Lance Joseph Martinez

How Alyana Asistio and Bryan Mendoza Found Love in the Most Unexpected Time

Article (news)

<div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768202189631METRO WEDDINGS COVER ALYANA AND BRYAN 1jpeg.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div> </div>Last November, Alyana Asistio and Bryan Mendoza sealed their love with a three-day wedding celebration in Dumaguete, ushering in the holiday season with joy, warmth, and heartfelt moments. Surrounded by family and close friends, the couple exchanged vows in both Catholic and Christian ceremonies, marking a milestone that felt like the fairy-tale ending to a journey that began in the most unlikely of times.As Alyana and Bryan finally tied the knot, many were curious about how their love story blossomed into what it is today. For Alyana, it was never something she saw coming. Their relationship took root in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, which is an era defined by uncertainty, isolation, and unexpected connections.<div style="text-align:center"> </div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSCbm3bAVFl/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A3206368%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="460" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div> </div>“Unexpected,” Alyana said, perfectly sums up how their story began. What started as a simple guesting on Bryan’s podcast would eventually lead them to their own happily ever after.Back in June 2020, Alyana was invited to appear on The Fine Gentleman Talks, an online podcast streamed on Facebook. One of the hosts at the time was Bryan, who would later become her husband. In an exclusive interview with Metro.Style, Alyana shared that their first interactions were lighthearted, sparked by teasing from the show’s hosts, as both she and Bryan were single.“So we met kasi sa online show. So nu&#x27;ng pandemic kasi they started this podcast na may video sa Facebook. They call it The Fine Gentleman Talks,” Alyana recalled. She added that the playful teasing didn’t end with the episode. “Tapos parang inaasar-aasar siya sa akin kasi na he was single. And then I was single also. Tapos ako naman kilig-kilig ganyan.” As part of promoting the episode, Alyana followed Bryan on Instagram, which led to a funny realization. Scrolling through his profile, she unknowingly liked several of his old posts.“So what I did, medyo hindi ko napansin, nag-like ako ng Instagram posts niya. Finollow ko siya, kasi he promoted the show, tapos naka-tag ako… And then, hindi ko napansin, sobrang dami kong na-like na photo. Umabot ako sa 2013,” she said with a laugh.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766205330199Screenshot 2025-12-20 at 12.34.33 PM.png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo by Nice Print Photo</div><div> </div>At the time, and still to this day, Alyana has been running her steak supply business. As a gesture of gratitude for inviting her to the show, she asked for the hosts’ addresses so she could send them steaks. Bryan later asked for her address as well, saying he wanted to send something in return.“I asked for his address the next day kaagad. I was gonna send them steaks. Not only him, but si Kuya Juan and si James also. Tapos, hanggang he asked for my address also, nagpadala rin siya ng something,” Alyana shared.What made the moment memorable, however, was Bryan’s unexpected delivery. He told Alyana that a Grab rider would be sending her food—only for her to discover that he was the one who showed up at her doorstep.“Hindi ko alam siya pala ‘yung maghahatid nu&#x27;ng food. As in, sobrang pandemic nito, naka-face mask and face shield kami,” she recalled.Caught off guard and overwhelmed, Alyana panicked. “So, noong inaabot niya ‘yung food sa akin, hindi ko makita kung pogi ba siya talaga or like sa photo lang ba siya pogi. So, nag-panic ako noong nakita ko siya bumaba ng car. Kinuha ko ‘yung bigay niya, finist-bump ko siya, tapos tumakbo ako. Tumakbo ako sa car nung friend ko,” she added, laughing at how surreal the moment felt.Despite the awkward first meeting, their conversations continued daily. After a few weeks of constant messaging, Alyana found herself reflecting deeply on the growing connection and eventually turning to prayer.“I was praying to God na why I’m talking to this guy every day after that interview. So sabi ko, Lord, please, kung hindi maganda ‘yung magiging gagawin ni Bry sa life ko, and you can see it ngayon pa lang, &#x27;wag mo na siyang ipa-close sa akin, &#x27;wag mo na siyang bigyan ng something to be close to me,” she shared.After 59 days, they finally exchanged phone numbers—this time in person. Bryan visited Alyana at her home, met her siblings, and the two took their first Polaroid photo together. Instead of sending her number through a message, Alyana chose a more personal gesture.She said, “Hindi ko gustong ibigay sa DM. I gave it to him personally. Tapos sabi ko, that’s a gift to you.”From there, what began as a virtual connection slowly blossomed into a real-life romance. From Zoom conversations to personal meetings, their bond deepened, eventually leading Bryan to propose and seal the promise that would bring them to the altar years later.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766205775912tempImageAzhkPf.