LIFE

Second chances: Heartwarming stories of finding love again

Kiko Escuadro

Valentine’s Day is often associated with first loves and grand romantic gestures, but some of the most beautiful love stories are those that prove love can come knocking twice — or even more. Second chances in love remind us that heartbreak is not the end of the road, but a step towards a new beginning. Whether it’s after loss, heartbreak, or years of waiting, these stories prove that love finds a way when the time is right.

Boots Anson-Roa and Atty. King Rodrigo.

Boots Anson-Roa’s King

Love arrives often when least expected, as was the case for veteran actress Boots Anson-Roa and international lawyer Atty. King Rodrigo. Their families had been close since childhood, but their six-year age gap meant their paths never intertwined romantically.

Both found love in their respective spouses — Boots with broadcaster Pete Roa and King with his wife, Olga. However, fate took a sorrowful turn when King lost Olga in 2005, and Boots became a widow in 2007.

In 2010, their families attempted to set them up, but King wasn’t ready. By 2013, with time healing old wounds, their bond rekindled. On their first official date, King boldly declared, “Serve Boots well because I am marrying her.” Their companionship quickly blossomed into love, leading to a surprise engagement in November 2013.

On 14 June 2014 — King’s 75th birthday — they exchanged vows at the Archbishop’s Palace, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle officiating. Their story is a beautiful testament to second chances, proving that love knows no age and always finds its way to open hearts.

CAMILLE Prats and John Yambao.

Camille Prats’ blended family

She never imagined marrying again after losing her first husband, Anthony Linsangan, to cancer in 2011. Camille Prats focused on raising their son, Nathan, until fate reunited her with childhood crush John “VJ” Yambao.

Their love story wasn’t without challenges. Both were single parents — Camille with Nathan and VJ with his son Ice — raising concerns about blending their families. The transition wasn’t easy, as their children needed time to adjust, and Camille initially struggled with co-parenting dynamics. However, with patience and love, they made it work.

On 7 January 2017, Camille and VJ tied the knot, and their family grew with the arrival of daughters Nala and Nolan. Their journey proves that love, resilience, and understanding can create a happy home, showing that families are built on love, not just blood.

MICH Liggayu and Neo Domingo with family.

The story of Jamich: Love, loss, and new beginnings

Jam Sebastian and Mich Liggayu, known as Jamich, rose to fame in 2011 with their YouTube channel, JamichTV. Their love story captivated fans, showcasing their relationship through vlogs and creative content. After dating since 2008, Jam proposed to Mich in May 2014, but their happiness was cut short when Jam was diagnosed with lung cancer in early 2014.

Despite the battle, they remained strong, sharing their journey and inspiring many. Sadly, Jam passed away in March 2015, leaving Mich heartbroken. She openly shared her struggles with grief and depression before gradually returning to social media.

In 2020, Mich found a new chapter in life, announcing her pregnancy with partner Neo Domingo. Now a mother to daughter Sia, Mich continues to honor Jam’s memory while embracing the future, proving that love endures and new beginnings are always possible.

LINDSAY Custodio

Lindsay Custodio new chapter

Former singer and actress Lindsay Custodio found love again as she married her non-showbiz fiancé, Frederick Cale, in an intimate civil wedding ceremony officiated by Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi on 1 May 2022. The couple celebrated their union with a grand reception at The Palms Country Club in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Lindsay’s marriage to Frederick came more than three years after the tragic passing of her first husband, former Tanauan Vice Mayor Julius Caesar Platon II, who died in a car accident on 18 November 2018. After focusing on healing and her children, Lindsay embraced a second chance at love, hoping for a fresh start.

However, what should have been one of the most unforgettable days of her life took an unexpected turn. Lindsay revealed that immediately after their wedding ceremony, Frederick asked her to go to the bank. His reason? He wanted her to deposit all the checks they received as wedding gifts, allegedly to pay off his credit card debt.

Lindsay was taken aback by the revelation, as she had been unaware that her husband had relied on his credit card to cover wedding expenses. The discovery left her feeling disappointed, turning what was supposed to be a joyous new beginning into a moment of financial concern.

While their wedding symbolized love and new beginnings, it also shed light on the challenges they would face early in their marriage. Despite this, Lindsay’s journey continues, proving that even after heartbreak and unexpected hurdles, life still offers room for growth and resilience.

LA Mumar, Coney Reyes and Vico Sotto.

Coney Reyes and Larry Mumar: Love, faith, and second chances

Coney Reyes once found love with basketball player Larry Mumar, but their relationship eventually ended. As a single mother, she focused on raising her son, LA Mumar, while navigating the challenges of heartbreak.

Later, she had a relationship with Vic Sotto, with whom she shares a son, Vico Sotto. Though love didn’t unfold as she had hoped, Coney found strength in her faith, dedicating herself to her career and family instead of seeking another romance.

Her story is a testament that second chances aren’t just about love but also about self-discovery, resilience, and embracing life’s purpose.

These stories remind us that love isn’t always perfect, nor does it always come in the way we expect. But whether it’s finding love again after loss, reconnecting with a long-lost flame, or learning from past mistakes, Valentine’s Day is the perfect reminder that love is limitless.