Raffy Tima, Mariz Umali reminisce about their love story

Raffy Tima and Mariz Umali reminisced about their love story in the latest episode of "Surprise Guest With Pia Arcangel."

The veteran broadcast journalists grew close after becoming colleagues at GMA Integrated News, and their friendship eventually turned into romance.

Raffy said he realized his feelings after finding himself staring at Mariz during a party they attended with Pia.

"Napansin ko na nakatingin ako sa kanya, so parang nagtataka ka, parang nakatingin ka sa kanya, 'Ano 'yan?' Tas doon ako nagsabi sa 'yo na, 'Uy
parang crush ko siya,' parang ganun," he told Pia.

Pia then shared that Raffy made up his mind to officially court Mariz the very next day.

"After nung party sabi mo, 'Oo nga liligawan ko na nga siya,'" she said. "Parang ise-set aside mo muna lahat ng nakaharang."

Mariz said they would hang out with their reporter friends after work, and Raffy would be the one to drive everyone home. She would be the last one left in the car.

Through the time they spent together, she said she realized that both of them are old souls and in him, she found what she was looking for in a partner.

"Kapag nagkukwentuhan kami sa halimbawa sa sasakyan, parang tawanan lang kami nang tawanan," she said. "Parang sabi ko, 'Ay ang saya.' Ang saya niyang kasama kahit na matagal ko na siyang friend."

When they officially got together, Pia said the whole GMA newsroom felt the kilig.

Now, Raffy and Mariz are happily married for over 10 years. He proposed to her with the help of Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera and the staff of "Amaya."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News