For years, fans have speculated about the true nature of Coco Martin and Julia Montes' relationship.

Some believe they are simply boyfriend and girlfriend. Others insist they are already married and living under one roof. There are even persistent rumors claiming they have children together.

To date, none of these claims have been publicly confirmed.

And if you ask Martin, that level of mystery may have actually helped their relationship thrive.

The actor-director recently offered one of his most candid discussions yet about his long-time partner during the renewal of his endorsement contract with LPG brand Regasco.

Appearing relaxed, cheerful and unusually talkative, Martin opened up about the secret behind their enduring partnership, this, without even being prompted.

"Ako, share ko lang. Kaya siguro tumagal yung relationship namin, una siyempre kami... dati pa ito. Lagi kaming pinag-uusapan na parang sila na yata," Martin said.

"Pero kasi, talagang kineep namin na private yung relation namin. Kasi alam naman natin sa show business, di ba? Kapag marami nang pumapasok o marami nang nakikialam sa personal niyong buhay, dun minsan nagkakaroon ng problema."

For Martin, keeping their relationship private was never about hiding anything. It was about protecting something important from unnecessary outside interference.

While many people associate successful relationships with love and passion, Martin believes respect is what truly keeps a partnership alive.

"Pinaka-key yung marespeto kami sa isa't isa," he explained.

The actor pointed out that intense feelings are often strongest at the beginning of a relationship, but those emotions alone are not enough to sustain it.

"Yung pagmamahal kasi minsan, pag bago kayo, matindi. Bugso ng damdamin. Pero pag wala kayong respeto sa isa't isa, later on magfe-fade yun."

Instead, Martin said mutual respect and unwavering support have become the foundation of what he and Montes have built together.

"Yung respeto at saka suportahan ng isa't isa, iyon yung pinakasikreto namin. Kaya yung pagmamahal namin, mas tumitindi."

In fact, he believes their relationship has grown stronger over time.

"Yung iba pag bago, ang tindi ng pagmamahal sa isa't isa. Kapag tumatagal, nawawala. Kami, baligtad. Habang tumatagal yung relationship namin, kasi mas nagma-mature kami nang nagma-mature, mas naa-appreciate namin lalo yung isa't isa."

'Ang reyna ng tahanan'

Martin also shared how maturity has changed his perspective on relationships and family life.

Referring to Montes, he said with a smile, "Siya ang reyna ng aming tahanan."

The actor admitted that maintaining a happy household often requires compromise, patience and humility.

"Natuto akong mag-adjust. Para ang bahay n'yo maging masaya at maging tahimik, kailangan bilang lalaki, matuto kang manahimik."

As he elaborated on the lesson, Martin suddenly turned to Montes for help recalling a popular English saying that perfectly summed up his point.

Looking toward the actress, he asked her how exactly the phrase went.

Montes immediately supplied the answer: "A happy wife makes a happy life."

The exchange drew laughter from those in attendance, with Martin agreeing wholeheartedly.

Rather than insisting on having the final say, he said he has learned that listening and understanding often lead to a more harmonious relationship.

"Manahimik, mag-adjust at umunawa," he added.

'Kapag wala siya para akong napipilay'

The couple's close bond extends beyond their personal life.

Martin revealed that Montes accompanies him to many of his meetings and professional engagements, making her one of his most trusted partners.

"Si Julia ang lagi kong kasama sa kahit anong trabaho ko, sa lahat ng meetings ko. Kung meron akong shoot na commercial, siya ang lagi kong kasama."

He admitted that having Montes nearby gives him confidence.

"Kasi ang feeling ko, pag wala siya para akong napipilay. As in pag nandiyan siya, nalalagay ko sa isip ko na parang nagkakaroon ako ng extra lakas ng loob."

Martin said their relationship works because they complement each other.

"Yung kahinaan ko, yun naman yung kalakasan niya."

The actor also revealed that Montes helps oversee many business and financial matters related to his ventures while he focuses on creative work.

"Lahat ng finances, siya. Ako nasa creative lang."

Throughout the media gathering, Martin would occasionally consult Montes when searching for the right words to express his thoughts, affectionately calling her "Nanay."

Why they're more visible together these days

For years, the couple rarely appeared together publicly.

Today, however, they seem more comfortable sharing both their personal and professional partnership with the public.

One reason is their growing list of projects together.

The pair will headline the upcoming action-comedy drama "Sigabo," which is scheduled to premiere on June 22.

According to Martin, the delayed premiere ultimately worked in the show's favor, allowing the production team more time to refine the project.

"Kung medyo na-delay nang konti, nung nakita po namin siya, sabi nga namin, para ba kaming may reason pala kung bakit nahinto kami nang konti."

"Kundi para makapagpahinga, makapag-recharge at mas mabusisi namin yung proyekto."

Now that post-production is underway, Martin said he is proud of what they have accomplished.

"At ngayong ine-edit na namin at nakita ko na po lahat ng mga kinunan namin, sobra akong happy at sobra akong proud."

The actor even suggested that viewers can expect a project that surpasses expectations.

"Kasi sinigurado po ng buong team, lalo po ng ABS-CBN, na mas pinaganda pa namin siya."

"Kaya talaga pong yung ine-expect po ng mga tao, ibibigay po namin yun."

Apart from "Sigabo," Martin also confirmed that he and Montes are currently working on an upcoming movie together.

"Bukod kasi dun sa 'Sigabo,' may gagawin pa kasi kaming pelikula. May ginagawa kami ngayon na pelikula."

The actor expressed gratitude for the continuous blessings they have received both individually and as a team.

"Kaya ang sabi ko nga po, sobra-sobra talaga yung biyaya na ibinibigay sa amin ng Panginoon."

No interest in politics

During the same event, Martin once again addressed recurring rumors that he plans to enter politics.

For the umpteenth time, he denied having any intention of running for public office.

"Honestly, matagal na matagal na 'yan. Almost every election, lagi akong tatanungin niyan."

While acknowledging that there are capable and dedicated public servants, Martin said politics has never been part of his plans.

"Meron naman tayong matitino na politician. Pero napakahirap na sitwasyon."

Instead, he believes he can make a greater impact through his work in entertainment.

"Hindi ko nakikita ang sarili ko doon. Kung nakakatulong ako kahit konti sa ating kapwa mga Pilipino sa sarili kong paraan, okay na ako doon."

For now, Martin would rather focus on his career, his projects, and the relationship that has become his greatest source of strength.

"Kaya sabi ko nga na better na lang na tahimik kami bilang mag-partner at tahimik lang ako sa trabaho ko."