Our Love  Story

A Serendipitous Meeting

In the vibrant rush of a Spartan Race, on a brisk September 24, 2022, fate orchestrated a moment that would change two lives forever. The air was fresh and invigorating, the aftermath of a recent typhoon giving the event at Vermosa, Imus, Cavite, a unique challenge. Amid the mud-soaked paths and slick obstacles, two determined participants, Juan and Mara, were destined to cross paths.

John Wilfred Lacson Saraza, affectionately known as “Juan”, was 33 years old and was ready to tackle the 21 km Beast Category race, accompanied by some friends from his gym. With a competitive spirit and a focused demeanor, he was eager to take on the challenges that lay ahead. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Mara Cesario Mendoza had set her heart on the race, despite her friends backing out at the last minute. Undeterred, she vowed to face the course solo.

As the race began, Juan surged ahead of Mara, setting off 30 minutes before her wave. The muddy trails turned treacherous, testing every racer’s resilience. Mara, navigating the tough course, quickly found her rhythm until she encountered her first significant challenge: an Atlas ball that appeared almost impossible to lift. In that moment of struggle, she called out for help. Juan’s friends, noticing her predicament, directed her to Juan, who readily assisted her in lifting the weight.

With that kind gesture, their first exchange was brief yet impactful, the warmth of his encouragement lingering in her thoughts. The race went on, and soon after the Atlas ball, serendipity struck again as Juan caught up with Mara on a winding trail. A friendly conversation sparked between them—an easy flow of words about fitness, life ambitions, and the thrill of challenges—as they ran side by side for the next five kilometers. It was a connection that felt both instantaneous and like the beginning of something wonderful.

As the race progressed, their paths crossed again at a water station, where Mara took a breather with her new friend, Marissa. Juan and his crew returned, and their camaraderie continued to unfold amid shared laughter and supportive exchanges. The excitement culminated as they met yet again at the monkey bars. With shared glances and unspoken understanding, they decided to help each other through the final stretch of the race, their bond deepening with every stride they took together.

Juan crossed the finish line triumphantly, yet for Mara, victory was heightened by her growing feelings for him—a crush blooming in the midst of shared sweat and determination. After the race, they traded social media details, and she found herself giddy over a simple comment from her sister, who noted that Mara was now with a handsome man.

Juan, with a charming blend of professionalism and warmth, invited Mara to visit his gym, Athlon. Though she initially wondered if he was merely being friendly, the small gestures—treats for her and her friends and encouraging words—spoke volumes. As they spent more time together, Mara's friends began to see the unmistakable affection Juan held for her, and what started as mutual respect blossomed into a sweet courtship.

Officially becoming a couple on January 17, 2023, their shared journey unfolded beautifully over the next year and three months. They embraced life’s adventures together, celebrating milestones and supporting one another’s dreams—that led to purchasing their dream cars to nurturing their careers and prioritizing health.

As their first anniversary approached, Juan found the perfect moment to cement their inseparable bond. With love in his heart, he proposed, transforming their serendipitous meeting into a promise of forever.

Looking back on their journey, they often reminisced about that fateful day, recalling how a post-typhoon race brought them together. What started as a chance encounter on a muddy trail evolved into a beautiful narrative of love, connection, and serendipity—reminding them that sometimes, life’s most beautiful surprises come when you least expect them.