By Katrina Yap-Sotto
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—Marriage is a subject most 25-year-olds would avoid. These days, tying the knot at 25 would seem too early. But not for me. I married my grade-school sweetheart two days before I turned 25.

Derek and I go way back to 1993, when we became classmates in fifth grade at Benedictine Abbey School (San Beda Alabang). He was 11, I, ten. I found him cute. And as I would later find out from his friends, he felt the same way about me. Our classmates teased us constantly. Puppy love, they called it. But every night I prayed our relationship would blossom into something more in the future.

I felt the heavens look down with favor upon me when Derek gave me his first love letter. Finally, a confirmation of our M.U. (mutual understanding)! Sounds cheesy, I know. But at fifth grade, that letter meant the world to me.

The letter was everything I had hoped a love letter would be. I felt so happy reading the letter. But my joy turned into sorrow when I reached the bottom. As a postscript, he wrote that our love was doomed to be short-lived. He had plans of entering the seminary in high school.

Heartbroken, I consoled myself by thinking, well, at least it was God and not some other girl who would come between us. Still, I prayed God would just let Derek be my boyfriend. Surely He could just give some other boy that calling.

In sixth grade, my prayers were answered. The school year began with teachers asking that overused question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The teacher called on Derek. My heart leapt upon hearing his answer. “A businessman.” Our class erupted into cheers. I blushed.

This was when we started passing each other notes, talking on the phone, and exchanging gifts such as toys from early childhood.

I was on my way to having a boyfriend!

Sadly, a misunderstanding led us to part ways. Jealousy got the better of my sweetheart. He disapproved of my close ties with other boys.

Waste of time

Going into high school, I found myself being courted by other guys. But I never really entertained them because I saw them as a waste of time. Time, I believed, be better spent on someone I deeply cared about.

Little did I know Derek still cared for me, too. He swallowed his pride, apologized for being torpe, and found ways to grab my attention—through notes in my locker or by carrying my books.

Come 1997, junior year, we were an official item.

Even as graduation rolled around the corner, Derek and I remained confident in our relationship. Of course it also helped we were entering the same university. We were perhaps the happiest couple during our graduation ball. Our peers honored us by naming us “Batch Couple.”

Surviving a relationship through college was tougher than we had thought. We began to discover each other’s personalities, quirks, priorities and beliefs. And we did not always see eye to eye. Many times we felt like giving up, but I guess one could say love always found a way because we constantly made that decision to continue loving each other.

Our relationship only got stronger since then. We became each other’s best friend as we entered adulthood. We started sharing dreams, visions and goals. I knew I loved Derek, and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.

Wonderful blessing

Aug. 16, 2006. Derek popped the question, with a beautiful ring to boot. My wish—rather, our wish—was finally coming true!

Together, we planned our wedding. From the concept to the colors, the menu to the flowers, even the cake and music, every decision was made together. And though it was stressful, we enjoyed the planning process. It was the most fun project we’ve had ever, and it brought out the best in us.

The sun shone brightly on the afternoon of Sept. 8, 2007—another wonderful blessing as heavy rains had started pouring the night before and lasted until early morning (I knew because I was up the entire time). Despite the lack of sleep, I was incredibly happy and relaxed.

I made my way down the aisle with “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from “Cinderella” being played by our string quartet. I had listened to this song as a child, and felt it was the perfect song for my fairy-tale wedding. A fairy tale because I was marrying my Prince Charming.

Our high-school rector celebrated the sacrament, with family and friends (mostly classmates from grade school and high school) as witnesses to our promises of forever.

Derek and I realize how blessed we truly are not only to have found each other but also to have gotten it right the first time around.

And I am thankful because my dream has turned into reality, and he’s sleeping right beside me. Time for me to put away my notebook and join my husband in dreaming some more.

Visit www.trinaandderek.weddingpath.com. E-mail the author at trina@pldtdsl.net.

——–

To all my couples: I would like to request for a write-up of your love story or any interesting article about the both of you.  Please email to dinolara@yahoo.com