Tintin's tips for a happy marriage

Tintin Bersola-Babao has been happily married to ABS-CBN’s Julius Babao for years now. How do they do it? Well, here are five tips from Mrs. Babao herself:

1. Give each other space even on money matters.

Though Tintin and Julius have a joint time deposit account for their kids, Antonia and Nio, and for themselves in preparation for retirement, Mr. and Mrs. have their own bank accounts.

Tintin never questions what Julius buys using his own money because “he is a good provider anyway.”

“When he buys on his own — a painting, for example — I don’t react to it. I know how smart he is as far as making investments goes,” she says.

2. Make time for each other.

Tintin and Julius work around their respective schedules in order to still have “we” time. Tintin says that she and Julius still eat dinner together as much as possible.

They also enjoy watching movies together, usually before Julius goes on board in Bandila. If not that, they watch DVD at home after his show, just before they call it a day at around 3 a.m.

3. Do the grocery together.

As they push the cart side by side, they sometimes discuss the products they buy. It may seem like small talk but Tintin thinks that doing this tells him that she values his hard work.

“Syempre, kasi pinagpapaguran ni Julius ang sweldo niya so kelangan pag-isipan ang produktong bibilhin at di lang dampot ng dampot ng basta-basta, ” she reasons.

When it comes to products, they often find the balance between economy and quality. Mrs. Babao is biased towards Philippine-made brands and those that are manufactured by reputable companies. She acknowledges that just because something is expensive, it doesn’t mean it’s the best product in as much as cheaper ones are automatically inferior to their more expensive counterparts.

“At ako yung tipo na hindi mabilis mapaniwala, ha. I have to know for sure especially kapag ang involved na ay safety and security ng family.”

4. Love yourself.

Tintin believes that in order to truly love someone, “you have to love and focus on yourself first before the love overflows to your better half and the kids.”

She also watches her weight so that she doesn’t end up losyang. Tintin is currently on a South Beach Diet and has lost almost 10 lbs. — and counting!

5. Let roles evolve naturally.

Tintin says that at home, Julius is more the “rough” type of dad whose games with the kids are more physical. She, on the other hand, is almost always behind reading sessions and arts-related activities.

The two are hands-on with their kids. “Walang bilangan, pakiramdaman lang,” she says.

Tintin admits to being more O.C. at home, though; the type who would even group clothes according to color!

Being the epitome of a good wife and mother, Tintin was the hands down choice to endorse Smart Steps Baby Laundry Detergent and Baby Fabric Softener as well as Smart Steps Baby Bottle and Nipple Cleanser. The baby products are made by EVEolution, Inc., a company that specializes in such products that are proven to be the mildest and safest in its category.

Bravo, Tin!