We technically met through Youth for Christ, although for a while we were really just two people who happened to be in the same community. We had crossed paths at events, and our first actual messages were purely practical: Nadine was helping organize a campus event and reached out to Miguel because she needed a band. Very functional.

Then came September 2017.

A random Facebook quiz matched Miguel as Nadine’s “Plan B.” Nadine was too shy to actually post the result, so instead, she sent it to Miguel privately as a joke.

Somehow, that one silly message turned into a conversation that just… never really ended.

Within days, chatting turned into dinners after school and internship, spontaneous trips across Manila, and a quick café visit turned into walking around Luneta and Manila Bay until it was early enough for McDonald’s breakfast.

There was no best foot forward and no expectation that any of it would become something more. We were just two new friends having fun, talking about everything, and discovering how easy it was to be ourselves around each other.

Then, on Nadine’s birthday, Miguel admitted that he wanted to get to know her as more than a friend.

Nadine, naturally, responded with approximately one million questions. As expected.

What started as a random YFC connection and one silly Facebook quiz slowly became something neither of us expected. And somehow, that conversation we started in September 2017 is one we’ve never really stopped having.

1. What was your first impression of each other?

Miguel: Nads is fun to be with and I felt there's more to look out for when I'm with her.

Nadine: Migs is a safe person. He has a way of making you feel comfortable and protected.

2. When did you realize this might be more than friendship?

Miguel: After our first spontaneous Manila Bay stroll

Nadine: After he confessed, honestly. I didn't really imagine he would think of me as more than a friend.

3. What is your favorite thing about the other person?

Miguel: Everything about her is my favorite. There's always a surprise when you're with her.

Nadine: That I am his favorite. Char! He will always bring me water or remind me to drink. Sounds simple, but he has always looked out for me, in ways big or small.

4. What is one thing about us that has never changed since 2017?

Miguel: Everyday is an adventure with Nads.

Nadine: We still laugh the way we did (or maybe even harder!) since day one.

5. What are you most excited about in our married life?

Miguel: More new stuff to try out together and lots of new memories together.

Nadine: We finally get to travel together on our own, no chaperones. LOL Love you family!