Tagaytay, with Love…

“They crossed their path by choice and welcomed each other with a simple smile. They spent most of their time together in spite of location disparity. Constant communication thru phone calls and short messaging let them share each others’ funny stories. They used to talk about the future, her graduation date, his dream profession, of having a family, traveling around the world, etc. In some way, they meet into a point that really binds them together. Similarities helped them to enjoy it and nourish the relationship they had. Their lives are simple and easy going, no problem in deciding where to hang-out and what food to eat. Their differences didn't ignite any argument; they are both understanding and open to each other. Secrecy was not practiced, since a promise to one another has been made, a promise that they will tell everything and won’t hide anything.”

26 December 2008 - somewhere in Tagaytay

They started exchanging messages few days after her birthday last October 2008. A casual text message of asking a couple of questions like “How are you doing?” “Hey! Can we chat?” “What you had on your breakfast?” Everyday turned out into a routine of conversation that eventually becomes a part of their everyday life. Then, later get used to it. Not a day end that they didn’t talk even for a minute or less. They normally discuss about (mostly) non-sense things, haha, planning a date, her studies and numerous projects, and a family background. Actually before they even meet, both of them already know some of their friends and cousins’ names. They both had a few failed relationships way back then. But in spite of this scenario, of having experienced how sharp the thorns of love was, they managed to get along with ease because they both believe that those who risk, win.

The first date happened somewhere in Ortigas a month after. It was a simple date, they just eat, talk, and bid goodbye. Luckily, both of them were at ease with each other. They acted as if they know each other many years ago. They're very comfortable with each other, even secrets and some personal things were discussed. Funny stories with bits of corny jokes came out also and both laugh on it. In general, the first date was a successful one.

Both of them had become an important part of each others’ life gradually. As time goes by, they spend most of their time together. Enjoyed their moments together merely by sitting with each other, hearing the sounds of a ticking clock. No one could explain what the guy's heart feel whenever he's with her, is that what they called "contentment"?

Usually, they met almost two-three times a week after his work and after her schooling. By the way, he is from down south and working somewhere in Makati while she is from upnorth and studying along the popular university-belt. It was a bit difficult for this guy to travel about three-four hours after his stressful work just to be with her, but he always chose to. It was his own decision - his own way to show his love and care for that girl, as this meet up will indeed make the two of them happy. Even though how restless they are, they can still afford to spend a couple of minutes updating each other about their day and how it went out.

He’s an outdoor type of a person, with itchy feet so as with the girl. They usually hang out with friends. Go here, go there, eat here, swim there, drink here, etc. Happy gatherings have always been the destination. No dull moments, maybe because it was Christmas season, or maybe because the girl is a cheerful one, and he is one hell of trying-to-be a funny guy.

caution: staring at the image might trigger dizziness 

During those times, it looks like they're in a relationship if you could see them. But, actually they’d been into one after three months of getting to know each other. Both of their presence in each others’ family has been very visible. He used to stay at his girlfriend’s home until late midnight or sometimes early morning. Mingle with his mother-in-law-to-be, exchange stories; hitch in family gathering, dinner with them, etc. In fact, there was one time this guy felt that he’s really a part of the girls’ family - it was when he invited by his girl to a Valentines Family Dinner Date in one Chinese restaurant in Quezon City. On the other hand, this pretty girl used to visit frequently at his place. However, few years back it became a routine for this guy to introduce a girl to his mother, most of the time she get irritated and she always said "Huwag ka mag-girlfriend ng maganda" But when the guy introduced this pretty girl to her, the wheel of life rolled half turn. One day a soft voice came out from his mother, “Gusto ko sya para sa’yo.” (I like her for you) If you heard this heart melting comment from someone whom you look up to and cared most in your life, for sure, your smile will extend up to your ears like what he had at that particular time. Because that is an indirect way of saying that they are giving to both of you their blessings and full support.

Time flies so fast and they didn’t notice that it was March already, the scheduled month for the girl to fly to other country and pursue her on-the-job training. The relationships had just started and given the fact that it’s vulnerable to temptations. But the two promised to be faithful and believe that the long distance will never ever be a problem, besides, it’s only three months. Goodbyes really hurt, especially to those who will be left behind. It made their life miserable distressed. 7th of March 2009, one of the gloomiest morning they had. She flew and packed with bunch of promises, a kissed and a warm embrace. It’s hard from the start, but like what other says “It’s just from the start, you’ll get used to it. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.” There was no time of the day that she never crossed his mind. How she is doing? What is she doing? He always tried to reach out to her but unfortunately, communication didn’t spare its line to them. You can count by your fingers on how many times they had the chance to talk through phones and internet. Time difference contributed also to the scarce chat they’re craving. Although the girl is updated on her Friendster photos, the guy still longing for her voice. And most of the time when the girl answered his call, she was always busy and rushing on something. He’s very sad and started to wonder what’s really going on, most especially when the time that he noticed that most of the photos are with the same faces and pose. In reality, we tend to think that there’s something going on but this guy gives the benefit of a doubt and choose to trust the girl whom he loves so much. Hence, he just prayed for the good and success of his girl and wished that the ticking off the clock go faster. As time passes by, less and less communication they had until finally the most awaited time came, the girl came back on July.

A normal meet up from the place they’ve met. He was so much excited and even practiced a few time on how to give her a big hug of love. But, when she's already there, in front of him, suddenly he senses that there’s something wrong. Not because the girl gained weight a lot. It seems like there’s a thin invisible wall between them. Although they were happy seeing each other, there’s something lacking or barrier between them. The spirit of love? The cupids spell? Actually, they don't get a chance to even eat at all. They headed directly to the girl’s home coz she said she’s tired and wanted to relax instead. After a few minutes of small talk, the guy decided to go home and say goodnight.

Yes, the only permanent thing in this world is change, and if you can’t cope with it, you’ll lose. The happy couple before is now a cold band. The guy didn’t know what happened as well as the girl. Though they still forcing themselves to create smiles in their face, it’s a little bit tough and seems that the thin wall between them slowly growing even taller and wider each day. Few weeks after she came back the two decided to split. The reason of the girl? Because the guy seems that he’s hiding something from her. The guy put the same reason as well. And there's that awkward feeling between them and they felt that they started to grow apart and that's the only way to save whatever it is they could save. They separated and they succeed to remain friends. They still go out but of course with some limitations. Caring was still there. In fact, there was one time when the guy got an accident a month after, she visited him, brought a belated birthday cake and a bag of stories. Communication came back but the guy decided not to bring the smile again. Because he knows that these smiles won't last and he doesn’t want to experience the same ordeal that he had before. He always thought that it's painful to be left behind but never had it crossed his mind that leaving is much harder. Because this time, it’s him who’ll depart. A call of career is waiting thousand miles away. That was last day of September year 2009 when she received a call from the guy saying goodbye and wishing for a successful life. It was his flight to a foreign land, and for the very last time, still, didn’t fail to surprise the girl for the decision he made.

caution: staring at the image might trigger dizziness 

After almost eleven months of epistle from the time they met, far apart, and separated. They created a relationship and friendship that indeed, worth remembering. An experience that will surely to be treasured and smile with when remembered. It is a part of their lives that taught them many things about love, how to handle it, overcome obstacles, and raft with the flowing water in a river. Life is a long journey of discovering things, satisfying oneself as well as knowing your purpose of existence and to be always happy. With that, I can say, I really did enjoy this journey of my life…with her.