Ikinasal nito lamang May ang True Faith vocalist na si Medwin Marfil sa high school batchmate niyang si Mark Angeles. Ito na rin ang kauna-unahang pag-amin niya sa publiko sa kanyang kasarian.
In honor of Pride Month, ibabahagi nila ang kuwento ng kanilang pag-iibigan. Paano ba ito nabuo sa gitna ng pandemic? At ano ang reaksyon nila sa mga tutol sa kanilang pagsasama? Alamin ang mga sagot sa video.
In honor of Pride Month, ibabahagi nila ang kuwento ng kanilang pag-iibigan. Paano ba ito nabuo sa gitna ng pandemic? At ano ang reaksyon nila sa mga tutol sa kanilang pagsasama? Alamin ang mga sagot sa video.
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NewsTranscript
00:00:00 [music]
00:00:05 Okay!
00:00:06 Happy Pride Month, Kapuso!
00:00:08 And to officially open the Pride Month
00:00:10 in Updated with Nelson Canlas,
00:00:12 we invited Isa and Plus One
00:00:16 to my long-time friend.
00:00:18 And boy, we're going to talk about
00:00:20 a lot of things that hit close to home.
00:00:23 We'll talk about the new wedding.
00:00:25 Of course, we'll be with
00:00:27 and I'm very much in love.
00:00:29 The lead vocalist of True Fate
00:00:31 is Medwin Marfil and of course, Mark.
00:00:34 There, Medwin and Mark.
00:00:37 - Hello. - Welcome to you, first of all.
00:00:39 - Thank you. - Thank you.
00:00:41 Personally, I never saw myself as the marrying kind.
00:00:45 I'm always the wedding singer.
00:00:48 It's ironic because I'm an artist.
00:00:50 You know, I write love songs.
00:00:52 But the sentimentality of it,
00:00:53 I get kind of, I feel icky about it.
00:00:56 But deep inside, I really wanted to.
00:00:57 I wanted what straight couples have.
00:00:59 Someone said that he's sad.
00:01:03 Because?
00:01:04 He said he's sad because of me being gay
00:01:09 and the looks of our marriage.
00:01:11 I just thought, "Poor you, you're sad."
00:01:14 Hey, I don't know where to start, Medwin.
00:01:18 Well, you surprised me
00:01:23 and for sure, a lot of us were surprised in a good way.
00:01:26 Right?
00:01:28 You broke the news via social media
00:01:33 and it shocked a lot of people.
00:01:36 What do you say about that?
00:01:38 I was surprised because I was surprised.
00:01:44 Because in my world, if you follow social media,
00:01:48 there were already hints for many years.
00:01:50 I'm very vocal about LGBT rights.
00:01:54 And the things I like in pop culture,
00:02:00 very much leaning to gay-friendly,
00:02:03 gay-themed movies.
00:02:06 I mean, I love Troye Sivan.
00:02:09 I love Abba.
00:02:12 George Michael is one of my ultimate idols.
00:02:15 You're like a 1+1, right?
00:02:17 Yes.
00:02:19 And I was surprised that it blew up on social media.
00:02:23 I thought it would be just within the fandom of True Faith.
00:02:28 Maybe the most is within the OPM music scene,
00:02:32 the band scene.
00:02:34 But it was like grass fire on a windy day.
00:02:39 The media outfits really picked up
00:02:42 and then people were talking about it.
00:02:45 So, I was surprised and at the same time, it was funny
00:02:47 because generally, it was favorable in response.
00:02:50 People were very supportive.
00:02:53 We were both surprised that it was going to be this big.
00:02:58 We were thinking that it was just social media
00:03:01 that would be the platform for the comments.
00:03:06 We were surprised because he posted it after midnight
00:03:09 here in the US.
00:03:11 So, when we woke up in the morning,
00:03:14 I received a lot of text messages from friends
00:03:17 both here in the US and Manila saying,
00:03:20 "Hey, you're on the headlines here."
00:03:24 Not just on social media, but also on major networks
00:03:28 and major newspapers.
00:03:31 I was like, "Huh? Okay."
00:03:33 But you know, Mark, this is true,
00:03:36 we've been friends for almost 20 years,
00:03:39 but we never really sat down and talked about it.
00:03:43 Because, what's there to talk about?
00:03:46 We talked on social media, we DMed each other.
00:03:50 We talked about healthy stuff.
00:03:52 There was a time that I wanted to try being a vegetarian
00:03:57 and he gave me tips.
00:03:59 Yes, that's right.
00:04:01 That's about it.
00:04:02 We never really, you know, "Are you..."
00:04:05 or something like that, "Are you dating who?"
00:04:07 Never about that.
00:04:09 That's why when this came out,
00:04:11 I told myself,
00:04:13 "I'm really very happy for my friend because he's happy."
00:04:17 Right?
00:04:18 It's not like I would text you and tell you,
00:04:22 "Hey, why didn't you tell me?"
00:04:25 Or, "Why in the last 20 years, we never really talked about it?"
00:04:29 Because we have a common friend, Dalian Carvajal.
00:04:33 Give me a few tea on the honeymoon stage.
00:04:36 No, we haven't had a honeymoon yet
00:04:39 because right after that weekend, Mark went back to work.
00:04:42 If you're talking about the honeymoon per se,
00:04:45 we haven't had a chance to go out yet.
00:04:48 Oh, you haven't planned it yet.
00:04:51 Yes, but as far as our dynamics together,
00:04:56 The afterglow of the wedding.
00:04:58 Yes, it's like, "Is this for real?
00:05:00 Is this true that we're really married?"
00:05:03 Ever since we became us,
00:05:08 in June of 2022,
00:05:10 our third anniversary will be next month,
00:05:12 it really felt like we were already married.
00:05:16 There was this instant connection.
00:05:19 I said yes to him right away.
00:05:22 So you got married after three years?
00:05:24 Oh, yeah.
00:05:26 Oh my God, I got married after three years.
00:05:28 Oh, very cool.
00:05:30 Is that the going rate?
00:05:32 Like, after three years?
00:05:34 You're our idol, bro.
00:05:36 No, it's not like that.
00:05:38 You kind of know the person after three years?
00:05:41 Is it like that?
00:05:43 I would think so, yes.
00:05:45 Well, since it's LDR,
00:05:48 we talk a couple of times every day during the day.
00:05:51 More than two times a day.
00:05:54 And of course,
00:05:56 if he's either here in the US or in Manila,
00:05:59 we're always together.
00:06:01 And it's like you're already living together.
00:06:05 Yeah, a year before we met,
00:06:07 I know it took a year before we met here in the States.
00:06:11 So it was LDR.
00:06:12 So, the first time I saw him,
00:06:15 a year after we said yes to each other,
00:06:19 it was like...
00:06:21 it was new because LDR is different
00:06:24 from what you see through FaceTime and all that.
00:06:28 In person, it's like, will it be the same?
00:06:31 So, it felt like, okay, our dynamics are fine.
00:06:35 And then another thing you need to test is
00:06:39 how about staying together?
00:06:41 Oh, that's a big thing.
00:06:43 Yeah, I went here in 2022.
00:06:45 I toured with my brother,
00:06:47 representing Tufek,
00:06:48 with Block 9, Intervoice, and Rivermaya.
00:06:51 And then after that tour,
00:06:53 I stayed here with them for a month.
00:06:55 - And... - That's crazy.
00:06:57 Yeah.
00:06:58 After that one month,
00:06:59 he gave me a ring on the Pacific Coast.
00:07:03 We love the Pacific Coast.
00:07:04 - Here in... - Montara Beach.
00:07:06 He gave me a ring on Montara Beach.
00:07:08 He said, "Promise me that you'll be back."
00:07:14 And I said to him,
00:07:15 "Yeah, you're very much worth coming back to."
