Maureen Larrazabal bares why marriage isn’t part of her 22-year relationship

Maureen Larrazabal has been with her longtime partner for 22 years, but marriage isn’t part of their plan.

On Friday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the actress was asked if not getting married was a choice.

“Yes. Ako kasi, very particular ako sa ‘yung mag-aaway tayo tapos mahihirapan tayo. We love each other. We’ll be together. It’s easy to fall in love, but to stay in love is very difficult,” she said.

Per Maureen, such is a choice that one has to make every day.

“So, choice ko to be with you. It doesn’t matter kung kasal tayo or not,” she said.

Beyond her relationship, Maureen also spoke about her life as a mother, sharing how close she is to her children.

“Very hands-on ako. I’m always there kung kailangan nila ako. Every day ko silang kausap, I’m very close to my daughter; 19 na siya but she sleeps beside me, so gano’n kami ka-close. Kilala ko ‘yung mga manliligaw niya,” she said.

She then became emotional when she opened up about raising two non-biological children, saying "ang takot ko, hindi nila maintindihan why, tapos mag-rebelde."

But Maureen has found relief when her kids gave her comforting words.

“Hindi na nila ako tinanong, actually. Pero sinabi’t binitawan nalang nila one day na ‘We know that you’re not our real parent, but we love you so much that we don’t care to know who our parents are.’”

The heartfelt moment left Maureen feeling deeply grateful.

“Hindi na ako binigyan ng hirap na mag-explain ng mga anak ko and because of that, I am really, very thankful and grateful to them. Because ‘yun ‘yung kinatatakot ko na hindi ko kayang i-explain papano,” she said.

Maureen is set to make appearances in “Bubble Gang,” which is celebrating its 30th anniversary with two-part anniversary special episodes on October 19 and 26. 

More special appearances will include Ara Mina, Vice Ganda, Jillian Ward, AiAi Delas Alas, Esnyr, and Ogie Alcasid. — LA, GMA Integrated News