Our Love Story
First We Met
May 22, 2019
I had just come back from vacation in the Philippines and was completely exhausted when my friends invited me to KBBQ at Shik Do Rak in Irvine. I said no… but they showed up at my door anyway and took me with them.
I wasn’t even ready and didn’t know they were bringing someone else.
That night, they introduced me to Joc.
After that, our friend group kept going out almost every night. Dinners, laughter, and endless hangouts. Somewhere in between all those ordinary evenings…
Something special quietly began.
First Date
August 22, 2019
We had spent time together before. Dinners, hangouts with friends, casual moments that slowly built something between us.
But Venice Beach was different.
It felt official.
The beach has always been my happy place. It was Joc’s first time there, and I loved being the one to show him around. Even though it was only my second time visiting myself.
We wandered along the beachwalk, shared lunch, took photos, and stayed longer than we planned. There was no grand gesture, no elaborate itinerary.
Just the ocean, the warmth of the sun, and the feeling that this was the start of something steady and certain.
That day didn’t just feel like a date.
It felt like the beginning of our story.
In A Relationship
August 19, 2019
Before there was a label, there were already so many moments. Shared meals, quiet conversations, familiar laughter, and time that slowly drew us closer without us even noticing.
Then one day, we went to Los Angeles. We spent time with one of his high school friends, exploring the city and enjoying another simple day together.
But it was the drive home that changed everything.
He was behind the wheel. We talked about little things, random thoughts… until the conversation faded into a quiet, peaceful silence.
Then gently, he reached for my hand.
In that moment, my heart felt impossibly full. The happiness was overwhelming. Unndeniable, certain, and calm all at once.
I looked at him and said softly,
“Tayo na.”
And just like that… we became us.
We're Engaged
April 19, 2024
It happened in Norfolk, VA, when I visited him shortly after my birthday.
It was simple, meaningful, and completely us. A moment we’ll always keep close to our hearts.