00:07:18 So I guess that's it.
00:07:20 You're so excited.
00:07:22 At that point,
00:07:23 we could've gotten married any time.
00:07:28 But the thing is,
00:07:29 I had to go back.
00:07:30 We talked about it several times,
00:07:33 how to move forward.
00:07:35 Because my career is based here in the US.
00:07:39 And then of course,
00:07:40 his career is in the Philippines.
00:07:42 And then he can't decide right away
00:07:46 because a lot of people are jealous of him
00:07:49 because he's not a solo one-man band.
00:07:52 Yeah, he's a band.
00:07:54 So we need to consider how to be a member of True Faith.
00:07:59 Yeah.
00:08:00 So it's a long process.
00:08:02 A lot of thinking.
00:08:04 And then...
00:08:05 So I said,
00:08:07 "Okay, one more time.
00:08:08 You'll be back here.
00:08:10 Let's see again."
00:08:11 Went back here last year.
00:08:13 And then I said,
00:08:15 "I'm going back to Manila.
00:08:17 If you want me to come back,
00:08:18 come with me.
00:08:19 And then you can hang out here first."
00:08:21 Because I said,
00:08:22 "One more time.
00:08:23 Let's check it out
00:08:24 and see if it's really okay
00:08:26 if we're going to be here long-term."
00:08:28 So there.
00:08:29 And in this trip of his,
00:08:32 it's now 2024,
00:08:34 he was supposed to fly back in April.
00:08:38 And that's when we started talking.
00:08:40 You know what?
00:08:41 Why don't we just move forward?
00:08:44 So it's okay to take a break for a while.
00:08:48 And then we'll be okay.
00:08:51 We're ready.
00:08:52 So let's just bite the bullet.
00:08:54 Let's do it.
00:08:55 So that's why it was sudden.
00:08:57 It was a short notice,
00:08:58 two-week preparation for the wedding.
00:09:01 And the rest is history.
00:09:05 The people were surprised.
00:09:07 So I would assume, Mark,
00:09:11 that you were the one who proposed.
00:09:13 Yes.
00:09:15 Was there really a proposal?
00:09:19 Well, in 2022,
00:09:22 in Montara Beach,
00:09:24 it was a proposal/commitment.
00:09:27 Something like that.
00:09:28 It wasn't...
00:09:30 I wouldn't say it was officially...
00:09:32 But I guess if you look at the big picture,
00:09:35 it was an official proposal.
00:09:37 And then after that,
00:09:40 two years later,
00:09:42 or close to two years later,
00:09:44 we just normalized
00:09:46 our first conversation in Montara Beach.
00:09:49 So it was a contractual agreement.
00:09:55 In a romantic sense.
00:09:59 Yes.
00:10:01 Emotional contract.
00:10:02 Oh, yeah.
00:10:03 Because, let's face it,
00:10:05 a wedding is a contract.
00:10:08 There's a marriage contract.
00:10:10 Commitment contract, correct.
00:10:11 Yeah.
00:10:12 It took three years
00:10:14 because I had to go back and forth.
00:10:16 Of course,
00:10:18 I was the one who would make the big sacrifice.
00:10:21 If I make this move,
00:10:22 if I take the pledge,
00:10:24 if I make this big decision,
00:10:26 I'm a big adjustment.
00:10:28 I really had to put a pause
00:10:29 on my career as a true faith.
00:10:31 So it took a while.
00:10:34 I had to slowly
00:10:36 tell my bad mates,
00:10:38 "I already have this relationship."
00:10:40 One of these days,
00:10:42 I'm going to have to go back there
00:10:44 and stay for a lengthier time.
00:10:47 And then, yeah,
00:10:49 get married and,
00:10:51 you know, fix my personal life.
00:10:54 So it took a while
00:10:56 before they would accept.
00:10:59 Because I just don't want to leave suddenly.
00:11:02 And good for you, Med.
00:11:03 Because that's what Dolly and I
00:11:05 complained about you before, right?
00:11:07 Like, you're always working.
00:11:11 We were always complaining that
00:11:13 maybe you're a vegetarian
00:11:14 that's why you're a plant.
00:11:16 You have to fall in love.
00:11:19 You have to date.
00:11:20 We had that before, right?
00:11:22 And finally,
00:11:25 you suddenly bloomed.
00:11:27 And I love that.
00:11:29 It's like a plant.
00:11:32 A plant with blooming capability.
00:11:35 Why did you even get married?
00:11:37 Because,
00:11:38 maybe not.
00:11:41 We really want to
00:11:46 solidify.
00:11:54 Yeah.
00:11:55 It adds more,
00:11:59 not veracity,
00:12:01 but it compounds more.
00:12:03 Yeah.
00:12:05 It's like formalizing your commitment.
00:12:08 Yeah.
00:12:10 Because maybe,
00:12:12 one thing I realized
00:12:14 that we're old now,
00:12:16 you want more security, I guess.
00:12:19 Formality.
00:12:21 If it's something that
00:12:23 straight couples want to do,
00:12:25 then you can do it.
00:12:27 Why not?
00:12:28 Yeah.
00:12:29 You know, I used to do that.
00:12:31 Like, when people ask me,
00:12:33 because if you take that to the Philippines,
00:12:35 they don't really honor that.
00:12:36 I only have one answer.
00:12:38 I'm old now.
00:12:39 I just want to get married for romantic reasons.
00:12:42 That's right.
00:12:43 Right?
00:12:44 You said it.
00:12:45 You said it right.
00:12:46 I don't care about the legal stuff.
00:12:48 I don't care about
00:12:50 who pulls the plug
00:12:52 when the time comes.
00:12:54 Yes.
00:12:55 But,
00:12:56 I wanted,
00:12:58 I wanted to come to a point in my life
00:13:01 wherein
00:13:02 I married the man of my dreams.
00:13:05 And,
00:13:06 you know, in a place
00:13:08 where
00:13:10 we were embraced
00:13:12 as a couple.
00:13:14 Yes.
00:13:16 That is true.
00:13:18 And I think that's how we feel, too.
00:13:20 Like, you know,
00:13:21 the people who attended our ceremony
00:13:24 are people who really embraced us
00:13:26 right from the beginning.
00:13:28 Who've been supporting us all these years
00:13:30 in our relationship.
00:13:32 Personally,
00:13:33 I never saw myself as the marrying kind.
00:13:36 I was always the wedding singer.
00:13:39 But not the one to be wed.
00:13:41 I'm not saying that.
00:13:42 You know,
00:13:43 I really hate to point out the obvious.
00:13:46 Yeah.
00:13:47 The time when we were just having fun.
00:13:50 Yes.
00:13:51 Well, that's how I am.
00:13:53 I love romantic movies.
00:13:54 I like reading love stories and all that.
00:13:57 But I always felt like it wasn't,
00:14:00 that I could never be that.
00:14:02 I wasn't really into the sentimentalities of it.
00:14:06 But deep inside,
00:14:08 deep inside,
00:14:09 I wanted to, you know?
00:14:11 I want what I see in movies.
00:14:13 I see movies,
00:14:14 I cried watching,
00:14:17 I saw Pretty Woman so many times.
00:14:19 And seeing Richard Gere, you know,
00:14:21 riding the limousine on the sunroof
00:14:25 with flowers,
00:14:26 and then, you know, moving back to the office.
00:14:28 I've always wanted that, you know?
00:14:30 Although, it's ironic because I'm an artist, you know?
00:14:34 I write love songs.
00:14:35 But the sentimentality of it,
00:14:37 I get kind of icky about it.
00:14:39 But deep inside, I really wanted to.
00:14:41 I wanted what straight couples have.
00:14:43 But this much I can tell you, Medwin,
00:14:45 you are a good wedding singer.
00:14:48 But hey,
00:14:49 you sang the perfect song in your own wedding.
