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Kapuso reporter and documentarist Mav Gonzalez got real about her decade-long single life and how she eventually met her husband, Matthew, through a dating app--proving that love can come when you least expect it.

In a heartfelt interview with Kara David for i-Listen, Mav Gonzalez shared her inspiring story of staying single for almost 10 years before finally meeting her “the one.” Despite spending many Valentine's Days without a date, Mav said she never felt lonely. Instead, she used those years to focus on family, self-growth, and learning what she truly wanted in a partner.

“Hindi naman talaga ako nalulungkot,” she recalled. “Mas nalulungkot ako kapag halimbawa movie night, seventh wheel ako, or pinakamalala, ninth wheel.”

Mav revealed that she met Matthew through a dating app, stressing that online dating can be genuine as long as one stays cautious. “Be open to dating,” she advised, “pero huwag isuko agad ang Bataan. Mas gusto ko na makilala ko muna 'yung utak mo bago 'yung katawan mo.”

Throughout the interview, Mav emphasized the value of emotional connection and self-respect. She discussed lessons learned from past relationships, including the importance of trusting one's gut and never settling just to avoid being alone.

“Mas mabuti nang wala kaysa mapunta sa mali,” she said. “Dati pinipilit ko lang magkaroon [ng jowa], kahit alam kong wala namang patutunguhan.”

Mav also shared her detailed “future husband list,” which included qualities like being kind hearted, respectful, family-oriented, intelligent, and patriotic. She laughed as she read through it on camera, saying that Matthew fit nearly every item on the list except one.

When asked about their first meeting, Mav smiled as she recalled how thoughtful Matthew was. “He made reservations sa restaurant,” she said. “Parang simple lang, pero pinag-isipan niya talaga. 'Yung mga ganung gestures, bihira na ngayon.”

Their connection grew naturally through open communication and mutual respect. Mav shared that Matthew showed consistency and effort from the very beginning, qualities that made her feel secure and valued.

“Alam mo 'yung mga bagay na dati kailangan kong ipagpilitan sa ibang tao? Sa kaniya, normal lang. Magaan,” she said. “Hindi ako naglalakad sa eggshells.”

For Mav, being single for a long time wasn't wasted time, it was preparation. She encouraged others to stay hopeful and never lower their standards.

“Habang tumatanda ka, mas alam mo na kung ano 'yung gusto mo at 'yung ayaw mo,” she said. “Kaya taasan mo standards mo. Don't settle.”

When Matthew proposed after getting her family's blessing, Mav felt it was the natural next step. Their story serves as a reminder that true love doesn't have an expiration date and that being patient, self-aware, and authentic can lead to something lasting.

“Hindi pa huli ang lahat,” Mav said with a smile. “Kung dumating 'yung tama, mararamdaman mo talaga.”

From years of being single to finally finding her person, Mav Gonzalez's story is simply about love finding its way in the most natural way possible.

MAV GONZALES MARRIES MATTHEW VALEÑA IN THE US