

It started
with one song.
One unexpected hello. One jazz performance I couldn’t forget. And a story I’m still grateful to call ours.
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Natalie, I’m glad life brought me to that room.
I didn’t know it then, but the afternoon we met would become the beginning of my favorite story. I remember the little details: the time, the coffee conversation, the song, and the way I wished I’d found a few more seconds to talk with you.
This is how it happened, as I remember it. And this is for you.
before either person
knows it.
“He’s kinda cute.”
We met at Manila Golf and Country Club at exactly 2:25 PM. Natalie’s cousin Lizzie asked if Natalie had a boyfriend. Natalie said no, so Lizzie pointed at me and said, “That’s your type, oh.”
And Natalie said, “He’s kinda cute.” I had no idea that little line would become part of our story.
Natalie went to get gelato and coffee. The gelato won—but Natalie also wanted to get to know me. I spoke with Irene and gave her my calling card, then Natalie and I talked for a few seconds about Gusto Coffee and La Marzocco.
Then Natalie wandered around the event. I was busy, and I didn’t get the chance to ask for Natalie’s number.
“Then Natalie sang—and suddenly, I had a song I couldn’t forget.”A jazz performance · Manila Golf and Country Club
I was captivated.
Natalie’s singing performance captivated my heart. Natalie sang jazz so beautifully. Then Natalie left with one final look.
I was still busy. By the time I realized I wanted to ask for Natalie’s number, the moment had passed. I felt so sad. The phone number on my calling card belonged to a phone that had been snatched, so I thought there was no other way to find Natalie.
Then someone followed me on Instagram. It was Natalie.
Two events, one hopeful plan.
I thought of inviting Natalie to perform at our wine event. Tavolo was on June 20, and Lusso was on June 21. If Natalie said yes, I’d have a chance to see Natalie again—and maybe talk a little longer.
Natalie agreed. The plan went smoothly, and those days gave us more moments together.
Our first date.
Calle Cafe in Silang. A real date, just the two of us, after a beginning that neither of us could have planned.
Church, gym, bulalo, then Starbucks.
On June 29, I attended Mass at Natalie’s Orthodox church. It was also our first gym session together at AF Tagaytay. Afterward, we ate bulalo, then went to Starbucks. A full day, and one of those days that made being together feel easy.
We went to the gym again on July 1 at AF San Lazaro. The next day Natalie left for a vacation in China. On July 6, we had a video call because Natalie missed me a lot.
Even with miles between us, we were already finding ways to stay close.
A little distance, a lot of missing you.
On July 1, we trained together again at AF San Lazaro. The next day, Natalie left for a vacation in China.
On July 6, we had a video call because Natalie missed me a lot. These little moments kept us close while we were apart.
Our first flight together.
On November 1, we took our first flight together and went to Boracay. Just months earlier, we were strangers at an event. Now we were starting a trip together, with all the little memories that had brought us there.
At 5:25 PM, with a beautiful sunset happening, Natalie said yes to being my girlfriend.
Our first monthsary
Our first monthsary didn’t go exactly as planned. Emilia was closed, so we ended up at the coffee shop in front of it. But we still got to celebrate together, and that was what mattered. We came back the next day, December 2. Two dates for our first month. Haha.

Five months, and a goodbye
Our fifth monthsary came with a goodbye to AM Group. That place will always be part of our story because that job brought me to the event where I met you. We still celebrated at Somewhere Cafe. A lot was changing around that time, and I was glad I had you.

One year of us
We got to celebrate our first anniversary in Palawan, and the Underground River was such a fun adventure. On October 30, we stayed at Astoria Palawan; then on November 1, Sunday, we went to CTS Church together. A whole year since that sunset in Boracay, and I still feel lucky that you said yes. Happy first anniversary, Natalie. I love you, and I’m excited for all the memories still waiting for us.
Happy 1st
Anniversary,
Natalie ♡
And I got to call you my girlfriend. From a first hello at 2:25 PM to that beautiful sunset at 5:25 PM, I’m grateful for every step that brought us here.
Thank you for becoming my favorite story.
I love you.
— Kurt





































All these memories. And I still want more with you.
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