Chito and Neri on being a wais couple: We never live lavishly

Celebrity couple Chito Miranda and Neri Naig will celebrate their ninth anniversary in December. As their godfather, I am proud to be part of their wonderful journey in life and love. I first saw Neri as a fledgling teen questor when she joined Star Circle Quest (SCQ) where I was one of the judges together with Ms. Gloria Diaz and direk Lauren Dyogi back in 2004. Time flies so fast and I am happy with what she has become as a loving wife and mother to her adorable kids.

The two recently shared about their married life when they guested on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda. Chito said, “Masaya, maraming struggles pero enjoy kasi alam namin na tag team talaga kami.” Neri added they have open and honest communications.

How do they deal with arguments? Chito described himself as confrontational, while Neri needs to take her time. He learned from Neri that it is better to cool things down first before they start talking to avoid clashes.

“Ngayon natuto na ako na mas tama iyong palamig muna ng ulo. Maybe because I am a songwriter ‘pag emotional dapat capture the moment. Hindi pala dapat iyon kasi ‘pag nasa height of emotion magka-clash pero once it dies down, kalmado na kami. Natuto na ako na hintayin ko na lang siyang lumabas ng kuwarto.”

Neri has been dubbed “Wais na Misis” because of her business acumen and knack for investing.

Some of Neri’s multiple businesses include Neri’s Gourmet Tuyo, Amare La Cucina, Jeju Samgyupsal, Wais Home, Inc., Neri’s Cottage, The Hillside House, and ExtraordiNeri Salon, among others. Neri never hides that her humble beginnings and life experiences have taught her to become a “wais na misis.”

Chito only had good words for Neri. He learned a lot from her when it comes to business and life. “I just really support her with what she’s doing.”

The “wais” couple knows how to manage and invest their earnings well. Chito can afford to buy luxurious cars and large houses, but he still chose a small and simple house. “We never live lavishly,” he said.

“Doon ako natuto sa kanya. Noong nag-aartista siyempre nasanay ako na may darating na trabaho, so gagastusin ko kung anong mayroon ako. Binibilang ko na agad. May utang na ako. Noong nakilala ko si Chito, nakita ko kung gaano siya ka-wais sa pera. Siya talaga ang nagturo sa akin on how to save money including insurance,” Neri related.

“Gusto ko iyong ginagawa ni Chito na hindi man siya maluho pero hindi naman niya di-ne-deprive iyong sarili niya. Mayroon siyang ipon. May na-i-invest siya. May konting luho,” she added.

I always tell people that it is not how much you earn but how much you save. You have to spend below your means to avoid debts and other financial problems. It is a human weakness to think ahead when you are expecting some money. You already make plans where you will spend your money even if you still do not have it.

Having a smaller house or not owning a brand-new car does not mean you are unhappy. It only means that you are choosing to live a simpler lifestyle for yourself and your family. And this is what Chito and Neri are doing.

As a mompreneur, Neri is currently promoting her debut book titled Wais Na Misis: The Wise Homemaker, which is set for release this month. The book contains important tips and life lessons that she hopes to share with everyone.

Neri revealed that Chito cried over the book. “I read some of the snippets. It’s really heartwarming for me,” he explained.

Neri is known as the wais na misis, but are there times when she is not? “Kapag may sakit ang mga anak ko. Nakikita talaga doon ako nag-be-breakdown. Nanginginig ako,” she replied.

Chito was quick to point out that it is not only when their kids are sick. “I think basta pagdating sa kids nawawala iyong diskarte mo because spoiled talaga iyong kids sa kanya. Sasabihin ko na ito lang iyong toys. Ito lang iyong ibili mo na toy because ma-a-outgrow rin niya iyan. Pagdating ang dami nang na-order.”

Neri explained that she did not have enough toys while growing up, so she does not want to deprive her kids from playing them.

Neri revealed that the best decision she has ever made is falling in love with Chito. It has been almost nine years, but the couple’s love for each other continues to grow every day.

If they were to renew their vows, what would they want to say to each other?

Neri emotionally said, “Gusto ko mag-thank you kay Chito. Actually, lagi naman akong nagpapasalamat kay Chito kasi siya talaga iyong lakas ko, Tito Boy. Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya, ‘Baby, be healthy kasi kung mawawala ka talagang totally hindi ko alam mangyayari sa akin.’ Kasi alam naman ng mga tao na talagang grabe akong ipagtanggol ng asawa ko. Grabe iyong suporta niya sa akin and walang taong gumawa at gagawa noon kundi iyong asawa ko. So, I love you.”

Chito shared, “Life-changing rin talaga because before rock and roll talaga ako. Gusto ko lang mag-live ng life kung paano ko gusto and when I want to die, I’ll just die. Pero with her and my family, nagkaroon ako ng bigger reason than myself.”