We were just strangers wandering in different directions, but because of the magic of destiny and the plan of God, our paths crossed. Now, we are walking towards the same destination- a destination called marriage. Four years ago, it all started when Herbert and I met on Instagram. I have never dated someone that is seven years older than me, so I started calling him "KUYA" the Filipino word for brother. In summer, August 16, 2015, Herbert posted “Why is everyone complaining it is hot, it is so cold” on Instagram. Apparently he was in front of the air conditioner. I was laughing and could not resist from commenting, “Good one!” Thank God, I was charmed by his humor because our conversation started from that moment on. I was not active on Instagram so I failed to see that he had sent me a direct message. It took me a week to notice his messaged which is when, we exchanged numbers and talked frequently. Eventually he wanted to come and visit me to have our first date. We met at ‪Starbucks‬ and then went to his friend’s bbq gathering.They were serving food, got me a plate, sat down, and I began eating. Herbert asked, “Why are you eating your food without praying?” At that moment I felt shy, but that’s when I started falling for Herbert. Nowadays, it’s hard to find a man who is God-fearing. More than any other characteristics that Herbert has, that’s the best one for me.

It was the 11th of July at Disneyland (The happiest place on earth), when our lives merged. It was in front of a fountain, while fireworks lit up the sky; a scenic view of red, blue and gold changing colors, flickering before my eyes. In that romantic moment, Herbert asked me to be his girlfriend. I said yes. To be honest, even without the fancy details, I would have still said yes but he has a way of making everything extra special. Two years later, he gave me a ring and a pair of earrings. Everybody thought Herbert was proposing, but it was just his way of promising me a life time commitment of loyalty.

It had been a decade since the last time I visited the Philippines. On new years eve, everyone was so busy preparing and cooking. Usually my cousins would help me out,but I couldn’t find anyone at that time. Herbert was with my brother trying to go somewhere and he told me not to go with him. While everyone was playing games, I volunteered to host a game called,”breaking the pot". The kids played with enthusiasm and excitement, because whoever breaks the pot with a bat while blindfolded will win 500 pesos. Soon after their continuous attempts, they eagerly and convincingly wanted me to play the game. I didn’t need the money and I didn’t want my eyelashes to get ruined, but for fun’s sake, I did it anyway. They blindfolded me,and let me turn three times until I felt dizzy. With the bat I was holding,I tried to strike the pot but I missed. Instead of removing the blindfold,they insisted that I try again. Apparently,they were intentionally moving the pot so that would I keep trying to hit it. Little did I know,they were preparing me for something big and special. I started to lose my patience so I took my blindfold off. “I'm gonna lose you” by Meghan Trainor‬ was playing in the background. To my surprise,my mom,aunts,cousins,uncles and brothers started handing me flowers along with pictures of me and Herbert. I didn’t know what was going on until my brother held my hand and walked me towards Herbert. Isaw him tearing up. There was a beautiful arch surrounded with white flowers and dazzling lights. I felt very happy I kept asking my brother what was going on. “SURPRISE”,said Herbert.He had the most amazing speech. At the end of his speech,he dropped the line “Will you marry me?” Herbert eyes were full of sincerity,his hug was my security, his hands when became my hope and strength. From that moment,I knew,I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Herbert. I said “YES!” Now am looking forward to having an eternal life with Herbert, my one true destiny.