This couple's story is proof that appearance doesn't matter when it comes to love

Pash thought she would never find love because of her weight. And just as she was about to give up on love, a hunky guy came her way to love her unconditionally.

Even as a little girl, Pash was already chubby. Most boys from her class would tease her, even calling her “Hippo.”

Pash tried hitting the gym, which saw her weight drop to just 60kg. When she stopped, it hit 80 kg. It didn’t help she that became exposed to fast food, causing her to gain even more weight.

Pash would sometimes envy her girlfriends, who had suitors lining up for them, while she was all alone.

This made her desperate to lose weight: she tried diet pills, she went back to the gym, but nothing came out of her efforts.

This led to her depression, with food the only thing remaining to cheer her up.

Pash has had her heart broken too many times. There was “Michael,” not his real name, whom she caught texting with his ex. And then there was “Dan,” who never really showed interest in their relationship. There was a colleague with whom she had a MU (mutual understanding) but he told her "Kaibigan mo lang ako."

Pash thinks she was never lucky in love because of her weight. It was at this point when she lost faith that she would find someone would love her for who she is.

Calling it her darkest times, Pash again turned to food, resulting in more weight gain. By this time, she had hit 90kg.

But it wasn't the end for Pash. She found herself slowly accepting and loving herself.

Pash would wear whatever she wanted without paying attention to what other people would say. It was also when she opened her business, selling plus-sized clothing and swimsuit which she herself models.

Unexpectedly, her photos on social media, where she wore cute and sexy outfits began attracting good attention, inspiring some of her followers. Until one day, a hunky guy named Ayem found her posts interesting and messaged her.

Ayem said he wasn't always as brawny as he is now; he used to be thin, but he took inspiration from his cousin — who also used to be skinny — and began working out.

A week after they exchanged messages, they met up.

Ayem said he only fell harder for Pash whom he found to be even prettier in real life. He started courting Pash but her history of failed relationships made her question Ayem's intentions.

To prove that he is serious on pursuing Pash, he laid down his cards: Ayem admitted he was previously married, and has fathered a child. Ayem clarified he never cheated. He explained his ex is actually already in a happy relationship, and that he is in good relations with the mother of his child. They are actually planning to get annulled soon.

For Ayem, Pash's weight is not an issue, he said her character is what matters the most.

Days before Pash's 27th birthday, Ayem surprised her in their house, and on her birthday, May 18th, Pash officially became Ayem’s girlfriend.

After making their relationship Facebook-official, the post unexpectedly went viral.

On her FB post, Pash wrote words of encouragement to those who have been failing to find "The One."

"Marupork no more! Salamat sa pagtanggap mo sa katawan ko na puro TABS kahit 'yung sa 'yo ay ABS. Kaya ikaw 'wag kang malungkot kung wala ka pang jowa/bf, 'wag mong hanapin dahil masasaktan ka lang. 'Wag ipilit kung wala naman talaga. 'Wag magbulag-bulagan lalo na kung hindi nakikita nung guy 'yung worth mo. May dadating din na right guy para sa 'yo 'yung ma-appreciate ka 'yung mamahalin ka ng buong-buo kung ano at sino ka," Pash's FB post read.

Although Pash is already confident with her body she believes she still needs exercise to become healthier.

To help her girlfriend kickstart her road to fitness, Ayem prepared a jogging date for their fist weeksary. 

Pash and Ayem's love story is proof that in love; appearance is only skin-deep. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News