00:14:53 You've come a long way.
00:14:55 Exactly.
00:14:58 And, you know,
00:15:00 it was perfect.
00:15:02 So, I said,
00:15:04 "Do we really want this?
00:15:07 Do we really want a marriage?"
00:15:09 But, yeah,
00:15:12 at the back of my head,
00:15:13 I've always wanted a wedding by the beach,
00:15:15 and then, the Pacific coast.
00:15:17 And it happened.
00:15:18 I was so happy that when we were planning it,
00:15:21 everything was falling into place accordingly,
00:15:23 and smoothly, easily.
00:15:25 So, that's why I said,
00:15:27 "I think this is really meant."
00:15:29 Yeah.
00:15:30 And let's face it,
00:15:31 when you're in love, you're a baduy, right?
00:15:33 No!
00:15:34 No.
00:15:35 Love is old-fashioned,
00:15:37 but it's always in style.
00:15:39 Yeah.
00:15:40 Yeah.
00:15:41 Funny thing is,
00:15:42 we had a mini reunion of our batchmates
00:15:45 recently when I went home in January.
00:15:48 So, a lot of them knew about us,
00:15:51 but they didn't say anything.
00:15:53 They were just waiting for us to officially say.
00:15:56 And, at the end of the day,
00:15:59 we accept you guys for what you are,
00:16:03 who you are,
00:16:04 your relationship,
00:16:05 and we support you.
00:16:06 And, in fact,
00:16:07 until now,
00:16:09 the news broke out in the Philippines,
00:16:12 a lot of people texted,
00:16:14 "We are here supporting you
00:16:17 and defending you from the negative trolls."
00:16:22 Did you receive any negative messages?
00:16:25 We didn't receive any direct texts,
00:16:28 but I think when we were going through the messages,
00:16:31 there were a few that were posted.
00:16:35 There were pros and cons.
00:16:38 Yeah.
00:16:39 Although, there were also people saying
00:16:41 that there were more positive responses
00:16:44 than negative ones,
00:16:45 which I think was a good response.
00:16:50 More people cared, liked, appreciated, and accepted.
00:16:56 It's not like we're going to be gone
00:16:58 and bash each other.
00:17:00 We can just say what we feel.
00:17:02 That's true.
00:17:03 But, let's concentrate on the good.
00:17:05 The risk of us putting it out there,
00:17:08 social media,
00:17:09 especially when it went viral,
00:17:12 we expected it.
00:17:14 The best thing to do is to ignore it.
00:17:17 Actually, I don't have time for that.
00:17:19 I don't have the energy to make a video.
00:17:22 You're so happy to even care.
00:17:24 Yeah, exactly.
00:17:26 If that's what they want,
00:17:28 if that's what they believe,
00:17:29 if that's what they think,
00:17:31 if they want to express their opinion,
00:17:33 go ahead.
00:17:34 But, it's not our reality.
00:17:36 It's not who we are.
00:17:38 Some people said that they're sad.
00:17:44 Because?
00:17:45 They said they're sad because of me being gay
00:17:50 and because of our marriage.
00:17:52 I just thought,
00:17:53 "Yeah, you're sad."
00:17:55 But, we're happy.
00:17:57 Maybe he'll crush on you.
00:17:59 He didn't say that.
00:18:03 So, I said,
00:18:04 "If you're sad, that's on you."
00:18:06 "I feel bad for you. You're sad."
00:18:09 Because, we're not.
00:18:11 We're very happy.
00:18:12 We're happy when we love and care for us.
00:18:15 I came across this one posting on TikTok.
00:18:19 We were laughing.
00:18:21 He said,
00:18:22 "Why are you so affected by their revelation?"
00:18:26 "Do you have a grudge against their marriage?"
00:18:28 That's true.
00:18:30 He also said,
00:18:32 "Bible verses, quotes, etc."
00:18:37 "If you're going to hell,
00:18:40 you're not going to hell."
00:18:42 "Why are you even connecting?"
00:18:44 "You don't want to look up to heaven."
00:18:46 I was laughing because they were getting mad.
00:18:50 But, you spent time to go over and read everything.
00:18:55 And then...
00:18:56 And then, you'll comment negatively.
00:18:58 Yes.
00:18:59 What Mark was saying is,
00:19:00 these bastards will watch the video to...
00:19:05 To review and scrutinize everything.
00:19:08 That's what happens when you comment negatively.
00:19:10 You'll have a lot of time.
00:19:12 Yes.
00:19:13 In the US, there are postings like that.
00:19:17 I'm not interested.
00:19:18 So, I don't even bother to read.
00:19:20 Yes.
00:19:21 But, let's concentrate on the good stuff.
00:19:23 Let's talk about where it all started.
00:19:26 Because, I heard that you're high school batchmates.
00:19:29 Right?
00:19:30 We're boss and makati.
00:19:31 We're batchmates, but we're not really...
00:19:33 You didn't know each other.
00:19:35 We didn't go to the same class.
00:19:37 We have different circle of friends.
00:19:39 You're friends with Ninong Mulac.
00:19:40 Med's name just came up when it became true-faith.
00:19:43 "Oh, he's my batchmate."
00:19:45 Like that.
00:19:46 He's a smart guy.
00:19:48 He's a smart guy in real life.
00:19:52 He's in a group of people who didn't go to grade school.
00:19:58 That's why I didn't really...
00:20:01 Get to know him.
00:20:02 Get to know him.
00:20:03 So, his friends...
00:20:04 Newcomers.
00:20:05 Newcomers, too.
00:20:06 We're batchmates.
00:20:08 I've known him since prep.
00:20:10 He's a solid boss and makati.
00:20:12 He went to first year high school.
00:20:14 That's why I didn't really know him.
00:20:17 Because of COVID.
00:20:18 He's a work-from-home.
00:20:19 We have a lot of Facebook.
00:20:21 Then, he added me.
00:20:24 And then, when he added me, I said,
00:20:26 "Who's this? Who's Mark Angeles?"
00:20:28 When someone adds you, you'll know who they are.
00:20:30 Mutual friends.
00:20:31 "Why are all my batchmates in the boss and makati?"
00:20:33 "Batchmates are 1988."
00:20:36 I checked on his profile pic.
00:20:38 Then, I saw him.
00:20:39 "Hmm. He's okay. He's handsome."
00:20:41 I added him.
00:20:43 Then, I saw our batchmates.
00:20:48 Our mutual friends.
00:20:49 And he messaged me.
00:20:50 He said,
00:20:51 "Hey, how are you?"
00:20:53 I said, "Hey, how are you doing?"
00:20:55 I asked him.
00:20:56 I asked him first.
00:20:58 "Are you a batchmate in my boss?"
00:21:00 And he said, "Yes."
00:21:01 And then, that's how it started.
00:21:03 We kept talking.
00:21:04 Update, update.
00:21:05 Over the years,
00:21:06 I was telling him that there are chat groups that they created.
00:21:12 The batchmates were zooming in.
00:21:14 Then, there are smaller groups.
00:21:16 Then, he said,
00:21:18 "I'll see if I can catch up with you guys."
00:21:21 So, that's how it was.
00:21:23 I didn't even know the true identity of MetaBot.
00:21:28 Sexuality.
00:21:29 So, at first, it was just like reconnecting and getting to know each other.
00:21:35 Then, we had a break.
00:21:38 Our communication was cut off.
00:21:40 This was 2021.
00:21:42 A few months later, we reconnected again.
00:21:45 That's when we had a revelation.
00:21:48 Yeah.
00:21:49 So, how?
00:21:50 Who was the first one to show the motive?
00:21:55 So, we first connected in March of 2021.
00:22:01 Then, we stopped talking.
00:22:04 He said that we stopped talking.
00:22:05 But in June, we talked again.
00:22:09 And then, he said that he was from LA.
