My Life’s Story

To The Woman I Admire

I've only ever truly loved one woman—Rachelle Ann. We were classmates in high school, and she was my first crush, my first love. I'm grateful to God for bringing her into my life because she changed everything.

In 2012, one of our classmates organized a high school reunion with a swimming party. Of course, I wanted to go—I hoped to see Rachelle Ann. I asked our classmate Benjie if she'd be coming. When he said yes, I was thrilled and immediately confirmed my attendance.

As we approached the resort gate, I spotted her right away. My heart soared. During our gathering, our classmates couldn't resist teasing me about my crush on her—everyone knew.

In the middle of our conversation, Rachelle Ann asked if I was working. The question caught me off guard. I wasn't working, and I'd dropped out of school to spend my time playing computer games. When I asked if she was working, she said yes. I felt deeply embarrassed—ashamed, really.

I thought to myself: How could I ever win her heart when I hadn't even finished my education or found a job?

As the reunion wound down, I gathered the courage to ask if I could walk her home. She said yes. The happiness I felt in that moment was indescribable.

When we reached her house in Malanday, she invited me inside. I met her siblings Rose Ann and Robin, and her niece Ahnieca. She introduced me as a classmate, but they immediately teased us, asking if I was her boyfriend.

I didn't stay long—my family was expecting me home. When I said goodbye, Rachelle Ann thanked me for walking her home. I felt giddy with joy. The next morning, I woke up with a new sense of purpose. I told my mom, older sister, and dad that I wanted to go back to school and finish my education—this time, seriously. They were shocked and asked what had changed. I didn't tell them yet that Rachelle Ann was my inspiration!

My dad immediately pulled out 120,000 pesos and handed it to me. "Here, my child, go enroll yourself." I was overwhelmed with gratitude and gave the money to my mom to manage for my schooling. I quickly contacted an acquaintance who was the Dean of Information Technology at a university in Marikina. I asked for her help enrolling, explaining that I was eager to return to my studies. She agreed and gave me all the requirements, which I completed in just one day.

While studying, I made time to see Rachelle Ann. I'd invite her out, take her to movies, bring her food—I gave her everything I could.

Then I discovered she had a boyfriend. She hadn't told me. I felt crushed. One day while peeling mangoes for her, I brought it up. I told her this might be my last visit.

I pressed on with my life and eventually finished my degree. My family was proud, and so was I. But I lost contact with Rachelle Ann—that was my choice.

I was heartbroken during that time. I missed her terribly, but I knew I couldn't pursue her when she was with someone else. Still, I remain grateful. She inspired me to become a better person, to finish my education, and to build a future.