The most profound message of love came in a small package, from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who told the First Lady, “You complete me.”
In a social media post, the heartfelt message was part of Filipinos’ Valentine’s Day celebrations on Saturday.
“My forever Valentine, Liza, you are the love of my life, the heart of our home, and the calm in the middle of everything. You make it all make sense,” the President said.
In his vlog, Marcos said he likes to spend his free time with his wife, adding that their happiness is “just be(ing) with one another” without thinking too much about work.
“It doesn’t take much to make us happy — to just have an evening free to do anything, whatever it is is not important,” he said, admitting that they are having a difficult time finding time for each other because they are both busy.
The Chief Executive marked Valentine’s Day with personal reflections on love and marriage, telling couples that lasting relationships are anchored on friendship, mutual understanding, and the willingness to “give and take.”
In his BBM Vlog episode 277, released on Saturday, Marcos encouraged couples to value each other’s company and recognize the rarity of finding someone who genuinely cares for you.
A lovely feeling
“Enjoy each other’s company. It is rare to find someone that you care for and that cares for you, with whom you have a very nice time together,” the President said.
He went on: “That brings us back to the concept of friendship. That’s what you should try to find. And once you have found it and it’s Valentine’s Day, enjoy it to the fullest. It is a lovely feeling.”
Reflecting on their more than three decades of marriage, Marcos said the key to a strong partnership is “bigayan,” or mutual understanding.
“I think couples have known this for a long time. The only secret, which isn’t really a secret at all, is that there has to be give-and-take,” he said.
“Not everyone is the same. Husband and wife simply have to give and take and try to understand each other. It can’t be my way or no way, because when that happens, one of them will always end up unhappy.”
When asked how the First Couple and their kids balance work and family, Marcos said small, thoughtful acts and making time for one another despite busy schedules help sustain long-term relationships.
He acknowledged that balancing public duties and family life remains a challenge for the First Family, noting that nearly everyone in their household has demanding commitments.
“This is one of the hardest things to do because almost everyone in my family is very busy,” he said. “Sometimes it’s hard to carve out even just one day together — or even sit down for dinner. But whenever we get the chance to be together, we take it.”
Family gatherings, he shared, are often spontaneous, sometimes a quick long weekend trip to Ilocos or another destination, whenever their schedules align. “Sometimes we really can’t plan it. It just happens spontaneously — ‘hey, we’re all free. Okay, let’s meet up.’ And then we do something together,” he said.
Red letter day mood
Marcos also noted the festive Valentine’s atmosphere nationwide, citing the crowded malls and restaurants filled with couples, the busy flower vendors, and the heavy traffic — expressing the hope that love and goodwill would prevail amid the rush.
Asked about a song that represents their relationship, the President said that while no single track perfectly captures their story, “Moonlight in Vermont,” sung by Sarah Vaughan, holds special meaning as it played during one of their first dates in New York.
He also weighed in on a social media trend in which young people share stories of risking friendships by confessing romantic feelings, referencing Taylor Swift’s song “Ruin the Friendship.”
Marcos said he does not believe romance necessarily ruins a friendship, but friendship forms the foundation of a healthy relationship.
“I don’t think that ruins the friendship,” he said. “For me, the basis of any good relationship is true friendship. The best relationships I’ve seen have all started by being friends.”
He added that couples who genuinely enjoy and support each other are more likely to build lasting unions.