Our Story
How We Met:
Mark & Issa met in 2014 in Ateneo. Mark’s first memory of Issa was near the end of freshman year — it involved her doing a monkey dance in front of everyone at a Kythe event. Issa, though, has no recollection of Mark from that day. She insists that they first met at a planning seminar for Kythe a few months later, where they bonded over singing Mass songs shamelessly. (Anima Christi, anyone?)
Kythe-Ateneo Planning
Seminar 2014
Probably one of Mark & Issa’s earliest photos together. Between them is Sei (+), their favorite Manatee.
Believe it or not, some friends were already calling Mark & Issa “bagay” then! #TeamMaIs
That summer, Mark & Issa found themselves in similar roles: both were set to be Talks and Tours volunteers (extremely high-energy facilitators) for the school’s Freshman Orientation Seminar and officers of Kythe-Ateneo, a student org that caters to children with chronic illnesses. The rest, as they say, is history.
The College Years:
Mark & Issa instantly clicked. They never ran out of things to talk about: from OrSem preparations and Kythe responsibilities to their favorite movies, songs, and shows. They could completely be themselves: small, cute, and awkward (heh).
This deserves a special mention! It was when Mark got a hint of Issa’s feelings for him. (Ang kapal ng mukha! But, true.) When Issa saw that Mark was drinking more than he could handle, she had to intervene (it may or may not have involved water being splashed on his face…).
Whatever really happened, it convinced Mark of one thing: “She cares!” (Mark swears that drinking too much was not a test for Issa.)
A few weeks later, they talked and formally admitted to their mutual feelings. Yieee.
From then on, they found themselves together in most of their classes and working side-by-side in the same student organizations. What started as a friendship built on common interests (and silliness) gradually turned into one built on shared dreams and values (and even more silliness).
The Post-Graduation Years:
Mark & Issa share a deep love for teaching, which eventually led them to where they are today. Mark is now living his dream, which is to teach college-level theology at Ateneo, while Issa teaches grade school Math at Xavier School San Juan.
Engagement & Life Together:
In 2024, after 9 years (!!!) of being together, Mark finally proposed to Issa. Of course, the Church of the Gesu in Ateneo was the perfect place for the proposal.
Blue Roast 2017
One of Ateneo’s traditions for graduating students is the Blue Roast, an event where each student is given the opportunity to give their blue rose to someone meaningful. Mark & Issa, being the dramatic kids they are, brought their roses to the Church of the Gesu…
During their college years, it was their favorite place on campus – a refuge where prayers, dreams, and fears were shared.
They are excited for their next chapter together.
And, if you have made it this far, they want you to know that they are so excited to celebrate with YOU!
