Louise delos Reyes is aware that living with Jino would stir debates and other spectators’ judgment. And while she treats opposing views with respect and diplomacy, she also knows herself better than anyone else. She holds the key to what exactly will make her happy.
Besides, the setup was inspired by practical reasons such as having someone to help you manage the house, do the grocery, and pay the bills; and knowing the other partner to the core which may help avoid the more complicated, and not to mention expensive, annulment process later on. “Ako kasi ‘yung tipo ng tao na hindi makampante hangga’t hindi ko alam kung paano ka sa loob ng bahay. Kasi hindi mo naman ‘yun makikita kung magde-date lang kayo. Ito ‘yung pwedeng maiwasan kung alam mo lang sa simula kung anong pinapasok mo.”
“Marami nang nabago sa mundo at kailangan rin mag-adapt ng tao sa mga nangyayari,” she asserts. Yet, sharing a home with Jino isn’t just all about play or a trial-and-error test. “Hindi naman ‘to laro. Hindi ganu’n kadali kasi marami kang igigive-up like your privacy. Ibang mundo ang ihahain mo kapag may kasama ka na sa iisang bahay.” They make sure to still respect one another’s alone time.
It was Jino who helped her grow into a practical and financially wise woman especially these days when jobs turned temporary and she has nothing else to run to but her savings. She is no longer the type who takes the day as it comes, for she’s not getting any younger, after all. In return, Louise taught Jino how to look at challenges from a more relaxed perspective. She is the jolly clown who lightens up his load and casts a smile on his face amid problems. Theirs is a give and take relationship.