✨ A Chance Encounter, A Lasting Love✨

I joined the Lubi-Lubi Festival in Gingoog City on May 30, 2024. We practiced dancing every night. Unexpectedly, I noticed a very handsome and tall man who joined the dance. I didn’t pay much attention because I didn’t know him. The next day, we practiced again, this time at the San Luis National High School Field. We were all exhausted from the practice, and then a heavy rain suddenly poured down. We had to stop and take a break. I saw one of the dancers, soaked in the rain. I realized he was the same man I saw the day before. I was surprised when he sat beside me. As I looked at him, my world seemed to stop. I was captivated by his beautiful eyes and his sweet lips, which I longed to touch. I felt like I was flying.

For a moment, I stopped and talked to myself in my head, “Wait, why am I feeling this way? Why is my heart suddenly racing? Do I like him? No, I don’t like him. I don’t even know him. Focus, focus! He just sat down, why are you feeling this way? Don’t overreact.” Then, he spoke to me, “What’s your name?” “Oh, me?” “Yes, you.” “My name is Teresa Jane.” “That’s a beautiful name, as beautiful as you,” he said. “I’m Ezekiel Melvin.” Our conversation was interrupted when we were called back for practice.

After practice, we all went home. When I entered my room, I thought to myself again, “Do I like him or not? I know I don’t. He just wanted to get to know me and be friends.” For the past few hours, he’s been chatting with me. It didn’t bother me because I knew to myself that he just wanted to be friends. I named the feeling I had for him, and the same thing happened. We talked for two hours and went to sleep after our conversation.

On the second day, the day of the Festival Contest, I saw him again, and my heart suddenly pounded. I stopped walking when I saw him, feeling flustered. I kept looking around, searching for him, his name constantly on my mind. After our contest, we won second runner-up. The next day, we celebrated, all the dancers went swimming. After a while, I really started to miss his presence. I talked to him for a moment, “Come on, let’s go swimming.” “Sure, I’ll be right there.” “Okay, teach me how to swim. I don’t know how.” “Okay, just a minute,” he said. While we were swimming, I couldn’t help but look at him. I admit it, I like him. After the afternoon, we went home together. My heart raced when we sat next to each other in a tricycle. I almost leaned on his shoulder because I was sleepy.

Two days later, I was waiting for him to chat with me again. I was restless with my feelings. Suddenly, I found the courage to talk to him and tell him how I truly felt. “Hi, Ezekiel Melvin, I just wanted to tell you that I like you, not as a friend but in a romantic way.” I waited a few minutes for his reply. Then, looking at my phone, I saw his message. I couldn’t believe it; he liked me too. “I like you too, Teresa Jane, ever since I first saw you on our first day at the Lubi-lubi Festival.”

We unexpectedly discovered our mutual attraction that day, a revelation that blossomed into something beautiful. We shared everything with each other, our days filled with constant online chats and walks home from school, our laughter echoing between classes. After a few days of this sweet companionship, he began courting me, his sincerity evident in every gesture. A few months later, I said yes, and our relationship began. It wasn’t just a romance; it was a deep connection, built on trust and understanding. 

We explored our shared interests, from watching sunsets together to discussing our dreams for the future. Evenings were spent sharing stories and dreams, our quiet moments as comforting as the laughter that filled our days. We learned to support each other’s ambitions, celebrating each other’s successes and offering comfort during setbacks. It was a peaceful, happy relationship, a testament to the connection forged during that unforgettable Lubi-Lubi festival.