When distance poses no obstacle to true love

MANILA, Philippines – Finding true love amidst the ambiguity and complexity of modern love is one of the most cherished moments a person could have in his or her lifetime. As convention would have it, however, experiencing pain and disappointment is inevitable when hurdles present themselves along the way.

But here’s the love story of Paul Vito and Erika dela Cruz, who managed to defy the odds of their sometime long-distance relationship.

Belonging to the same ministry group, Paul and Erika first met in church.

“I even used to call him kuya,” recalled Erika, admitting that she already had a big crush on Paul when they met.

Their budding friendship gradually turned into something more beautiful as the couple started working together. For a start, Paul would offer help to Erika with her technical drawings while Erika agreed to be Paul’s model and designer for one of his photo shoots.

“Our careers made us more connected and from there, we slowly built our relationship,” she shared.

Like other couples whose relationship typically go through severe tests, they faced the challenge of having to withstand a long-distance relationship when Erika flew to Beckton, London to finish her degree in Fashion Design.

For two years, the couple had to endure being thousands of miles apart, but Paul and Erika made sure that the distance would not take a toll on their relationship.

“Despite the time difference, we always made time to talk through Facetime or Skype sometimes,” Erika shared.

Communication was always key.

In one of Paul’s sweetest gestures, he ensured that Erika’s birthday would feel much closer to home as he surprised her with a birthday greeting.

“I was so surprised to see that all my friends and family were part of it,” she shared.

Erika shares that despite the distance between them, they managed to sustain the relationship with a lot of patience and understanding.

“The most important thing for us is communication. We talk, listen, write, fight, and laugh about everything that’s meaningful to us,” she said.

“We always make sure to keep the connection between us,” she added.

Halfway Project

To somehow bridge the physical distance that stood between them, the couple thought of and came up with a novel way to keep in touch. They called their endeavor the “Halfway Project”, and began documenting the places they’ve been to and putting their photos together to make it seem as if they were not actually thousands of miles apart.

They would go on “virtual dates”  – as if seated across each other, even when dining with steak and wine. Sometimes, they would take the effort of visiting places with similar landmarks to celebrate their “monthsaries”.

“The project kept us hopeful and made us more excited to see each other again,” Erika said.

Now back in Manila, she shares that despite living in and loving London, she believes that settling back in Manila is the right decision.

While this means turning her back on infinitely more promising career prospects in Europe, for Erika, love that is certain can never be too easily shaken.

“What made me certain is that nothing could ever replace the love we have for each other. I’d rather have a simple life with the person I love and fill our lives with love and happiness,” she said.

Nowadays, the couple share happy times together, travelling around the Philippines. For their pre-Valentine’s date, the couple visited Nayong Pilipino and the Hot Air Baloon Festival in Clark, Pampanga.

“This was truly worth the wait,” Erika said.

The thing is, if the entire universe is rooting for you to find and keep your one true love, then nothing can really stand in the way.

“For us, the true meaning of love is sacrifice. A strong relationship starts with two people who are ready to sacrifice anything for each other,” Erica concluded.