Pia Arcangel and Mico Halili: 10 years down, forever to go

They say opposites attract, but often it’s the similarities that bring two people together and bond them for life.

For Pia Arcangel and Mico Halili, it was basketball.

The two met in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), where Pia auditioned as a courtside reporter. Mico was already working in the UAAP then, and when Pia auditioned, he was part of the interview panel.

“I abstained from asking her questions kasi late ako [dumating sa audition venue]. Ang weird lang,” Mico said as he was trying to reminisce their first ever meeting.

Pia got the job, and was one of the first women who got to be part of the action-packed and male-dominated UAAP broadcast. She and Mico worked together and fast became friends. Mico also became a mentor to Pia, giving her pointers and tips before going on cam.

“Because I saw her talent, it was easier for me na ‘sige, tutulungan ko ‘to.’ Nakikita ko, magaling siya,” Mico added.

After spending a few years in UAAP, Pia had thoughts of moving to the corporate world. But Mico did everything to convince her not to leave broadcasting—that was how much he believed in her talent.

They became colleagues again when Pia became one of the hosts of a morning show where Mico was the executive producer.

He started to make a move by giving simple gifts and checking on her once in a while. "I was very careful in approaching. Kasi I'm older," Mico shared.

Were his moves effective? Pia smiled and said, "kinilig ako!"

Mr. Principled

When Pia felt she was ready to be in a relationship, she handed a blank notebook to Mico as a symbol of a new chapter in their story. She told him that from then on, that notebook shall bear all their happy memories together.

Things were going steady when they noticed that their working relationship was becoming an issue to their blossoming romance. That was when Mico proved he has genuine feelings for Pia—he gave up his job because he didn’t want to be a hindrance to Pia’s career.

Pia said this was one of Mico’s qualities that she admires up to this day: "Ibang klase 'yung principles niya, hindi natitibag.”

She was already with GMA News when they decided to get married. Looking back at that happy moment from 10 years ago, this was all Mico could say: "I'm just so happy na nagkatotoo lahat ng pinangarap ko.”

So how do they define their true love?

"Hindi lang 'yun pag-ibig na walang katapusan. 'Yun ang pag-ibig na ayaw mong matapos," Mico said.

‘Fave celebrity couple’

During the airing of their “Wagas” episode, Pia and Mico’s fans were abuzz over their “kilig” love story. Some noticed their onscreen chemistry, while others expressed their admiration towards the couple and said they picked up a valuable love lesson or two.
 
 

The way @piaarcangel looks at @micohalili. That's love. #wagas <3

— Unknown User (@iamcessyg) January 18, 2014

"Nakuha ko na ang mga pangarap ko nung sinagot mo ako." @micohalili to @piaarcangel Aww, this couple is really cute! #Wagas

— Thel Suliva (@thelsuliva) January 18, 2014

My fave "celebrity" couple! I love your story! Super kilig & inspiring. Thank you for sharing Sir @micohalili & Ms. @piaarcangel. #wagas ??

— Jezelle ???? (@jezellelapid) January 18, 2014

Mas lalo ko naging fan ni Sir @micohalili after watching Wagas! Hanep ang Da-Moves ni Daddy Minion! ;) #Wagas FTW

— jhapz (@JuzCallmeN1nJ4) January 18, 2014

Coz of @micohalili and ate @piaarcangel, I learned that love can be found... In basketball. #Wagas

— James Velasquez (@_jamesvelasquez) January 18, 2014

@micohalili im a fan of yours and #wagas ♥ I think this one would be my favorite! :) So pogi and confident. Katawa! :D #NW

— Jhuedlhyn Aroc (@jhengcaguioa) January 18, 2014

Sa likod ng kwelang pag katao ni #daddyminion isang gentleman ang lulumabas Dami kong napulot boss @micohalili #wagas #daddyminonlovespia

— phil san gabriel (@john_phil28) January 18, 2014

@micohalili lupit nyo sir mico mapagmahal at maprinsipyong tao, saludo. Hehehe #WAGAS

— Romel David (@rsdavid2013) January 18, 2014