It’s true what they say: sometimes, you find your person when you’re not even looking, and in the last place you’d expect, the office! ​Chapter 1: The HR Interview (That Didn't Happen) ​Our story began in the halls of Meralco-CIS. I, as a recruiter in HR, first knew of my future groom, not as my love, but as an accountant in CFS. The Accounting Manager decided to offer him a full-time position. ​Part of the standard process was a final HR interview. I was scheduled to conduct it, but thanks to a last-minute emergency, my intern took over. A blessing in disguise, perhaps, because the real first encounter was much more awkward, and in hindsight, telling. ​Chapter 2: The Eye Contact Crisis ​When it came time to discuss his pre-employment requirements, I finally got to meet the man behind the stellar reports. I remember him being so uncomfortable and unable to look me in the eye. I later realized this was the moment his feelings must have started—a feeling I was oblivious to at the time! ​I also had a very typical HR thought: I overheard him and the HR manager discussing his plans to pursue law, and my immediate reaction was, "Oh, great, I need to prepare a backup replacement already, and he just started!" ​Chapter 3: From Work Talk to Hobby Talk ​As an HR person, it's normal for employees to add you on Facebook for work questions. Soon, he was one of the many who reached out, initially about work, but the messages quickly shifted to hobbies, daily challenges, and life outside the office. It started feeling personal, and I definitely sensed something brewing. ​The effort was undeniable. He started bringing food to my desk and eventually worked up the courage to ask me out on a date. I was hesitant, and the day before, I actually tried to back out, telling him I was busy. His honest reply—"Sayang, may ginawa pa naman ako." hit me with a pang of guilt. ​Chapter 4: The First Date (August 12, 2017) ​Guilt mixed with curiosity, I decided to go. I even searched online, "What happens on a first date? What to do and what not to do?" because it was my very first one! He surprised me with a handwritten letter and beautifully crafted origami roses ! It was such a personal, heartfelt effort, just like the movie scenes I used to watch. He started a tradition that day, as he continues to leave me sweet notes on my desk, showing that personal touch and effort matter more than anything. ​We met at Seattle's Best Coffee. I insisted on just getting a drink, trying to keep things low-key. He was so quiet that I ended up leading most of the conversation. I'm quiet, but he was even more quiet! After coffee, we spent a memorable of getting lost! ​Chapter 5: Meeting the Family ​After that, his effort never wavered; he would sometimes wait for me after work. Our managers were incredibly supportive of our budding relationship, perhaps happy to see two single colleagues happy. ​The true test came soon after when I invited him to my mother's birthday celebration at home. For me, it is paramount that my partner respects and loves my family, especially my parents. I was nervous, it was the first time I ever brought a guy home, and my brothers were there to observe! ​He passed with flying colors. He nag-mano (took the hands of my parents and touched it to his forehead as a sign of respect), used "po" and "opo," and connected easily with everyone. My parents' positive observations sealed the deal. ​Chapter 6: Masasa Beach & Forever ​Feeling confident and happy, I decided it was time to make us official. I gave him my "Yes" as my official boyfriend at the beautiful Masasa Beach in Batangas on November 11, 2017. ​And the rest, as they say, is history in the making. We’re so excited to start our next chapter with all of you!