Love Across Oceans: Mitus & Patrick’s Story

From Bulacan to Bohol to Britain—how a rekindled friendship became marriage, family and a daily choice to be on the same team—thanks to five habits.

Warm smiles. Excitement. A happily ever after.

On a late Saturday afternoon, a cool sea breeze ruffled our long gowns as my long-time girlfriends and I chatted merrily, catching up on each other’s lives. Everyone looked elegant in semi-formal attire—hues of blush, nude and champagne perfectly matching the rustic-themed beach wedding we’d dressed for.

It was August 5—an intimate civil ceremony at the beachfront of The Bellevue Resort in Panglao, Bohol, where two people who had loved each other across time zones finally stood side by side. A stunning, beautiful bride, Mitus Sheila Onose-Sanchez, happily walks down the aisle to the love of her life.

Months earlier, her then-boyfriend Patrick Sanchez did something only the people who know him best would expect—he staged a bathroom “emergency.” Mitus rushed in, adaptor in hand, only to find him on one knee. Of course, she said the sweetest “yes” and the planning began across time zones—calendars open, hearts steady.

As dusk made way for a romantic night filled with fun and laughter, I felt genuinely happy for my dear friend, Mitus, who finally found her happily ever after.

Spreading Her Wings

In 2021, Mitus moved to the UK for better opportunities. As a nurse who had served in the Philippines for over seven years, it felt like the right time to step up and venture into a more ambitious path. But the road wasn’t easy. I still remember how worried and anxious she was a few days before her departure—she was the only one in their group who hadn’t received a key document yet. Time was ticking.

Fortunately, the hurdles cleared and she obtained the missing document on time. She flew, arrived safely and walked into a new chapter of her life. Away from family, friends and the familiar tropical heat, she faced the quiet struggles of settling into an unfamiliar place—adjusting to the culture, weather, schedules and the pressure of acing exams and performance reviews. With endless support from loved ones, Mitus transformed into a stronger, wiser woman.

It has been four years since her first arrival and started working as a nurse in the United Kingdom—a sacrifice made far from family and friends.

How They Met

Mitus and Patrick first met at a hospital in Bulacan and started on a friendly note. He was new to the team; they exchanged a few messages and that was it. It wasn’t the dramatic, kilig beginning—just two friends getting to know each other. Looking back, Patrick admits he had been trying, but Mitus couldn’t read the signals—with many gentlemanly guy friends, sweet gestures felt normal to her.

Eventually, life got busy and the messages faded. Fast forward: when she was already in the UK, but Patrick reached out again. This time, it was consistent—“literally all the time,” Mitus remarks. Not grand gestures, but a drumbeat and steady flow of good-morning texts, check-ins between shifts and calls that idled while one of them drifted to sleep. He showed up the same way every day—clear, kind, unmistakable. And somewhere between the alarms and the laughter, the spark turned into light.

Long-Distance, Real Love

They were in a long-distance relationship for over a year before tying the knot. Some might question the timing, but as Mitus puts it: “When you know, you know.” She’d been in relationships before, but nothing had made her feel this secure, safe and sure. Despite the uncertainty and what-ifs, Mitus never felt lonely nor left behind.

Just months into their newfound relationship, the topic of marriage suddenly popped on its own. “This was new for me. I used to avoid any talk of marriage or settling down—it honestly scared me. I’d say, ‘we’re still young’ or ‘let’s not rush.’ But with Patrick, the conversation flowed so naturally,” Mitus admits.

In February 2023, she went home to the Philippines. Patrick asked her mother’s permission to propose—and on the same day, he did. In an uploaded video, Patrick faked a bathroom “emergency,” and when she rushed in holding an adaptor, he was already down on one knee. The sweetest yes followed and the planning began across time zones. 

She returned to the UK, and with the help of friends and family, they planned the entire wedding online. She flew home again in July for the final preparations and, on the big day, they said “I do” in an intimate civil beach wedding surrounded by loved ones.

