During the rough patch in their marriage, Heart Evangelista and Chiz Escudero “definitely” ensured that the latter’s kids, Chesa and Quino, wouldn’t be affected.

In a guesting on Boy Abunda’s Fast Talk on Thursday, March 14, the couple said the kids weren’t involved, but Heart noted that they’re “very smart.”

“Even with my first separation, they were never involved,” Chiz added, noting that nobody in his family intervened at his behest. “It was only between us (my ex-wife).”

Heart said that though the kids weren’t saying anything, they knew something was up.

“I was on the treadmill, lumapit si Kino sa akin and he said, ‘Tita Heart, who’s going to take care of you? You don’t know how to get a taxi,’” she recalled, noting that it made her cry.

Heart, though withholding details, told him that it’s going to be okay.

“They do love me,” she added.

Abunda then asked Heart and Chiz about the most important lessons they learned during this time of their lives. The veteran host reminded them to not go into detail about their marriage problems.

“When one is going through a really tough time,” Heart said, “the other one really has to be strong. I don’t think we’d be sitting here today if he wasn’t strong.”

Heart gave a shout-out to Chiz for believing in her heart during what she described as “the darkest time” of her life, which eventually made her “come back.”

“I’ve never met anyone, not even a friend. Everybody failed me during that time,” she said. “And if he didn’t, it (our marriage) would have been done.”

Chiz, meanwhile, described the period as “difficult,” though said that God made it easier for him.

“Lesson learned there is be still,” he said. “Lalo kang may ginagawa, lalong nagkakaletse-letse. You really have to surrender,” pertaining to his faith in God.

Asked whether love prevails amid difficulties, Chiz said yes and no.

“Yes, basta may kahit kaunti ‘yung isa tapos malaki ‘yung isa, mapupunuan ‘yun,” he said. “No, pag walang-wala na kahit gaano kalaki ‘yung isa.”

“At least, mayroon kahit may butong pagsisimulan para tumubo uli kung nawala man. Pero pag wala kahit buto, wala na ‘yun.”

Heart agreed with the sentiments of Chiz, who also noted that he didn’t use his platform as a senator to navigate his personal life.

They first tied the knot in 2015 after dating for three years.

The breakup rumors in 2022 began when Heart removed “Escudero” from her Instagram name. Rumors spread further after she admitted she was going through some “personal struggles” and revealed she bought her own place in Paris.

Heart indirectly shut down the rumors in December of the same year by posting a photo of herself with the caption: “Walking around Paris before heading home for New Year. P.S. See you soon, @escuderochiz.”

Heart and Chiz welcomed 2023 as a couple and have since been spotted in several locations together.

They renewed their vows last Feb. 14—a triple celebration of Valentine’s Day, Heart’s birthday, and their ninth wedding anniversary—on Balesin Island.