How marriage has changed Kylie and Aljur

Kylie (left) and husband Aljur Abrenica

The idea of marriage was something Kylie Padilla didn’t believe in.

But when it did happen, she learned that what her family had been saying all along was true: Things will be different—for the better.

“Yes, it was magical—I really felt  that… The blessings poured in,” Kylie, who tied the knot with Aljur Abrenica last December, told reporters at a recent press conference for “Toda One I Love”—a political rom-com series, which starts airing on Feb. 4 on GMA 7.

“Our bond has only gotten stronger since,” the 26-year-old actress added. “Now that [it’s] official, on paper … that’s one less thing to think about. I’m at peace.”

Her wedding day, she recalled, was easily one of the most emotional moments of her life.

Her family was complete once again: Her mother, Liezl Sicangco, younger  sister, Zherileen, and younger brother, Ali, all flew in from Australia; her elder sister, Queenie, from Pakistan. And despite his initial disapproval of Kylie’s relationship with Aljur, her father Robin Padilla wasn’t about to miss his daughter’s big day.

“We went through a lot, so for my father to be there … I was touched. The tables turned,” she related. “Everyone was there, so it was overwhelming. I was happy. The whole day, I felt like crying.”

And perhaps the most amusing thing was that Robin was the one who actually seemed most thrilled. “We didn’t intend to reveal to the public that we got married—at least not immediately.

“But he did a livestream on social media. And that was our announcement! I can’t blame him because he’s my father.”

What advice did her parents give her about married life? “That marriage is not a happy ending, but a beginning; that we have to make it work through proper communication.”

Kylie Padilla

Despite being in a relationship with Aljur for many years now, Kylie still gets to discover new things about her husband.

“AJ (Aljur) is a good father—he’s wonderful. And I can’t ask for anything more,” gushed Kylie, who has a 1-year-old son, Alas Joaquin, with the actor.

“When you’re in a relationship, married or not … your partner doesn’t stay the same—he or she is always growing. And that’s what I’m excited about.”

While Kylie is enjoying motherhood, she admitted that she still struggles  with it. “I can’t put my phone down when I’m at work, because I need to have that constant connection with my baby. Now AJ’s taking care of him because he doesn’t have work. I’m not sure what I’ll do once we start working at the same time. Maybe I’ll bring  Alas with me,” she said.

But all these are worth it, Kylie said, especially when she sees her baby’s developmental milestones. “He can talk a little. His first word was, ‘Papa.’ But now he can say, ‘Papa Aljur’ and ‘Mama Kylie,’” she said, adding that they have no plans yet to have another baby. “AJ wants a big family—four kids! But for now, I’m happy with Alas.”

“Toda,” which is produced by GMA News and Public Affairs, will have Kylie reuniting with Ruru Madrid—her love team partner in the “Encantadia” remake.

The story is set in a small town, where their characters (Gelay and Emong, respectively) get embroiled in the politics of both the local Tricycle Operators and Driver’s Association and  the impending mayoral elections.

“I’m happy that, despite being away for quite some time, I still have work to return to here in GMA. I’m ready to do this again and show my best,” she said. “I’m also happy that the support for my love team with Ruru is still there, even if the fans know that we have our own lives offscreen.”

She’s also thankful that Aljur lets her take control of her career. “I tell him about my projects. But at the end of the day, I still have the last say,” Kylie said. “We’re partners. He doesn’t hold me back.”