The couple's first meeting was unremarkable and so unmemorable that Daryl didn't even remember Maria's name the next time they met. It was the fall of 2013 and their fate encounter would take place. Backstage at an NYU theater, the two of them were introduced by a mutual friend. Alongside this friend, Daryl had just performed at the Mr. Philippines "Mangeant" the year prior. Maria happened to be there, as she was helping her school's current performer. They exchanged pleasantries but would not run into each other for another year. The following year, the two met again during a FIND conference. FIND is an umbrella network that oversaw dozens of Filipino clubs on the East Coast, spanning from Virginia to Massachusetts. Maria was now the secretary of her school's Filipino club, PARE, and Daryl was a national director proxy for FIND. Maria was left in charge of her club, as the president had to return home after the conference. Seizing this opportunity to have some fun, the club's hotel rooms were opened up to other school's Filipino clubs for extra curricular activities. Word soon spread that PARE's room was the place to be that night. As chance would have it, the room was visited by Daryl and other FIND representatives. It was at this moment, that it became evident, Daryl had no clue what Maria's name was, despite having met the year prior. He was met with a warm welcome accompanied by his name. Yet when it was his turn to return the greeting, he was dumbfounded. The two celebrated side by side, this night. However, there were no sparks between them as both of them had their sights on other romantic pursuits. In their fourth year of college, Maria had taken on the role of president in PARE. Daryl on the other hand, had transitioned from his place in FIND, to be the president of FAST, his school's Filipino club. After their comedic reunion, in the previous year, Daryl made sure to remember who Maria was. In fact, he was beginning to see her more often and more consistently. Soon enough, he developed a small crush on her. His hopes for anything transpiring from his feelings were low, as Maria was in a relationship and their schools were located in different states. Despite the distance, the two continued to see one another at other Filipino club events. Whether it was at a FIND conference down South, another school's Barrio Fiesta, or a sports competition, Maria and Daryl always made it a point to have small talk. The conversations were always brief and friendly, but never anything too serious. Nevertheless, the two reinforced their acquaintanceship and bonded over sharing similar responsibilities and stresses, in their presidential roles of their respective clubs. In the fall of 2016, Maria had graduated and was single. During this time, she was invited to a birthday celebration for one of Daryl's high school friends. Maria heard a rumor about Daryl's crush towards her, so she shot her shot and asked Daryl to buy her a drink that night. It was at M1-5 Lounge, a club in Manhattan, that the two of them hit it off. They have become inseparable ever since. As Rihanna once said, "they found love in a hopeless place." Coincidentally, their wedding will be taking place 8 years from this night. Their modern love story shows how seemingly insignificant encounters can result in a lifelong connection. At some point we all start off as strangers. You never know who will end up becoming a significant part of your life, or for how long they'll stick around. Although, with the right person, the right timing, and a little bit of luck - it could mean forever!