We first met at Cansojong National High School. She was a freshman, and I was a senior. Our first real interaction happened during the Buwan ng Wika “Lakan and Lakambini” contest. I represented the seniors as Lakan, while she represented the freshmen as Lakambini. From the very beginning, she stood out—always smiling, full of positivity, and seemingly blessed with endless energy. Even then, I knew she was someone special.

Years later, when we were already in college, we reconnected through Facebook Messenger. One message led to another until we eventually exchanged phone numbers. After months of conversations and late-night chats, we finally decided to meet in person.

Our first date was simple but meaningful. We attended evening Mass together at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Tabunok. That night marked the beginning of something deeper—something we didn’t yet fully understand, but already felt was important.

After months of dating, we developed a mutual understanding and officially became boyfriend and girlfriend. We loved going to places with mountain views where we could see the city lights, and to beaches where we could feel the sea breeze. Around that time, she told me something that made me smile—she wanted me to court her officially. Our relationship had started through mutual understanding, and she wanted to experience how I would truly court her. Of course, I gladly accepted the challenge.

It was around May 2015 when I finally said the words, “I love you, day.” Without hesitation, she smiled and replied, “I love you too, dong.” We knew our journey wouldn’t be easy. As the expected breadwinners of our families, our parents wanted us to focus on our studies and our future. Out of respect and responsibility, we kept our relationship private for more than two years. Yet even in silence, our love continued to grow stronger.

As the years passed, our relationship matured and flourished. We witnessed each other’s strengths and weaknesses, joys and struggles. Through everything, we chose to stay, to understand, and to grow together.

In May 2025, a decade after our story began, I finally asked the question I had been carrying in my heart for so long. In front of the majestic Mayon Volcano, I knelt down and asked, “Will you marry me?”

My heart was racing as I waited for her answer. Then I heard her voice say the sweetest word I had ever heard—“Yes.”

At that moment, all my fears disappeared. My heart was filled with happiness, and I knew that the only thing that truly mattered was us—starting a new chapter together.

— Kevin