Unexpected Love: The Raffy Tima-Mariz Umali love story

Mariz' and Raffy’s love story was far from the usual love-at-first-sight type. She calls him “Kuya.” He is her confidant. But after 10 years of friendship, they decided to take their relationship to the next level.

The GMA newsroom had witnessed how their love blossomed from a purely professional relationship to an intimate one.

“...‘Kino-consult ko siya, halimbawa bilang mas senior ko. Kung halimbawa meron akong mga coverage na medyo bago talaga sa akin, tinatanong ko rin siya kung ano ba ‘yung magandang tingnang anggulo...” Mariz recalls.

As reporters, Mariz and Raffy understand their work’s demands – a thing that eluded Mariz’ boyfriend at that time. So, Mariz used to run to Raffy for advice.

“Ako kasi, advocate ako dati na huwag maghiwalay, ever since. Kahit sino ang mga kaibigan ko sinasabi ko na ‘since naging kayo, eh may pinagmulan kayo na maganda ‘di ba? So, sana ‘wag kayo maghiwalay.’ ‘Yun ang lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya,” Raffy said.

Raffy was a shoulder to cry on for Mariz, until he finally found the courage to ask her if he can court her.

“Natawa ako kasi parang ang tagal-tagal na kitang kaibigan, tapos parang hindi ka naman nanliligaw. Tapos, ano ‘to, joke? Parang ganun. Tapos talagang, parang, gusto mo ako? Hindi ko talaga na-imagine,” Mariz recalls telling Raffy.

For Mariz, that moment was funny but sweet.
 

Raffy did not have an easy time courting Mariz, who had other suitors then.

“Sa kaka-cover ko, sobrang ang sama na ng ubo ko malat na malat na ako, pero nagtatrabaho pa rin ako nung time na ‘yun. ‘Yung isang manliligaw binigyan niya ako ng maraming prutas. 'Saktong pagka dating niya, etong si Raffy may dala-dalang mug. Nagpagawa siya ng salabat.”

But Raffy’s persistence and consistency got Mariz’ admiration. Raffy was there when she needed him most.

For Raffy, their friendship was a strong foundation for their romantic relationship. Misunderstandings were settled easily. In January 2012, Raffy decided to pop the question.

After almost two years into their marriage, Mariz said their love could outlive her lifetime.

“Sabi ko sa vows ko sa kanya, parang [even] after death sana kami pa rin ang magkasama sa heaven... kumbaga, unconditional. Basta gusto ko magkasama lang kami forever. At lagi kong dasal yun.”

Raffy believes true love conquers all.  

“Para sa akin siguro ang wagas na pag-ibig ay isang konsepto na hindi naiisip, kundi nararamdaman ng puso. Mainit. Comforting. Masarap sa pakiramdam. Kahit na may problema ka, kahit na maraming challenges, ‘pag andun ‘yung wagas na pag-ibig, mao-overcome mo ‘yun.” —Richelle Figueroa/KG, GMA News