It’s easy to brush KathNiel off as just another on-screen loveteam strategically paired by a huge TV network in their teens — the basic formula for succeeding in local showbiz, apparently. I was convinced their off-screen romantic relationship was just for show (they only confirmed they were dating back in 2018). But as the years went by with their fandom growing stronger and louder than ever, even I started to take them seriously. By then, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla have already bloomed and matured into adults. Proof? Kathryn uploaded her Valentine’s special vlog, “Questions I’ve Never Asked My Boyfriend”, giving us 19 glorious minutes of swoon-worthy interactions.
The titular boyfriend, Daniel, sat comfortably throughout the interview and answered the questions with ease and a surprisingly sophisticated perspective. What have we to learn about love, life, and relationships from KathNiel’s Q&A?
Communication is key, so be open with your partner
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Kathryn and Daniel are about to celebrate their 9th anniversary in May, that’s almost a decade of being in a relationship. Add the pressures of being two of the country’s top celebrities, they’ve certainly hurdled relationship challenges in the past. But seeing how comfortable they are discussing what disappoints Daniel about Kath the most (when she doesn’t listen to his advice), they’ve lasted this long because they’re open to each other’s opinions.
Relationships are about compromise
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The two met when Kathryn was 16 and Daniel was 17. Years later, priorities, mindsets, and circumstances have changed including what the rest of the Filipino population are expecting from them. Is marriage on the table? It certainly is. In fact, based on this video, Daniel is more than ready but it’s Kath who still wants some things to be settled before she walks down the aisle. Daniel never hurries or pressures her and he’s willing to compromise. He understands what she needs to do and if there’s ever a secret formula for making relationships last, that’s on the list. (Just like how it’s on this one).
And respecting each other
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Kath notes that respect is an important element in any relationship, not just romantic ones. It makes you understand your partner and help them grow comfortable in expressing themselves. Not everyone — even your partner who knows everything about you — will agree with you all the time so you need respect to connect to people with different points of view.
During the interview, Kath asked Daniel what he wants her to change about herself and he simply replies saying “Wala akong ipapapalitan sa’yo. Edi kung may ipa-papalit ako sa ugali mo, bakit hindi nalang ako mag-hanap ng iba na hindi ganon, diba? Eh kaya nga minahal kita ganyan ka.” He understands that she is different from him and respects her all the same.
Continue making efforts for each other
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Daniel flew to Hong Kong to surprise Kath who has been filming Hello, Love, Goodbye in the country for a month.
Daniel has been known to surprise Kath in the past and those are definitely kilig moments whether you’re a fan or not. The “ligaw” stage in a relationship might be over for a couple that has spent 9 years together but that doesn’t mean you just sit there and do nothing. Make your partner feel loved by making an extra effort not only during special occasions.
Plan your future together
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When you’re in a strong and secure relationship, you naturally see your future with your partner by your side. Otherwise, why are you in that relationship? Couples who are serious about each other should plan and dream for the future together. It doesn’t matter if the pace to getting there is slow, as long as there’s a vision, the relationship heads somewhere.
Don’t hesitate to shower your partner with love
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The secret to keeping the romance alive, according to Daniel, is none other than loving your significant other. A healthy relationship means choosing to love them each day and actually showing it.
Be proud of your significant other
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When you find someone to love and they share the same values as you do, nothing could compare. Daniel mentioned he was proud of all the things Kath stood for (especially how she joined the protests during the ABS-CBN shutdown). In a relationship, it’s important to show your partner you appreciate them and you’re proud of their achievements in life. That’s how you show your support for each other.
Enjoy the simple things in life with your partner
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When asked what memory he would like to keep if he suddenly had amnesia, Daniel said it would be the quick stopover they had in Paris. That might not be a “simple thing” for mundane, strapped-for-cash people like us but the takeaway is still the same. He chose a simple memory of them together, spending 6 hours in Paris enjoying the trip like normal people. For us that might look like walking home from work and stopping by the tusok-tusok at the kanto. Regardless, it’s the simple things in the relationship you should be cherishing the most.
KathNiel has certainly made our Valentine’s better. Now for the select few made bitter, you might want to go ahead and get yourself a Daniel Padilla or a Kathryn Bernardo.
What’s your favorite KathNiel moment?
