Serving The People: Billy (31, UP Diliman) and Jonalene (19, Rizal Technological University)

Poetry brought Billy and Jonalene into each other’s lives, but reaching out to the masses and working in communities got them together.

How did you guys meet?

We met at an event organized by Kaisahan ng mga Artista at Manunulat na Ayaw sa Development Aggression (Kamandag). He recruited me to be a member of the Kilometer 64 Writers Collective. We then saw each other more often because of poetry events.

When and how did you know it was love?

Billy: I knew I loved her when I always wanted to see her and be with her. I missed her all the time. We live pretty far from each other—parañaque and Antipolo—so it’s a struggle, but when you love the person, you’ll make ways to be with them.

Jonalene: I’d think of him and smile without realizing it! As a person who loves to daydream, it felt great to think of spending time with him—then I’d get surprised and wonder why he’s crossed my mind so many times. Turns out I was already in love. I would dream of being with him not just the next day, but for the rest of our lives. And I feel that love because more than anything, he loves me the way he loves our fellow countrymen.

How long have you been together?

We’ve been in love and lovingly fighting for our motherland for one year and three months.

What do you like about each other?

Billy: She’s just and fair when making observations and forming opinions. I like her stand on social issues—that’s a major turn-on. She’s beautiful and she’s woke.

Jonalene: He takes care of me and loves me in the best ways, and teaches me so much! I like that we’re able to point out each other’s flaws or mistakes without it turning into a fight. It’s incredible because we grow both as individuals and together.

Favorite thing to do together:

Billy: My all-time favorite is when we immerse with the Aetas in their communities. That’s really where we feel the full force of what it is to serve the people.

Jonalene: Eat! I always invite Billy to go out and eat random stuff, try new places. And immersing with indigenous peoples in their communities.