“The best love stories are the ones that God writes.” In two distant places, Manila (PH) and Chicago (US), Michael and Hazel got connected through Aymi (Hazel’s aunt and their matchmaker!). They had a passing familiarity with Aymi's mentions. Aymi called, and Hazel talked to her and then with Michael. He ended the call with a prayer for Hazel. It was a nice conversation about life in general. But little did they know, two different worlds would eventually collide!

Hazel visited Aymi's family in Chicago for spring break while she was pursuing a master's program at USC. Her visit coincided with her cousin Giona's birthday. Hazel and Michael met for the first time at a Filipino restaurant during the celebration. Although their initial interaction was casual and didn't involve much conversation, they enjoyed each other's company, setting the stage for future interactions.

During Giona's 2nd birthday bash, Hazel and Michael had a chance to chat more and realized they had the same sense of humor! They became interested in knowing each other better on this day.

Michael asked Hazel out for coffee. Both Michael and Hazel prayed before their date: Michael felt it was an opportunity to get to know Hazel better, while Hazel prayed for the Lord's guidance in this. (Context: Neither of them had been in a relationship or dated before, making this an important step for both!)

Michael picked up Hazel, and they arrived at the cafe at 10:30 AM, both planning to spend just two hours. However, they enjoyed their conversations and shared beliefs that they stayed until 4:00 PM. Feeling hungry, they decided to head to a Mexican restaurant and stayed there until 8:00 PM. During the drive home, Michael suggested visiting the Hancock Tower for a nighttime view of Chicago, which Hazel agreed to since she hadn't been able to go earlier in the week. They spent the evening on the rooftop lounge until 9:30 PM. Then, Michael drove Hazel to meet Aymi, making it an almost 12-hour "getting to know each other" day!

Michael offered to drop Hazel off at the airport, and both were praying for God's guidance because they felt they had a great time together. Michael messaged Hazel to check if she had arrived back in LA safely. They both sensed their relationship was growing over time and prayed for God's confirmation. A week after Hazel's trip to Chicago, they got to know each other better. Eventually, Michael asked if he could pursue her, and Hazel agreed.

Michael visited Hazel in LA, and they had a great vacation together for a few days, sometimes with Hazel’s family & church friends (mostly with their favorite 3rd wheel-Maricar, Hazel’s cousin. lol)

After months of prayers, getting to know each other better, and meeting some of their family and friends, Hazel and Michael officially became a couple!

Michael invited Hazel and her church small group leader, Peachy, to his home state, Colorado, to meet his family in person. It was a memorable & fun Labor Day weekend trip for everyone!

Michael traveled to LA to spend the holidays with Hazel and her church friends.

Hazel went to Chicago to celebrate the holidays with Michael, her family, and Michael’s family and friends in Chicago, Michigan, and Nebraska. Hazel and Michael prayed for her direction after graduation, and she got a job in Chicago. She moved there to live with her family. No more LDR for the couple!

A day after Hazel’s graduation, Michael proposed to Hazel in Malibu and planned a surprise engagement party with Hazel’s family & church community in LA. Almost two months before the proposal, Michael went to the Philippines to visit Hazel’s family and ask for her hand in marriage. - - - “And the two shall become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:31