From Healing to Forever:

A Love Story Born in Paluan

The sun was setting over Paluan, casting a golden glow across the quiet streets of Lumangbayan. Mark Jovenson Dangeros, or Joven, as his friends fondly called him, stepped off the tricycle and adjusted the sling of his bag. It was January 25, 2021, and this was his first day working with Solar Para sa Bayan (SPSB) in Paluan. For Joven, the decision to work here wasn’t just about a career move; it was his way of starting anew. The quiet landscapes and the sense of purpose in bringing sustainable energy to the community seemed like the perfect antidote to the storm of emotions he had been grappling with.

For weeks, his days were filled with fieldwork and the hum of solar panels. Slowly, Joven began to heal. But life, as it often does, had plans far greater than mere healing.

On the evening of March 2, 2021, Joven stood under the dim streetlights of Lumangbayan with a guitar. He had heard about Lara Eunice Ramos, the lovely woman who worked at the local Municipal Civil Registrar’s office. She was from Lumangbayan, Paluan—charming, intelligent, and with a smile that could light up even the darkest nights. A mutual friend had introduced them, but it was Joven’s idea to serenade her the old-fashioned way.

Lara watched from her window as Joven began to sing. His voice was deep and soothing, filled with emotion that resonated through the night. Lara, though initially shy, was enchanted. The serenade wasn’t just a gesture; it was a testament to Joven’s sincerity and courage.

As the days passed, Joven would visit Lumangbayan often. Their conversations grew longer, laughter came more easily, and by June 8, 2021, their love story officially began.

The year that followed was filled with the kind of joy only new love can bring. Joven and Lara explored the small wonders of Paluan and neighboring towns, sharing dreams over coffee and sunsets by the shore.

But life, as they both knew, was never without its trials. On March 23, 2022, Joven faced retrenchment at SPSB. It was a blow to his plans, but the very next day, he found a new opportunity at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Mamburao. Joven’s resilience inspired Lara, who was juggling her responsibilities at the LGU Paluan’s Municipal Civil Registrar (MCR) office and her dreams of pursuing further education.

Later that year, Lara enrolled at Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC) in Mamburao, taking up a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Operation Management. Joven, ever supportive, cheered her on every step of the way.

As their relationship deepened, so did their understanding of what they meant to each other. In 2022, they began discussing their future, imagining a life where they would face every challenge and celebrate every triumph together. By the end of the year, they had made a decision—they would get married.

They set the date for December 21, 2024, a day that held double significance. Not only would it be their wedding day, but it was also Joven’s birthday—a symbolic merging of celebrations that reflected the unity they both cherished.

Their plans revolved around a simple civil wedding, staying true to their humble roots and love for a straightforward life. Both Joven and Lara believed that the essence of a marriage wasn’t in grand gestures but in the promises they would make and keep every day.

As 2024 unfolded, Joven and Lara continued to build their dreams. Lara’s determination inspired Joven to push further in his role at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office.

Every weekend, they would meet in Mamburao, cherishing every moment as they planned their future home and the life they envisioned. They dreamed of a cozy house filled with warmth and laughter, a garden where they could relax.

Their love was a testament to resilience, finding strength in each other through career changes, academic pursuits, and the challenges of long-distance commitment.

With their wedding date drawing near, their excitement grew. Lara picked out a simple yet elegant dress, and Joven began planning their vows, scribbling down thoughts late at night in a notebook he kept beside his bed.

Family and friends in Paluan, Sablayan, San Jose, and Mamburao rallied around them, offering their support and love. Their union wasn’t just the joining of two people—it was a celebration of the journey they had taken and the community that had been a part of it.

As they stood together on their wedding day, December 21, 2024, with the sun casting a warm glow over Paluan, Joven and Lara knew they had come full circle. What began as a journey to move on had transformed into a journey of building forever.