Our Love  Story

The Love Story of Honey Balasabas

& John Yaptinchay

It all started with a simple “hello” back in 2006.

Honey and John met as young people in church—serving, growing, and figuring life out one step at a time. For years, they were part of each other’s world in the most familiar way. John became someone the family lovingly called “insan”—always around, always welcome.

Then life happened. When John’s father passed away, he and his siblings moved to Pampanga. Distance changed things. John carried new responsibilities, while Honey finished college and later went full-time in ministry. They grew separately, but never completely apart.

In 2015, John made a choice—to come back. He traveled from Pampanga to Cavite just to attend church again. Not because it was convenient, but because it mattered.

By 2016, their closeness returned—this time as friends. They messaged constantly, shared stories, and stayed connected despite the distance. John talked about everything—his life, his struggles, even the girl he thought he liked. And Honey, in her own season of healing, found in John a steady, honest friend.

That same year, Honey was leading the youth ministry. John eventually returned for good, serving in music and youth as well. For three years, they served side by side—without realizing God was quietly aligning their prayers.

John prayed to be ready—to be the man God was calling him to be.

Honey prayed for a partner—not just in love, but in faith and purpose.

Then came December 14, 2018. Midnight. T’was Honey’s parents’ 25th wedding anniversary celebration. Sitting beside each other, finishing last-minute preparations, John reached for Honey’s hand and gently intertwined his fingers with hers. He didn’t say a word. He just held on. Shocked and flustered, Honey stood up and said, “Goodnight. Matutulog na ako.”

But since then, everything began to change.

On February 14, 2019, John did things the right way. He asked Honey’s parents for permission to court her. Later that year, her parents gave their blessing. And on November 25, 2019, Honey finally said yes.

From then on, life unfolded—in ministry, in work, in school, in everything.

It wasn’t always easy. Both firstborns, they carried heavy responsibilities. There were moments of struggle and misunderstanding. But by God’s grace, they always found their way back to each other.

In January 2025, they got their home in Pampanga.

In March 2025, John proposed to Honey over a family dinner in Vermosa.

Their love was never rushed. It was prayed over. Not perfect—but purposeful.

More than six years together, and twenty years in the making, they now stand before family, friends, and God—ready to walk hand in hand into a lifetime written by Him.

Honey and John. One journey. Two hearts. A three-cord strand. Forever—in God’s beautiful plan.