I came across The Secret book in a local bookshop in Dubai late 2006, initially intrigued by the cover. Since then, I never stopped reading it over and over again. I finally got hold of the DVD, which I shared with my family in Manila. They also started practicing The Secret every day.

The year 2008 is one rollercaster ride of all wonderful things coming my way. I found the love of my life, Dennis, who I had been asking for even before I stepped out from the ten-year stagnant relationship that I was very thankful finally came to an end.

My decisions in choosing Dennis was all about asking and believing that he is the right person for me, despite the fact that we had just met a few months back, and some people (including my eldest sister) criticising the situation as a ‘bad decision’ out of rush to be in another relationship. However, my family in Manila approved of my choice as long as it would make me a better person. I didn’t speak with him for two months to make myself sure that he was the one, and that I was not being biased with myself.

With prayers and inspirations of love, I have never believed any of those comments, for he came with a purpose and I know he is sent to me by the Universe.

On one fine, bright Friday, 21 March, we both accepted to share our lives together. Two months of officially being together, we got engaged on June 2008, and are planning to get married in a few months. We are both ecstatic about the marriage part. As soon as we both agreed, my mind was running with thoughts of how the wedding will be, who will be there, how the invitation will look, etc.

Before I left for a week visit to Manila in June, I mocked-up a wedding invitation and filled in the date and venue for the ceremony and reception (wedding date: 21 Aug 2008, Philippine Consulate-Dubai | Reception: 21 Aug 2008, Nando’s restaurant). This is the wedding date we really wanted, as 21 is our lucky number (since birth!); his birthday falls on 21 September, we officially got together on 21 March. And whenever we are asked when is the big day, we both say, “21st August 2008, and reception at Nando’s.”

We filed our papers on 21 July 2008, only one month before our dream date. I am told that it usually takes several months to get hold of the schedule, and the date is ‘take it or leave it’ with so many couples wanting to get married at the Consulate. But we never entertained the idea, and I continued adding the inserts to the invitation. I even displayed the mock-up next to our bed where we could see it every time we woke up, and before we go to sleep. I think of the date: 21 August 2008, and as The Secret mentions, I am not bothered at how it will happen.

On 12 August 2008, we both received a call from the Philippine Consulate saying that our marriage application was approved, and we will get married on 21 AUGUST 2008!

I was speechless, amazed, and grateful all at the same time. We asked for this wedding date and it was given to us. Plus our approvals came in three weeks only.

With a few days to prepare, there were many suggestions of the reception venue from a couple of friends. We love Nando’s, but it landed at the bottom of the list, as they do not accept group reservations. From a 5-star hotel dinner to a cruise to a bedoiun tent, we checked and discussed and still hadn’t finalized the venue with only 5 days left. Without twice thinking, we ditched all suggestions and distributed the invitations with the reception at Nando’s.

On 21 August, Dennis and I accepted our marriage vows and enjoyed the wonderful and spicy wedding dinner at Nando’s-Sharjah with my eldest sister, aunt, and several friends. We even had another wedding dinner the day after at Nando’s in Dubai!

The wedding invitation that I made after we decided to get married was the manifestation that our wishes were already granted. I never doubted. It’s The Secret.