How did your love story begin?

I am from the US, Lia is from the Philippines. I met Lia online while on a business trip. Her profile read “it is the greatest coward of a man, that awakens the love of a woman, without the intention of loving her”. I was immediately floored by her straightforward candor, and smitten by her intelligence and loveliness. We talked on WhatApp for over 4 years before finally meeting in person in Manila in 2022. We have met and travelled SE Asia several times since. Our life together is a fairytale.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

Covid kept us apart for 3 yrs. When it ended, the wait time for a visa interview was 18 mos. I threw my hands up in defeat and decided it was just too hard, I had to end it. I went to bed and cried. When I woke up, I booked a flight to Manila. I arrived and it was so strange after 4 yrs of talking, we were finally meeting in person. I knocked on the hotel door and this beautiful 5ft nothing woman opened the door. It was surreal. Then she reached out and hugged me, and it was never strange again.

What would you do with $20,000?

I am retiring from my life of the past 30 years and moving to the Phillipines to be with Lia. I am taking my Basset Hound Theodore with me and some of my cherished belongings. $20k would help with the move and keep our fairytale going. I have 2 daughters and Lia has 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren. 2 are getting married, we’d like to help as much as we can. Lia and I share all that we have.