WATCH: Vern Enciso And Ben Lim Take Us Through Their Relationship Journey

Love shot

They met in 2014 during an event held in a bar that Ben used to own. He approached Vern, tapped her shoulder only to be ignored by Vern the first time. “He came up to me, offered me a shot. At first, [I said] no. But he offered again, so I was like, ‘fine,’” Vern shared. “It was the second shot that did it for us.”

She added, “I told my sister, Verniece, before I went on that trip that I don’t want to have a boyfriend. I want to be single for a whole year. I denied all the shots offered to me that night. But for some reason, I said yes to Ben's second shot.” After that weekend and a couple of Skype (yes, Skype) calls in between, Vern knew that Ben could be The One. “I have a checklist of 10 things I want in my next boyfriend. Ben literally checked all the items on my list,” she shared.

Opposites attract

“We’re the epitome of opposites attract,” Vern said, to which Ben completely agrees with. “I hate the things he loves, and he hates the things I like. We have nothing in common but we seem to make it work.” She added, “But what I really like about Ben is he’s really patient with everything–it is one of the things that I was really looking for a guy (and) part of the reason why we’ve been together for so long.”

“Before I met Vern, I was at that age (where you just) have fun. After meeting her, she made me a better man, a better version of myself,” Ben said. “I’m glad I met you at that stage of my life.”

Making LDR work

Being in a long-distance relationship for six years is not an easy feat. Prior to the lockdown, Ben and Vern usually spend a weekend–a week at the most–either in Manila or Cebu. In between, they rely on their trust, love, and patience for each other, to maintain their relationship.

With the current situation, this is actually the longest that they’ve been together. Vern flew to Cebu last March, before the lockdown was imposed, to help Ben with their business, and she's been under quarantine with him since.

“I’m now stuck here [in Cebu] for good,” Vern happily said. “At first, we were scared to spend this much time. But [it turned out for the better] and we discovered a lot of things about each other.”

While Ben joked that Vern can be a good housewife, Vern shared she felt like they are in a “honeymoon stage.” They grew much closer, sweeter, and for her, this gave her an opportunity to build a relationship with her fiancé’s family as well. It is during this time that she got to know his family better.

Put a ring on it

Because friends have been asking her, Vern already painted a clear picture in her head of how Ben would most likely propose–no fireworks, no flash dances, and it would be just done randomly. She was right. But when that moment came, she was naturally still blown away.

“I didn’t talk for like 20 minutes,” Vern recalled. “We already finished [folding] the pile of clothes, and [in my head] I was like, is that it? Is he joking?” Ben added, “You looked at me, with a blank stare, after [I asked you] what if I get you a ring?”

He initially planned on proposing to her in their condo, which they have purchased three years ago. That same condo will house Vern’s closet, and this is where she imagined Ben proposing. But Ben popped the question as they were doing laundry, their new favorite quarantine activity.

Despite the simplicity of it all, the moment felt surreal for Vern. Ben, being the dutiful son-in-law-to-be, first called Vern’s dad. When the ring finally arrived, they broke the news to Ben’s family three weeks after. Since they have been together for a long time, both families know that marriage is definitely a matter of sooner than later.

“[Had it not been for the pandemic], Ben joked that there’s going to be fireworks,” Vern said. “But looking at [the proposal] now, it was a really nice moment and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The newly-engaged couple hasn’t set any plans yet for their wedding. Vern shared that they are open to getting married even by the end of next year given the strict regulations on gatherings. Both are hopeful that things will soon turn out for the better. They also would love to hold an intimate destination wedding in a European country, like Greece.

Congrats again to Vern & Ben! We can’t wait to see more of #BernsGreatAdventure! Keep scrolling for more photos of this adorable couple!