How We Make It Work Gela Munoz And Paolo Salgado

The blogger and creative director open up about being each other’s first and last.

- Chandra Pepino

YOU GUYS ARE EACH OTHER’S “FIRST AND LAST,” WHICH IS RARE. WHEN DID YOU BOTH REALIZE THAT THE OTHER PERSON WAS THE ONE?

PAOLO: Gela was my first serious relationship. She was not looking to settle for just any guy—[and because] I was an impatient person, this challenged me. I knew she was the one when I was pursuing her. I would normally give up when a girl is hard to get, but I couldn’t bear the thought of not getting the girl of my dreams.

GELA: I’ve always prayed [for my first relationship to be] my last. Paolo pursued me even if I wasn’t initially interested at all. He would travel all the way from Batasan Hills to Alabang just to see me, surprise me at shoots with my favorite food, and even consult with my best friends for advice on how to be “beefy approved” (my username is @thegelabeef)! But I ultimately knew that he was the one when he became a man after God’s own heart.

YOU GUYS HAVE FOLLOWERS WHO, IN A WAY, HAVE WITNESSED YOUR LOVE STORY. WHAT IS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?

P: We want to be a testimony to everyone of what a relationship that is centered on God is like. It’s a blessing that people would care enough to follow our relationship and be a part of our growth.

G: We love sharing our moments with the people who follow us online. It makes our hearts melt when we read messages or comments telling us that they’re encouraged by our relationship.

PAOLO PROPOSED ON A FERRIS WHEEL, WHICH IS SO UNIQUE. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS NEW MILESTONE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP?