How to make love last: Tips from Ian, Bea, Iza

MANILA, Philippines — Reflecting back on their own personal relationships during the recent press con for the finale of "A Love to Last," the three leads of the hit teleserye - Ian Veneracion, Iza Calzado and Bea Alonzo - shared their two cents’ worth of advice on love and commitment.

Married for 20 years to his non-showbiz wife, Pam, Ian may play the unfaithful husband on TV, but not in real life.

"(To make love last, it's) all about respect and respecting each other's individuality, and also a bottomless pit of patience - on the side of my wife!" laughed the veteran actor.

Ian also underlined the importance of being compassionate and trying to understand where your partner is coming from.

Calzado, who plays Grace, the estranged wife of Ian on the show, in real life has been dating businessman and entrepreneur Ben Wintle for six years. 

"At my tender age of 35 , and after being in several long term relationships, the secret (I think to making relationships last) is love, respect, trust, understanding and communication... You also need to compromise as well," she said.

"Also, expectations shouldn't be so high... kasi kapag hindi na-meet, (the relationship could fall apart), so you have to manage expectations."

Learning from her own character, Iza added: "When you're in any relationship, selfishness will lead you nowhere but heartache. Grace is so self centered and hasn't completely let go of the idea of the love that she has with Anton (Ian). Hence, it's so hard for her to move forward in life."

Bea, who plays Andeng in the drama series, has been lauded for her portrayal of the mistress turned wife in the series. Though she sympathizes with her torn character, Bea admits that she too would have difficulty being in such a complicated relationship.

When asked if she would marry someone who has been separated from his wife, Bea answered, "Mahirap sagutin yan. Yung character ni Andrea 'di niya pinangarap malagay sa ganitong sitwasyon because we all know it's not an easy situation. Maraming kang kailangang tiisin, maraming kailangang harapin na haharapin mo forever kasi mayroon siyang tatlong anak, mayroon siyang ex-wife na ina ng mga anak niya, so mahirap siya sagutin. Mahirap din magsalita nang tapos pero sa ngayon parang sana, huwag."

On a more positive note, Bea shared her personal reflection on love: "Never give up on love, never give up on someone you love. When you commit, panindigan mo. No matter how difficult the situation is, panindigan mo."

Bea is reportedly dating Kapamilya actor Gerald Anderson.