EXCLUSIVE: Mariz Umali, Raffy Tima share secret to lasting and harmonious relationship

Kapuso power couple Raffy Tima and Mariz Umali have been married for eight years now but they still show affection for each other like any newlywed couples.

What's the secret to their lasting and harmonious relationship?

In an exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com, Mariz and Raffy related some advantages of being bestfriends prior to having a romantic relationship.

As fellow Kapuso news reporters, the two have built friendship over time. It became the strongest foundation of their partnership.

“Mas naiintindihan n'yo kasi 'yung isa't isa.

"Bestfriends kayo tapos kumbaga, feeling ko kasi parang aside from the fact na mag-asawa kayo, 'yung ang lalim na ng pagkakakilala n'yo sa isa't isa dahil magkaibigan kayo,” said Mariz.

“Wala nang pretensions, hindi ka nagpapapogi o nagpapaganda lang just because nanliligaw ka or asawa mo siya, parang the fact na magkakilala kayo or mag-bestfriends kayo even before pa 'yung romantic relationship, talagang wala 'yung pretensions.

“So I think it's one of the edge ng pagiging magkaibigan kayo prior to your romantic relationship,” she added.

For his part, Raffy shared that as friends, they have already witnessed the best and worst side of each other.

“Kasi kapag nagliligawan at hindi n'yo pa kilala 'yung isa't isa, talagang you should put your best foot forward e,” he said.

“Pero kapag magkaibigan na kayo, alam n'yo na sa isa't isa kung ano 'yung best du'n sa taong 'yun at kung ano 'yung worst niya.

“Tsaka kung mamahalin mo 'yung worst niya, wala ka nang hahanapin pang iba,” he added.

Raffy and Mariz tied the knot in December 2012.

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