Joyce Ching recently took to TikTok to defend her husband, Kevin Alimon, after he faced criticism over his reaction in their latest vlog.
The video in question featured the couple's bear-themed gender reveal party for their firstborn child, who is expected to be a girl.
Read: Joyce Ching, husband Kevin Alimon expecting first baby
In the vlog, pink confetti poured down from a piñata, signaling the baby's gender.
Kevin appeared stunned, and viewers speculated that Joyce was waiting for a hug from him.
This assumption sparked backlash against Kevin for not immediately embracing his wife, prompting Joyce to address the situation directly on social media.
In her TikTok video uploaded on August 1, 2024, Joyce explained: "Gusto ko lang i-clarify. Hindi po ako naghihintay ng hug.
"Okay lang po ako, at hindi po ako nalungkot sa reaksyon ng asawa ko."
Joyce elaborated on the playful nature of their relationship, explaining that they had joked about their reactions beforehand.
"Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Paano kapag pink yung lumabas na confetti?’ Kailangan yung reaction natin maayos pa rin so naglolokohan kami, practice tayo [ng reaction]." she related.
The Kapuso actress emphasized that the video captured their genuine selves, and their interactions were characterized by fun and relaxation.
"Kung kilala niyo kami ni Kevin as a couple, yung napanood niyo sa video ayun yung pinaka raw," she said.
"As in literally ganiyan kaming dalawa sa relationship namin fun fun lang, chill chill lang."
She also addressed the broader context of their relationship, noting that their love and affection go beyond what is seen in videos.
"Yung love and affection naman, it goes beyond the glimpse ng mga video na nakikita niyo online.
"Marami pang nangyayari sa loob ng bahay ng mag-asawa. Yung love and affection, di lang siya sa hug or sa physical touch."
She concluded by reassuring viewers that she can express her affection for Kevin anytime she wants.
"If I wanted a hug, puwedeng-puwede ko yakapin si Kevin anytime kong gustuhin kahit hindi ako magpaalam kasi mag asawa naman kami, so hindi ko siya kailangan pa hintayin na yakapin pa ako."
Read: How Joyce Ching and husband Kevin Alimon avoid and resolve fights
JOYCE AND KEVIN EXPECT A BABY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FIVE YEARS
When the couple first saw a faint line on the pregnancy test Joyce had taken on March 1, 2024, they did not want to raise their hopes ahead of themselves.
Joyce reasoned, "Irregular kasi talaga ako at talagang normal sa akin na delayed ako."
Before taking the test, she and Kevin said a little prayer, conveying: "Lord, we pray na we're pregnant and it's twins."
They even prepared "temporary names" for their little one: Isabel for a girl, and Seth for a boy.
"We're panicking," Kevin uttered while waiting for the result.
A little later, Joyce informed, "Merong faint na line so, di namin sure kung... is that a yes?
"First time namin magkaroon ng faint na line," she said giddily.
"Di ko alam anong mararamdaman ko," Kevin replied, smiling ear to ear.
Choked up in emotions, he let out: "Naiiyak ako. Parang nahihilo ako, Baby."
Joyce, fighting off her tears, explained, "Hindi ako makaiyak nang buo kasi faint line lang kasi, e."
Filled with hope and anticipation, Joyce resolved to take the test again first thing the next day.
"Kasi parang ang pinaka-legit or clear, yung paggising mo sa umaga. Yun yung ihi na talagang sureball, ganon," she told Kevin.
The video then cut to Joyce updating that the second home PT result produced the same result.
THE GOOD NEWS
It wasn't until March 15, when Joyce's ultrasound revealed the presence of a gestational sac — a fluid-filled membrane that encloses an embryo in its early developmental phase.
A week and a half later on March 26, the pair's doctor's appointment finally delivered the news they had been waiting for: "The baby is here!"
Together, they presented a copy of the ultrasound showing their little bundle of joy.
Joyce ended the vlog with a note that captured the rollercoaster ride of emotions as she and Kevin begin a new life as parents.
"It was the longest one month we had to go through," she recalled.
"We didn't want to assume or celebrate anything right away.
"But, after days and weeks of waiting, we were finally sure we were having a baby and now we're four months pregnant."
The couple is expected to welcome their bundle of joy in late December or early January.
READ MORE: