Thea and Russell’s story wasn’t one of love at first sight. In fact, it was more of an unexpected connection that grew over time. They first met in university - Russell was an applicant of an organization which Thea was already an active member of. But their connection had remained just that—a fleeting moment in time, nothing more. Fate, however, had other plans.

It was February 2018 when Thea’s company, at that time, needed extra hands, and Russell happened to be one of the applicants. He got the job, and by March, he arrived at the mine site. They quickly became friends—working in the same group, in the same age range, and sharing similar interests. Neither of them had been looking for anything more than friendship. But as they spent more time together, something started to shift. They just clicked.

Then in April 2018, after a company event where they were being teased nonstop, Russell pulled Thea aside. He was nervous, but he took a deep breath and told her how he felt. Then awkwardly asked if he could court her. It wasn’t the grandest confession, but Thea felt Russell’s sincerity.

By November, Thea had met Russell’s family at his mom’s birthday dinner. They welcomed her with open arms, making her feel like part of the family.

As the months passed, their bond grew stronger. They each became a comforting presence in a world full of uncertainties. And in February 2019, just before Valentine’s Day, Thea and Russell officially became a couple. No big gestures, just a quiet agreement that they were in this together.

A few months later, they set off on their first international trip together. They explored the beauty and history of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand with their closest friends. This trip made them realize how much they enjoy each other’s company.

In December 2019, Russell finally met Thea’s family at a cozy dinner in Makati. From then on, their families naturally blended, and the connection felt easy, as if they’d always been part of each other’s lives.

Then in October 2020, Russell gave Thea a heartwarming three-day birthday surprise which began with a cactus in a dog-shaped planter, followed by two dog plushies, and culminated in welcoming their beloved fur baby, Mochi, into their lives.

As they strengthened their relationship, they also started making important decisions as a couple. In August 2021, they made their first joint investment, a step toward a future they were both ready to build side by side. Over the next few years, their love for each other only grew. They went on trips, joined family gatherings, and experienced so many “firsts” together - from glamping trips to their first concert as a couple. But they soon found out that staying in a relationship is not a walk in the park. Like any other couple, they also faced challenges. There were moments of doubt, moments when it felt hard to stay close, but through it all, they learned that love isn’t just about the good times—it’s about choosing each other, even when things get hard.

Then, in April 2024, surrounded by misty mountains of Digos, Russell asked Thea the question that had been on his mind for a while. With Mt. Apo standing tall in the background, he proposed, and of course, she said yes. It was simple, but it was exactly what they both wanted.

And on their sixth year of being together, they will begin the next chapter of their love story, surrounded by the people who had been with them through it all. Their journey isn’t over yet—it’s just starting. And as they step into the future, hand in hand, they know one thing for sure: they are writing the most beautiful tale of all.