Distant Shores, Shared Dreams: Our First In-Person Meeting (Day 01)
Join us on Day 01 of our journey, “Distant Shores, Shared Dreams,” as we come together for our first in-person meeting. After eight months of video calls and late-night chats, the excitement, the nerves, and the shared dreams that carried us across oceans were finally about to become real.
Finding My Spark: A Leap into Online Dating
The whole online dating thing started with a bit of a mix-up in my family. I loved being the favorite aunt to my nieces and nephews — cooking for them and spending time together was the joy of my life. But a misunderstanding with my sister-in-law opened my eyes to something: I wanted a family of my own someday, one that wouldn’t depend on someone else’s schedule. I had no idea then that this little leap would one day lead to our first in-person meeting.
Finding Balance and Self-Worth
For years, I lived in selfless mode, putting everyone else’s needs ahead of my own. My career had settled into a monotonous routine, and my own growth quietly took a backseat.
I loved supporting my family, but somewhere along the way I realized I had forgotten to take care of myself. Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s the foundation every strong relationship is built on.
Like a plant needs sunlight and water to thrive, we need our own experiences and challenges to grow. I’m learning to set boundaries, protect my peace, and honor my own needs. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup — and true fulfillment comes from a healthy balance of caring for yourself and caring for others.
The Importance of Autonomy & Accountability
Reflecting on autonomy and personal empowerment, I’ve learned that the ability to make my own decisions is the cornerstone of shaping my own life.
Support and guidance from others are invaluable, but self-direction is what turns advice into genuine growth. People who uplift and inspire us push us toward our full potential — while even well-meaning, overprotective relationships can quietly hold us back.
Taking ownership of my life has taught me accountability: not just making decisions, but standing by them, learning from them, and growing through them. When our actions align with our values, we move through life with purpose and resilience.
The Online Dating Journey
A friend of mine — who found her own happy ending online and even has a little one now — kept nudging me to try it. My relatives joined the “find a husband” campaign too, urging me to stop putting everyone else first and find someone to take care of me for a change.
Now, I know online dating isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But in my small town, everyone felt familiar — like one giant family reunion. Meeting someone new for romance simply wasn’t going to happen there. Deep down, I knew I had to step outside my comfort zone, and the online world seemed like the perfect place to start.
Taking the plunge was nerve-wracking — like riding a roller coaster blindfolded! A million questions swirled in my head. Would it work, or would it be a total letdown? So I did my homework: I researched everything from choosing the right app to writing a bio that truly reflected who I am — something that would attract a genuine connection, not just a casual fling. I even studied up on red flags, because nobody has time for dating disasters!
Who knew finding love could take so much prep work? But dating is an investment — and finding something real is worth every bit of effort. Eight months later, that leap of faith led to our first in-person meeting. Looking back, every profile viewed and every late-night video call was simply a warm-up for our first in-person meeting.
Online Dating Tips for Finding Your Perfect Match:
These are the little lessons that carried me all the way to my first in-person meeting with Mike:
- Be yourself, sparkle included! Your bio is your shop window — showcase who you are in a way that’s attractive and interesting. Don’t try to be someone you’re not; potential matches can sniff out fakeness a mile away. You can even use Pinterest as a visual mood board for crafting the perfect dating bio.
- Show, don’t tell. Instead of listing generic qualities, use details and hobbies to paint a picture of your personality. Love hiking? Mention your favorite trail! Into cooking? Describe your signature dish!
- Spice it up with a touch of humor. A funny anecdote or witty line can grab someone’s attention and make them smile.
- Keep it positive! Nobody wants to swipe right on negativity. Focus on what you enjoy and the kind of person you’re looking for.
Avoiding Red Flags (and Being the Green Light):
- Red Flag Radar: Watch for red flags in profiles and messages — excessive negativity, unrealistic expectations, or controlling behavior are all signs to swipe left.
- Be the Green Light: Don’t be the red flag yourself! Be upfront, honest, and respectful in your interactions.
- Quality over Quantity: Don’t juggle a million conversations at once. Focus on building genuine connections with a few interesting people.
- Set the Right Age Parameters. Adjust your age preferences on the app. I set mine to 30 to 35 because I wanted to meet people closer to my own age — big age gaps can mean very different lifestyles.
Finding Your Spark:
- Are You Ready to Date? Before dating — online or in person — check your emotional readiness. Know your boundaries and what you can bring to a relationship. If you’re still healing from a past heartbreak, give yourself time; you’ll show up as your best self when you’re truly ready.
- Sincerity is Sexy: Put your genuine self out there and look for someone who appreciates you for who you are. Don’t be afraid of heartfelt conversations — but keep things light and fun too!
- Quality Conversations: Ask thoughtful questions and really listen to the answers. Look for conversations that flow naturally and leave you wanting more.
- The Golden Rule Applies: Treat others the way you want to be treated — with respect, interest, and clear communication.
Online dating is a journey. When you show up authentically and prioritize meaningful connections, you give yourself the best chance of finding someone truly compatible — and maybe your own first in-person meeting.