00:22:13 He was from LA.
00:22:14 And then, I saw him.
00:22:16 I asked, "Who's with you?"
00:22:17 He sent me a picture.
00:22:18 And the person who was with him in LA was our openly gay batchmate.
00:22:24 I asked him, "Isn't that…"
00:22:28 No, I didn't say that he's gay.
00:22:30 I knew that he's gay.
00:22:32 I just asked, "Were you with his boyfriend?"
00:22:38 Did he introduce you to his boyfriend?
00:22:40 Yeah. "Did he have his boyfriend tag along to your meet-up?"
00:22:44 He said, "No."
00:22:45 Then, we talked.
00:22:47 He asked, "How do you feel about these things?"
00:22:50 I said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:22:52 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:22:54 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:22:55 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:22:56 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:22:57 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:22:58 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:22:59 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:23:00 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:23:01 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:23:02 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:23:03 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:23:04 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:23:05 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:23:06 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:23:07 He said, "Oh, yeah. I'm gay."
00:23:08 Okay. We've talked about the gay culture in the Philippines compared to the States where it's more liberal. So, one thing led to another. I told him, "You know what, Mark? I am."
00:23:23 He was out of it.
00:23:24 I told him, "Mark, before we go any further, I am one. I am one. I'm gay."
00:23:32 And then, I waited for his next response. His next response was, "I am too." Okay. Boom.
00:23:39 So, now, you have a chance.
00:23:41 Yeah. I have a chance.
00:23:43 But you were crushing him already, Medwin.
00:23:46 Yeah. I was stalking him. And then, the next hurdle is, "Is Mark single?" Right?
00:23:53 Because when I was stalked, I said, "Is Mark gay?"
00:23:57 Mark has a term for that. The term is "paraparaan."
00:23:59 I was already stalking him. I saw him. "Is this his wife? Is this a woman? Is this his wife?"
00:24:08 And then, there was a concept guy that he was with. I said, "Is this his girlfriend?"
00:24:13 So, our next discussion is, "Is he single?" Right?
00:24:18 Because I said, "I've been single for a few years now."
00:24:22 Forever.
00:24:23 No. That's a different story. That's a different relationship. That's a different story.
00:24:29 So, I said, "I've been single lately."
00:24:32 And so, yeah. It led to that. And then, a few days after, we said, "You know what? We're feeling something here.
00:24:38 Why don't we just take it to the next level?"
00:24:42 We became more open when we revealed our relationship.
00:24:47 We compared our experiences in our previous relationships.
00:24:53 And then, yeah. And then, that's what you said. One thing led to another.
00:25:00 Yeah. And then, suddenly, there was a spark. There was magic.
00:25:06 Yeah. Prior to that, I felt a fire.
00:25:09 Wow. Not just a spark. Fire.
00:25:12 A butterfly in your stomach.
00:25:15 Yeah.
00:25:17 I got butterflies.
00:25:19 Wait a minute. Of course, one is based in Manila and one is based in California.
00:25:24 So, how did this happen? Where do we go from here?
00:25:28 With my career, I can't put it on hold. Right?
00:25:31 And eventually, I can go back there to do gigs.
00:25:38 Or the band can come over here and do gigs here.
00:25:42 But it's a spark. It's tied to UCSF.
00:25:46 And of course, it's not possible for me to decide that I'll go back to the Philippines.
00:25:52 It's a waste of my retirement.
00:25:56 Yeah. Your 401(k) is a waste.
00:26:00 There you go. It's a waste of my benefits.
00:26:03 So, it's not as easy as stopping my career and going back to the Philippines.
00:26:08 I'm the one who will adjust. And it's a really big sacrifice.
00:26:13 But I told the guys, this is just temporary.
00:26:18 As soon as everything is in place here in San Francisco, we'll go back.
00:26:24 Your love story is just bi-continental.
00:26:28 I know there are a lot of difficulties when it comes to LDR.
00:26:33 And you're not an exception.
00:26:35 What are the challenges you faced?
00:26:41 The ups and downs you experienced during those, I would say, dating periods?
00:26:49 But you're still in LDR.
00:26:51 The Wi-Fi in the Philippines is weak.
00:26:55 Or when I'm really sleepy, I'll just wake up.
00:27:02 Because it's a different time.
00:27:05 I'll just wake up.
00:27:07 Because you came to the gig, and I'll be sleeping because it's already 9 or 11 here in the US.
00:27:14 Yeah. I'll sleep early because I came to the gig.
00:27:18 I had to wind down.
00:27:20 So, I wake up in the afternoon.
00:27:22 When I wake up in the afternoon, I'm tired from work.
00:27:26 Because I'm about to wind down.
00:27:29 So, while I'm being very active, I'm about to wind down.
00:27:34 But the major difficulties are...
00:27:39 Maybe when we just started, the frustration was...
00:27:42 Because since lockdown, the US embassy is closed.
00:27:45 So, he can't get a visa.
00:27:47 Yeah. Frustrating.
00:27:49 And then, I'll be in a 14-day quarantine.
00:27:53 So, during quarantine, I'll have no more vacation.
00:27:57 Yeah. That's what we're talking about.
00:27:59 How can we meet? Where can we meet?
00:28:01 We're eager to see each other in person.
00:28:03 And I think there's a time when if you're not a dual citizen, you can't enter the Philippines.
00:28:09 So, that's another issue.
00:28:11 So, we're just patient.
00:28:15 It's good that we have FaceTime, not just voice, but also video.
00:28:19 And then, he's trying to schedule an interview at the embassy.
00:28:26 And the date is like a year and a half.
00:28:29 So, he can get a schedule.
00:28:32 Because of COVID, you're scheduled for an interview.
00:28:35 Yeah. Like that. One year.
00:28:38 So, it's frustrating.
00:28:40 Because of COVID, the embassy is under manned.
00:28:46 So, it's frustrating.
00:28:48 You want to meet each other in person.
00:28:51 But you can't do that.
00:28:52 And there are a lot of plans to take him to the Philippines.
00:28:59 But when it comes to quarantine protocols, it's scary.
00:29:05 Because even if he went to the Philippines, you can't meet him right away.
00:29:09 Yeah. Exactly.
00:29:11 It's like dangling a piece of meat.
00:29:13 Sorry, I don't want to. No pun intended.
00:29:15 (Laughter)
00:29:20 I was saying, we even looked at the possibility of meeting in Mexico, Costa Rica.
00:29:26 Yeah.
00:29:27 You're so easy.
00:29:28 (Laughter)
00:29:29 Yeah.
00:29:30 There are a lot of possibilities.
00:29:32 Yeah.
00:29:33 Because we're researching.
00:29:35 They're open. There's no quarantine.
00:29:37 There's no visa.
00:29:38 There's no Costa Rica.
00:29:39 He has a friend who's my friend.
00:29:41 He has a house in Costa Rica.
00:29:43 We said, "Why not there?"
00:29:45 Because there's no visa, there's no COVID protocols, there's no hassle.
00:29:50 I can fly because I don't have to apply for a lot of documents.
00:29:55 There are a lot of hassles to put together.
00:30:00 And then finally, one morning or night, he told me,
00:30:04 "Hey," he said, "there's a proposal to do a U.S. tour,
00:30:10 'True Faith' with Rivermaya, 'In True Voice,' and 'Clock 9.'"
00:30:14 So it seemed like I would be able to go to the U.S. early.
00:30:19 And it was guaranteed that I would be able to continue because they're the ones who will be distributing the papers.
00:30:24 So I said, "Okay, let's just wait."
00:30:27 And it fell into place.
00:30:29 I worked around their schedule.
00:30:33 Since they're doing a tour, I said, "Okay, I'll go with you on the tour."
00:30:38 You got him.
00:30:39 So we can meet.
00:30:41 And at the same time, we can hang out together.
