Mav Gonzales and Matthew Valeña: Building a Family with Intention

Ahead of welcoming their first child, Mav Gonzales and Matthew Valeña reflect on love, sacrifice, support systems, and the kind of parents they hope to become

Sometimes, life unfolds in ways people never quite expect. For Mav Gonzales and her husband, Matthew Valeña, what began as a simple swipe on a dating app has now become a love story rooted in intentionality, partnership, and soon, parenthood.

Anytime this month, the newlyweds are set to welcome their first child — a baby girl. And while some may see their whirlwind romance as fast-paced, for the couple, everything fell into place at the right time.

When a Dating App Led to Something Real

Like many modern couples today, Mav and Matthew first connected online. But even from the beginning, Mav admitted she was cautious.

The GMA news reporter recalled initially thinking Matthew’s profile looked “too good to be true.”

“I was telling him his pictures looked like he was a model,” she shared jokingly — only to later find out that he actually was.

Having previously encountered fake profiles online, Mav admitted she was skeptical at first. Still, mutual connections on social media helped reassure her that Matthew was exactly who he claimed to be.

But beyond appearances, what mattered more to her was whether their connection online would translate in real life.

“I felt like we already had rapport while chatting,” she shared.

It turned out to be even better.

The pair ended up spending eight hours together on their very first date.

Choosing Intentional Love

For Matthew, finding someone who shared the same values and long-term goals felt rare — especially after his experiences dating in the United States, which he candidly described as a “dumpster fire.”

But with Mav, things felt different almost immediately.

More than chemistry, the couple found alignment.

“When two people are in the right mindset to be honest with each other and, most importantly, with themselves about what they want, what their goals are, and to really get down to the core of what you want out of life, and you find somebody who is in alignment with or at least willing to go in the same direction, you know, you take a chance,” he said.

They spoke openly about wanting the same future, something they now both believe became the foundation of their relationship, which they also shared during an interview with Boy Abunda.

“It’s really important, especially when you get to our age, where you’re ready to settle down,” Mav reflected. “A lot of people waste time because they don’t ask the important question: ‘Do we want the same thing long-term?’”

For her, Matthew’s honesty and willingness to put in the work stood out.

Their relationship, while unexpected, became grounded in something deeper: intentionality, grace, and trust.

Building a Life Together in the Philippines

After marrying late last year (they had a second wedding in the Philippines this year), the couple briefly navigated married life long-distance before Matthew eventually moved to the Philippines to be with Mav full-time.

The transition, he admitted, came with challenges — from adjusting to a new environment to rebuilding routines far from home. But for him, the sacrifices became worthwhile because they were building a family together.

“The one thing I remind Mav almost every day is that I’m just so grateful she’s in my life,” he shared.

As Mav continues working throughout her pregnancy, Matthew has naturally stepped into a supportive role behind the scenes — driving her around, encouraging her to rest, reminding her to exercise, and helping her slow down whenever needed.

“I just try to support her in any way she needs,” he said. “That changes from day to day.”

Their dynamic reflects a quieter but equally important side of modern parenthood: partnership.

Leaning on Support During Pregnancy

Throughout her pregnancy, Mav has remained active and largely maintained her usual routines, even after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Thankfully, she shared that her doctors have reassured her that both she and the baby are healthy.

Beyond medical support, Mav also credits her family for helping her feel grounded during the journey — especially her mother, who accompanied her to appointments while Matthew was still based in the US.

“It was my mom who was going with me to doctor’s appointments,” she shared.

Now, as their daughter’s arrival draws closer, the excitement from family and friends has also helped ease the anxieties that naturally come with becoming first-time parents.

Looking Forward to Parenthood — and Raising a Daughter with Freedom

As they prepare to welcome their baby girl, both Mav and Matthew are already reflecting on the kind of parents they hope to become.

For Matthew, one of the things he looks forward to most is simply holding his daughter for the first time and experiencing fatherhood firsthand.

“There’s all this love shared between Mav and I, and it made this beautiful little girl,” he reflected.

But beyond the excitement, the couple has also been having honest conversations about the values they hope to instill in their child — particularly around independence, emotional freedom, and breaking generational expectations.

Matthew spoke candidly about growing up with hardworking parents who provided well for their family, but whose demanding careers also meant sacrifice and absence at times.

Because of this, he hopes his daughter grows up understanding that while she is deeply loved, she is not obligated to live her life solely for her parents’ expectations.

“I don’t want her growing up believing she owes us something just because we raised her,” he shared.

For Mav, this mindset reflects how many younger parents today are slowly redefining Filipino family dynamics.

“I want to set up my kid for success, and I want to set up myself for success too,” she explained. “So when we’re all older, she can live her life however she wants.”

Together, the couple hopes to raise a daughter who feels supported enough to make her own choices — while always knowing she has a family behind her.

And perhaps that’s what makes their story resonate with many modern parents today: not just the unexpected love story that brought them together, but the intentional way they are choosing to build a family moving forward.

More stories of first-time parents

Patch Magtanong Cordoves: Embracing Motherhood With Grace and Gratitude
Kate Alejandrino Juan: The Privilege of Motherhood and Returning to Theater
Mila Gulfan: On Life as a New Mom and Rediscovering Herself After Birth