Recently, I attended my uncle and aunt’s Golden Wedding Anniversary at Seda Manila Bay. At the reception, I found myself seated at a table with strangers. I chatted with the people nearby and learned something surprising: the entire table was filled with Couples for Christ members. I shared that I was single and never married. They asked why I hadn’t tied the knot yet. I told them I don’t believe in marriage for everyone, and that many people wed for reasons that aren’t truly right. I also said I decline invitations to be a godfather at weddings because, before saying yes, I want to have a heartfelt talk about the realities of relationships. Sometimes those conversations reveal reasons couples end up separating before marriage. Their glances at my words spoke volumes, and I could tell I startled them for a moment.
So why did I end up writing a book about love and relationships? The seed was planted fifteen years ago in Baguio City. I started the Kamalayan library inside a cozy café right in front of St. Louis University. I didn’t know then how this small project would steer me toward a deeper exploration of love. In that intimate setting, I began hosting regular talks for SLU students, using the books from the Kamalayan library as a springboard. The students were hungry for guidance, and they showed up with eagerness.
One day they chose a book titled “How To Attract Anyone That You Love,” and that choice became a turning point. As I delved into the topic of love and relationships, my talks grew in popularity. The Kamalayan sessions became the highlight of my weeks. More and more students attended, sometimes sacrificing other classes just to be part of the discussions. I watched their faces light up with understanding, and I realized something important: many people carry misguided ideas about love. They fear it, fall for the wrong reasons, or enter marriages without truly grasping what commitment means.
Those moments inspired me to share more broadly what I was learning. I decided to write a book - a practical guide to love and relationships for the 21st century. My aim was to counter the distortions from popular culture, especially the overly polished depictions of love in telenovelas and media. I wanted to present a clearer, more grounded view of healthy, lasting relationships.
In my book, readers embark on a transformative journey. They will discover the core principles that sustain fulfilling partnerships - principles that stand the test of time. I offer practical guidance to help people navigate the complexities of love with confidence and clarity. I draw on my experiences, the observations from the Kamalayan talks, and a blend of timeless wisdom with contemporary insight. I challenge conventional beliefs and invite readers to see love beyond fairy tales and superficial infatuation.
Writing this book has been a labor of love. It’s the culmination of my passion for understanding human connections and my sincere wish to guide others toward meaningful relationships. I hope my work sparks introspection, growth, and transformation in the lives of its readers.
In a world where love is often misunderstood, I want my book to be a beacon of truth guiding people toward genuine, lasting connections. My deepest wish is that readers find the courage to embrace love authentically, building relationships rooted in respect, understanding, and mutual growth.
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