Save the date!

Between a twist of fate and the quiet choices we made along the way, we found each other and stayed. This November, we’re taking the next step in our journey. This wedding is a simple and intimate celebration - "payak" in many ways. It was built with what little we have, lovingly and thoughtfully, just so we could gather the people we hold most dear in one space. A quiet offering of gratitude. A moment to honor love, faith, and the sacred promise of forever. With full hearts, we invite you to witness this chapter of our lives and celebrate with us.

It was April 13, 2018, the luckiest Friday the 13th in the history of man. I met Dheza for the first time at UP Town Center. We were supposed to watch A Quiet Place, but the tickets were sold out. We ended up seeing Ready Player One instead. She bought Potato Corner fries, I bought Gong Cha. Being the gentleman that I was, I offered my jacket to the petite lady who wore sleeveless. However, sharply wary of any attempts of ‘da moves’, she politely declined (she was, of course, freezing the entire film, but I think her pride won). After the movie, we went for cappuccino at the artisan coffee shop downstairs called Satchmi. We talked for hours, as if we had known each other all our lives; yet, to be honest, I wasn’t sure if she would agree to a second date. All I knew was that I wouldn’t enjoy sipping coffee as much with anybody else ever again. Our next few dates were exploring the charming staples of UP: Area 2, the Film Center, UP Parish, and campus corners I had only known from the other side of Katipunan. I was still in Ateneo then, and every time I rode ikot jeep to fetch her, it always felt like I was being pulled into something real. Since then, picking her up has been one of life’s greatest joys: whether from work, school or anywhere–I didn’t want to be around just for the good days. I wanted to be there for all of them. In one of our dates, we watched Serendipity together. During the credits, while Nick Drake’s “Northern Sky” played, we had our first kiss. The butterflies have never left since. And now, I get to marry her.

I’ve told him many times before that I never wanted anything grand for a proposal. It was August 31 when his dad called him on loud speaker: he had apparently gotten gift certificates at Mario’s Steakhouse as a birthday present and wanted to treat the family for a fancy night. The date was set on September 21. Mario’s is a cozy restaurant in Tomas Morato where we celebrated our first anniversary. It was a familiar place filled with memories of good food, earned fancy and a milestone to forever. On the eve of the 21st, I was all set and excited for a night of steak and wine, until Ben remarked something I’ll never forget: “Why don’t you wear that white dress I like. And no sneakers, please,” he said. (It was the first time he bravely insisted on my fashion) A series of strange events ensued: he was unusually quiet on the way to Mario’s, the rest of the family was running late, and what was supposed to be a table for five became a candle-lit one for two that was dressed in a fancier table cloth than others, located at the best spot in the restaurant. Next thing I knew, my best friend was on one knee, holding up a ring, and nervously professing what I had already known in the past seven years. And in that moment—by the window, in the place where we had once marked our first year—I said yes. To the man who never stopped showing up. To the life we’ve always dreamed of building. To the kind of love that grows—not in grand declarations—but in the spaces between words, in gentle hands, in quiet faith. Yes to all of it. Yes, a thousand times over.

Dear Family and Friends, As we begin this new chapter of our lives, we want to take a quiet moment to say thank you. Thank you for walking with us through the early days of college deadlines and long commutes, through coffee shop conversations and silent prayers, through the seasons of growth, change, and choosing each other again and again. This wedding is a simple and intimate celebration, ”payak” in many ways. It was built with what little we have, lovingly and thoughtfully, just so we could gather all the people we hold dear in one space to celebrate love, faith, and the sacred promise of forever. We have always believed that love lives in the simple things and this day is a continuation of that belief. A quiet vow to build a life grounded in humility, gratitude, and faith. Your presence here, in this chapter of our story, is something we will never forget. Maraming salamat for being part of our journey, and for reminding us that we’ve never walked it alone. With all our love, Dheza & Ben

We are deeply grateful for your presence in our lives and for joining us in this new chapter. Having you celebrate with us - whether in person or in spirit - is already one of the greatest gifts we could receive. Since we are now based in Singapore, living in a small rented place, and leading a mobile lifestyle, we kindly ask for no boxed or wrapped gifts. If you still feel moved to give something, we would be sincerely grateful for any contribution to our Future Fund - something we’re slowly building to support the life, home, and family we’re dreaming of together. We also cherish quiet experiences that help us slow down and rest — a peaceful spa day, a shared meal, or the chance to travel and reconnect. If you’d prefer to give through gift certificates, those would be a thoughtful joy, too. Thank you for your love, prayers, and thoughtfulness. Please know that your presence and support are more than enough, and we carry your kindness with us wherever we go.