A showbiz marriage that works

In showbiz where marriages (some of them anyway) are believed not to last, the union of Diana Zubiri and Fil-Aussie model Andrew “Andy” Smith is well on its way to happily-ever-after. During the first birthday celebration of their daughter Aliyah Rose last Aug. 13 at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan (Libis, Quezon City), the mostly showbiz well-wishers were all praises as they watched Diana and Andy hop from table to table for photo ops.

Believe it or not but in their two-year marriage (they were wed at a Christian wedding at the Sampaguita Events Place garden), Diana and Andy have never fought, considering that they come from different cultural backgrounds.

Boring? Not really.

“Not that we always agree on everything,” Diana told Funfare. “May konting away din, very petty lang, pero madaling naaayos because we usually meet halfway. Never na the petty-petty leads to malaking away because we always resolve whatever little issues are involved. The cause is about time…you know, I’m used to Filipino time and Andy is just getting used to it. He’s always punctual.”

His being half-Filipino (maternal side; dad is Australian) helps Andy understand Filipino custom. Raised in Adelaide, Australia, Andy came for a visit and so fell in love with the country… and, of course, with Diana…that he decided to stay. 

“Mabait siya,” Diana said of Andy. “He is caring, loving and a disciplinarian, maalaga hindi lang kay Aliyah kundi pati na rin kay Joaquin. Magkasundo sila ni King (Joaquin’s nickname).” (Joaquin is Diana’s eight-year-old son from a past relationship; Joaquin’s biological father is dead.) “I’m happy that King is doing great in school. He’s an honor student in Grades 1 and 2.”

The couple doesn’t let the green-eyed monster rear its ugly head between them.

“Andy is not seloso,” shared Diana, “and neither am I. Ganoon kami ka-secure sa isa’t-isa.”

Thankfully, Andy understands the ins and outs of showbiz where most of his friends come from. He has tried acting (guest performer) in the GMA shows Encantadia and D’Originals.

Asked if she and Andy are bringing up their kids the Filipino way or the Australian way, or both ways, Diana said, “Our way. Mahigpit but not too much. We spoil them with toys but only to a certain extent, never sobra. We have house rules. No TV or iPad, but not totally. We also let them watch TV but not too much depende sa kabaitan nila. Sugar days are only on Wednesday and Sunday.” 

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)