Our Story

This is for the benefit of those who haven’t heard about our bizarre love story. So read on...

In the last quarter of 2008, we were introduced to each other by Raf’s aunt Gina who’s one of my closest friends in the office. The thing is, Raf lives in Melbourne so we basically met online, talked every night online, shared pictures online, started liking each other online, and fell in love online. Then we agreed to meet each other in person and so in March 2009 at the Changi airport in Singapore, we finally had our first eye to eye encounter. Though it was a bit strange, we were both so happy and amazed by the fact that it was real, we weren’t dreaming at all. We stayed there for a week, spent each day as a normal couple and then suddenly realized we had to go back to our own homes already. It was indeed heart-breaking to say our goodbyes, but on the brighter side we knew and we were confident that it was just the beginning of a much more profound relationship.

So from there, we carried on our usual online chitchats and dating. Throughout the period which we were not together, we provided each other with happiness and inspiration. Our daily communication and the thought of being with each other helped us overcome the hardships of physical separation. It was quite a long wait until in December 2009, Raf, together with his mom and sister, had their one month vacation here in the Philippines. It was much more exciting than our first meeting since we were both able to meet each other’s friends, family and relatives. We also had our quality time when we went to Palawan (where the formal proposal took place) and Boracay. We had so much fun! We were able to feel like we’re normal couples again. But of course, it was so sad as well when they had to go back to Melbourne already. On the other hand, it wasn’t bad at all because we knew from that point that we already have something really important to look forward to, and that is our wedding day. Though we knew that it will definitely be not that easy for us since we have to work on it “together” while we are apart, we were never pessimistic about it. In fact, we find it much more thrilling and fun, though there are inevitable arguments at some point. :p

As we look back at our unusual story, we realize that it is for this very reason that our relationship developed this well. By starting the relationship behind a computer, this allowed us to be more open to each other and reach a level of familiarity which we could not have achieved through the normal dating process. When it was time for us to meet physically, the connection we have made with each other was so strong that it goes way beyond physical attraction. Our first meeting was merely a confirmation of what we already knew, and that is that we were in love with each other. Without a shadow of doubt or hesitation in our minds, we know that we are meant to be together and spend the rest of our lives with each other.

-- Raf & Julie --