WHETHER IT’S THE gentle whispers of affection exchanged between lovers or grand gestures and surprises that light up the sky, February is truly a canvas for how humans express this powerful emotion called love.
On the lively campus where Bedans navigate classes, friendships, common goals, and shared experiences, unspoken magic lingers in San Beda’s halls—the potential for love! Whether it’s catching a glimpse of your crush at their worst during finals week, or sharing a moment with that special stranger during last Pista, love can bloom anytime. This magic is undeniable as we unfold the tales of love that bloomed amids the chaos and vibrancy of campus life.
Maybe It’s the Law of Love? Matt and Bev’s story
Matthew Daniel De Castro, known as Matt, and Beverly Mae Mariano, fondly called Bev, both hail from the Department of Legal Management while sharing the same block section as well.
Having been together officially for half a year, Bev and Matt started talking in February last year. Prior to being a couple, their story begun when they were still Senior High School (SHS) students of San Beda University (SBU) being batchmates and classmates. Despite this, a one-act play brought them closer. While Bev took on the role of the play’s director, Matt did not make the cut for the final cast lineup. Like Cupid pulling his strings, their destinies intertwined as Matt was required to step in as a last-minute replacement actor.
Matt fondly recalled teasing Bev during rehearsals. “Rehearsals started then siyempre we had interactions with each other. Me, being makulit, syempre inaasar-asar ko na si Bev…”
Despite the teasing, Matt also discovered Bev’s interest in Clash of Clans, which blossomed their friendship. Their connection deepened through casual talks, and a simple coffee night out marked the start of their journey to getting to know each other better.
From having met during a one-act play, their relationship has flourished since then. Now, they are both Legal Management undergraduates at SBU, marking a new chapter in their love story.
Balancing Books and Love: How Does a Student-Couple Do It?
Bev and Matt balanced their relationship and academics by having study dates in coffee shops or study hubs. They find motivation in each other and respect the need for individual space.
Grateful for each other, they managed student life stresses by giving importance to effective time management to support their relationship and academics. “We never forget that we are still students pero at the same time we have a relationship. Proper time management din siguro is a factor, and as much as possible, we never let our relationship affect our work as students,” Matt added.
Classroom Competition: A Couple’s Friendly Rivalry!
Bev and Matt embrace healthy competition within their relationship–with their classroom serving as their battleground. Whether excelling in tests, participating in recitations, or completing tasks promptly, their competitiveness is a positive driving force. According to Bev, this aspect of their relationship is not bad. “This competitiveness isn’t toxic since it somehow becomes our drive to put more effort into our academics. So we don’t see it as a bad thing but more of something that defines us as a couple.”
Matt recounts a memorable story where both of their competitiveness showed. “I remember one time I got a higher score on our midterms exam on Introduction to Law. Kaso she argued an answer with an Attorney, and then her score suddenly changed and became higher than my score. Initially when my score was still higher than hers, pinupuri nya pa ‘ko. Sinasabi nya na ang galing ko naman daw and proud daw siya. Kaso after n’ung mas mataas na score nya sakin bigla ako niyabangan! We laughed about it, and it made me love her more.”
As we dive deep into the couple’s cherished campus memories…
Matt revealed that the Grade 12 graduation mass at San Beda stands out as the most memorable day. “It was the first time kasi that she met my mom. I was so happy that my mother, whom I love the most finally met my partner. Akala ko sa movies lang ‘to nangyayari, but there it was, seeing them talk to each other made me very happy, and I just had a big smile all throughout the day.”
Bev further emphasized that “Experiencing life as a Bedan is indeed fun and fulfilling, pero what makes it more memorable is if [you] have the person you love experience it with you.”
The Bedan Curse: A curse or a comedy?
Matt dismissed the Bedan curse as a myth, suggesting it’s entertaining but shouldn’t impact relationships. “I think the Bedan curse is a myth. It’s something we can believe for entertainment but shouldn’t affect your relationship. “
Bev also disagrees with the so-called “Bedan Curse” and emphasizes not relying on myths perpetuated by others but instead focusing on actively nurturing the relationship. “YOLO! and besides, we believe that staying in a relationship with the person you love is a matter of continuous effort to show each other’s love sa isa’t isa and hindi lang dapat mag-rely sa myth na sinasabi ng iba.”
Balancing Through Love: Jorge and Angel’s story
Jorge Vincci de Guzman and Angel Hailie Reyes, from the Department of Accountancy and Taxation and Department of Marketing Management, respectively, shared a heartwarming tale of how they crossed paths.
Jorge and Angel’s story began six months ago when they were introduced by a mutual friend, who happened to be Jorge’s childhood friend, whom Hailie met during her time at SBU-SHS.
The bond between the two flourished when they would go out together after school, with Jorge picking Hailey up at the campus. They would spend quality time together by having dates in Robinsons Magnolia. The couple then made it official in a heartwarming, classic rom-com style, sharing a special moment on the Ferris wheel at the Mall of Asia Eye.
Jorge and Hailie’s love story, unfolding like a classic rom-com, has hit the six-month mark. From chance encounters and after-school dates to sealing their commitment atop a Ferris wheel—their journey is magical, filled with laughter, milestones, and a flourishing connection that time has only strengthened.
Balancing Books and Love: How does a student couple Do it?
For the couple, maintaining a disciplined schedule to concentrate on academics provides them additional leisure time afterward. In an interview, Jorge revealed, “I allot time and put three to four hours a day of reviewing in, then have fun after.” The same routine goes for Hailey stating, “School hours are strictly for academics only and wala ng iba para magawa pa namin yung mga gusto namin gawin after like dates or quality time.”
Reminiscing on the couple’s cherished campus memories…
Like a leading man in a rom-com movie, Jorge exclaimed that every day holds a special significance: “For me, every day is a special day.” However, if required to choose, Jorge says it would be their first day in San Beda together. For Hailey, on the other hand, it would be the magical atmosphere during the Sibol concert, sharing, “Sibol because ang epic ng araw na ‘yon but [a] sweet and memorable night for us.”
The Bedan Curse: A curse or a comedy?
The couple firmly believes that the infamous “Bedan Curse” does not exist! “Wala na ‘kong panahon sa curse-curse na ‘yan and I don’t believe naman sa mga ganyan,” according to Jorge. In agreement, Hailey asserts that there is no such thing, and it all boils down to how a couple manages their relationship: “’Di ‘yan totoo. Nasa way ng paghandle niyo ng relationship yan!”
As we welcome the season of love, let these heartwarming tales from our couples ignite a spark within each Bedan’s heart. Whether embracing the love month with a special partner or going solo, may every Bedan find joy in shared moments, strength in overcoming challenges, and feel the warmth of the love that flourishes within our community day by day. Cheers to a month full of love and unforgettable memories at the Lions’ Den!
(With Jennifer Gwyneth Fabros)