Fifteen years ago, I remember the first time I laid my eyes on her. She, striding down the MassComm hall in a somewhat flawless walk, donning most of the time in maong and shirt blouse attire. She completely awed me every time she passes by or even just smiling from afar. Funny though, I never knew her then. Good thing, a batchmate of mine, Mai, was an orgmate and a close friend of her. Immediately, I asked for her help. And then finally, the moment came when I was formally introduced to her face to face. The moment Mai said, “Kaye, si Bong. Bong, si Kaye…” never was I totally ecstatic about the whole meet-&-greet setup with the person I’ve been eyeing to get close to. Since then, I thought things will then take its course. Or that’s what I expected it to become. After a few times that I had “happy feel” moments with her, especially those times when we get to take the bus ride going to Boni (where she gets off to go to her tita’s house where her dad fetches her), I thought I was doing a great job of slowly but surely becoming close enough to eventually ask her for a date. I know that time there were also others who’d want to win her badly. But that was my chance. However, when December came, the month when all good things seem to flourish, unfortunately ended not so good for me. I was refused, passed, thrown the bucket. In short — basted! It hurt me badly that after that instant, I thought of forgetting her. I thought that was the end of it

By middle of 1997 was the next time I got to encounter Kaye again after that “pffft” college incident. Still, something was different. Kaye has still that magic spell on me in a way. And all those times I get to visit her at the IL office in Makati, I carry with me that feel of elation because I knew it was her that I’ll see. I even remember bringing my camera with me and by chance, we did have that first picture together. Boy, was I so much in cloud heaven!

From 1997 to 1999, I tried again and again to prove myself to her. But there were countless but valid reasons why Kaye and I never ended together. I almost gave up, knowing she will not fall for me anymore. This was even reinforced when her department moved up to the new office in Alabang. It was then I thought maybe everything’s not just for me and her. But you know, there was something I can’t still figure out why I can never let her go. Was it fate… destiny even… or by the mere belief that Kaye and I may still be possible, no matter how remote it is to happen.

From 2000, things became mellow with my feelings for Kaye. Maybe because I was already seeing a new girl then. I almost ended up marrying her since we have been discussing wedding plans as early as 2001. Pressure was a big factor and that may have been the reason for the delay. However, there was one instance when Kaye invited me and my friend Ara for a special screening of “Oro, Plata, Mata” at GB3. Excitement rushed to my head again. Anxious of seeing her and maybe talking to her again, no matter how held back I was, gave me an unusual high of admiration. Bad ba? I guess so, because my girlfriend was there and I was harboring that weird feeling for Kaye at that instant. Even right after the movie, where we should part ways, I still insisted myself of taking sight of Kaye as she and my friend Ara walked away. I still couldn’t get myself over about that night afterwards. I just felt like there were so many things about Kaye I would still want to discover if given the chance.

In a weird twist of fate, I ended the 4-year relationship with my ex early 2004. I kept mum about the break-up especially from Kaye. Maybe afraid to tell or not ready to share. But secrets do find its way to be revealed. And Kaye found out about it. She knew that me and my ex, as strange as it sounds, were not really meant to be. Funny, but I did agree with her in silence. After a long while, I realized that I should give myself a shot at something far that I’ve been missing… and wanting for a long time… to be with Kaye finally after 9 years of deprivation and many circumstances that were not held back what’s due for me.

And so, when February 2004 came, Kaye’s birhtday month, I knew I have to do something special. She had an event one weekend then, but I waited for her the whole time. Upon going home, I assisted and accompanied her to the bus station, even held her hand (unconsciously! Kunwari ) while crossing the street or just walking. It felt good, actually. But what was more memorable is what transpired when I stayed with her in the bus while it was being filled up. It was almost a slight smack on the side of her lips that showed my real intentions for her. I knew she was also surprised with it but what the hell! I liked it a lot and am hoping she did too.

And, as they say, the rest was history. Never was I so fulfilled when finally Kaye and I became a couple. 2004 was indeed a big turnaround for me, but was so thrilled that the girl I was hoping to end up with a few years ago, now I share the same feelings with. I was hesistant at first (coming from a breakup) but, I guess it’s really about time that I finally give that a rest and move on to the best of what I expect of my life to have – that is to realize a kind of life that involved Kaye.

On January 29, 2005, we tied the knot. Good friends were there. Close relatives and family were present and ecstatic to witness our I Do’s. But for me, it was the day that marked my life with forever with the only girl I ever dreamed of ending up with. Speechless yet jubilant, nervous but convinced, and no matter what the expressions I have felt during the wedding, I knew that I was finally complete, in heart and soul. I finally have her. And never would I let go this time.

And 5 years after, I still feel overjoyed with the whole experience. And I thank God that He never gave up on me for catching up on Kaye through all the hardships and situations. Worth the wait? True. Lucky to finally have her? Not luck but simply rewarding! Kaye has been my dream finally fulfilled. And together with our kids Kara, Jemy and Cassie, there’s nothing in life that I would want more. Of course, maybe just growing old with her and see our kids realize their own dreams too.

Be, thank you for the first 5 years we’ve shared, through all the good times and bad. Here’s to more years ahead for us, and more blessings that we’ll be sharing for each other and for the family.

With all my heart, I LOVE YOU! Happy 5th Anniversary!