Martin De Guzman and Stephanie Zubiri: Culture, culinary arts and cozy hugging

Love for one’s culture is called patriotism. Love because of one’s culture is still undefined, but if ever Sir Webster has plans, he has Martin and Steph to thank. They created the definition, leading a romance full of culture, class, and cozy hugging. If love has an A-list, this is it.

Steph would always talk about the romance of Paris, making it seem one and the same, leaving me bluntly redundant. "They have this ferris wheel there, near the Arc de Triumphe, and it’s just so beautiful. They’re planning to tear it down when I was there and I really felt bad. I wanted to show it to Martin first before they do," she said although no tears were visible, you could see her point. She just had a short vacation in Europe where she spent her time writing during the gray days, and basking when the warm European sun was out. "There are a lot of cute guys there. Tanned and toned bodies, the works. And they’re so romantic," she shares with spontaneity that could put the Lonely Planet tour guide to shame. For a moment there, it seemed like it was Martin she was describing. He could fit Steph’s Parisian picture anytime.

Now I know why Steph wanted Martin to see the already demolished ferris wheel in Paris. Originally, he dreamed of being an architect, but being the typical Math-hater, he resorted to Ateneo’s Communications Technology course, where he is now on his 2^nd year. Not that it had already stopped him from being one. It wouldn’t be long before he’ll go back to Australia to pursue his dream. But much before that, his time is devoted to Steph, Jazz CDs, books and thinking. "I think a lot. If I see something interesting, I’d take time to think about it. That’s why Steph tells me to write them down, or I’ll get crazy". What goes on in his mind, who knows? Perhaps their next dinner date the night after or where they’d go on one of their traveling sprees. Or, perhaps, what Steph would cook for him the next time they saw each other. "She’d cook me these interesting dishes, like risotto with cheese and wild mushrooms. Dinner with her is always a treat," he says.

That dinner would mean spanning their whole long-distance set-up, if you would call the Alabang to Ortigas trek that. Since then, Steph had a reason to love traffic and long drives. "I even do my homework in the car already. I eat in the car, and sleep sometimes," she quips, making the Manila traffic seem oh-so luxurious that rush hour is starting to sound like the perfect time to be out.

So, how exactly did your paths cross?

Steph: Through my classmate and his family friend. It was kind of a set-up thing that we both didn’t know of.

Martin: Actually, I knew.

Steph: You did? How did that happen?

Martin: She asked me who I wanted to date, and I saw you and I told her that I wanted to date you.

What had drawn the two of you together when you first met?

Martin: Her smile. It’s like sunshine…it’s very bright, and whenever she smiles, her eyes light up as well.

Steph: Well, when I first started talking to him, it just felt like I knew him for a very long time. We just went on, talking and talking and we just felt so comfortable together.

Did you court her?

Martin: Yeah, I did.

Steph: But it’s not like the usual boring courtship ritual!

Martin: Yeah, since she was in love with me the first time she saw me.

Steph: Yeah right!? He courted me, but none of the formalities. We just took time to get to know each other.

What do you think makes you a good pair?

Martin: She’s really smart and likes the same things I do. She’s very well-versed and cultured.

Steph: He’s so funny. He may not know it but he makes me laugh. He takes time to go visit me in Alabang from his house and he’s so caring. He gets along with everything. We can eat out in a fancy restaurant and he’d fit in, he’d know what to order, and he knows very well how to appreciate good food.

Speaking of food, I heard that she often cooks you dinner.

Martin: Yeah. She cooks like these really gourmet stuffs.

Steph: I don’t think I’ve ever cooked him a plain meal. Well, it’s not as though I know how to cook Adobo, or something…(Laughs)

Then that’s how I saw the whole picture. They both make each other appreciate the finer things in life. If it couldn’t cut in as fine, they learn to adjust and appreciate it just the same. For all we know, they are each other’s lives’ finest things.