Iya Villania Reveals 'Matagal Na Kaming Hindi Magkatabi Ni Drew Sa Kama'

Becoming a parent AND a partner are two different things, and both of them are never easy. There will be a lot of changes in your dynamics with your spouse, and most of the time, the small and big things can take a toll on the relationship.

Iya Villania and Drew Arellano prove that even their picture-perfect family experience this too, especially now that they have four children.

In their podcast "Life with the Arellanos," the celebrity couple reflected on how their love for each other has changed throughout the years.

Iya confessed, "The things that would make me kilig then are very different from the things that would make me kilig now."

The two, who were in a relationship for nearly 10 years before getting married, got real and shared tips on how they keep their love for each other growing - four kids after.

4 tips on how to keep the fire burning, according to Iya Villania and Drew Arellano

Iya said, "Now I really feel the partnership, and it's because we're leading this home and we want to bring out the besti n each other because in bringing the best out of each other, we're modeling how to bring out the best in our children. I think iba talaga pag family na."

1. Take care of yourself

Iya brought up that becoming a mom and with all the physical changes that go with it, there's a need for each person to take care of themselves and look good for one another.

Iya wondered, "How do you still love this new body that's not as beautiful as [before]?" 

But Drew said, he believes that Iya is "hotter" more than ever in the sense that her confidence is what draws her to him.

Iya confessed her fitness journey is also for Drew, "I guess the effort on my end that's part of me keeping fit is because I want to still be my best for you."

She explained why self-care is important in keeping the fire burning, "I want to feel good about myself, connected to that is it's also for you - I want you to look at me and love me with all that I have."

Drew shared, "I think we have been very conscious of keeping fit - not just to look fit but also to live as long as possible so we can have more time with our kids."

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2. Schedule dates without the kids

Drew emphasized the importance of having alone time with your spouse. While he feels that they are confident with the love that they have for each other, what they need to do is to protect what they have, by making a conscious effort to nurture it.

When they are given the chance to have weekly dates, although not as consistent as they hope to be, they make the most of it. 

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Iya reveals that because they sleep together as a family, "Matagal na kaming hindi magkatabi ni Drew sa kama." 

She added, "There will be times that if I see that there's a space, I'll take that chance to kind of just snuggle up with no intention but to just cuddle. These are the moments I look forward to when we do travel alone, because once upon a time it was just you and me."

3. Know and respond to each other's love language

Drew said that his love language is physical touch and affection, while Iya shows her love for her husband through acts of service. 

They also agreed that both of them are not into giving gifts, that's why they would just tell each other what they want.

For the couple who are workout buddies, "Something related to health and wellness is the best gift," Drew concluded. 

Learn more about you and your partner's love language here.

4. Open and constant communication is key

Drew and Iya agree that the secret to having a growing and healthy relationship is when you have open communication lines with each other. Iya said she's the type of person who will write her thoughts down, while Drew is the one who likes to talk and resolve issues face-to-face.

"Communication has prevented us from a lot of things going sour. Our means of communicating might be different. Like, I might be the one that will write three paragraphs and then send that to you, and you will be the type of like you know let's sit down and talk now, but it's still communicating whatever means it is."

Drew agreed and said that communication is like the 'gasul' that in small, constant ways, helps keep the fire alive. 

However, the timing and the delivery of the message should also be considered. 

Iya said, "You don't want to just bring it up because you want to get it out of the way. You want to bring it up at a time when your partner is also more open to accepting it."

Final message for couples

Iya warns couples to not let the small things go unnoticed, saying these will build up and eventually explode. "I really want to encourage you know the couples out there to don't let it get that far."

The Arellanos stressed, that keeping the fire burning is not going to be easy. "It's a conscious effort, but it really is important to be aware of the connection that you have with your partner. Don't take these small things for granted even those little things that can piss you off about your partner."

In doing so, Drew hopes, "Who knows, it might never burn out."