A Decade in the Making

Featuring the love story and ting hun of Richmond Balila and Charlotte Wong

Richmond and Charlotte first crossed paths in September 2014. Charlotte had just turned 17 and was starting her first year at DLSU Manila, while Richmond, having just turned 18, was already in his second year. It wasn’t love at first sight—far from it. She was focused on adjusting to college life, finding comfort in the familiarity of her block section. Richmond, however, ended up in their volleyball class by some scheduling quirk, making him the odd one out among the first-years.

They were grouped together in that PE class, and though it wasn’t exactly a storybook moment, they clicked. Weekly, they found themselves side by side, with Richmond still on the lean side, matching her own slight frame. They both had their own crushes—his eyes were set on chinita girls, while she wasn’t into chinitos or the skinny types. Romance was the last thing on either of their minds.

After the term ended, they went their separate ways, staying connected only through social media. But fate had other plans. Come summer, they ended up in the same finance class, this time as seatmates. This led to regular lunch dates after class, just two friends enjoying each other’s company.

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The turning point came in October 2015, at her debut. Richmond was one of the guys she danced with. The next day, he messaged her, admitting that he was struck by how beautiful she looked that night. That was the first time she felt a flutter, a hint that there could be more between them.

Over the next couple of years, their friendship deepened. They shared more classes, more meals, and eventually, more feelings. In December 2016, during a trip to Hong Kong with friends, Richmond held her hand for the first time. She was shocked and unsure, but by the end of that trip, they had confessed their feelings to each other.

They dated exclusively from 2016, navigating the ups and downs of a young relationship. They had their share of misunderstandings and tears, but every challenge made them stronger. Richmond was always clear about his intentions—marriage was his goal.

In March 2024, Richmond proposed, and they are set to marry later that year. Looking back on nearly a decade of knowing each other, she wouldn’t change a thing. The journey has been far from perfect, but it’s brought them to where they are now—on the brink of a lifetime together, with so much more to discover and learn.

Their engagement, particularly the ting hun ceremony where their families came together, was a beautiful affirmation of their union. Richmond is, without a doubt, the best thing that has ever happened to her, and she wouldn’t have their story any other way.