Love Story: Being over 2,250km apart only brought us closer to each other

Algene said he has been in long-distance relationship for five years, but the distance has only brought him and his better half closer.

The couple recently celebrated their relationship's fifth anniversary, and in a few days, will celebrate their second month as husband and wife.

Algene shares his love story:

"We just celebrated our fifth anniversary as a couple, and few days from now, we will be celebrating our second month as husband and wife.

She said YES!

"We were in Bataan for a summer outing. I had been courting her since 2011 and she finally became my girlfriend in 2012.

"Of course, I was the happiest man on earth during that time, but scared as well because I didn’t know how would handle a long-distance relationship.

"But because of the love, respect, and trust that we gave to each other, everything went well.

She said YES!

"In 2015, I felt that I needed to bring our relationship to the next level. That was the time I planned to propose to her.

"I talked to her parents regarding my proposal and they were very happy and teary-eyed of course.

"We talked via Facetime since they are based in Italy.

"To add to the surprise, I was able to convince her parents to come home to the Philippines to witness my proposal and to be my gift to their daughter since it was also her 30th birthday.

"Family and close friends were there when I popped the question, and she said yes!

She said I Do!

"This was the best part of our five-year relationship! The start of our FOREVER.

"The start of lifetime commitment to each other. Those words like through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer.

"I am now happily married. Married to a lovely and gorgeous woman.

"Being in a long-distance relationship for five years was very difficult. We were over 1,400 miles (over 2,250km) apart.

"You need to make a lot of sacrifices and put in a lot of effort just to keep the love alive. Just to keep the relationship getting stronger and stronger.

"In the past five years of our relationship, there were ups and downs, happy and sad moments, which is part of it.

"There is no perfect nor smooth relationship, but since we fully trust each other, we love each other and we respect each other, all the hardships and all the sacrifices are all worth it.

"Don’t forget, God must be the centre of the relationship.  

"#MEantforMD.

"*The meaning of our hashtag is ME (Mechanical Engineer) MD (Doctor of Medicine)."

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