Danica Sotto and Marc Pingris are among the admired celebrity couples in showbiz.
Happily married for 16 years now, the couple continue to navigate their life, share their passion to learn, and evolve together for their kids, Anielle Micaela and Jean Michael.
They came from different backgrounds.
Danica is the daughter of comedian Vic Sotto and actress Dina Bonnevie and was exposed to the limelight since her childhood.
Marc, meanwhile, had a rough childhood. Growing up in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, Marc had to work at a young age because of poverty.
His father left to work in Morocco when he was three years old and didn't come back.
“Tinutulungan ko 'yung mother ko na magtinda ng fruits sa palengke, mga 10 o 11 years old ako no'n,” Marc told Powerhouse host Kara David in 2014.
“Actually doon na rin kami sa ilalim ng puwesto namin natutulog, eh.”
Basketball became Marc's escape from poverty and hardships.
He was drafted into the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in 2004 by FedEx Express. Marc's career though would blossom under the Purefoods franchise alongside James Yap, PJ Simon, and multi-titled coach Tim Cone.
Marc's humble beginnings made Danica fall in love with him.
It was through his trainer that Marc met Danica.
“Yung trainer niya, friend ko rin so pinakilala kaming dalawa,” said Danica.
“Hindi naman takot, nahihiya lang,” Marc said, recalling the time when he had to meet Danica's showbiz parents.
“Wala naman kasi akong balak na masama kay Danica, eh. Totoong tao naman ako na humarap sa kanila so hindi ako natakot.”
As to what keeps their marriage strong, Marc has this to say.
“Bago kami matulog, pinagpe-pray namin 'yung marriage namin,” Marc shared.
“Kapag naman magkaaway kami, hindi kami natutulog hangga't hindi nagbabati, kahit madaling araw pa 'yan.”
Danica added, “Hindi kami nagbabati para lang matapos na. Kung sino man 'yung may kasalanan, she or he has to explain why she or he did that and apologize.
“Then kapag okay na, wala nang sumbatan in the future.”
Check these sweet and adorable photos of Danica and Marc.
Danica and Marc always make sure to celebrate important events in their lives.
The hug that always reminds Danica that everything is going to be all right.
Who wouldn't want to be hugged like this by your loved one?
Danica and Marc marked their 13th wedding anniversary in March 2020.
This picture was taken 14 years ago in France. Look at how cute they are!
Thirteen years later, Marc is still the same guy who has the “same golden
heart” for his wife Danica.
After being together for more than a decade, Marc and Danica have skillfully navigated the rough shores of married life.
Danica and Marc really look perfect for each other!
Now that's cute!
Of course, one of their goals is to stay fit and healthy together and become the best person they can be.
Danica and Marc do the “octopus hug” to show their affection for each other.
Marc loves to post humorous but sweet captions on Instagram.
“DANICA - ang init ng suot mo grabe!! MARC - mas mainit ka tignan kaysa sa suot ko lumapit lang ako pinag pawisan na ako,” Marc funnily wrote to accompany this sleek photo of him and Danica.
The couple likes to make fun of their height difference. Danica, of course, is Marc's top fan on and off the basketball court.
On their 16th anniversary, Marc penned a heartfelt message for his wife Danica.
He said, "Happy 16 years sa atin dalawa be! Salamat sa mga araw na super down ako pero nandyan ka para sabihin lagi sa akin kaya natin to. Salamat dahil minahal mo ako."
Marc continued his anniversary post by stating his love for Danica.
"Love you @danicaspingris sorry sa mga mali ko sa buhay at salamat dahil patuloy mo ko ginagabayan! Mahal kita. #16years #happyanniversary #march3 #myqueen #octopushug #thankyoulord"
Danica wrote on her Instagram account what she's grateful for.
"I am grateful for those people who always pray for us and support our family. They say that It is usually the roughest roads that leads to greatness or success. So, I will continue to remain hopeful and trust that the God Almighty is bigger than all my worries and cares."
A short and sweet "ILY" is the caption of Danica in her sweet photo with her husband, Marc.