Celebrity couple Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and Anthony Pangilinan mark three decades of marital bliss by launching their second book, "Marriage Is a Marathon."

"We've seen through 30 years that people are so excited to have their grand weddings, but not so much giving their time and effort to prepare for the wedding, which is the day after the wedding. The wedding is just one day; marriage is forever," said Maricel during a media conference for the book launch in San Juan City recently.

"And we see that in all our lessons from running marathons worldwide. [Marriage also] takes a lot of preparation," she added. "You will also see science through preparing, training, and recovering. And you need all the help you can get along the way."

"Marriage is a Marathon" features eight chapters, each featuring tips on how couples can navigate their relationship "one step at a time."

Despite facing various challenges in their relationship, the couple said it took them five years to finish the book.

"This book took five years to make it to publication. But it is a product of 30 years of preparation, working things out, celebrating things together, moving forward, getting stranded, sometimes falling, and getting back on our feet to continue our race in this marriage that is a marathon," Anthony said.

Maricel has revealed that one crucial factor that has helped her and Anthony maintain a strong bond is their unwavering commitment to each other regarding their emotions and ability to tackle problems together.

"Most of the things we go through, we go through privately. We don't announce it to everyone. We have agreed to sort out these things within ourselves. And these lessons we learned, we share with others. Nothing to sort out in the public," she said.

Maricel and Anthony generously offered their unsolicited guidance to individuals who may doubt the institution of marriage.

"When Anthony and I got married, we decided na we would prepare each other so that we knew what was going into, kasi that's the thing about marriage: you have to prepare yourself for what's coming for you and your partner. That's why we went into intensive marriage counseling; it was something that we're not expecting to have," she said.

Ending things between them

Being together for 30 years, Anthony and Maricel were also on the verge of ending things between them during the first few months of their marriage. In the first chapter of the book, "Make the Decision." Maricel shared that she almost left her family when Anthony let her pack her things and go.

"There was one time he let me say it and allowed me to pack my bags and go. Then, while I was packing, he started tickling the kids and was having a great time with them while seeing me off," Maricel shared.

As she continued the story, it made sense to her that deciding to get married and start a family with Anthony was worth fighting for.

"It dawned on me that there was no other kind of life I wanted to live except to be with my family. It was and is worth fighting for. I remember telling Anthony that despite all the little things about him that can get really annoying at times, I still choose him," she added.

Getting their kids involved in marathons and their marriage

Anthony and Maricel have done six marathons together, while Anthony has done 11 alone. The couple shared that the one thing that keeps them on the finish is their kids.

What started as a hobby for Anthony eventually became a ritual for Maricel and her kids.

According to Maricel, having her kids with her on Marathons has been one of the best things that they did.

"I have always been motivated by activities that involve my family. I guess it is also a joy to journey with family, so our story is told as we live it, and then there is more understanding about why we do things and for whom we do them. It is also a joy to be able to lean on family for support, and then to be cheered on, and then told the things only family can have the courage to share and then be transformed," she said.

Anthony recalls one of the moments he wanted to quit on the last leg of his race, but with his kids' help, he could push through.

"So, I remember closing my eyes just a few steps across the finish line. I saw the face of my son Donny, and then I remembered he was tracking me online. I was worried because he was going to ask me what happened on my last steps in the race, and at that moment, I realized that I was accountable to my son, I finished the race strong," Anthony said.

From the ups and downs of their marriage and marathons, Anthony and Maricel have kept their kids involved in every way, including the book's writings. Each of the chapters includes insights from their children.

"They are very much aware of the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of us, but they celebrate how we have kept the course throughout all these years. One thing very clear with our children is that we may not be perfect, but we strive to always do better. They are very much a part of this book and they have endorsed this book as well and shared their stories, especially Hannah who has run a marathon herself, and Ella, who will be married this year," Maricel said.

Anthony and Maricel got married on December 19, 1993. The two shared five kids Ella, Donny, Hannah, Benjamin, and Solana. The couple's first book was "Sabi Ni Mister, Sabi Ni Misis," published in 2014.

"Marriage Is A Marathon" is now available on Shopee and Lazada for P499. More details about the book are available on Anthony and Maricel's website.