Our Love  Story

( Tina's POV )

Our story began in the most inconvenient way. Before we even understood what love truly meant, we didn’t realize that what we had was something destined—something quietly written for us long before we were ready to see it.

Looking back now, neither of us can even remember the exact date we officially started dating. In fact, we simply chose a random day to celebrate our anniversary—a decision that still makes us laugh every time we bring it up. It perfectly reflects how we began: spontaneous, unplanned, and beautifully uncertain.

Back then, we were carefree. Neither of us was looking for something serious. What we had felt light, almost fleeting. We spent a year together thinking it might just be a passing chapter—a simple fling. Then the pandemic happened. I found myself immersed in a work-from-home setup, and distance, uncertainty, and routine made everything feel even more temporary.

But when the world slowly opened again and I was reassigned to Gensan, something shifted. Suddenly, everything made sense.

We realized that despite being opposites in so many ways, we were exactly what each other needed. We argued over perspectives, disagreed on beliefs, and envisioned life differently. Arthur is free-spirited, an escapist at times, and deeply vulnerable. I, on the other hand, sees the world through a critical lens—often worried, structured, and striving for perfection.

Yet somehow, it works.

Every love story has its own path. Ours was not easy, but it was honest and real.

Like many couples, we went through struggles and heartbreak. There came a time when we grew apart. The connection we once had started to fade, and we found ourselves choosing distance instead of fixing what was broken. Eventually, we broke up. We tried to move forward separately, even though it was difficult to let go of what we had shared.

Months passed with little to no contact. During that time, we both had moments of doubt and times when giving up completely felt like the only choice. But despite everything, there was still something between us that did not fully disappear.

We started talking again. At first, it was simple conversations, careful and unsure. But slowly, we began to understand each other better. We acknowledged our mistakes, listened more, and made an effort to rebuild what we once had. It was not perfect, but it was sincere.

On September 5, 2024,Arthur proposed during a Ben&Ben performance, knowing how much I appreciated their music. It was a moment that reflected not just the present, but everything we had gone through to reach that point.

Our story is not without its challenges, but it shows that relationships can grow after hardship when both people are willing to try again. It is a story of distance, reconciliation, and choosing to move forward together.

Because at the end of each day, we choose each other—at Pipiliin namin ang isa’t isa sa araw-araw.

We learned to adapt, to compromise, and to grow—not just individually, but together. Our differences did not divide us; they shaped us. They taught us patience, understanding, and the kind of love that evolves.

Maybe it’s true what they say about the stars—that opposites attract for a reason. Virgo and Pisces, earth and water, different by nature yet deeply complementary. A balance that feels almost written in the universe.

Now, after seven-ish years of doing life side by side—with our beloved furbaby, Lucas—we find ourselves standing at the edge of something even more meaningful. We look forward to everything that lies ahead, trusting in the life God is preparing for us.

Because what started with a random swipe right…

has become something REAL.

T&A

The Entourage

Officiating Priest

Rev. Fr. Sulpicio Francisco Jr,

Principal Sponsors

Former Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao and Mrs. Jinkee Pacquiao

Governor Ruel Pacquiao & Mrs. Jobelle Pacquiao

Mr. Joey Bihag and Mrs. Joy Bihag

Mr. George D. Dela Cruz & Mrs. Jeannie D. Dela Cruz

Mr. Dave Gregory & Mrs. Genevieve Gregory

Engr. Hermon Jerome Paez & Mrs. Evelyn Paez

Mr. Patrick S. Parreno & Mrs. Sheryll Anne D. Parreno

Mr. Roland Joseph Salangsang & Mrs. Ma. Cecilia Salangsang

Bride's Men

Jorge Alan S. Cervantes

Dr. Kwesi Ian Jay M. Junsan

Secondary Sponsors

Cord
Mr. Jabnel Lapadan

Mrs. Dawn Marie Rivera Lapadan

Bible Bearer
Florence Jay Valenzuela Salcedo

Bread and Wine
Dr. Patrick Arthur Aponesto

Dra. Marishka Alyeonna Aponesto