(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Valentine's Day shared personal reflections on love and marriage, advising couples that lasting relationships are built on friendship, mutual understanding, and the willingness to give and take.
In his BBM Vlog episode 277 released on Valentine’s Day, the president encouraged couples to cherish each other’s company and recognize how rare it is to find someone who genuinely cares.
"Enjoy each other's company. You know, it is rare to find someone...that you care for and cares for you, with whom you have a very nice time together," Marcos said.
"Let’s return to the concept of friendship. That's what you should try to find. And once you have found it and it's Valentine's Day, enjoy it to the fullest. It is a lovely feeling," he added.
Drawing from more than three decades of marriage to first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the President told youth groups that the so-called “secret” to a long marriage is not really a secret at all.
"It’s give and take," he said. "It cannot be ‘my way or no way,’ because if that’s the case, one will always be unhappy."
Marcos emphasized that nurturing friendship, making time for each other despite busy schedules, and doing small, thoughtful acts are essential in sustaining a healthy relationship.
He also acknowledged that carving out time for family is one of the most difficult challenges, given the demanding schedules of each member of their household.
"This is one of the hardest things to do because almost everyone in my family is very busy," the president said.
"Sometimes it’s hard to even set aside a moment—on weekends there’s always something to do—even just one day or to have dinner together. As long as we have the opportunity to be together, we take it," he added.
The president said that family gatherings are often spontaneous, sometimes involving quick trips to Ilocos or other destinations, whenever schedules align.
Marcos admitted it is not always easy, but emphasized that they do their best to prioritize being together.
Asked about a song that represents their relationship, President Marcos mentioned “Moonlight in Vermont,” sung by Sarah Vaughan, recalling that it was played during one of their early dates in New York.
He also weighed in on the trend of young people risking friendships by confessing romantic feelings, referencing Taylor Swift’s song “Ruin the Friendship.”
“I don't think that ruins the friendship. I understand what Taylor Swift is trying to say, that you move away from the friend zone and you become boyfriend, girlfriend, jowa, whatever you want to call it." But for me, the basis of any good relationship is true friendship. The best relationships I've seen have all been started by being friends," Marcos said.
"But if you’re not friends, you don't have fun with each other, you don't enjoy each other's company, and you don't amuse each other—if that doesn't happen, it’s really difficult to sustain a relationship," he added.
Meanwhile, Marcos shared a brief Valentine’s Day message for his wife on his social media account, accompanied by a special video of himself and the first lady.
"My forever Valentine, Liza, You are the love of my life, the heart of our home, and the calm in the middle of everything," Marcos said.
"You make it all make sense. You complete me," he added.
The First Couple married on April 17, 1993. They have three sons, namely Sandro, now the majority leader of the House of Representatives, Simon and Vincent.