00:30:43 He's going to LA, New York, Virginia.
00:30:47 You really thought that love will always find a way?
00:30:51 Exactly.
00:30:52 If it's true, if you're that strong, you'll move heaven and earth.
00:30:58 Oh yes.
00:30:59 In the millennial term, it's a one-way trip.
00:31:01 Yes.
00:31:02 But wait a minute.
00:31:04 Of course, LDR, almost all the time, there are trust issues.
00:31:11 I mean, let's face it.
00:31:13 Honestly, did you have that?
00:31:16 Not really.
00:31:19 I don't think so.
00:31:21 I guess maybe we're old, we're mature.
00:31:26 There's trust.
00:31:29 So I don't think about it that much.
00:31:33 Although sometimes I say, "Oh, he's not calling. Where is he?"
00:31:36 There's a gig. Maybe there's a flirt there.
00:31:39 There's that.
00:31:41 There's a "Pasellas Effect."
00:31:43 It's not like a teenager who's flirting or fighting because of that.
00:31:50 Although I think one thing I remember is like,
00:31:54 one time, my ex-girlfriend was taking me to the airport.
00:32:01 Because the ex-factor is always the problem.
00:32:06 So the proposal is that she'll spend the night with me
00:32:11 so that when I wake up in the morning, it'll be faster.
00:32:14 I'll still be able to follow her and then I'll go back, etc.
00:32:18 They're still friends. He's my friend too.
00:32:21 He's a Mexican guy. He's really cool.
00:32:23 I mean, I'm so jealous.
00:32:26 Because it's like a new...
00:32:29 Mark, who wouldn't?
00:32:31 I'm not making fun of Medwin.
00:32:35 We were still new to each other.
00:32:37 So I didn't really know him that well.
00:32:39 So I'm like...
00:32:40 Why? Even if you know him that well...
00:32:43 I mean, I'm putting myself in your shoes.
00:32:47 Yeah, of course.
00:32:48 I was just saying, you're so close to your ex.
00:32:52 And you're just going to make it so that she'll be the one to pick you up.
00:32:56 And I didn't know my ex-girlfriend at that time.
00:33:00 But wait, who's the jealous one between you two?
00:33:05 So far, at a certain level.
00:33:08 So far?
00:33:09 He's just qualifying.
00:33:11 If you consider what I've seen in the past,
00:33:14 I'm more jealous.
00:33:16 Yeah.
00:33:17 He's asking, "Where will she sleep?"
00:33:20 I asked because her ex-girlfriend will be here overnight.
00:33:25 And I said, "Where will she sleep? In the room? Why in the room?"
00:33:28 "No, I'll sleep on the couch."
00:33:31 I remember.
00:33:34 I don't know.
00:33:35 Because if I'm in that situation,
00:33:37 I'll just send a confirmation,
00:33:39 "I've booked this room at the airport hotel.
00:33:42 You can let her sleep there."
00:33:43 End of conversation.
00:33:46 So I won't be jealous.
00:33:49 I'll find a way.
00:33:51 Yeah, that's true.
00:33:53 But yeah, so I'm still being asked by my ex-girlfriend.
00:33:56 And then, well, eventually I became friends with his ex.
00:34:02 He was actually there during the wedding.
00:34:05 We invited him.
00:34:06 So, no problem.
00:34:09 And ever since, there hasn't been anything major.
00:34:11 And that happened during our first two months.
00:34:17 And ever since, we haven't had any issue at all.
00:34:21 Because I already knew him.
00:34:23 I said, "I trust him. I trust him very much."
00:34:27 And we made an agreement moving forward.
00:34:32 If there's an issue, let's talk in a different way.
00:34:35 Rather than "Kikim-kimin."
00:34:36 Seriously.
00:34:37 That's a good thing to do.
00:34:38 Like, that's what I'm advising you guys right now.
00:34:44 As somebody who had started a few years ago.
00:34:49 And that's good.
00:34:51 Because "Kikim-kimin"
00:34:54 is like throwing a stone onto a glass house.
00:34:59 So, it doesn't make any difference.
00:35:03 It doesn't have any effect on the first few tries.
00:35:08 But as you know, if there's more, it's just going to shatter the glass house.
00:35:12 It's not healthy.
00:35:14 Yeah.
00:35:15 If you keep on doing it,
00:35:17 you just bottle it all up there.
00:35:19 It will fester.
00:35:20 And it will...
00:35:21 Fester, it will be malignant.
00:35:24 You know, it can manifest in many ways.
00:35:26 It could ruin your relationship.
00:35:28 It could ruin your health.
00:35:30 It could be anything.
00:35:31 Until now, we're still trying to know each other.
00:35:36 So, there are times, especially when I transferred this year,
00:35:40 when I moved here,
00:35:41 there were times where I was like...
00:35:43 You know, because I was homesick and all that,
00:35:46 I was thinking about what was the right decision to do.
00:35:50 I had emotional upheavals and doubts.
00:35:54 And I was getting back to my old self,
00:35:58 where I was thinking about what was right.
00:36:01 But it doesn't last long.
00:36:03 Mark would go, "What's going on?"
00:36:06 And then, "Nothing, nothing."
00:36:09 And then, not long after that, I would say it out forward.
00:36:16 I would be out with it.
00:36:17 Which is one of the good things that will make a relationship last,
00:36:23 is being open to each other.
00:36:26 I even told him before this trip that I would stay here longer.
00:36:36 And be open to me if you feel and think that it's not working for you,
00:36:42 that the U.S. is not for you,
00:36:45 that you miss your career in the Philippines.
00:36:49 I'll be sad, of course, but I'll be okay.
00:36:53 Plus, I mean, there are a lot of ways to skin the cat.
00:36:58 You know?
00:36:59 So, it's not the end of the road all the time.
00:37:03 Maybe you should turn the other way or left.
00:37:06 There's always another way.
00:37:10 Yes.
00:37:11 You made mention earlier about your families and your friends.
00:37:15 I don't want to use the word "coming out,"
00:37:17 but how did you tell them of this life-altering thing?
00:37:25 So, my parents and my siblings, my brothers,
00:37:32 they noticed that I always have makeup on my face.
00:37:36 I always have makeup on my face at home.
00:37:39 So, eventually, they knew who Mark was.
00:37:42 They knew that he's my batchmate.
00:37:45 So, in the three years that we were together,
00:37:49 they slowly got to know him and accepted him.
00:37:55 And then, of course, I was already hinting to them,
00:38:00 to my band, to my family,
00:38:02 that in the future, I would make a major decision of relocating.
00:38:11 Yeah, relocating and perhaps putting a pause on our career.
00:38:17 Telling my family that I will be going to America for a longer period of time.
00:38:25 I was already hinting those things to them.
00:38:27 Well, I'm only guessing that not everyone would embrace the idea of change all the time.
00:38:34 Was it difficult at first?
00:38:36 It was very difficult because it's a major change.
00:38:44 A lot of people, especially career-wise,
00:38:46 a lot of people depended on the band, depended on me.
00:38:50 It was more difficult for me, maybe,
00:38:53 because I feel responsible for them.
00:38:57 And so, to do this, it took a lot of pondering.
00:39:08 It took a lot of thinking.
00:39:10 Yeah, it took a lot of courage as well.
00:39:12 And a lot of resolve.
00:39:14 I don't want to use the word "sad".
00:39:16 What's not right about it is you even have to muster courage
00:39:21 to even just show your true, authentic self.
00:39:26 Yes, it's already a challenge to show who you are.
00:39:29 It's a challenge to show them that, "Hey, we have a relationship
00:39:35 and I'm having a romantic relationship with a wonderful man."
00:39:40 That's another thing.
00:39:42 So, it's a different level.
00:39:43 First, it's about me, about our relationship, our future union.