Today, they’re building a life together in the UK—now with a beautiful baby—learning a new rhythm of love, work and parenthood.

What This Relationship Taught Them

The biggest lesson? Cliché as it may sound—communication.

“Don’t end calls just because you’re mad,” Mitus shares (and laughs at being guilty of it). “Talk things through. Keep an open mind. You are each other’s safe haven.” Patrick would always remind her: “Tayo ang magkakampi, hindi tayo magkaaway.” (We’re teammates, not enemies.)

Time and effort also matter. During their LDR season, their video calls sometimes stayed on even while one of them slept. Patrick even set 3 a.m. alarms in the Philippines to catch her UK window. “It sounds a little obsessive,” she admits, “but it worked for us. Not every couple needs that. What matters is not letting your partner feel left behind.”

As the months stretched and flights weren’t always possible, they learned to treat love like a daily practice—small rituals, honest check-ins and choosing the team over the tug-of-war. Out of that season came a simple playbook they still live by.

The 5 Secrets to a Lasting Relationship (LDR Edition)

1) Don’t add distance to the distance. 

Mitus highlights the power of small, steady touchpoints—five-minute voice notes, good-morning/good-night texts, a quick photo from your day. “Never let your partner feel left behind,” she reiterates. Agree on a minimum daily check-in and a time window that works for both. The goal isn’t long calls; it’s reassurance.

2) Protect trust like it’s fragile glass. 

In her past relationships, it was trust that Mitus found hardest to fix once cracked. Set clear expectations about boundaries, social plans and reply windows during busy shifts—share plans before they happen and not with stories after. If something feels off, ask with curiosity, not accusation.

3) Always have something to look forward to. 

Anticipation lightens the miles—circle the next visit, schedule a Netflix co-watch, plan a future trip, or build a shared goal (a course, savings, a small business idea). You’re not just counting days; you’re building a life you can both see. “Always have something to look forward to. Have goals—may it be travel, business to start, or something naughty to look forward to in order to spice things up. Hahaha,” says Mitus.

4) Say it and show it—often. 

Don’t ration affection. Learn each other’s love languages and translate them across screens—words (messages and love letters), quality time (unrushed calls), acts of service (ordering a meal), gifts (small care packages), even a little “virtual hug” ritual. “Never be too shy to express your love. Say it a thousand times if you want to, no matter how cheesy it may sound. Or show it in any way you or your partner would want it. Because the longer you won’t say or show it, the more it will be awkward the next time ’cause the feeling may be gone,” she shares.

5) Solve problems as a team. 

Communicate to understand, not to win. Use “I feel… when… because… can we…” instead of blame; if emotions spike, take a short pause and agree when to resume. Close loops—don’t let issues linger. As Mitus puts it: “What I learned the most in this relationship is that communication is really the key. Don’t end calls just because you’re mad… talk them through. Let the other person know how you feel and always keep an open mind—you are each other’s safe haven.” And Patrick’s steady reminder anchors it, “We’re part of a team and not enemies.”

Happily ever after isn’t just a moment; it’s a series of choices. For Mitus and Patrick, it was built call by call, shift by shift, flight by flight—and now, nap by nap and bottle by bottle. Across oceans, through time zones and into a home of their own, they chose each other and continue to do so. Now the rhythm is softer: tiny hands, quiet rooms and the same vow whispered daily to each other—“Tayo ang magkakampi.” 

Safe haven, still—and always. 

---

☕ Enjoying my stories over a cup of coffee?

Show your support and keep the stories coming by buying me a coffee. With every cup you buy, you help sustain Sturya, fueling this passion for sharing more captivating tales and ensuring that the power of storytelling continues to make a positive impact. Together, let’s continue to inspire, connect and transform lives through the power of stories.

Click Buy Me A Coffee to donate or share this story on your social media. Thank you! 🌻