After years of keeping his personal life private, actor Coco Martin has finally shared why he’s now more open about his relationship with actress Julia Montes.

In May 2023, Martin officially confirmed his 12-year relationship with Montes.

During an interview on Toni Talks with Toni Gonzaga, the actor admitted that he still feels hesitant to discuss his private life but wanted to make an exception for Montes.

"Hindi ako open, mayroon lang akong certain na isini-share, ayoko naman ipagkait kay Julia na ni hindi manlang kami makalabas, makakain, hindi ko man lang siya masuportahan," he said in during the interview.

(I’m not open, I only share certain things, but I don’t want to deny Julia the simple joys of going out, eating together, or showing her my support)

He added that he found it unfair to keep Montes hidden from the public for so long.

"Sabi ko kasi dati, lahat iyan nakatago e, siyempre minsan alam ko hindi man niya sa akin sinasabi na parang — 'ano to, habang buhay na lang naka-tago' parang never mo akong ako, parang simple way," the actor explains.

(Before, everything was kept secret. I know she never complained outright, but I felt it was unfair — like she would ask, ‘Is this how it’s going to be forever, always hidden?’ That thought stayed with me)

The actor also recalled a memorable moment during the premiere of Montes’ movie Topakk where he handed her a bouquet of flowers.

"One time nga iyung Saving Grace, e di pumunta ako doon may bulaklak ako, e di pumunta ako ayokong i-abot, nahihiya ako parang hindi ko personalidad, sabi ko talaga iabot niyo na e siyempre gusto nila ako hindi ko talaga alam ang gagawin ko parang ang awkward," he recounted, laughing.

(During the premiere of, I brought flowers but didn’t want to give them to her myself. I was shy — it’s not my personality. I asked someone else to hand them over, but they insisted I do it. I was so awkward; I didn’t know what to do)

Montes and Martin first worked together in the 2012 hit series Walang Hanggan and reunited in 2014 for Ikaw Lamang. Their relationship, which began in private, has now become a testament to the trust and respect they’ve built over the years.