To my constants, Chamen and Nic

Since I ran out of energy yesterday from all the fun, the heat, and everything in between, I didn't even get the chance to tell you how I've been feeling in the lead-up to your big day. So, you know the drill. Just read further for your entertainment too.

I've been thinking for weeks what I should say or write, since both of you are dear to me in your own ways. I still feel amazed by how your relationship sparked, blossomed, grew, and has kept strong that led to yesterday, you two becoming one. Please accept my apologies this early on, in case I might bore you, or I'll bawl my eyes out as I type this, struggling to deliver my message across. Trust me, I'll do my best.

So, how should I start my story?

Chamen, Nic, and I have been friends since college. We were colleagues at The Adamson Chronicle, the official student publication of Adamson University, where we graduated. You might think their love story started from there, not really. It was the exact opposite. They were like the cat-and-dog tandem in our group because they usually bicker about some stuff. They made it a habit to tease one another and believe me, it wasn't always just fun. They really got into each other's nerves at some point.

I also witnessed how they were in their previous relationships. One was hopeless romantic, who even made us watch One More Chance uncountable times saying it's a test of friendship, but it's just actually his way of manifesting John Lloyd Cruz/Popoy's energy. The other was chill and composed, but at times could no longer handle her then-boyfriend being too clingy.

Fast forward to May 26, 2018, the first time in many years that Nic and Chamen got to meet and hang out again. I can vividly recall Nic telling me that she was 'stunned' seeing Chamen again. You know like the 'love at first sight' feels, but make it less cheesy. We had an overnight escapade in Batangas, where we had one of the best laughs of our lives. We rediscovered ourselves and added more stories to our friendship. So, if you'd ask me when did their love story started, just remember that date. Actually, it might be the day after when they vibed well having their conversations while heading home. Or it could be more days after, that time they went to Tagaytay, which was supposedly just an 'ihaw-ihaw' session. Afterwards, Nic made a huge leap from being friends to asking Chamen out on an actual date. Then the rest is history, with more memories to collect and cherish now and for a lifetime.

One of the moments that struck me the most -- when Chamen told me she's confused whether she'll give dating Nic a shot. We were discussing that it's hard to date a friend, because you 'know' that person too well. To which Nic had a valid excuse, saying he never considered Chamen as a 'friend' way back. It was just when they crossed paths again that he discovered the real her.

I remember being surprised that time, because I know Nic's antics. I initially thought "nanggagago lang 'yan." However, when all the initial reactions died down, it got me thinking, to what extent do I really know Nic?

I even backread my chats with Chamen and saw that I told her this:

"Hindi nga gago 'yung kuya Nic na kilala ko. Mapagmahal at maalaga sa magulang at kapatid, pati sa mga kaibigan, all-out kapag nagmamahal kahit masaktan siya in the process. Aayawan mo ba 'yung ganiyan?"

"Te Chamen, matatanda na tayo para maglaro. Nakakapagod. Malamang pagod na 'yan sa ganun."

What comes to mind usually when Nic's name is brought into any conversation is that he's fond of drinking -- to the point that he'll never let you exit a drinking session until you're almost in the brink of passing out. Or that Nic who loves to tease people a lot, but you know, it's his love language to his family and friends.

Contemplating further, I do know Nic too well. I know how deep he falls in love, even the number of times he got restless from it. I know him as caring and a shoulder-to-cry-on when needed. He's loyal and faithful in all sense of these words when he's in a relationship, to the point of breaking down when bringing them up during a drink or even while having a random conversation at our favorite Mcdonald's UN Avenue branch. So, why would it be not a good idea to let them date then? Fast forward to the present, they even got married. Amazing, right?

Well, if this is how God has used me to orchestrate a wonderful togetherness, I'm sincerely happy being a part of it. Chamen and Nic, I'm just grateful for your existence. Because as much as I tried to be present in your lives when you need me, you've done the same.

Thank you for picking me up when I was at my lowest.

Thank you for reassuring me that I'm loved beyond the bounds of how romantics view it.

Thank you for the gift of friendship, which I'll surely treasure until we're old and gray.

I hope and pray that even though from this day on it's not always sunshine, you'll always share an umbrella going through the rain.

I love you both, always. Cheers to love and life, Mr. and Mrs. Manalo!

(Photos captured by Mark Lester Castillo)

#mayMANALOna