Once upon a time...
December 9, 2016
a boy named,
Michael
met this girl at the University of North Florida (UNF) Filipino Student Association (FSA). Although I met her during my junior year, it wasn't really until the following year that we got closer.
It really started when I slid into her DMs about this chocolate lava cake on her Snapchat story. I sorta eased my way in to try to talk to her, and I figured the easiest topic to talk about is food. I mean, who doesn't like food?
During the year she was on the executive board for FSA, I would hang out a lot with them as a way for me to get to know her better. I started asking our friends about her. I wanted to know what she was like. Everybody only had good things to say about her.
Slowly but surely, she began checking all the boxes that made her wifey material. First of all, she's a Filipina. Check. Second, her name is Maria. Check. Third, she was studying to be a nurse. Check. And when I heard her speak Tagalog, it was game over. I knew I had to lock in my choice right away. Had to secure the bag. So, I started to pursue Angel knowing that if it didn't work out, I may never find someone as good as her.
After an FSA event at the University of Florida (UF), I felt something change between us. And the phone call after that would be the first of many long, late night phone calls.
It definitely wasn't easy trying to get this girl to be my girlfriend. It took many meals and days of hour-long drives over 3 months before she finally agreed to be my girlfriend. But it was all worth it.
On Christmas night of 2021, I pulled off my secret proposal for Angel. In front of our families and closest friends, I got on my knee and asked her the big question. I knew that night was as special to her as she is special to me. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, because I honestly don't know where I'd be without her. She has helped me in so many ways she isn't even aware of. She makes me want to be a better person.
And almost seven years later, I can't wait to say "I Do" and marry her. We will have even more late night conversations, food adventures, and Disney trips.
& a girl named,
Angel
met this boy at FSA during my freshman year at UNF. When I was introduced to him during an event, I remembered him as the bubblegum boy; he was wearing a pink Polo with light blue shorts. An interesting fashion choice. He was also very friendly, funny, and knew how to easily make everyone feel comfortable around him. Little did I know, I would later like him for these exact reasons.
During my sophomore year, I joined the executive board for FSA as their secretary. Through this, I started getting closer with the members including Michael. As part of the previous e-board, he was already close friends with the people in my e-board. We all would hang out together before, after, and in between classes. Whether it was studying, getting food, or prepping for our events, he was there, and he was a lot of fun to be around with. His whole energy is just very contagious. I started to look forward to hanging out with him (and everybody else, lol!).
During an FSA event at UF, Michael and I spent a lot of time together. It was during this trip that I started to feel some type of way. Since the e-board carpooled together, Michael drove us back and I was in the passenger seat. It was a mixture of butterflies in my stomach and wanting to throw up. I don't even remember what we talked about on the ride home, but thankfully, he kept playing music.
That evening he texted asking if he can give me a call. I started panicking trying to buy more time. But eventually, I knew we had to talk.
4 hours and 30-ish minutes in, it was 2 in the morning.
Over the next couple of months, we hung out, had our late nights calls, and got to know each other more and more everyday. Then, I introduced him to my family and friends.
You'd think by then we would be official already, but fun fact, it actually took Michael 3x to ask me before I actually said "Yes" to being his girlfriend. Harsh, I know, haha!
Five years later, it only took him one time to ask before I said "Yes" to be his fiancé. It was the best Christmas present.
Over the years, we've had our share of ups and downs, but our love continues to grow for one another.
And this year, on our 7th year, I will be saying "Yes" for the third time to my Disney buddy, food buddy, travel buddy, and most importantly
my forever half.
