Marriage, love, and growing old together-- and then some.  Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo shared insights on their relationship and on life in general.

In the latest episode of “Matteo G Primetime,” hosted by actor and businessman Matteo Guidicelli, celebrity couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo opened up about their 16-year relationship and how they express love in very different ways.

When asked who says ‘I love you’ more, Judy Ann, 47, admitted she’s the more expressive one. Ryan, 47, then explained that while he does say I love you, he is more intentional about it. Early in their relationship, he noticed Judy Ann would sometimes say it in a way that felt like she was seeking reassurance. 

“I didn’t want to say it back just to reassure her,” Ryan said. “If I say ‘I love you,’ it's not a check.” For him, there is no perfect timing, as he says it when he means it.

Judy Ann, on the other hand, believes in saying it whenever she feels it. “Naisip ko siya, or na-miss ko siya that day, magme-message ako, I love you.” 

She admitted she does not hesitate in expressing her feelings. “Paano kung hindi ako makapag I love you na bukas? What if something happens? So if I can say it now, I'll say it now.” Judy Ann emphasized that she doesn’t say the words casually or randomly to just anyone.

The couple also discussed their dynamics at home, particularly when it comes to personal freedom and hobbies. Judy Ann playfully called Ryan the big spender but then she said that she fully supports his interests.

“I met him may motor na siya, may photographer na siya,” she reconted. Judy Ann explained that she is not the type who would restrict him from doing what he wants, but she instead encourages him to do his thing. At the end of the day, Ryan will still come home to her.

The actor and host considers himself lucky because Judy Ann doesn’t interfere with his hobbies. He noticed how often people ask him how he gets permission from his wife. For him, it is actually the opposite. He said in jest that it is more about keeping her away from his interests since she is also into many of them, including scuba diving and motorsports.

When asked how saying “I love you” has changed over the years, Ryan didn’t hesitate. “It's actually gotten spicier, intenser.” 

He revealed that as time passed, he continues to discover new layers of Judy Ann’s personality. “Now pa lang, I'm getting to know the rest of her.” For him, that ongoing discovery is what keeps their relationship exciting.

Judy Ann echoed the sentiment, recalling how saying “I love you” to Ryan during their first year together felt different from anything she had experienced before. “That was the first ever time na naramdaman ko na ito pala iyong feeling na totoo. Because I've been with a lot of love teams.”

After 16 years of marriage, she said these words carry a deeper meaning. The "I love yous" are getting more colorful and meaningful. She explained that while saying “I love you” feels different during courtship, it becomes more layered in marriage depending on the moment.

She noted that an “I love you” after an argument carries a different meaning, like a quiet reminder of “mahal pa rin kita.”