Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana share advice to long-term couples who are pressured to get married

Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana, who got engaged after being together for more than six years, have an advice to other couples who feel pressured to tie the knot.

According to Carla, couples should not give in to the pressure to get married. “It’s very Filipino to ask couples” when are they settling down, Carla told GMA-7 Entertainment reporters in a pocket press conference on Tuesday.

“’Pag kinasal sila, ang next question ay kailan sila magkakaroon ng anak (after the wedding, the next question would be when are they having children),” she said.

Carla said getting married out of pressure or to have a baby were not enough reasons.

She said both partners had to be ready as individuals and as a couple.

She also said it depended on the couple, citing some who “aren’t even together for years” but whose marriage worked out, and others who “have been together so many years and it doesn’t work out.”

Carla added: “It really depends [on] the both of you, it depends [if you’re ready] and if it’s something you really ultimately want.”

According to Tom, meanwhile, it is men like him who are frequently asked this question, admitting that for years he felt pressured.

Fortunately for him, he said he “was blessed to have people around me who are able to give me that advice [not to give in to pressure right away].”

Tom said the decision should ultimately come from the partners in the relationship. “It’s between the two of you,” he said.

“So if you think about the external stuff instead of just viewing it as something flattering, meaning they must see something in you guys that they want you guys to end up together, that’s a good sign,”said the actor.

“Kaysa isipin nila na ay hindi sila bagay together (instead of others thinking you’re not suited for each other).”

The Kapuso actor said instead of getting pressured, he viewed it “as something that was flattering, so I didn’t let it pressure me.”

He said if couples “force something just because of some other people want to happen for you, then it might be the reason [why things might not work].”

“(If) it was really your gut feel, you will know when it’s the right time,” said Tom.

Carla and Tom got engaged on Oct. 18, 2020, but the Kapuso couple made it public only last Sunday.

According to the couple, they are planning a traditional church wedding by the end of the year once the country’s current situation gets better.

They met through their GMA-7 teleserye “My Husband’s Lover” in 2013. – RC, GMA News