itch.” They say it’s the period where excitement and happiness wane in long-term romantic relationships. It turns out Dingdong and Jessa suffered from this problem. Add to that Jessa being the jealous type.
Dingdong shared, “Kasi selosa siya, parang feeling ko ‘yung pagseselos niya was already too much.” In defense, Jessa explained that a woman’s jealousy is not just a mere stereotype. It is sometimes rooted in deeper expectations, “’Pag nagseselos naman ang isang babae, hindi lang ibig sabihin na-i-insecure siya. Ibig sabihin, minsan meron lang siyang hinahanap na kunyari assurance o i-acknowledge ka kung ano na ‘yung posisyon mo sa taong ‘yun.”
There came a point when she felt neglected, sort of unloved. They sorted through the problem by honest communication. He added, “Inisa-isa namin ‘yun. At that time, hindi kami nagtutugma. Iba ‘yung pag-iisip ko.”
Asked how they managed to realign their views and emotions, Dingdong credits the Man above. A pastor meddled and they realized God being at the center of the relationship is the only way to surpass the test.
Requested by veteran host Boy Abunda to perform a song describing their relationship, the singing couple treated us to a duet of “Panghabangbuhay.”