They say love comes when you least expect it. As cliche as it may sound, that is exactly how the story of Raph and Alex played out. They knew what they wanted, but they never expected when or how it would come to be. Some might say it was only by chance, others would say it's destiny. One thing is certain, it was by God's design in The Serendipity of Love.
He was searching.
He was lost, searching for what he knew he wanted, but not knowing what he was looking for.
It was 2021, the world was barely recovering from the COVID 19 Pandemic, akin to the very state of Raph's heart as he found himself in shambles, scrambling for something to hold onto, yearning for a sense of stability, hope, and purpose.
In his mind, he knew he wanted countless things: success, abundance, freedom, clarity, certainty, and more. Always hungry for more, constantly searching for something greater. Little did he know, there's more to life than what he set his eyes on.
She was waiting.
As the strong and independent woman she is, she knew her worth and was done chasing rabbits. She knew what she deserves and is not one to settle for anything less. In that same year, she knew in her heart she deserved more, deserved better, and there she was that one night, waiting just within sight.
He looked...
...around the bar that evening in 2021, a place called AGIMAT at UGAT in Poblacion, Makati. There he was with his good friend and mentor, Niño, as Raph sought counsel in a time of disarray. But as he scanned the room, little did he know that his eye would catch a glimpse of such beauty just around the corner...
...and there she was.
She was just sitting there with her friend Ajesta, on what she thought was just another night out to catch up with a girlfriend. But as luck would have it, fate had something else planned for that serendipitous encounter with the man on the next table. As each found the other throwing chance glances at every opportune moment...
GO FOR IT.
"Hay nako Raph", Niño said. "Bilhan mo na kaya ng drink, kanina pa kayo nagtitinginan eh". And so with that little push of encouragement, Raph waved at the waiter, and asked that drinks be served to the table with the pretty lady right next to theirs.
By the Corner...
...of her eye, she saw the waiter approaching. He asked them what drinks they would like, mentioning that they were offered by the man in the table next to theirs. A quick look at the options led to the choice of KANTO salted caramel vodka.
Time to make the move
So Raph made his move. But not to be too aggressive, he knew what he had to do. As he approached them, he locked his eyes on...her friend, AJESTA.
With that harmless small talk, little did she know he was actually testing the waters, waiting for the opportune time to engage the real target, finding the much coveted opening to finally say...
HELLO, WHAT'S YOUR NAME?
"ALEX", she said. "My name is ALEX". To which Raph stood in shock and awe at what might've just been the serendipitous mischief that life typically comes with. But what's life without a little thrill, right?
You see, it wasn't the first time that name came about, but little did Raph know that coming his way was a whole new meaning to that name.
So they started dating...
First at Texas Roadhouse, then at Shi Lin, and a few more encounters here and there...
...then drifted apart.
But it seemed that it was all meant for another, better time...
FAST FORWARD
TO 2022:
Something at work.
As Raph has been a main stay at the National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) of the Philippine Retailers Association, August 12 was just another busy work day for Raph... or so he thought.
He looked...
...around the conference room at SMX Convention Center that fateful day. A quick scan of the room proved that he better find another spot, and that led him to the other end of the hall. As he found a table with a friend seated, Raph chose to sit on the next table. Sitting there, he was simply taking it all in, watching and waiting. Until he looked up...
...and there she was.
She was sitting in the table right in front of him. Although she wore a face mask, Raph knew immediately from a quick glance that it was Alex, just a few steps away and within his reach. There she sat, just a few meters away. There she was, the girl he knew he wanted, but did not know he was looking for.
So he made his move...
By simply messaging her, "Are you at NRCE?". "Yes, why?" she asked. To which he responded, "Polka dots?", and found her looking around searching for him, until finally their eyes met...
...For that second chance
to pursue that which he knew he wanted, but only then realized was right there in front of him, the woman his heart has been searching for all this time.
To be with her again...
...meant a second shot at happiness. What had slipped through his fingers before he now finds within his reach...
...and together find true happiness
on that night of the 3rd of September 2022 they found their smile, as they venture into the life they have always been praying for. One searched, the other waited...
BUT GOD
LED THEM TO FIND EACH OTHER AGAIN
IN HIS PERFECT TIMING.
And on the 23rd of November 2023, Alex and Raph finally pursue the one thing God has set them both to do: His will, but coming together in love, and celebrating that love which is undoubtedly a gift from God, borne through the test of time and made beautiful in its time, that is in God's perfect timing.
FUN FACTS.
Alex pretty much "predicted" that they would end up together. (Ask her about this during the wedding!)
Raph fell even more madly in love with Alex because of a particular scent she wore that stayed with him for a week (You'll want to know more about this, so ask them!)
Raph prayed for specific Gideon-like signs to confirm God's blessing upon their relationship, and they happened TWICE! (Ask Raph to tell the story in detail).
