Born on the Fourth of July


{My life in 250 words..here goes..}

I was born on the fourth of July in the Philippines.  I'm the eldest of five, a leftie, a jack of all trades and a product of a broken home. 

At a young age, I never felt I belonged there. The longing to leave made me study hard in school. I took up Architecture and Interior Design, sometimes simultaneously from two universities where I earned a degree and a license as an architect.

In unexpected turn of events, my father died of cancer. I had to give up my unfinished Interior Design studies to work, taking on projects in order to support my family. 

It was around this time when I met Yohann online and later, in real life when he stopped by Philippines for vacation. 


At 24, I was hired to work in Dubai in Interior Design sales. Being in a three-year long distance relationship, Yohann, then based in France, flew to Dubai to propose. He moved to Dubai six months later.

I wanted to meet his family first.  I am aware of the stereotyping that goes around, given where I came from. I wanted to prove everyone wrong, that there are exceptions.

I flew to France independently to meet them. They warmly welcomed me into their family.
After two years, we got married in a dream garden wedding.

I'm a proud owner of a Philippine passport.

My greatest blessing was watching all of my siblings finish college, now successful in their chosen careers.


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8 comments

  1. Oh Arni I feel like I've come to know you so much better! I'm enjoying this series too.

    PS I got your email, and read it numerous times, but I haven't got the words to reply yet. They will come to me and I will reply.

    Thinking of you, lots of love and hugs xoxox

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  2. Arni, you look really beautiful in the photo you chose for this post, it's very cute! Also, nice story about your life, it seems a very intense one! I didn't know that you had met your husband online but I'm really happy that it worked out so good for both of you, despite the obvious obstacles of long-distance relationships.

    Have a lovely day :)
    xo Irene

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  3. I found you through the challenge. My anniversary is July 4th. What a great life story. I can't wait to look around your blog and find out more about you.

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  4. What a beautiful picture! It was nice to get to know a little more about you. Long distance relationships can be tough. I'm so glad it worked out for you and your husband! Sorry to hear about your rough childhood, but I think it has made you a very strong, independent woman.

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  5. hi Arni!

    I just learned something about you in 250 words! and I can feel how you became strong person. You're now with the new chapter of your life with you hubby and I wish you more blessings...
    you're so beautiful in that picture!!!!

    take care. xoxo,Meg of Sweet Gala's

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  6. Wonderful post Arni! I love hearing more about fellow bloggers and strangely, your story is so similar to mine. I had to smile at the fact that you and Yohann met online, a sure sign of the seriously modern world we now live in. Beautiful picture of you too! x

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  7. Stunning photo! And I love how much I just learned about you in so few words! Beautiful writer and a beautiful lady!

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  8. you are beautiful and wonderful and everything in between!

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