Digitalization has changed the way people live—from how we work, how we interact, how we connect, and even how we date.
Yes, even romance has been transformed by the digital age. Fleeting now are the days of letters and poems, or meeting your partner only through chance encounters at libraries, transportation, and coffee shops. You don’t even need friends and loved ones to set you up on blind dates anymore. With just a few swipes and taps, your soulmate could now be just around the virtual corner.
However, while there are tons of dating apps nowadays that allow netizens to easily access and find love in just a click, there are also those who discover the love of their lives in a more unique approach—online games.
UAE-based expat Gladys Rodriguez, 31, said she never thought she would meet her husband Jonathan at something she only considers as a past-time—Mobile Legends.
She said she got into the game three years ago, and met the character of her now-husband on the virtual field, where they are part of the same squad.
As if their love has been written in the stars, Rodriguez said that they were able to personally meet when they became workmates that same year.
“Hindi namin alam na magka-squad pala kami then accidentally nagkasama kami sa iisang work,” she said, noting that she his family members are also part of their gaming squad.
She said they became friends for about two years before they admitted their feelings for each other, and eventually got married in October last year—just months after they got together.
“Noong una tinatawanan nila kami lalo sa work namin kasi nga sinasabi ko always sa sarili ko ‘di ako papatol sa kanya nga ayoko sa Pinoy then noong magpapakasal na kami doon na sila nabigla,” Rodriguez recalled.
She said that while they met thrugh the game, it also sometimes becomes their source of little quarrels, particularly when she wanted more time from here.
“Noong una naiinis na ako kasi nga minsan tapos na ako maglaro tapos siya naglalaro pa din hanggang 8 AM. Nawalan kami ng time sa isa’t isa,” she said.
“Then we figured out kung paano i-ha-handle ‘yon. Nag-usap kami about sa time ng laro and bonding, and now I support him kapag may tournament. Thankful ako kasi Mobile Legends pa pala ang makakapag-lapit sa aming dalawa,” Rodriguez added.