Our First In-Person Meeting
After eight months of getting to know each other online, we had built something strong — but I still longed to be with him in person. The thought of finally meeting was a mix of excitement and nerves, so different from my usual calm days.
The arrival area at NAIA Terminal 1, full of people coming and going, was where our first in-person meeting would finally happen. Love often feels like a dream; that night, it was about to become real. Meeting face to face after only seeing each other on screens was thrilling and a little scary all at once. Would the man I fell in love with online be the same in real life? The wait had been filled with both hope and doubt.
Then, after what felt like an eternity, I saw him! Mike stood out in the crowd like a lighthouse, and I practically ran into his arms for our very first hug. Our first in-person meeting was finally real!
After all those months of chatting and video calls, he had finally made it to the Philippines, just as he promised. It was nothing like saying “I miss you” and blowing kisses through a phone screen.
Walking hand-in-hand during our first in-person meeting felt as natural as breathing, even though it was our first time meeting face to face. Thanks to our daily video calls — seriously, every single day! — nothing felt awkward. It was like catching up with a best friend you haven’t seen in ages. We’d already shared all our big stories, so we spent the day reliving our funniest call moments and simply enjoying each other’s company. It felt like we’d known each other forever, even though the miles had kept us apart for so long. It was everything I’d dreamed our first in-person meeting would be.
Savoy Hotel Buffet Breakfast
In all my 34 years, I’d never met anyone like him. He wasn’t just a man of his word — he did more than he ever said he would. He built an extraordinary trust with me, something I hadn’t experienced before, and seeing him in person at last made it all real. It was a moment I’ll never forget: a flood of happiness, all thanks to this amazing guy. Our first in-person meeting was turning into the perfect day.
Our first breakfast together at Savoy Hotel was something special — a big step in our journey, finally sharing a meal after all those late-night chats.
They had a huge spread with all kinds of delicious food. Mike even tried Filipino breakfast, digging into some sinangag (garlic fried rice) and tinapa (smoked fish) — gotta love a guy who’s adventurous with food!
Sharing our first meal together made our first in-person meeting feel even more real. We sipped steaming cups of coffee, catching up and laughing like crazy, with the whole day stretching out before us. We couldn’t wait to finish breakfast and explore the city together, hand in hand. A perfect start to a perfect adventure.
A Canvas Painted with Moments
We spent the day out and about, exploring the city together. Mike was like a kid in a candy store, pointing out all the beautiful old buildings and their architecture.
We stopped by a lovely church, the Shrine of St. Thérèse, holding hands as we took in the sights — it felt truly special. 😍
After a bit of walking, we headed to Newport Mall, with its bright lights and shops calling our name! Mike even played a round of bowling while I cheered him on, snapping pictures and videos of him trying to knock down every pin. From the church to the mall, every stop during our first in-person meeting felt magical.
It felt like a normal first date — just two people having fun. Except for one tiny detail: to me, Mike was a celebrity! Haha, I can’t help fangirling a little. He’s way cooler than any K-pop group I ever followed, that’s for sure! Sorry, Choi Si Won (Super Junior) and Rain — my imaginary oppas! Lol! 😆
Starving after all that exploring, we grabbed lunch at Resorts World Manila — the perfect spot to chill before heading back to the hotel. We people-watched, relaxed, and enjoyed good food together. Exploring the city together made our first in-person meeting absolutely perfect. What a way to spend the day of our first in-person meeting.
Serendipity’s Compass
Chance encounters have a beautiful way of shaping our lives. In this digital age, connecting with people across the world is both a blessing and a challenge — but every so often, it leads to something extraordinary. Our first in-person meeting proved that love really can cross any distance. If you’re still waiting for your own first in-person meeting, take heart — it’s closer than you think.
Past heartbreaks taught me resilience and showed me exactly what I wanted. Every experience — good or bad — shaped who I am and led me, quite unexpectedly, to Mike.
Here’s one of my favorite songs, which I dedicate to him.
Author’s Note
I felt so happy and lucky to be with Mike today — like a dream come true. Our first in-person meeting was more than a first date; it was a celebration of two missing puzzle pieces finally finding each other.
Sharing my world with him — from the vibrant flavors of our food to the heart of our culture — felt like opening a precious treasure.
I’ve often looked up at the night sky, wondering if there was someone out there for me. Today, I know the answer is a resounding yes. As the Yiddish proverb goes: “every pot finds its own lid.”
Getting here wasn’t easy, but it was all worth it. Mike is everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner and more — he mirrors the love I give and amplifies it with his own kindness and care. His actions speak louder than words, proving that loyalty and commitment aren’t relics of the past. He’s my safe harbor, mending parts of me I thought were beyond repair.
I’m so grateful for this incredible man — and for the universe that conspired to bring us together. ❤
I’ll treasure the memory of our first in-person meeting forever.
Our love story continues! Relive more of our journey in Day 03 and Day 04 of Distant Shores, Shared Dreams — which picks up right where our first in-person meeting left off.
