How marriage turned Matt’s life around

MANILA, Philippines - Matt Evans admits to having a “wild streak” during his bachelor days but he says he was more than happy to give that up since he decided to settle down with his ladylove Katrina Fariñas Favis. The two swapped I do’s in a simple wedding ceremony witnessed by family and close friends three months ago after going steady for five months.

“It’s a lot different now, may malaking direksyon talaga sa pagbabago,” reveals Matt to The STAR regarding married life. “I won’t deny that when I was single, there were so many temptations that I couldn’t resist but now that I already have a wife, I’ve learned my limitations and I know when to stop. Iba pala talaga when you have a family; it becomes your priority. And for me to be more responsible, we live separately from my family. We looked for our own place.”

In fact, it is Katrina who often asks Matt if he feels okay about staying at home after a hectic day at work which he seldom did when he was still single. “She has neither set a rule nor stopped me from going out. The choice is mine at sa sarili ko na mismo nag-mumula yung mga di ko na dapat gawin kasi tatay na ko at may asawa na ako. But I don’t restrict myself from doing the things I enjoy. I just know when to stop.”

Asked how does Katrina, who is related to the Fariñas political clan of Ilocos Norte, show her support in his every endeavor, Matt replies, ”She’s there in everything I do. Actually, she’s the one who always packs my things and baon for tapings. When my friends invite me to go out, I always tell them na iba na ang linya ko. Night-outs have also been lessened to once a week. But I’m not into gimmicks anymore; I no longer go out at night. Basketball na lang pinaka madalas. Believe it or not, I’m flat on bed at 9 p.m. when there’s no taping. Talagang iba pag Diyos na ang umikot sayo; iibahin ka talaga. I’m more dedicated to my work just like in the coming days, I have to deliver in the challenging roles assigned to me. That’s why, I’m preparing for them this early.”

Contrary to reports that Matt has become less visible on-cam since getting married, the 25-year-old Kapamilya affirms that his career has turned out to be rosier these days. “Di pa lang umeere lahat. The first will be this movie, Bride for Rent then I also did The Legal Wife for the pilot airing together with Neri Naig and James Blanco and I will be in the remake of the Koreanovela Pure Love.”

In Bride for Rent, Matt plays Onyok dela Cruz, the brother of Kim Chiu’s character Rocky. Onyok depends mainly on Rocky who will stop at nothing to earn for a living. “My character and I are total opposites. I’m the type who will do everything for my family more so now that my wife is three and a half months pregnant.”

Did he plan about his marriage? Matt relates that the idea of settling down just suddenly came into the picture. “I remember it was a Thursday and we were on our way to the taping. While we were talking in the car, I asked her if she wanted to be my wife. She initially thought that I was just joking but I was not so that very moment I did propose to her minus the ring. We got married Oct. 3 of last year.

“I just felt it was the right time and I am sure about myself that I’m ready; na wala akong pagsisisihan na may di pa ko na-enjoy. I even came to a point na nakipag live-in ako at nagka-issue pa but a year had already passed after that incident and I have totally moved on with my life.”

Matt is certain, too, that Katrina is truly meant for him “because she’s always there by my side no matter what. We were together when I was down and now that everything is okay I thank her for not leaving me.”

One bitter episode of his life was when Matt was detained for allegedly mauling his live-in partner Johnelline Hickins in 2012. They have a love child. But Matt says that they are still in the process of ironing out some kinks and hopes that legal matters will be settled this year.

“Everything is turning out fine. I can visit my daughter di naman pinagdadamot.”

Maturity helped Matt in understanding life’s troubles. He looks at each “turbulent” moment as one valuable lesson. “You cannot blame yourself for those awful times and just sulk in one corner. You need to get up and keep in your heart all the lessons that you have learned from the past. Yung mga masama, itapon na lang kasi wala ka ng magagawa, nangyari na. What matters is you learn from your mistakes.”

These days, Matt takes extra care of his wife who is heavy with their first baby. “She is craving for mangosteen. For me, whatever God give us — either boy or girl — will be fine. I hope and pray that the baby is healthy.”

(Bride for Rent, produced by Star Cinema, is opening in theaters on Jan. 15.)