Veteran actor Joel Torre opened up about his love story with wife, Christy Azcona-Torre.
In an interview with Karen Davila, Joel recalled that he and Christy first met and became a couple while in college, but they eventually parted ways after graduation.
Joel grew up and studied in Bacolod City.
"We broke up because I was going to Manila after graduation. Sabi ko I have to focus on a career," he shared.
Their paths crossed again on the set of Oro, Plata, Mata, though Christy already had a new boyfriend at the time.
Four years later, fate gave them a second chance, and the two eventually tied the knot.
Joel shared that after they got married, he encouraged Christy to focus on their family.
"I got married I was 27, and she was 24 [or] 25. She used to work for Batibot (TV show)... she worked there and nung kami na, sabi ko... lay low ka na, as a P.A. (production assistant) siya eh. And I worked for us. So ako na, I assumed the responsibility being the husband, the father," he shared.
When asked how they maintained a strong and enduring marriage, Joel emphasized that commitment is a deliberate choice.
"It's a choice if you really want it or not. Kasi lahat naman ng marriages may ups and downs. It's a rollercoaster ride and I chose to stay in this relationship. Marami kaming [pinagdaanan], marami kaming pagsubok. Pero hindi ako bumitaw. If you work in a relationship, it's not about finding the right person, it's about making it right always," he said.
In the same interview, Joel also spoke about fatherhood and raising their two daughters.
"As a father I'm strict... I have my boundaries. I'm really not strict-strict. I'm really very open-minded. Kami sa Bacolod kasi medyo we grew up conservative. No men in the house, no sleepover, things like that. You have to respect my house," he said.
The actor added that now that his daughters are grown, he wants to give them the freedom to live their own lives.
He went on: "I pray a lot they will be protected, they will be guided... [but] 'pag wala na sila sa poder ko, they are living their own life, I want them to have that freedom. Basta ang responsibility ko sa kanila, 'pag lumaki na sila, now one is married, one is getting married, let them be, sa kanila na 'yun. Pero if they need anything, thank God, good old dad is still here."