Mark 10:9

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate".

Angge's POV:

Our story began with a simple task in 2021. I was assigned to send photos of attendance and activities of our office. What started as a routine blossomed into something more.

In 2022, fate made us see each other when my boss, ARDO Joanne, brought me along with her to an event at the regional office in Tuguegarao City. As we headed home, Ma'am Joanne teased me about having a crush on Kerwin. My response wasn't a denial but I just responded saying that he might possibly be a married man already. An assumption that would later on be proven incorrect. Mind you, Mam Joanne is the number 1 shipper of AnWin!

As time passed, Kerwin's kind gestures and sweet messages, which he affectionately called "pahaging," caught my attention. However, I had a different perspective on courtship - a guy should make his intentions clear. That time I wasn't ready to enter into a relationship yet since I just come out of a 10-year relationship, but his thoughtfulness lingered in my mind and honestly touched my heart. At that time we were both healing and focusing on ourselves, but God had other plans for the both of us.

In 2023, Kerwin made his move, courting me through his thoughtful gifts - flowers, coffee, food, and material gifts - and sincere intentions. I made it clear that I wanted more than just sweet gestures. I wanted genuine conversations and connections. After years/months of getting to know each other, our hearts aligned, and we became official on February 17, 2024.

The day our relationship became official was unforgettable. We were at a bus terminal, heading home. Him going to Tuguegarao and me going to Nueva Vizcaya after a lovely date in Santiago, Isabela. It was unexpected, yet perfect.

After seven months of love and laughter, on September 17 2024. Amidst the stormy weather, Kerwin proposed. It was another memorable moment, the storm could not dampen our joy. It is a moment that stood out since the start of our relationship.

The pamamanhikan followed on November 30, 2024, and now, we're counting down the days until our special day - December 12, 2025, our wedding day!

Our love story is a testament to timing, patience, and the power of genuine connection. And I'm excited to start this new chapter with the love of my life.

I pray that God continues to guide and bless our union, filling our marriage with love, laughter, and adventure. 

Kerwin's POV: 

Who would have thought that sending daily attendance and activity photos would lead in to something extraordinary? From work-related conversations to lighthearted banter, I found myself drawn to her charm and warm responses. I can still vividly remember my first encounter with her. It was January 5, 2022 when she visited the regional office. With her great presence and beauty, that day I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. My friends noticed it and they encouraged me to take a chance and pursue her. Unbeknownst to them, I had already started making subtle moves. Aside from helping her with her tasks, I would casually buy her favorite coffee and treats whenever she's in Tuguegarao City. I was doing it casually, so to speak.

As time went by, I mustered the courage to level up my moves. I send her flowers, especially her favorite – sunflowers. I was determined to win her heart, despite the distance between me and her. After several attempts in asking her out for a date, she finally agreed.

At first, I felt very nervous. It felt like there were butterflies flying in my stomach. But when I saw her smile and heard her say "yes", my nervousness suddenly disappeared and was replaced with joy and excitement. It felt like I won the lottery! 

Our first date happened on December 13, 2023, in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. It was just a simple and brief date, but it sparked something within me. I got to knew her better and the feeling I had for her grew deeper.

On February 17, 2024, our date in Santiago, Isabela, would be etched in my memory forever. As we waited for the bus at the Florida Bus Terminal, I took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to ask her an important question. The words I uttered made us both startled. Instead of saying "Can I be your boyfriend?", what I said was, "May I ask for your hand?" I got nervous when she didn't respond right away. In that little bit of silence I felt the tension rising. But I felt delighted when she finally nodded and said "YES".

Our relationship is give and take. We learn to make compromises for each other. I will visit her in Vizcaya and she would also visit me in Tuguegarao. To strengthen our bond, we also made sure to plan travels together. To keep our relationship grew stronger and deeper.

On our 7th monthsary, I decided to take the next step and proposed – the real proposal. To my happiness and delight, she said yes again! Now, as we prepare to start our new life together, I pray that our bond will be like the promise in Mark 10:9 – a union that God has joined together, unbroken and unshakeable.