We met during our college years in UP Los Banos in 1995. We were introduced to each other by a common friend when we were freshmen – that was in the canteen at the
In the 2nd sem of 1996-1997, we became neighbors – he from Calma Dorm & I from Bella Cartash. There was like once or twice that we would get together at my apartment with my roomies. Come 2nd semester of 96-97, we became classmates for the Nasc II class under Dean Payawal. Since it’s a M-W-F, 5:00 – 6:00 pm class, we had the chance to hang out after class on Fridays for dinner. This time, we were both unattached so it was like having a buddy, since my girlfriends have moved to UP Diliman. It became a regular routine for us and shifted from being acquaintances to being good friends quite instantly. And then one day, I sensed the changes in the way he treats me that I had cornered him one lazy afternoon. Ryan was a total “torpe” guy that I had to ask him what was going on. After struggling with words, he finally admitted his feelings (finally!) and started courting me the traditional way. After 6 months, we officially became a couple and stuck together until we graduated and found jobs.
Fast forward to January 2005 – As they say, long distance relationship is always difficult, but we managed to survive. The proposal wasn’t as romantic like the ones you read in novels, but it was very special for me. It was over the phone, on a day when we realized wanted to take the next step. We opted for the date that I’ve always dreamed of: 27th December 2006.
December 2005 - I came home to attend my cousin’s wedding, and to spend the Christmas holidays with my family. From then on, we began preparing for the big day. We were civilly married on the 4th January 2006 at Mayor Jaime Fresnedi’s office, so he can legally join me in
Now, we’re both based overseas and currently working on the upcoming church wedding – hoping and praying that things will be alright, as we embark on a new journey in our lives.
- as narrated by Grace, the blushing bride-to-be