From Germany to Antique, with love
HOW can love transcend boundaries and thrive? This is a story of romance between two people hurdling life’ s and love’ s challenges, from physical distance to stereotypes and everything in between.
A native of Bar an gay Borocboroc, Belison, Antique, and currently a college student at the University of Antique (Main Campus), 22- year- old Omar Bautista Centino opened up to Panay News about his oneof-a-kind love story with 50-yearold Mike Rachow from the city of Berlin in Germany.
Three years into the relationship since January 15, 2021, the couple has withstood the trials of a long- distance relationship, expressing their love through quality time spent on video calls and messages. Despite never having been able to celebrate Valentine’s Day together in person, they plan to do so this February 14, 2024, marking their first celebration together as Mike returns to Antique for the second time.
How did they meet and become partners?
According to Omar, Mike first messaged him on his Facebook and sent a friend request.
“Nag- start sa chat and call. Pagtawag na kanakon na curious gid ako kay bisan saku ako sa store kay working student ako at that time kag damo man nga foreigner ang nakatalk ko before, na- amaze gid ako kana kay biskan busy ako ma ski 30 minute sn ga ginbutang ko ang phone sa bangko nagalantaw tana kanakon. Ginpamangkot ko tana andut wara na ginpatay ang call. Sabat na kanakon, he is content just watching me tapos ‘yon sabi ko sa sarili ko baka eto na ‘ yong destiny or true love ko talaga,” Omar recalled his first conversation with his now-boyfriend.
After days of getting to know each other, Omar felt a spark and admitted his feelings to Mike.
“Doon ko na naamin sa kanya na gusto ko sia at sabi niya sa akin, I like you too, kaya doon nagsimula ang relationship namin,” Omar said.
How did Omar ascertain that what he felt for Mike was love?
According to Omar, he had exchanged many messages with foreigners on social media even before meeting Mike. But Mike was the only one who gave him the time, even by just watching him work.
“Karamihan ‘ yong naguusap sa akin na foreigner is pinapatay nila if busy ako, pero sia talaga never nagpatay ng call, andoon talaga ako nagtaka. Tinanong ko sabi niya, I just love watching you,” he said.
Omar and Mike are both bisexual. Omar previously had three girlfriends, and this is his first time being in a relationship with a bisexual partner.
Mike, meanwhile, had a girlfriend and two Filipino ex-boyfriends. What was it like to be in a long-distance relationship?
Omar said long distance was not a hindrance to their relationship because they were able to spend and dedicate quality time to each other.
“Although it could be very hard to be in along-distance relationship, we give time to each other kahit busy man kami, may time gid kami every morning, lunch, and dinner. Tapos walang araw na hindi kami nagususap, araw-araw talaga kami nag- video call, bago sia papasok sa work,” said Omar.
Even when their relationship was just starting, Omar told his partner that they had to be honest with each other, and if anyone did something wrong, he had to ask for forgiveness and avoid prolonging the fight.
But Omar is thankful that they did not have a major fight within the three years.
Within three years, the couple met twice.
The first time was in November 2022, when Mike traveled from Germany to Iloilo to meet with Omar. The second was just in January 2024, when Mike went to Antique to meet Omar’s family and friends.
He recounted how they used to celebrate Valentine’s Day: “Nagaprepare ako surprise like magdecorate saka pag- gising niya tatawagan ko. Matutuwa na lang sya na may kasamang luha,”
This time around, “I- enjoy namon ang Valentine’s Day together, travel with my family siguro,”
Thankful to his partner, family, and community
Omar thanked his partner not only for loving him but also for helping him get through college.
“Very thankful ako kana kay biskan ano nga bagay very supportive tana kanakon kag tana nagapa-eskwela kanakon,” Omar said.
It is his dream to finish his studies and help his parents, who are both farmers.
Omar revealed that he never asked Mike for money, but it is his partner who voluntarily gives, particularly on special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays, among others.
“Super happy talaga and I appreciate him. First and only one foreigner ko nga boyfriend,” Omar added.
Omar also thanked his family, friends, and the community for accepting and being supportive of their relationship.
“Bag oak op um asok sa relationship, tinanong ko talaga ang parents ko if okay lang talaga sa kanila pag-hindi talaga okay ‘yong parents ko, indi ko itutuloy. But very supportive ng parents ko sa lahat ng bagay,” he said.
Do you have plans to settle? Omar is not dismissing the possibility of settling down with Mike in the future, but he is currently focused on finishing his studies and helping his family.
This Valentine’s Day, Omar encourages everyone, especially the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community, to not be afraid to love and show it publicly.
“Huwag po kayong matakot magmahal ng kapwa niyo dahil kung saan kayo masaya doon kayo dahil life is short and enjoy niyo lang,” Omar said./