Our Love  Story

Em and Jz first met as college transferees, each coming from a different path yet somehow guided to the same destination—Bachelor of Science in Psychology. As irregular students, they didn’t have the usual circle of classmates to rely on. Instead, their days were filled with late-night lectures and weekend classes, where familiarity was rare, but somehow, they found it in each other.



It all started one evening in a night class during their second year, their very first meeting. In a room full of unfamiliar faces, they happened to be the only two Psychology students, talk about a small world. That night, Em turned to Jz and asked a question that would unknowingly change everything: “Would you like to know what you’re good at?”

Jz, naturally curious (and holding her then-favorite Zest-O Guyabano drink like it was a personality trait), said yes without hesitation. With a gentle grin, Em pulled out a checklist and invited her to answer it—a small attempt to uncover her strengths. And while it revealed, quite humorously, that math wasn’t exactly her forte, it opened the door to something much deeper.

From one question came a hundred more. Conversations turned deeper, longer, and more meaningful—about life, dreams, purpose, and everything in between. Soon, they became each other’s constant in the chaos of college life. They were partners in everything: school activities, research projects, organizations, and eventually, their thesis. Wherever one was, there was the other. In fact, if one showed up alone, people would immediately ask, “Nasaan yung isa?” That’s how inseparable they became.

For years, Em patiently and quietly pursued Jz—steady, consistent, and always present. Meanwhile, Jz, like a rose taking its time to bloom, didn’t rush (Pero manhid lang talaga yan siya). She observed, she understood, and slowly, she realized the depth of what was right in front of her. Em was always there—reliable and unwavering, like a bee that had already chosen its flower and wasn’t going anywhere. Then, just before graduation, everything finally made sense—they became a couple.

Life after college brought new chapters. They grew as individuals—navigating careers, acquiring their professional licenses, supporting their families, chasing dreams, and discovering adulthood (with all its surprises). And yet, through it all, they remained each other’s home.

Now, when you combine two people with fully developed frontal lobes, the ability to live independently, and the impressive skill of raising five cats, clearly, you get a couple ready for the next level. Em knew it, too—so much so that he proposed not once, but twice. The first was in Ilocos Sur, with their best couple-friends as witnesses. And just when Jz thought that was it, Em surprised her again three months later in China—with a second engagement ring. Twice the effort, twice the sparkle. Jz’s response both times? A very heartfelt, very sincere, and with a grin: “Sige.” (Consistency is key.)

Of course, their journey wasn’t all sunshine and kilig. There were waves, some gentle, some overwhelming, and storms that tested their strength. But through every challenge, they always found their way back to each other. And after every storm, there was always a rainbow, a quiet reminder of the hope they chose, again and again. And so, holding on to that hope, Em and Jz made a promise to walk through life hand in hand, as partners, best friends, and home to one another. They chose to tie the knot, not just as a celebration of love, but as a testament to it. A love sustained by faith, strengthened by time, and guided by someone greater—the Lord. Because theirs is not just a love story. It’s a story still being written, beautifully and faithfully, in every tomorrow yet to come. 

The Entourage

Officiant
Ptr. Jo Cris Rafael

Parents of the Bride
Daniel Pagal Jr.

Daisy Pagal

Principal Sponsors

Maid of Honor

Ma. Isabela Calimlim

Matron of Honor
Jonahdee Pagal-Dulay

Secondary Sponsors

Candle Bearer
Christianna Nimsja Flores

Bible Bearer
Dios Thoffer Pagal

Petal Bearer
Daniella Marie Supnad

Bloom Bearer

Jaxsen Cid Barrientos