Melason's Marriage Advice: Alam Namin Ang Kahinaan Ng Bawat Isa

Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco have been married for 11 years and are blessed with two children, Mela and Stella. Collectively, they are known as the Melason family. 

The December 2024 Smart Parenting cover family is not only a gold mine when it comes to laughs and good vibes, but also a source of wisdom, especially about relationships and family life.

In the exclusive interview Usap Tayo with Smart Parenting, the couple—who both rose to fame after joining the reality TV show Pinoy Big Brother—shared why they are grateful for each other.

Jason Francisco as a hands-on parent

Melai appreciates that Jason is a very hands-on parent, especially when it comes to the health and safety of their children.

"Maloko lang kasi talaga kami, pero sa kanya, yung pagiging responsible father sa mga anak," she said.

 "Alam natin, hands-on ang mga ina, pero 'yung ama, iba pag ama." —Melai Cantiveros on Jason Francisco

She continued, "Siya talaga yung tutok na kung anong dapat kainin, anong dapat inumin na mga vitamins. Minsan na-a-amaze ako sa kanya na. Kasi kami, lumaki naman kami na parang, bahala ka na sa immune system mo. Kasi dati yung Papa ko, parang okay lang, mabubuhay ka, si Lord na bahala. Parang kapit ka na talaga kay Lord."

While Jason has a strong faith, Melai admires how he also takes an active role as a family man. His mindset, according to Melai, is: "Anak ko 'to, pamilya ko 'to."

She further shared, "Alam mo, kung dalawa lang ang kamay niya sa nakikita mo, pero parang sampu talaga 'yung kamay niya pagdating sa mga anak niya."

She emphasized, "Alam natin, hands-on ang mga ina, pero 'yung ama, iba pag ama. Kaya isi-secure talaga niya yung protection at siguridad ng mga anak ko.
Kaya doon pa lang, alam ko na safe ako pag nandiyan siya sa bahay namin, safe talaga."

Melai then joked, "Pero pag wala siya talaga, i-lock 'yung mga doors, wala si Jason!" 

Jason to Melai: 'Grateful ako na hindi siya perfect'

With his wife being one of the funniest personalities in showbiz—thanks to Melai's signature expressions and antics—Jason shared that he admires her strength, even in imperfection.

"Kinukuha ko na lang 'yung kahinaan niya, tapos, ako na lang 'yung magsasapaw doon sa kanya, kasi nga, eh kahinaan niya nga 'yun eh." —Jason Francisco on Melai's weaknesses

"Strong in spirit, strong in face," Jason teased. He added that he feels confident Melai can take care of their family in the event that he passes away first.

"Grateful ako kasi, hindi siya perfect," Jason stressed. "Kung mas iintindihin mo nang mas malalim, mas magiging madali yung buhay kung hindi ka magiging perfect. Ang dami mong hinahanap kung perfect ka."

Melason marriage advice: Alam namin ang kahinaan ng isa't isa

Jason shared, "[Si Melai] medyo wala kasi siyang patience sa pag-uusap, sa pagbabasa ng books.

"Nung una, siyempre nga, nalalaman namin ang kahinaan ng bawat isa. 'Ano ba naman 'tong babaeng to, dapat siya yung mas kailangan. Alangan naman ako 'yung mag-read ng mga Disney Princess [stories]!"

"So alam mo yun, parang, kinukuha ko na lang 'yung kahinaan niya, tapos, ako na lang 'yung magsasapaw doon sa kanya. Kasi nga, eh kahinaan niya nga 'yun eh."

Melai then said, "Which is, very kilig sa part ko. Baby number 3 is coming over!"

Melason's love passed on to their kids

With their parents' understanding and care for their each other as their example, Mela and Stella have grown to be caring and respectful as well.

Mela revealed how sweet Stella is, "Si Stella kasi pinapag-pray niya pa lahat ng mundo." Melai added, "Pati yung dumadaan na ambulansya, pinagpipray nila. Dumating na kami sa point na gutom na gutom na kami kasi pati sa pagkain na prayer sinama yung lahat ng mga ambulansya."

When asked about the greatest lesson they learned from their parents, Mela said, "Respect other people. Kung gusto mo yung mga ibang taong mag-treat sa'yo ng mabait, dapat i-treat mo din sila ng mabait para lahat tayo parehas lang."

When asked who is the stricter parent, Mela and Stella had their own answers. Watch the full Usap Tayo video here:

Editor's note: Quotes have been edited for clarity and brevity