Grabe, that's such important information na buti na-share sa'yo! Honestly, a few of us moms were also confused about this kasi dito talaga sa Pilipinas parang taboo pang i-call "asawa" kung hindi pa officially married, pero what that lawyer said makes total sense, kung may common law marriage na kayo with kids, that's actually recognized and your child's legitimacy is protected, hindi sila illegitimate. I think the scary part para sa iba ay ang hiya or what people will say, pero honestly kung 5 years na nag-sama kayo and may anak na, the protection is more important than the label people put on it, at least alam na ng lahat na serious ang relationship ninyo. Glad you learned something na makakatulong sa family ninyo, this stuff really matters for your child's future!