This guy shares advice based on being in a relationship for 10 years

February 14 was definitely filled with cheese and sweetness on social media. From professing love, how-we-met tales, reflections of togetherness and even simple “I love you’s” filled our giddy selves with so much love.

One of those messages that stood out was photographer Franklin Banogon, boyfriend of GMA Artist Arny Ross. He shared relationship advice coming from his experience of being with someone for ten years already.

The post’s rough translation:

10th Valentine’s Day.

I did not leave her. I didn’t forget her. I just make sure I always make her happy. I give her time, I let her feel that I’m not far away from her that anytime she needs me, I’m just here.

If there are problems, we’re open to one another. I just make sure I know about them and I give her advice and comfort. A shoulder to cry on and lean on. A hug, a tap on the back. Of course, I pray for her.

The effort should be consistent. To see her, I travel from Pasig (City) to Dasmariñas even if it’s late at night or even early morning. Even if I’m tired already. That’s needed, that’s part of it. Because time is essential.

I always let her know that I love her, that’s she’s the most beautiful and the sexiest. I appreciate her, and if I don’t do that, nothing. She’s my reason. It’s us who’s in the plan. [She’s] my inspiration to do better things.

There should be twists, there should be something new. There should be something different, not just whatever’s in front of you. I challenge myself to always create something to surprise her or with something different, so that (the relationship) isn’t dry.

Patience is truly a virtue, I’m serious about that. If there’s such as thing as Club Patience, I’d be one of the leaders there. Patience is needed, promise. Register there. If you don’t have that, you’re doomed, brother. You’d often have fight nights.

Most of all, lead her to the Lord. Not just full of expensive gifts or around the world trips. Prioritize this, it’s the secret to a successful and happy relationship. Before I make plans, this is my number 1 priority. If this is incomplete, it won’t be the same. A couple that prays together, stays together.

This is not just between you and me. Jesus is in between. That’s why if you want an 11th or 12th or more Valentine’s Day celebrations together, reach for more together.

I am not perfect. Only God is. If the Lord lives in your heart, this is possible.

To my baby, thank you for all the love. For the love that is never empty. I am excited for the coming years because I know the Lord has a lot of plans for us.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Mahal! I love you so much!

 

WHEN IN MANILA has reached out to BANOGON for further details.

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WHEN IN MANILA: How did you guys meet?
Franklin Banogon: We were schoolmates. Same course, same building. First time nakita ko siya sa hallway sa school, sapul tlga. Literal, love at first sight, I think. I told myself someday, I’ll marry her. I came from a breakup that time, from a 4 year relationship. It turned out she also came from a breakup. Medyo torpe pa kase ako noon, so nagbibigay ako ng mga letters lagi sa kanya.

I really pursued her. I became friends with her friends, I always waited for her in school, sa lahat ng pinupuntahan niya sinasamahan ko siya. Her classmate that turns out to be my bandmate told me that she had a crush on me, too. 

We graduated, we both got into work. She became an actress. It was hard at first, but we trusted each other. I focused on my photography business – I wanted to prove something to her family. 

When we were able to earn enough, we agreed to start a business together, and that was another flavor of our relationship. Plus, I got to know her more. 

We’ll be celebrating 10 years as a couple on March 11.  She completes me.

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WIM: What inspired you to write your Valentine’s Day post?

FB: Dati pa naman mahilig na ako magsulat ng letters, yun kase yung way ko to express myself. Pag may narrmdaman ako gusto ko sinasabi, gusto ko pinaparating lagi. Hindi pwedeng saakin lang.

I used to leave letters in her locker, I’d give to her classmates, sometimes I’d leave it on her bag. I’d even write it on stationery. I find it touching when she appreciates it. 

I write and upload messages like these for her, so that she knows how I feel – so that I could let her know how much I love her. Because I’m a photographer, I won’t settle for “just a photo”. I want it composed – good quality, sometimes artsy. As long as the moment’s right there. 

During Valentine’s Day, we were busy at our milk tea place in Dasmariñas. We had a promo with free printed pictures. We had a lot of customers, we took care of so many matters. My girlfriend accepted the fact that we couldn’t date that day nor was there a preparation of a sort. But since it was a special day – kung gusto, merong paraan. Kahit gaano ka busy, siningit ko na makabili ng flowers. I pretended that I needed to buy something outside. When I was able to get the flowers, I called up the barista to distract Arny by talking to her. Dapat nakatalikod siya kung saan siya papasok para hindi niya makita na may flowers ako. Another barista arranged to play sweet music so that when I go in, it’s cued. Right in the middle of the dining area, I gave it to her. She was surprised, of course!

It’s something simple, but I made her feel that I was special. Even if you’re busy, you’d still find a way. It doesn’t have to be something extravagant, it’s important that you made her feel what’s inside your heart.

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Disclaimer: WheninManila.com does not own any of the photos above. Credits go to Franklin Banogon.