Timeless Love

Featuring Michael Sarmiento and Rhed Sarmiento

Some love stories are written in the quietest of ways, through patience, kindness, and a shared faith that grows stronger over time.

For Michael and Rhed Sarmiento, their journey began in 1998 during a church practice where they were unexpectedly paired as dance partners.

“We were brought together by faith, completely unaware of where this connection would lead,” Rhed recalls.

Their first “date” happened almost by accident, when Michael volunteered to accompany Rhed to her school’s enrollment. Hours of standing in line turned into a pivotal moment.

“He had only one day to try and win my heart, but somehow, that was all he needed,” she says. By the end of that day, she had said “yes,” unknowingly beginning a love that would span decades.

In their early years, they found joy in simple moments, sharing street food or enjoying a burger and root beer float at A&W or McDonald’s. “It never mattered that that’s all we could afford. Those little dates were some of the happiest moments,” Rhed shares.

Michael’s warmth extended to her family as well, often babysitting her niece and nephew without being asked.

“Watching him care for them made me realize how selfless he truly was.”

After seven years together, life tested them with a separation. Yet fate intervened, and over a quiet dinner months later, they knew their hearts still belonged to each other.

Two decades later, they chose to mark their 20th wedding anniversary not with grandeur, but with an intimate dinner at The Peninsula Manila.

“Mike is truly an introvert, so I wanted the celebration to feel comfortable for him,” Rhed explains.

They invited only twenty couples close to their hearts, gathering around one long, elegantly set table adorned in emerald green, the color symbolizing their milestone year.

With the artistry of Mother Julius from Amantefleurs, eucalyptus, green fruits, and candlelight created a setting both sophisticated and warm.

Their attire reflected the occasion’s understated elegance, Michael in a moss green RAU Atelier suit with classic Bucroe shoes, Rhed in an ivory gown by the same designer, complemented by flawless hair and makeup by Jana Taisan and Joan Quizon.