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo by Nice Print Photo</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The Proposal </div>Even Alyana’s engagement unfolded with the same element of surprise that defined much of their love story. What she thought was a simple birthday gesture for Bryan turned out to be the moment that would change her life forever. While she was busy planning a small celebration for her partner, Alyana had no idea that Bryan was quietly preparing an even bigger surprise of his own.The plan, at least from Alyana’s point of view, was straightforward: a surprise birthday dinner at Mario’s, a restaurant close to their hearts. She coordinated with both families, believing the evening would be all about Bryan. Unbeknownst to her, however, Bryan had already been reaching out to their parents behind the scenes, setting the stage to finally ask the biggest question of their relationship.“I did a surprise party for Bryan for his 36th birthday. It was supposed to be a surprise birthday dinner in Mario’s kasi, it’s my dad’s favorite restaurant, and du‘n din ‘yung favorite namin kainan when we’re around Quezon City. So I texted his mom and told my mom about it na I plan to give him a surprise, kasi ayaw niya ng mga big parties,” Alyana shared.What she didn’t realize was that Bryan had already taken matters into his own hands. “And then I didn’t know he was planning to propose to me on that day. A few days before pala, nagpapaalam na siya sa mom ko to propose to me on that day, so kailangan sabihin sa kanya ng mom niya ‘yung surprise dinner,” she revealed. “So parang bumaliktad ‘yung story na parang hindi sa surprise for him, binaliktad ‘yan to surprise me.”As the dinner unfolded, Alyana remained unaware of what was about to happen. Thinking Bryan was simply about to thank her for the celebration, she was completely caught off guard when the tone of his message shifted.“I really thought he was gonna thank me for the dinner and for the relationship, or I don’t know. Parang ganu&#x27;n lang,” she recalled. “So nagulat ako, parang sabi niya, ‘I love you and…’ Tapos tumingin ako sa sisters ko kasi parang, ‘Hindi ’yan,’ kasi hindi ko ine-expect na magpro-propose.”Moments later, what began as a birthday surprise turned into a proposal she never saw coming—proof once again that the most meaningful chapters of Alyana and Bryan’s love story were written in the most unexpected ways.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766204770022niceprintphoto_1763039909_3764974098884547350_1993592 (1).jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo by Nice Print Photo</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The Wedding Planning </div>Following the surprise proposal, wedding planning quickly took center stage, and Alyana revealed that Bryan was even more hands-on than she was. From the very beginning, the couple agreed that their celebration had to be deeply intentional, with every element carefully thought out and tied to a meaningful story.“We wanted it special and intentional din sa how we want people to feel about the wedding,” Alyana shared. She credited Bryan for his meticulous attention to detail, adding, “He made sure it was detailed, everything was detailed. Like from the color of the plates to the napkin, as in everything.”For Bryan, the wedding was more than just a celebration—it was a narrative of their journey together. “Si Bryan kasi mahilig siya mag-tell ng story,” Alyana explained. “So he really wanted to parang make the three-day wedding ‘yung story talaga nu&#x27;ng relationship namin, who we really are and who we wanna honor du&#x27;n sa three days na ’yon.”Initially, the couple considered holding their wedding in Baguio or Tagaytay. Dumaguete, however, had always lingered in the back of their minds after attending an acquaintance’s wedding there years ago and falling in love with the overall vibe of the place. When discussions with their wedding organizer began, the decision became almost immediate.“We met up with the wedding organizer, and then she was like, &#x27;Okay what’s plan A? What’s plan B?&#x27; Alyana recalled. Sabi ni Bry, plan B is Dumaguete. And then the organizer started telling us, parang &#x27;ba’t pa magpa-plan A, let’s do Dumaguete na.&#x27; Kasi when we talk about Dumaguete daw, parang iba ‘yung excitement namin ni Bry. So sabi niya, huwag na kayong mag-isip na ibang plan, do something different.”That same level of thoughtfulness extended to choosing their ninongs and ninangs. Rather than selecting names out of formality, Alyana and Bryan wanted people who had truly played meaningful roles in their lives, both individually and as a couple.“We really didn’t get anyone na parang masabi lang na they are our ninong or ninang,” Alyana emphasized. “Everyone really played a role talaga in our life together and separately. So, Bryan really wanted it to be special—to the point na, ‘Why will we get this person? Why do you honor her? Why do you honor him?’ Sobrang deep lang talaga ng intention namin.”To make the invitation even more personal, the couple visited their chosen sponsors face-to-face. “We visited them one by one sa mga bahay nila,” Alyana shared. “We did that for, like, two days ata. May Alabang, may Forbes, may Quezon City—kasi inikot namin din. So it was really intentional.”<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766204799743niceprintphoto_1763039909_3764974098892977892_1993592 (1).jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo by Nice Print Photo</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Inside Their Three-Day Wedding</div>Alyana and Bryan&#x27;s Dumaguete wedding unfolded as a thoughtfully curated love letter to the city, blending spontaneity with deep intention. What was initially planned as a celebration at Mango Ranch took an unexpected turn when their preferred date became unavailable, opening the door to a venue that would soon feel meant just for them.