00:39:49 And then, the next level is, "Hey, I have to do this.
00:39:52 I have to do a major change.
00:39:54 I have to transfer to America."
00:39:59 So, there are a lot of layers to it that you need to go through.
00:40:03 There are a lot of hurdles as well.
00:40:06 I have self-doubt.
00:40:09 Is this the right thing to do?
00:40:11 There's always that.
00:40:13 It's better to really do some introspection and try to learn,
00:40:24 try to figure out if this is the right thing to do.
00:40:27 I mean, that's probably a good thing, you know,
00:40:31 to be more self-aware of your situation and your circumstances.
00:40:35 Instead of just being self-conscious.
00:40:37 So, yes, self-doubt is good.
00:40:39 For me, it's self-doubt because it can steer you to make better decisions.
00:40:47 So, yes, it's very difficult.
00:40:49 What you said earlier, Nelson,
00:40:51 I wasn't having a romantic life or anything.
00:40:54 It's hard in our world.
00:40:59 In the scene, in the band scene.
00:41:00 There's a prevalent sense of machismo, no matter what.
00:41:04 Somebody tagged me on a Facebook post that it was a brave thing for Medwin,
00:41:11 for Meds to do this.
00:41:13 Because in the band scene, there's a culture of machismo.
00:41:19 That's why in the band scene, the audience appreciates the rock,
00:41:24 the crazy, you know?
00:41:26 And the wild.
00:41:28 Yeah, because that's how it is in the band scene.
00:41:31 So, it was harder in the 1990s because the planet was different back then.
00:41:36 There wasn't much acceptance yet.
00:41:39 And this was like, I said, this was many years before Queer Eye for the Straight
00:41:43 went on TV.
00:41:44 And even until now, there's still that.
00:41:47 You just can't move around.
00:41:49 But the nice thing about it is, over the years,
00:41:53 we've broken the stereotypes.
00:41:55 In fact, we have a lot of rock band lead vocals or frontmen who are openly gay.
00:42:04 Yeah, younger generations.
00:42:07 Even in the local bands, the Filipino bands,
00:42:14 they're more open about talking about sexuality.
00:42:17 They're more open about being fluid about these topics.
00:42:22 I'm happy for them, the younger generation.
00:42:26 That is true.
00:42:27 They have that privilege.
00:42:29 Because back then, during my time, it was really hard.
00:42:32 I always say this, why should people put a gender on music?
00:42:38 It's like food.
00:42:40 Why should you put gender or religion on food?
00:42:43 It's food.
00:42:45 Why are we putting into stereotypes
00:42:50 things that are not categorized into that?
00:42:54 From that angle, that's what I was thinking about why I was never open about it in public.
00:43:00 Amongst friends and close colleagues in the business, yes.
00:43:04 But I never thought that I had to put it out there,
00:43:08 my sexuality.
00:43:11 I feel like it's not tied to our art.
00:43:17 I didn't feel like I was responsible for doing it.
00:43:21 But it was in the back of my mind,
00:43:25 I saw a lot of artists worldwide who are coming out, young artists.
00:43:30 I said, "These kids are very brave. How come I don't do that?"
00:43:35 And then, as a social leader, I advocate these LGBT rights.
00:43:41 I was just thinking, "When will I do this?"
00:43:45 Because maybe me coming out would enlighten people,
00:43:51 would help and make them understand the reason why I'm into so much about human rights, LGBT rights.
00:43:57 It's because I am one, and my story is authentic.
00:44:02 It's from my personal story, and I struggled with it.
00:44:06 Mark and I had this relationship when we started.
00:44:09 I said, "I can't keep it in forever."
00:44:15 So I said, "Maybe if Mark and I are going to tie the knot,
00:44:21 this will be the best time to let everyone know."
00:44:24 And that was the best time, right?
00:44:26 Yeah. I said, "When I grow up, when Mark and I are together,
00:44:30 maybe it's time that I come out and be proud of myself."
00:44:36 Because I'm very proud of our relationship,
00:44:43 and I thought that this would be the best time to do it,
00:44:47 because there's a reason to do it.
00:44:49 And if it inspires people, then that's the best.
00:44:54 And I always give this advice to whoever comes to me,
00:44:58 "Outing yourself is entirely up to you."
00:45:02 Because there are consequences.
00:45:06 But I'm telling you right now, freedom is a happier place.
00:45:10 That's true.
00:45:13 I have a definition of what you're feeling.
00:45:17 I think this is your song, "Perfect."
00:45:20 Right? Admit it.
00:45:24 Yeah. It's true.
00:45:26 I saw someone tagging me on Facebook,
00:45:29 and the caption was, "Our love sets us free
00:45:33 from the realms of our own self-made cages."
00:45:37 I was like, "Hey! Okay! I'll do it!"
00:45:40 It comes with a new meaning now.
00:45:43 Admit it, right?
00:45:45 Now that you've found the one, and now that you're very happy,
00:45:49 the meaning of your songs is different.
00:45:52 Nelson, that's perfect.
00:45:55 He said it.
00:45:56 I told him, "Our guitarist, Kenneth Ilagan, is bass player.
00:46:01 He plays guitar at our reception."
00:46:04 And I said that because they wanted me to sing "Perfect,"
00:46:07 our friends, right?
00:46:09 So I said, "You know what? This song takes on already
00:46:12 a whole new, different meaning now that Mark is in my life."
00:46:16 And it actually affirms all of the words that I wrote there.
00:46:21 Aside from "Perfect," you have other songs.
00:46:24 You said that the meaning is different now.
00:46:27 Like "Huwag na lang kaya."
00:46:30 What does that mean now?
00:46:32 The meaning of that is, "It's a good thing you didn't say
00:46:35 'Huwag na lang kaya' when you were in the J-Jump House."
00:46:38 Mark, what do you think? What does that mean?
00:46:41 If it's okay with him.
00:46:43 If it's okay with him.
00:46:45 What does it mean?
00:46:51 So, "Huwag na lang kaya" is a male object.
00:46:54 "Huwag na lang kaya."
00:46:56 Right? Or, "It's a good thing you didn't hesitate."
00:47:02 Yeah.
00:47:04 I think this is correct.
00:47:05 Before, there was apprehension.
00:47:07 I just laughed at our mini-reunion in January.
00:47:13 A classmate said, "So, you're Mr. Perfect?"
00:47:19 You mean, he found Mr. Perfect, right?
00:47:22 Speaking to Mr. Right.
00:47:25 Oh, there's more. "Muntik maabut ang langit."
00:47:29 Oh, he said, "Langit na abot."
00:47:31 It's not "Muntik," it's "Naabot na."
00:47:34 That's what people comment on social media.
00:47:37 "Idol, naabot mo na ang langit."
00:47:40 Yes.
00:47:41 Oh, there's a high rule.
00:47:43 Is there a specific time in your relationship
00:47:48 that you can very well relate to the song?
00:47:52 How many times did you join?
00:47:54 "Upangan yung puso laking makamit."
00:47:57 Yeah.
00:47:58 Because "Muntik na maabut ang langit" is a sad song.
00:48:02 It's a sad song of unrequited love.
00:48:04 Yeah, because it's like it's already there, but it's gone.
00:48:06 It's gone.
00:48:07 So, let's not sing that. It might disappear.
00:48:11 No, no, no.
00:48:14 And the "Ala-ala" is also sad, right?
00:48:17 Yeah.
00:48:18 So, that's it.
00:48:19 I just realized that your songs are all sad.
00:48:23 Except for "Perfect."
00:48:25 Let's just go against that. That's just a joke.
00:48:29 Yes.
00:48:30 If it's okay with you, it's not sad.
00:48:32 It's like you're just being left behind.
00:48:35 Yes.
00:48:36 That's it.
00:48:37 Because it's you.
00:48:38 Because it's you. It's not sad.
