From Cebu to Dubai: A Heartwarming 2-Decade Love Story

Anthony and Vivian Salas first crossed paths in the early 2000s at the Cebu Institute of Technology. Both were architecture students, but their paths didn’t immediately align—Anthony was already in his fourth year, while Vivian was just starting her first year after shifting from engineering.

Their initial encounter wasn’t love at first sight. Vivian didn’t immediately warm up to Anthony, partly because of his rugged appearance. But destiny had other plans. Months before they officially met through a common friend, Anthony had been one of her roommate’s suitors, and there were already attempts to match them up.

Eventually, their friendship grew, and Anthony started courting Vivian—only to be friend-zoned when she chose another suitor who “looked kind.” However, that relationship ended due to abuse, and Vivian slowly discovered that behind Anthony’s tough exterior was someone gentle and kind.

“I judged him based on his looks, but I was wrong. The one who looked nice turned out to be the bad one,” she recalled.

The ‘Superman’ Ringtone Moment

A sweet and funny moment from their college days still lives in their memories. Vivian once helped Anthony search for the song Superman by Five for Fighting to use as his ringtone. She secretly had a crush on him and downloaded the song first, but Anthony beat her to it. The song remains special to them to this day.

Starting a Family Amid Struggles

After Anthony graduated and became a licensed architect, and while Vivian was still studying and working part-time, the couple found out they were expecting a baby. Their first son, Zarc, was born with complications and needed surgery due to excess fluid under his skin.

Financially, they were unprepared. Hospital bills piled up, and the couple had to hustle with side jobs. There was a moment they almost lost hope. “Maybe this child is not for us,” they thought. But their son survived—and so did their spirit as a couple. Anthony eventually secured a contract that helped them move forward.

They got married in 2006, after five years of being together.

From the Philippines to the UAE

In 2011, Anthony moved to the UAE for work, while Vivian and their son stayed behind with Anthony’s mother. But living with in-laws came with its own challenges. Eventually, they decided it was best to live independently.

“As the Bible says—‘leave and cleave,’” they shared. “When you start a family, your partner and children should be your top priority.”

Thriving Together in Dubai

Today, Anthony and Vivian both work as professionals in Dubai—and even in the same company. They’ve now been together for over 20 years, and coworkers often joke about how they never seem to get tired of each other’s faces.

“We enjoy each other’s company,” they said. “We share the same field of work, so we can exchange ideas and learn from one another.”

Their Advice After 22 Years of Love

So, what’s their secret to lasting this long?

“Keep the love burning,” they said. “Trust, friendship, and most of all, make God the center of your relationship.”

Their journey—from young students in Cebu to raising a family and building careers in Dubai—proves that lasting love is built on friendship, shared values, and weathering life’s toughest storms together.