MANILA, Philippines - History has given us many great love stories but lately, it seems we hear more of casual hookups and breakups. Is it the change of times? Who knows. But personal touches, emotions and true love seem harder to find.
So when you find a modern-day real- life love story, hold on to it as a sign of hope and an inspiration that you will one day find your own. Finding two people who defy relationship distractions and manage to have loving connections is well worth celebrating and acknowledging.
These three couples are romance stories for the modern times. Theirs may not be as perfect as a Disney fairy tale but they are real people in real relationships and with real love.
Hideo Muraoka, model
Fatima Rabago, model and makeup artist
How long have you guys been dating?
We have been together for four years and it will be five years in two months.
How did you first meet?
We first met in Thailand during New Year’s celebration on the beach at Phi-phi island.
What makes your relationship work?
H: The things that make our relationship work are communication, love, patience, understanding and respect.
F: The most important thing in a relationship is communication. Talk, talk, talk, always talk. Understanding also that we are not perfect. Of course always take care of each other. Each of us has our own way of taking care of the relationship: Hideo is a really funny person and he always make me laugh. I’m always hugging and kissing him.
What is the sweetest thing you’ve done for each other for Valentine’s Day?
H: The sweetest thing that I have done is one time, I prepared the house with candles, roses, flowers and nice music to surprise her when she arrived.
F: I made a cake for him! I baked it myself, even though he is always making fun of my cooking! I know he really loves it, he liked it so much!
What is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift?
H: The perfect Valentine’s gift is to be with her, that is enough for me. Joy is the presence of my loved one.
F: The perfect Valentine's is to be with him and my little one. I have two Valentine dates now, Hideo and my daughter. I feel so blessed to have them both with me, so I don’t need anything else. But of course, if some gift comes, it will be welcomed. (Laughs)
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Victor Basa, actor, model and host
Divine Lee, entrepreneur, model and host
How long have you guys been dating?
As odd as it sounds, we count Christmases spent (together) instead of years. We also opt to not have a “manufacture date,” so in turn, no expiration date.
How did you first meet?
We first met in school, back in Brent on opposing houses. But we never really looked at each other in any other way besides as friends.
What makes your relationship work?
V: Appreciation and consideration for feelings and idiosyncrasies. Laughter as well: we crack up over the silliest jokes, we are each other’s greatest comics.
D: I’m cute! (Laughs) We’ve been friends for the longest time. I guess that’s the strong foundation.
What is the sweetest thing you’ve done for each other for Valentine’s Day?
V: Divine actually cooked for me last Valentine’s Day. At first, I was wondering why she kept asking me to check out this place, fix this, go elsewhere, etc. Little did I know that she was whipping up a storm in the kitchen.
What is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift?
V: Time off without any distractions, and doing things together for the first time. New experiences help you grow and strengthen your bond. It’s amazing how insane but also profound conversations you can have with your partner are when it’s one on one.
D: Peace on earth. Can he give that? (Laughs) I want V to cook dinner.
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Jigs Mayuga, makeup artist
George Defiesta, corporate slave
How long have you guys been dating?
One year and a half.
How did you first meet?
We were introduced at a party by another couple, our good friends Nix Alanon and Rajo Laurel.
What makes your relationship work?
We are not exactly alike but we complement each other’s personalities. We understand the importance of quality time with each other as well as time and space apart.
What is the sweetest thing you’ve done for each other for Valentine’s Day?
We are non-traditional so we do not really celebrate on the actual day. This year, we went on a trip to Singapore a week before Valentine’s Day.
What is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift?
Knowing that your partner is the most important person in your life and vice versa.