00:48:40 And the song is for him.
00:48:43 Yeah, yes.
00:48:45 We all like that. Don't worry.
00:48:47 "Ligaw-ligaw" is also a sad song for me.
00:48:51 But all these songs, except for the sad ones,
00:48:55 it's like the meaning is different.
00:48:59 It's like, "Oh, so this is how it is."
00:49:02 Of course, when you were probably writing or singing those songs,
00:49:05 your state of mind is different.
00:49:08 But it's different now.
00:49:11 It's more complete, I would assume.
00:49:14 Yeah.
00:49:15 It's almost like a self-fulfilling thing.
00:49:17 Especially with "Perfect."
00:49:19 Wow.
00:49:21 When I wrote it back then, I had somebody else in mind.
00:49:26 But it's like you've come full circle with that song.
00:49:30 Yes.
00:49:31 Yes.
00:49:32 Definitely.
00:49:33 Who would have known, right?
00:49:37 That I found true love.
00:49:43 When I turned 50.
00:49:45 In 2021, I turned 50.
00:49:47 It was really worth the wait.
00:49:50 I've been through a lot of emotional upheavals.
00:49:54 My life has been an emotional rollercoaster.
00:49:58 So to have found Mark
00:50:01 at this point in my life, it's like, wow.
00:50:06 It's just amazing.
00:50:07 It's almost storybook-like.
00:50:11 How do you feel, Mark?
00:50:13 That you're Mr. Perfect?
00:50:18 Medwin has come full circle because of you.
00:50:21 I think he's pressuring me.
00:50:23 Are you pressured?
00:50:27 How do you feel?
00:50:28 How I feel?
00:50:30 I'm excited.
00:50:31 He's happy because he's the boss.
00:50:37 But is there someone who's following you?
00:50:41 I'm the one who's the most knowledgeable.
00:50:44 So I'm the one who's following.
00:50:46 When I was in Manila, it was the opposite.
00:50:55 I was the one who depended on him
00:50:57 because he's the one running the show.
00:51:04 He'll tell me what he wants and needs.
00:51:09 Generally, I feel like he's the boss.
00:51:16 But I like Mark.
00:51:19 He's a bit stubborn sometimes.
00:51:33 He's very simple and he's very empathetic.
00:51:35 I never thought that he wouldn't be able to help me.
00:51:44 If there's ever a slight feeling that he can't help me,
00:51:48 I'm also like that.
00:51:53 If I did something that's not okay,
00:51:57 I adjust.
00:51:58 It's part of the process.
00:52:00 It's part of being in a relationship.
00:52:02 Try to adjust.
00:52:03 He told me that before I flew here.
00:52:10 He told me, "You know what?
00:52:13 We have to be open to this.
00:52:16 If it doesn't work, then it's fine."
00:52:20 As opposed to somebody saying,
00:52:22 "No, no, no. Stay here.
00:52:24 You're just here."
00:52:26 What I like about him is that he understands that
00:52:31 I made a big sacrifice putting the career of True Fate on hold.
00:52:35 Saying goodbye to my bedroom.
00:52:40 Yeah, yeah.
00:52:42 I miss my bedroom.
00:52:44 I miss my records.
00:52:46 I miss my placa.
00:52:47 I miss my CDs and my DVDs and Blu-rays.
00:52:49 My books.
00:52:50 I miss my books.
00:52:51 I love my bedroom.
00:52:52 You left your comfort zone.
00:52:55 I left my comfort zone.
00:52:57 I left my routine.
00:52:58 I left the people who depended on me.
00:53:01 I left my family.
00:53:02 He knows that I took a big sacrifice.
00:53:05 He understands it perfectly.
00:53:08 From that vantage point,
00:53:09 when we make decisions or anything,
00:53:12 he thinks of it.
00:53:13 Although, most of the time,
00:53:16 he's the ringmaster or something.
00:53:19 He'll always put that into consideration.
00:53:21 This guy took a plunge.
00:53:25 Took a big sacrifice.
00:53:27 I love him for that.
00:53:29 Because he's a really just guy.
00:53:31 He's a really just person.
00:53:33 Up to the last minute,
00:53:34 before he pressed the button on his phone
00:53:37 to send the posting,
00:53:39 he was like, "Are you really sure?"
00:53:41 What do you mean?
00:53:42 The revelation.
00:53:43 The gender reveal.
00:53:44 My friend said that.
00:53:46 That's why people were shocked.
00:53:48 Because in one event,
00:53:50 the announcement of marriage,
00:53:53 the gender reveal.
00:53:55 All in one.
00:53:56 All at once.
00:53:57 Like saving.
00:53:58 All of these things are really
00:54:02 different levels of challenges.
00:54:07 So when we came here,
00:54:08 it was another challenge.
00:54:10 Especially for me.
00:54:12 And then, the next challenge,
00:54:14 do we tell the world or not?
00:54:17 And then, we really thought about it.
00:54:20 Because we got married on a Saturday,
00:54:22 I posted on social media
00:54:24 on Tuesday night.
00:54:26 I talked to Dali.
00:54:27 Dali wanted to post an article about us.
00:54:31 But I said, "Wait a minute."
00:54:33 He wasn't ready.
00:54:35 So on Tuesday night,
00:54:37 I messaged Dali.
00:54:38 I told him, "Dali, I'll post it on social media."
00:54:41 And then I posted it on Tuesday night.
00:54:42 By the next day,
00:54:43 there.
00:54:44 So in our relationship,
00:54:48 there were a lot of stages.
00:54:51 Trying stages.
00:54:53 Trying stages.
00:54:54 Perfect.
00:54:55 You would face a lot of that.
00:54:57 In fact, even things that you did not imagine
00:55:02 that you would face.
00:55:04 But that's the beauty of it.
00:55:06 Right?
00:55:07 The more stages that you face,
00:55:10 the more exciting your life together gets.
00:55:13 If you don't face that,
00:55:16 it's boring.
00:55:18 Right?
00:55:19 Go home.
00:55:20 Exactly.
00:55:22 I think that's the point of life together.
00:55:27 That you share the ups and downs together.
00:55:31 If it's too smooth a ride,
00:55:34 then there must be something wrong with it.
00:55:36 Because that's not already reality.
00:55:38 Because reality is really...
00:55:41 When I share my own personal truth,
00:55:44 my personal reality with his,
00:55:47 it's like...
00:55:49 The challenges and trials are different.
00:55:57 Life itself is full of trials.
00:56:00 Life is full of challenges.
00:56:01 Life itself is full of sadness.
00:56:03 But we try to make the most of it.
00:56:07 We try to be happy.
00:56:08 We try to find fulfillment in everything.
00:56:11 And part of it is having this wonderful relationship
00:56:18 with this wonderful man.
00:56:20 Facing life's challenges is actually fun.
00:56:23 When you think about it,
00:56:26 the rollercoaster rides,
00:56:28 the ups and downs,
00:56:29 if you have somebody with you
00:56:32 who will take you on a ride,
00:56:36 who will go with you...
00:56:39 Who will feel as excited as you are.
00:56:42 Yes.
00:56:43 That's right.
00:56:44 That's actually...
00:56:45 Facing life's challenges together
00:56:48 and also making your relationship stronger.
00:56:50 Because you're growing together.
00:56:53 Precisely.
00:56:54 That's right.
00:56:55 We're very excited with this life that we've made for each other.
00:57:01 I'm so happy for you.
00:57:03 Thank you.
00:57:04 I was just telling him before he posted it.
00:57:07 At the end of the day,
00:57:10 you need to be true to yourself.
00:57:12 And whatever makes you happy.
00:57:14 Right?
00:57:15 I mean,
00:57:16 there's a lot of feedback after,
00:57:20 positive, negative.
00:57:21 But at the end of the day,
00:57:23 it's all about you.
