Love at First Sight, Love Through Email & SkypeI thought I could never fall in love again after a very heartbreaking college breakup. Hence, I devoted all my time and energy working as a seafarer. However, loneliness strikes every now and then, especially when we’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. But when I saw Ms. Ella Perez in our province in Cavite, I saw an angel that resurrected my lamented heart. While it may sound cliché, it was truly love at first sight. On our first meeting, we had an hour-long

conversation and I felt that our hearts already connected. I told her about my work in Europe, and offered to be her tour guide when she visits my birthplace, the Camotes Island. I also told her that I run from our house in Ternate, Cavite to Puerto Azul. We had so much in common. We both love to run, go to the beach, climb mountains, travel, eat in different restaurants and experience various adventures life has to offer. I courted her for more than half a year. I travel all the way from Ternate or Cubao to her condo in Quezon City just to see her angelic smile. I invited her to attend Simbanggabi in the Church of the Gesú after her classes in Ateneo. During my high school days, my prayer every Simbanggabi is to meet someone who is very prayerful and makes God the top priority of her life. And God answered my prayer even before I was able to complete the 9 days! Our dates always include attending mass or praying together. But then, the time came when I had to leave for work. She accompanied me to the airport and tears flooded our eyes. I didn’t want to leave the person who gave me more reasons to live life to the fullest. When we arrived in Antwerp, Belgium, the first thing I did was call her. Ella told me that she got sick because of my departure, but we were so happy to be able to hear from each other again. Good thing she also taught me how to use Skype. Even if we were thousands of miles away, I know she can feel my heart beating for her every time we talk through Skype. However, we can only do that whenever we reach the port. So even if I’m a turtle typer, and we had very little time to rest, I always make sure to send her an e-mail love letter daily. And I’m the happiest man on the ship whenever I see a reply from her. When I got back to the Philippines, I toured her around Cebu and Camotes Island and introduced her to my parents and relatives. We run on mountains and roads and both get prizes as fastest runners. In a few days, I will be leaving for work again, but I know that nothing can separate two hearts that beat as one. And when I return, I will ask for her hand in marriage.

- Julius G. Donaire