“Randomly, they told us, ‘Mayroon kami isang location, available pa &#x27;yung November 29, baka you wanna see it,’” Alyana recalled. That space turned out to be the Glass Pavilion, which at the time was still a work in progress.“As in frame pa lang, wala pang glass… tapos we booked it na,” she shared, choosing to trust the vision even before the venue was complete. Just a week later, a 3D rendering of the finished space arrived, affirming their decision and making them among the first few couples to celebrate there that year.The wedding weekend officially began with a welcome dinner at Kawa Bistro, a venue the couple discovered during an ocular visit with both sides of the family. While the restaurant’s warm wooden interiors and bamboo accents made an impression, it was the food and the feeling of togetherness that truly sealed the choice.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766205828894tempImageND1VKo.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo by Nice Print Photo</div><div> </div>“We love eating fish kasi… nagkakamay talaga kami,” Alyana said, recalling how Bryan’s family especially enjoyed the Fried Pampano and Adobong Pusit.With guests dressed in white, the intimate dinner naturally evolved into an evening filled with shared memories and heartfelt stories. “We really wanted them to share stories,” Alyana added, as parents and family friends spoke about the couple’s lives even before they found each other, allowing bonds to form ahead of the wedding day.True to their goal of giving guests a full Dumaguete experience, Alyana and Bryan also included a send-off at Buglas, a heritage house rich in personal and cultural history. Alyana explained that the house had been carefully transferred from Cebu to Dumaguete without being dismantled, adding to its significance.“We wanted everyone to see the must-visit and must-try places here,” she said, making the itinerary feel both meaningful and effortless for their guests.On the wedding day itself, the couple held two ceremonies back-to-back—a Catholic ceremony at 1 PM followed by a Christian ceremony at 4 PM. To keep everyone comfortable in between, they prepared a merienda cena featuring familiar, comforting fare.“We made sure din na may food sila while waiting,” Alyana shared, describing a spread that included suman, her Lola’s ham, and refreshing dalandan juice shooters.The Christian ceremony flowed seamlessly into the reception, reflecting the couple’s desire to keep the celebration in one place. Dinner was a feast of Lechong Baka, Lechong Baboy, A Seafood-only Station, and A Pasta Bar. For their after-dinner pica-pica, Alyana and Bryan turned to Dumaguete institution Sans Rival, ending the night with flavors that felt just as special and personal as the celebration itself.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768202254870METRO WEDDINGS COVER ALYANA AND BRYAN 2.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div style="text-align:center"> </div><div style="text-align:center"> </div><div>Inside their Married Life</div>Before wrapping up, Alyana opened up about how much she’s enjoying married life with Bryan: finding joy not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, everyday moments they now share. For her, it’s the little things that make their relationship feel even more exciting and meaningful.“I love being married to him,” Alyana said simply, reflecting on this new chapter of their lives. She shared how something as ordinary as coming home now feels special, embracing what she lovingly calls her “wife duties” and the small routines that bring them closer.“Excited ako umuwi to clean the condo kasi ayaw niya nang makalat. Hindi naman ako makalat pero marami lang ako food,” she shared with a laugh. “So parang excited ako. Sabi ko, umuwi na siya kasi gusto ko ma-notice niya na malinis &#x27;yung condo. Parang gano’ng small stuff lang.”For Alyana, it’s these simple, thoughtful moments that define their marriage—proof that happiness, after all, is found in the everyday details they now get to share as husband and wife.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766205017870niceprintphoto_1763039909_3764974098767088722_1993592 (1).jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo by Nice Print Photo</div><div> </div>Photos from Nice Print Photo

As Alyana Asistio and Bryan Mendoza finally tied the knot, many were curious about how their love story blossomed into what it is today. For Alyana, it was never something she saw coming. Their relationship took root in 2020, during the height of the pandemic.

As Alyana Asistio and Bryan Mendoza finally tied the knot, many were curious about how their love story blossomed into what it is today. For Alyana, it was never something she saw coming. Their relationship took root in 2020, during the height of the pandemic.

Before the Wedding: How Alyana Asistio and Bryan Mendoza Found Love in the Most Unexpected Time

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Before the Wedding: How Alyana Asistio and Bryan Mendoza Found Love in the Most Unexpected Time

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published Dec 20, 2025 06:30 PM PHT

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Updated Jan 12, 2026 03:19 PM PHT

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