THEY say love is sweeter the second time around, and it looks like that holds true for Juami Tiongson and Arra San Agustin.
Tiongson achieved a long-awaited personal milestone by winning the first-ever PBA title of his 11-year career after San Miguel captured the 49th Season Philippine Cup with a victory in Game 6 last Friday against TNT.
On the sidelines to witness it first hand was Tiongson’s girlfriend and showbiz personality San Agustin, who was also seen on the court during the celebration.
READ SMB shows faith in Juami Tiongson with new three-year contract
The two separated for a year, but recently got back together, and Tiongson said their relationship has become stronger than ever.
“’Yung relationship namin ni Arra, di ba may rumors na nag-break na kami? It did happen. Pero ngayon, nagbalikan na kami,” Tiongson told SPIN.ph.
Tiongson admitted he learned a lot about himself during the time they weren’t together.
“Ngayon, ‘yung time namin for each other, nirerespeto na namin. Dami ko rin natutunan nung naghiwalay kami for a year. Nagka-time ako sa sarili ko. Nagka-time rin siya sa sarili niya,” said Tiongson.
“Very happy ako sa pagbabalikan namin. Hopefully, siya na,” he added.
Since they got back together, San Agustin has become a fixture in Tiongson’s games with San Miguel, although she was occasionally in the stands even during his days with Terrafirma.
“Since Terrafirma naman, nanonood siya pero hindi lang as consistent. Ngayon na nasa San Miguel, I guess nag-eenjoy na siya sa laro. Wala ng disappointment. Mas naging consistent na nanonood,” said Tiongson, who was traded from lowly Terrafirma to powerhouse San Miguel in November 2024.
The 34-year-old Tiongson said the 30-year-old Kapuso actress was very supportive with words of encouragement during this finals.
“Actually after games, siya nga ‘yung talagang parati kong kausap, pinupuntahan especialy sobrang nag-struggle ako this series. Siya ‘yung nagbigay sa akin ng hope na 'wag mawalan nag pag-asa, just have faith in God. Malaking bagay to stay confident and to be myself this conference,” said Tiongson.
Now that they are back together, Tiongson feels that it's for good.
“Mas rinerespeto na namin isa’t isa. Mas kilala na namin ang isa’t isa. Sinasabi ko nga sa kanya, hopefully, in the next three years, siya na eh," he said. "Kasi obviously, busy pa siya sa career niya. Ako rin naman busy sa career ko.
"Maganda na may mutual respect kami doon,” he added.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
