Swab test leads to wedding bells for nurse and doctor

This love story began with a swab test.

In the “Pampa-good vibes” segment of “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday, nurse Mark Raymond Mendoza and Dr. Diane Marie Rombaoa met in March 2020 when he went to administer swab tests to some doctors, including Diane.

Even with a mask on, Mark couldn’t help but notice her eyes so he immediately made a move. “Ang cute ng eyes niya,” he said.

During the interview session before the test, they exchanged information about their private lives, sparking a connection that led to them becoming friends on social media.

“May interview prior to swab, meron do’n nakalagay na information na civil status. Sumagot siya ng single pero nakangiti. Nakikita mo naman sa likod ng mask na nakangiti,” Mark said.

“Sabi ko ‘ako rin po, doktora, ay single,” he added.

As healthcare professionals during the ongoing crisis, the two built and garnered their strength from their relationship, with Mark traveling 16 kilometers a day on his bike just to see her.

“Naging strength kasi namin yung isa’t-isa sa time ng pandemic. We found comfort in each other sa lahat ng pinagdadaanan namin and we found God in each other,” Diane said.

This Valentine’s Day, Diane advises those looking for love to focus on themselves first.

“Habang single ka, mahalin mo yung sarili mo. Do what you like, do what you want para when you find that special someone, ready ka na,” she said.

Mark and Diane became official in May 2020 and got married in October of the same year. — Franchesca Viernes/BM, GMA News