00:57:24 It's all about us.
00:57:26 That's true.
00:57:27 So,
00:57:28 it's unfortunate if the result is down south.
00:57:33 No.
00:57:34 Who will determine if it's down south?
00:57:37 Right?
00:57:38 You too.
00:57:39 If it's a dead end for other people,
00:57:44 you'll think it's not.
00:57:46 But it's not.
00:57:47 It's my life.
00:57:48 Yeah, that's true.
00:57:50 Mark is just saying that whatever the outcome,
00:57:54 we'll accept it.
00:57:56 His Spotify is rising.
00:58:00 Our monthly listeners are rising on Spotify
00:58:04 ever since the announcement.
00:58:05 It's time to make new songs.
00:58:07 There you go.
00:58:08 Yes, before I flew here,
00:58:11 we were actually working on new material.
00:58:13 So,
00:58:14 hopefully,
00:58:15 within the year,
00:58:16 there will be new songs on Truth, eh?
00:58:18 But Medwin,
00:58:19 I'm saying this to you as a fan,
00:58:21 not as a friend.
00:58:22 I would like to listen to your new music
00:58:26 now that you have a different stage in your life.
00:58:30 Like,
00:58:31 I would like to experience that happiness
00:58:35 through your song.
00:58:37 Uh-huh.
00:58:38 I'm saying that to you as a fan.
00:58:40 Yeah, I'm excited about that.
00:58:42 Because,
00:58:43 obviously,
00:58:44 this new stage in my life,
00:58:47 our relationship,
00:58:49 will definitely inform my creativity,
00:58:52 our creativity.
00:58:53 It will add flavor.
00:58:54 It will make it richer.
00:58:56 And add more color to it.
00:58:58 So, yeah,
00:58:59 we're excited.
00:59:00 Me and my bandmates are excited
00:59:02 to get on the next stage of True Faith
00:59:04 now that Mark is on board in my personal life.
00:59:08 I definitely will.
00:59:09 Even the name True Faith.
00:59:11 It's like my meaning has changed.
00:59:13 True Faith.
00:59:14 Yeah.
00:59:15 Having,
00:59:16 True Faith,
00:59:17 in your love,
00:59:21 in your personal truths.
00:59:23 That's right.
00:59:24 That is right.
00:59:25 Medwin and Mark,
00:59:27 thank you for sharing your story.
00:59:30 I'm sure you will be happy,
00:59:34 not just inspired,
00:59:36 but you will be touched by life
00:59:38 with this story.
00:59:40 [music]
00:59:46 Okay, I normally end this podcast
00:59:48 by turning the tables around.
00:59:50 You're the ones who will ask me questions.
00:59:53 Okay.
00:59:55 [laughs]
00:59:57 Okay, sure.
00:59:58 Right now?
00:59:59 Yeah.
01:00:00 When and where did you get married
01:00:02 with your husband?
01:00:03 Okay,
01:00:04 we got married five years ago
01:00:06 in Wisconsin.
01:00:07 It is a long story.
01:00:09 It was a long shot.
01:00:10 Actually, we planned it a year before.
01:00:13 I wanted to introduce him to my family.
01:00:17 I wanted to get the feedback of my family.
01:00:19 Because the feedback of my family
01:00:21 is really important.
01:00:22 If they say no,
01:00:23 maybe I will defend a little bit.
01:00:26 [laughs]
01:00:27 We don't know, right?
01:00:29 But we're flying colors.
01:00:31 Like that.
01:00:32 So we went the following year.
01:00:34 In fact, our original wedding ring
01:00:38 was a 500 peso ring.
01:00:42 Oh, okay.
01:00:44 Because it was fast.
01:00:46 Like, "Yeah, that's fine."
01:00:48 Because on the way back,
01:00:50 we're going to Abu Dhabi.
01:00:52 So the feeling was,
01:00:53 because the year before that,
01:00:55 we had a promise ring
01:00:57 that we bought there.
01:00:59 So we said, "We'll go back to Abu Dhabi."
01:01:03 "We'll buy our wedding ring there."
01:01:05 Okay, so we got married.
01:01:07 And the night before,
01:01:09 I checked the requirements.
01:01:11 And it said in Wisconsin,
01:01:13 "Only residents."
01:01:15 Oh.
01:01:17 So I said, "Oh my gosh, we're not residents."
01:01:19 But you know, let's...
01:01:21 "Whatever."
01:01:23 Like that.
01:01:24 So when we got there,
01:01:26 we went there and we filed that marriage license.
01:01:32 Marriage license.
01:01:34 The marriage license.
01:01:35 So being the reporter that I am,
01:01:39 I was so honest with the registrar.
01:01:42 I said, "Okay, we're filing this
01:01:44 because we wanted to get married
01:01:46 24 hours after."
01:01:48 And I saw in the website
01:01:51 that only residents are allowed
01:01:54 to avail this, to get married.
01:01:57 And okay, my family is from here.
01:02:01 And they're citizens.
01:02:03 And I'm not a citizen.
01:02:05 I'm a Filipino citizen.
01:02:07 So it's my husband to be.
01:02:09 And she goes like,
01:02:11 "Oh, it's an old rule."
01:02:13 I was like, "Oh."
01:02:15 Like, okay.
01:02:17 We're still married.
01:02:19 And then,
01:02:21 it's okay.
01:02:22 On the way back,
01:02:23 I was saying that Abu Dhabi,
01:02:25 I saw a lot of rings.
01:02:28 If it doesn't fit me,
01:02:30 it doesn't fit him.
01:02:31 Because you wanted to buy
01:02:33 both rings.
01:02:36 Matching.
01:02:37 And then,
01:02:39 I saw this ring,
01:02:41 the infinity ring,
01:02:43 because it's rotating.
01:02:45 Oh, nice.
01:02:47 So you rotate the ring like that.
01:02:49 It's a ring within a ring.
01:02:51 Yeah.
01:02:52 And then I go like,
01:02:54 I really, really like this ring.
01:02:56 And then,
01:02:57 the other person said
01:02:59 that it doesn't fit him.
01:03:01 So we were about to leave.
01:03:03 And then this guy
01:03:05 from the store goes like,
01:03:06 "Oh, I have a smaller one."
01:03:08 And he goes like, "Perfect."
01:03:12 It's perfect for me,
01:03:14 and it's perfect for him.
01:03:16 And then,
01:03:17 this guy said,
01:03:20 "Oh, it's the same."
01:03:22 "I was the one who sold you the ring last year."
01:03:25 And then we just,
01:03:27 we found out,
01:03:28 after maybe 20 plus stores
01:03:30 that we went to,
01:03:31 we ended up in the store
01:03:33 where we bought the promise ring.
01:03:35 Promise ring, yeah!
01:03:37 Wow!
01:03:38 And,
01:03:39 it's like,
01:03:40 wow, it's all fated.
01:03:42 Yeah!
01:03:43 Wow, it's a wonderful story.
01:03:45 I never share that story publicly.
01:03:48 Like, just now.
01:03:50 Because I'm so inspired by you guys.
01:03:52 And,
01:03:53 thank you for telling me your truth.
01:03:55 And I'm so open to tell the truth.
01:03:57 My truth now.
01:03:58 And,
01:03:59 that's it.
01:04:00 And I'm so happy for you guys.
01:04:02 Thank you.
01:04:03 Thank you, Nelson.
01:04:04 And I hope to see you and embrace you guys
01:04:06 when you visit the Philippines.
01:04:08 You know,
01:04:09 I'm just so happy.
01:04:10 Oh, Mark,
01:04:11 take care of my friend, okay?
01:04:12 Thank you very much for sharing your story.
01:04:14 Thank you, too.
01:04:16 Thank you, Nelson.
01:04:17 And happy pride.
01:04:18 Happy pride!
01:04:19 [Music]