How Marina and Ricardo survived the ‘hardest storm’ of their lives

To recall, Ricardo Cepeda was all over the news two years ago when he was arrested in connection with the syndicated estafa case filed against him and 11 other respondents. He was released from prison in Tuguegarao in September of last year after spending 11 months in jail. The months of incarceration tested not only Ricardo’s resolve but also the foundation of his relationship with Marina. Her unwavering support became his anchor.

No amount of physical exhaustion, mental ordeal or emotional distress could separate celebrity couple Ricardo Cepeda and Marina Benipayo. The love they share has only grown stronger after facing the hardest storm of their lives.

To recall, Ricardo was all over the news two years ago when he was arrested in connection with the syndicated estafa case filed against him and 11 other respondents.

Only the actor and another person were taken into custody. He was released from prison in Tuguegarao in September of last year after spending 11 months in jail — two months in Quezon City and nine months in Tuguegarao.

The months of incarceration tested not only Ricardo’s resolve but also the foundation of his relationship with Marina. Through the uncertainty and the long days spent behind bars, Marina’s unwavering support was his anchor. She would visit whenever possible, bearing encouraging words and steadfast faith that justice would eventually prevail.

Ricardo recalls the ordeal with quiet strength. He lost professional opportunities and endured public scrutiny, but at every turn, Marina stood by him. Their bond deepened, transforming adversity into a testament of loyalty and unconditional love.

Now, with the ordeal behind him, Ricardo speaks candidly about the events that led to the case, hoping to shed light on what truly transpired.

“I was working with this direct selling company as a brand ambassador, product ambassador, where I simply talked about my experiences using the products that they distribute. And then, whenever there are sales meetings and presentations, I come up on stage and I talk about my experience of using the products,” began Ricardo when he and Marina agreed to sit down for “The Talk” segment of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

“Some people would speak about the products — the business side of it. Now, what happened was, nalaman ko na lang, kasi I also went to the hearings, we learned that there were backdoor meetings which I and the other speakers didn’t know about. While we’re doing presentations, there was another meeting happening in a private area,” he continued.

Ricardo was unaware of the backdoor meetings where potential clients were lured into investing their money. Unfortunately, he was still arrested, and it took several months for the court to approve his bail petition.

“It’s hard, honestly,” he answered when I asked about spending time in jail. His only comfort was that he never felt spiritually or emotionally broken. “I was very grateful pina-PMA ako ng father ko. Away from the family, you’re in your own place with strangers. And then we’ve always felt that there was — you know, it sounds cliché — everything happens for a reason.”

While the actor was in jail, Marina didn’t accept any TV series so she could fly to Tuguegarao every week to see him, “because I know how lonely it is to be in there. I mean, if I’m having a hard time, what more for him?”

Ricardo and Marina have been enjoying each other’s company for 10 months now. No doubt, their love, trust and respect for each other have deepened.

“We’re stronger and (I’ve become) more patient with other people,” said Ricardo of what he and Marina have become because of the experience.

“Before that kasi, we’re pretty solid naman. And then, I always say that the things that I did for him, for the family, are what I would do for the people I love,” added Marina.

The model-actress continued, “Mabigat lang ‘di ba we’ve gone through in our separate lives. We’ve gone through so much already na akala mo, ‘Ay okay na to, papahinga na ako, ‘yun pala may mangyayari pa, which is much heavier. So, sabi ko nga, you know, it’s challenge after challenge, but it’s easier to accept the challenge rather than keep questioning, you keep avoiding.”

I asked about their messages to each other, and Ricardo was the first to respond. He said, “I would say sorry for what happened. I mean, we discussed it already, that there was no one to blame among us. But still, I feel sorry that it happened, that we went through that, that the family went through that. And thank you for being there, as always, and more than ever.”

For her part, Marina said, “I wish I could’ve done more, but thank you because God really, I think, God intended for us to meet after what happened to us as individuals, parang feeling ko ginantimpalaan tayo with each other at ang bait-bait mo kasi, I don’t think I’d be able to find anybody but you.”