Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and Anthony Pangilinan (Facebook)

Celebrity couple Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and Anthony Pangilinan celebrate 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, 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.

Donny Pangilinan (Facebook)

No star treatment

Maricel and Anthony still keep the parent card for their son Donny Pangilinan.

During the event, the couple emphasized how Donny always prioritized not discussing work when he was at home with them. Maricel also mentioned that Donny is responsible for picking up Solana, her younger sister, from school. 

"Kapag nasa bahay si Donny, siya yung nagsabi na pag nandun siya walang trabaho pag uusapan, anak lang namin siya and wala siya dito ngayon kasi he has to be with Solana who's having her first of day school, so siya yung taga sundo," Maricel said. 

(Donny emphasizes that work should not be discussed at home. He is just our son. He's not here right now because he has to pick up Solana on her first day of school.)

Anthony proudly shared that despite his fame as one of the famous actors of his generation, Donny, 25, manages to stay humble and down-to-earth by regularly taking on household responsibilities with his siblings.

"Siya yung taga hugas ng plato, kapag nasa bahay yan, he has to do the chores like everybody else," Anthony said. 

(He is the one responsible for washing the dishes whenever he is at home. Just like everyone else, he must complete his share of household chores.)

Furthermore, Anthony graciously shared the priceless wisdom that Donny has acquired through their profound comprehension of love and relationships. 

"I think yung spontaneity kay Maricel yun talaga yayakapin ka na lang niya, pagdating sa bahay gusto tumalon sa kama kasi gusto makipag cuddle that's Maricel. Pero yung iisipin kung papasukin ko ba to, diba siya na ba ang para sakin, that came from me. So, I think that combination is good konting spontaneous and the other one is pagplanuhin," Anthony said. 

(I think he got Maricel's spontaneity. He will hug you; when he comes home, he wants to jump on the bed to cuddle. That's Maricel. But the thought of whether I should let him in or if he was the one for me came from me. So, I think that combination is good, a little spontaneous, and the other one is planned)

The couple's first book was "Sabi Ni Mister, Sabi Ni Misis," published in 2014. Maricel and Anthony have five children: Ella, Donny, Hannah, Benjamin, and Solana.

"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.