A Love Reawakened

Nestor and Angel had known each other since they were children, their paths intertwining through school, extracurricular activities, and friendly competition. Despite their proximity, they never exchanged a single word. Their high school years were filled with silent encounters, brief glances, and the occasional nod, but nothing more.

After graduation, they embarked on separate journeys. College brought new friends, lovers, and countless experiences that shaped their individual paths. Nestor studied accountancy, while Angel pursued a degree in secondary education (mathematics). Life took them in different directions, and they lost touch completely.

Years later, both found themselves ready for love but unable to find the right person. On their birthdays, they each prayed silently for a companion who would truly understand and cherish them.

Several months passed. One evening, Nestor noticed a colorful photo of buchi on Angel’s MyDay. Impulsively, he replied, "Daw namit lagi na " (That looks delicious ). Angel, surprised but pleased, responded, "Oo, didto mana ila ante Jovy" (Yes, it's from Aunt Jovy's place).

What started as a casual comment turned into a daily ritual. Nestor began replying to Angel’s MyDays regularly, and their interactions grew into conversations. They shared stories, updates, and memories, rediscovering each other with every message.

Their friendship blossomed quickly. One day, Nestor asked Angel, "Tara kape?" (Let’s grab coffee?). Angel, teasingly replied, "Tara saan?" (Where to?). They agreed on a coffee shop, marking the beginning of their dating journey. One date turned into two, then three, and soon they were meeting regularly.

They explored coffee shops, restaurants, and milk tea hubs, sharing everything under the sun. They laughed about their high school days, discussed their families, and discovered shared interests. They learned to appreciate each other’s quirks and dreams.

On December 11, 2021, Nestor invited Angel to St. Francis Xavier Church. As the service concluded and the priest said, "Go in peace and serve the Lord," Nestor turned to Angel and declared his love. Angel, moved by the moment, said yes before the priest had even finished speaking. Their families celebrated their union, and it was a moment of pure joy.

Their relationship flourished. They attended family gatherings, danced at parties, celebrated Angel’s graduation, and participated in house blessings and reunions. Their love seemed unbreakable.

However, life had other plans. Angel received an opportunity to study in Australia. She decided to go, hoping to explore the world, earn dollars, and grow as an individual. Their close relationship turned into a long-distance one, filled with video calls and sleepless nights. Slowly, the distance took its toll, and their hearts grew colder.

After months of separation, Angel realized that no matter where she went, her heart always led her back to Nestor. She returned to the Philippines, seeking clarity and found it in the warmth of Nestor’s embrace. Their love, though tested by time and distance, remained strong.

Determined never to lose Angel again, Nestor planned a special proposal. On Christmas night of 2023, under a big tree illuminated by moonlight and stars, he knelt down and asked Angel to marry him. Surrounded by his family, Angel joyfully said yes, sealing their commitment for a lifetime.

Their love story, marked by faith, separation, and reunion, proved that true love endures all trials. Together, they looked forward to a future filled with dreams, adventures, and an unbreakable bond, knowing they had found in each other the love they had prayed for.