Sharon Cuneta confirmed that she and husband Senator Kiko Pangilinan experienced marital problems in 2017 that almost led to their breakup.
The Megastar disclosed in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) how they were able to surpass their latest challenge as a couple.
Sharon was accompanied by their kids Frankie, Miel, and Miguel during the launch of Kiko's book, Tagsibol: Mga Kwento Mula sa Pagiging Magsasaka, held at the Museum Café in Greenbelt, Makati City, last May 13.
How did she support Senator Kiko while he was doing his book?
Sharon said, "A book is a very personal project.
"He's an English major and he's very good in Tagalog. He was a professor.
"And we all write in the family."
When she gave her speech that afternoon, Sharon quipped that she sometimes wants Kiko to stay alone in the farm "forever."
"Pag naiinis ako sa kanya, [iniisip ko], huwag na lang umuwi ito, diyan na lang siya," she jokingly told PEP.ph.
In his own speech during the event, Senator Kiko quipped that Sharon was already getting jealous since he had more photos of lettuce compared to pictures of his wife.
The Megastar clarified, "Hindi, sa mga pictures lang niya. Dahil parang mas maraming pictures ang litsugas niya kumpara sa akin.
"Utang na loob ko pa na ako ang wallpaper ng phone niya!"
She then said that this is alright with her since she chose a Korean heartthrob for her smartphone.
"Okay lang kasi wallpaper ko, picture ni Gong Yoo!" Sharon said with a laugh.
Gong Yoo is the star of the hit Korean drama series Goblin.
VERGE OF BREAKING UP. In January 2018, Sharon said during her birthday celebration on ASAP that she and Kiko were on the verge of breaking up in 2017.
She said back then, "We’ve been through so much, so very much. We almost lost each other last year.
"I praise God that the family is together and the children are happy."
When PEP.ph asked Sharon about this, she candidly admitted, "Yeah, we almost separated.
"Hindi naman nawawala 'yan sa buhay mag-asawa. Pero tapos na yun.
"We've been married 22 years. We were boyfriend-girlfriend for two whole years before we got married.
"So, 24 years na kami nagtitinginan.
"Dadating at dadating ka sa point na iyon, pero you always fight for what's worth fighting for."
The singer-actress did not disclose the reason for their near breakup but she stressed that it was not because of a third party.
"Never kami nag-away about a third party. Never ever.
"Whatever it was, it was always just between us.
"Minsan, pareho kayong disente, pareho kayong matino, pero hindi kayo nagkakasundo sa mga ilang bagay o ugali.
"Pero you work things out."
How did they surpass that challenging period in their life?
Sharon replied, "I think, like every married couple na marunong ipaglaban ang marriage nila, siyempre you prioritize your children and you prioritize each other.
"Minsan iniisip ko talaga, ayoko na talaga, wala na talaga... then you always find a reason to stay. It's a decision naman.
"Hindi naman 'yan parang... there's no magic wand when you get married na pag kasal na kayo, happily ever after.
"That doesn't necessarily follow. You work on it.
"It's a commitment that you renew every day."