“I first saw Arlene on social media during the pandemic in December 2020 through a friend. At that time, she wasn’t really meant to be introduced to me but to someone else who wasn’t yet ready for a relationship. Little did I know that destiny already had its own plans.

On March 10, 2021, we had our first date and finally met in person. Fate truly tested me that day—I arrived very late for so many reasons. I was new at work and couldn’t ask permission to leave, reloading my RFID took almost 30 minutes, counter-flow traffic delayed me even more, and a sudden heavy rain caused a massive traffic jam when a large truck blocked the road.

All of this almost made her give up on meeting me, but I refused to give up on her. I persisted, and finally, we met. Only one restaurant was open, and it was about to close. At first, we were shy and awkward, but slowly, comfort replaced hesitation. Then she sat beside me for a photo—our very first picture together.

I thought the challenges were over, but the restaurant only accepted cash, so Arlene paid for our first date.

From a meeting that was supposed to be at 7:00 PM but became 9:00 PM, and from her paying for our first date, by God’s grace, we became a couple on May 1, 2021. And now, on March 10, 2026, the same date that tested us years ago has become the day we promise each other forever.”