A remarkable love story that began in 1987 has finally found its completion after 36 years of separation. Arman and Lea, who first met as members of a comedy radio program's fan club in Cebu, have rediscovered their connection decades later, proving that some bonds can withstand the test of time.
The Radio Club Beginnings
Their story started in 1987 when 19-year-old Lea and 26-year-old Arman joined "Superbahakhak" - a fan club for a noon-time comedy program hosted by broadcaster Bannie Setaño, popularly known as Kuya Ban. Both aspiring writers who enjoyed crafting jokes and poems, they attended regular meetings every second and fourth Saturday of the month.
Despite Arman's growing affection for Lea, she consistently kept her distance. Lea avoided Arman because she noticed he frequently held a drinking glass during meetings and she had no interest in men who drank alcohol. The club gatherings were often lively affairs, with members like Ronnie Manuga from Talamban bringing fresh mangoes from his family's orchard for everyone to enjoy.
Poetic Expressions and Missed Connections
Arman frequently visited the radio station to submit his joke submissions and poems for another program called "Mga Hagawhaw Sa Kasingkasing" (Whispers of the Heart), which aired nightly from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM and was hosted by Kuya Rommel. He often dedicated poems to Lea on air, and sometimes Kuya Rommel would have Arman read his own compositions during the broadcast.
Lea responded by writing and dedicating poems back to Arman. This poetic exchange deepened Arman's feelings, but their potential romance faced obstacles. When other club members, including Kuya Ban, Arman, Johnny, Ronnie, and Nelson, would visit Ton Torinto's store after meetings (located behind the radio station), Lea would refuse to join them, even when Ton, who happened to be her neighbor, would invite her.
The reason became clear later - Lea already had a boyfriend at that time. As years passed, they lost contact completely. Lea married, had four children, and faced the tragedy of her husband's illness and eventual death. She struggled as a single mother but successfully put three of her children through school.
Social Media Reconnection After Decades
In 2012, a former "Superbahakhak" member posted an old photo from their radio station days, sparking conversations among former members. Lea asked about Arman's whereabouts and learned he continued writing for magazines and newspapers.
The real turning point came in September 2024 when Arman's name unexpectedly appeared on Lea's Facebook wall. She immediately sent him a friend request, which he promptly accepted. They began chatting regularly, reconnecting the bond that had been broken for 36 years.
Lea shared the hardships of her marriage with Arman, who felt deep compassion for her. As they continued communicating, Arman confessed that his love for her had resurfaced. Lea initially laughed it off, noting that Arman was married himself.
A New Chapter Begins
They eventually met in person when visiting the funeral of a former fan club member. Lea found herself confused by her emotions - the same man she had avoided in her youth now felt comfortable walking beside her.
As sunset approached during their departure, they held hands, reluctant to separate after satisfying the longing and emptiness they had both felt. "Le, I love you," Arman declared, looking directly at her.
Lea tearfully responded, "Man, I no longer have a husband. But you are tied down. Let's just be friends. Friends forever."
They promised not to forget each other and went their separate ways, but their online conversations continued. Eventually, Lea could no longer deny her true feelings. When Arman called her one day to reaffirm his love, stating he had loved her since their youth, she surrendered her heart to him.
They committed to loving each other for the rest of their lives, even if their communication remained limited to phone chats. For Lea, who hadn't felt love for anyone since her husband's passing, Arman filled the emptiness she had carried, even if their connection existed primarily through their phones.
Thirty-six years without knowledge of each other's lives had passed, but chance had reconnected their path. Their love story, interrupted by life's circumstances, finally found its way back through time's mysterious design.
