Our Love Story

“From Exam Rooms to River Siene”

It all began in September 2019. Vince added me on Facebook — just another mutual among the many dental students we both knew. I accepted his request, not thinking much of it. We never spoke, never chatted. We were just two strangers walking the same path, preparing for the same board exams.

December 2019 came, and by a twist of fate, we were assigned to the same room for the theoretical board exams. I recognized his face, nothing more. We passed, and for the first time, he reached out to congratulate me through chat — simple, sweet, and unexpected.

Days later, we faced the practical phase of the exam. Once again, we were assigned to the same room. Still, no words exchanged — only quiet glances and focused minds, both of us determined to give it our best.

Time passed, and we both became newly licensed dentists. During our oath-taking ceremony, surrounded by new beginnings and beaming smiles, Vince gathered the courage to approach me and ask for a picture of us together. That one photo began everything.

We started talking. Then the world changed — March 15, the pandemic hit, and lockdowns became our new normal. Despite the distance, despite the restrictions, Vince found ways to reach me. Food and flowers arrived at my doorstep. One day, he even showed up at my condo — all the way from Pampanga — just to show he cared.

By September 10, 2020, with travel restrictions easing a bit, he invited me to his birthday celebration in Zambales. I surprised myself by saying yes, even though I didn’t know a single soul there. Something just told me to go.

And then, on December 7, 2020, he asked me to be his girlfriend. I said yes, not knowing where the road would lead — only that I was willing to take that chance with him.

Our relationship wasn’t easy. It was long-distance — him in Pampanga and then Capiz, me in Manila. I told him it was just a trial because I wasn’t sure I could handle the distance. But we made it work. Month after month, we took turns visiting each other. Every hello felt like no time had passed. Every goodbye, a promise to see each other again soon.

We built our relationship on trust, effort, and shared growth. We were never growing apart — only growing together, in different places, with the same heart.

We traveled near and far — locally and internationally — collecting memories, laughter, and stories. And on November 13, 2023, in Paris, beside the River Seine, Vince knelt down and asked me the question that changed everything.

And I said yes. ❤️