Gerald and Mara first met in Manila in May 2018, introduced by mutual friends at a wedding where Mara was the organizer and Gerald was a guest. Their first encounter happened shortly after Gerald arrived from the airport, and they met Mara’s friends at a bar in Poblacion. They really got to know each other when Mara needed help with wedding souvenirs and Gerald offered his assistance. Despite hints from friends about Gerald's interest in her, Mara was too busy to notice. After the wedding, they all enjoyed an after-party and a trip to Tagaytay, where Mara, exhausted, slept on Gerald's shoulder. Their relationship grew through conversations on Instagram and WhatsApp, and they've been in constant touch ever since. They felt a strong connection quickly; they just knew. Gerald and Mara got engaged in Bali in 2019 and married during the pandemic, with a limited attendance due to restrictions.