'Nasa bata ang true love': Cristine Reyes, Marco Gumabao explain why they're 'perfect' together

MANILA, Philippines — Marco Gumabao and Cristine Reyes took time to get to know each other, even admitting their mutual admiration for each other before going public with their relationship. 

The couple shared how their friendship turned into a romantic relationship during their guesting on Bea Alonzo's vlog. 

"Oo. Crush ko na siya before pa. I remember before 'pag tinatanong ako sino crush ko, siya lagi sinasagot ko," answered Marco. 

Bea first asked Cristine if she found Marco cute from way before, specifically when she guested in Boy Abunda's 2019 talk show. Cristine was asked if she considers Marco her tropa (friend) or jowa (boyfriend). She answered "tropa." 

"'Yung time na 'yun, na-cute-an ka na sa kanya?" Bea asked Cristine, to which Cristine replied in the affirmative. 

"Crush mo na ba siya noon?" Bea prodded. 

"Yes," Cristine said, which shocked Marco. 

The couple went Instagram official last April when Marco posted their sweet photo. Marco revealed during Bea's interview that it was actually their first monthsary when the photo was taken.

Bea shared how she initially doubted if she and her longtime boyfriend, Dominic, could be a couple. Bea is older by three years than her boyfriend. Cristine, meanwhile, is 34 while Marco is 28.  

"Kasi nu'ng lumabas kasi 'yung sa amin, pinagdikit nila 'yung sa inyo ni Dom at sa amin, tapos sabi nila, 'Nasa bata pala ang true love.' Sabi ko kay Dom, 'Well, where's the lie?'" teased Marco. 

Cristine said it was the first time for her to date someone as young as Marco, while Marco said he had dated women older by two to three years but not those who were five years older. 

At this early stage in their relationship, the couple has described each other and their relationship as "perfect." 

“Parang perfect boyfriend ito, e. Kasi si Marco, naiintindihan niya lahat. Parang hindi ako makapaniwala at his age.

“Super cute talaga. Tisoy, type ko, pero bagets. So ako, hindi ko na pinag-aksayahan ng panahon. Talagang ang cute niya, bye!” said Cristine. 

From work out to working out their feelings

Bea casually remarked that it seemed Cristine and Marco took time to build their relationship. The couple were gym buddies with actor Jake Cuenca. When Jake was in a lock-in taping in Cebu, Cristine and Marco were left to work out together. 

"I think nagkaroon ako ng attraction kay Marco, siguro 'yung Ilocos [shooting]. Naka-lock-in kami doon,” Cristine said. 

She and Marco were filming "Martyr or Murder."

In hindsight, Cristine said that there were circumstances that she and Marco moved in the same circles, and were even neighbors at one time. 

"Well kasi may mga ipina-plant siyang seeds through the years. Lagi siyang present sa buhay mo. Lagi lang kaming nagtatagpo, like random places — family affairs, friends affairs, showbiz affairs," the actress said. 

Marco was quick to say that those instances were not planned. 

Both Cristine and Marco were single for five years before they became official this year. 

'Instagram official'

Cristine said that Marco loves surprises, and that Instagram post was a surprise for her. 

Marco revealed the story behind the viral photo when he was asked who was the first to say "I love you" between them. He confidently said he did. 

"Matagal ko nang gustong sabihin but I was looking for the right moment," Marco revealed. 

Bea asked how he planned to say it, casually asking if it was random for him. 

"Yeah, like blinurt out ko lang siya," said Marco. 

"I’m happy with our relationship kasi wala tayong inagrabyado, and du'n magpu-flow 'yung blessings ni God," said Cristine. — Video from Bea Alonzo YouTube channel

WATCH: Cristine Reyes, Marco Gumabao take the hot seat in Bea Alonzo's lie detector test

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