Serendipity

Unexpected love. Their paths crossed in the summer of 2015 at Camp Crame. It was the first few days of their application in the PNP. He was introduced to her by a new-found friend, saying he was her high school classmate. It was just a simple nod, nothing special. He was an applicant too, but busy doing errands for the admin office, or what you call “striker” in the service. She was a newly hired Physical Therapist Staff at a chiropractic clinic in Greenhills, trying her luck to enter a whole new world different from hers. After months of endless physical, psychological, and qualifying exams, screening, and evaluation, they both successfully passed and took an oath to serve the country. They became classmates but belonged to a different company. He was in Alpha, she was in Bravo. Their rooms were just next to each other but never had the chance to talk or even bump into each other. 

After six months of rigorous training inside the camp, they had to undergo OJT, or Field Training Program at the different police stations in Region 1. Teams were announced-their names were called at the same station-Dagupan City. Little did they know, this moment would change their lives forever.

They were eight on the team, she was the only rose among the thorns. She called all her teammates “TOL” as they treated each other like siblings living in the same house. She was truly grateful, as they treated her as their princess. She was never left alone -from getting groceries and going to movies at a nearby cinema house, to picking her up on a Sunday Night from the bus terminal as she would sneak into going home to Manila on weekends while off duty. The eight of them would regularly watch the latest movies together on the last full show, until all the others got busy- the two were left watching the latest rom-com movie. He asked if it would be awkward. She answered not at all, as she also liked to watch that movie. They discovered they shared the same interests in many things, like watching K-dramas late at night, going on food trips after duty, and many more. It happened every once in a while, so the other teammates started teasing them. She insisted it was nothing, as she was aware that he just came from a breakup, even teasing him that he should win his girl back as feelings don't easily fade away. She was an NBSB girl who was clueless about romantic relationships, not knowing they both had already developed feelings towards each other.

He was never the vocal one but he expresses his love for her through acts of service. When asked by her friends if she was already courting her, he would say “not yet” as they were just enjoying each other’s company. On the night before their graduation from training, he and she had that deep conversation outside her dorm, where he confessed his love and said he will get permission from her parents to court her, which he eventually did.

They dated for quite a while- from food trips, watching movies, karaoke, and playing arcade games, just enjoying themselves; until they had to go to their first assignment. He, in Tawi-Tawi, She, in Palawan. It was heartbreaking for her as they were just starting something special, and they had to fulfill their sworn duties, on both ends of the country. She cried her heart out on the night before his jump-off to Tawi-Tawi. He assured her nothing will change and they’d stay strong for each other. In the middle of their stay in their assignment, they had this big fight that made them decide to eventually give a label to their “real”ationship. Both of them agreed that it should be on a special date- the same date as his birthday. They were in a long-distance relationship. Her patience during this period was a testament to her love and dedication. Meanwhile, she was also on her own path, already assigned back to Camp Crame, performing her sworn duties while reassuring she was helping to provide for her family. His support was unwavering, as he encouraged her through the uncertainties and decisions that shaped her journey. Until after two years, he finally decided to be assigned to the Headquarters, to be with her.

Their journey together was filled with dreams and challenges.
Their love story was marked by trials and triumphs, each phase strengthening their bond. They worked together towards their dreams and the shared vision of a future built on mutual love and respect and supported by their fur babies—Matcha and Patchie.

When he decided it was time to propose, he wanted to make it a moment that would honor their shared journey and the support they received from their families. With this in his mind, he met with her parents to ask for their blessing, revealing his plans and the love he held for their daughter. 

A day after Christmas 2023, before he went back to render duty from a holiday break, he asked her to have a lunch date with him and he proposed. It was a simple proposal but a heartfelt one. The proposal was a celebration of not only their love but also the unwavering support they had received from their families. It marked the beginning of a new adventure, with their families standing by them as they embarked on this journey together.

As they prepare for their future, their love story stands as a testament to commitment, family support, and the enduring power of love that transcends time and distance. Each step they took together reinforced their bond, proving that sometimes, serendipity leads to the most beautiful destinations.