Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Perhaps, the best way to explain the whole affair is along the lines of the song written by Lewis, Kayes & Colla entitled The Power of Love.

Yes, Krista Ranillo and Jeff Lim fell under the power of love. The two have known each other since childhood, their families being close friends. But in 1986, Jeff immigrated to the US and they lost touch.

Krista studied in Poveda until high school and then took up Interdisciplinary Studies, Communication Arts and Psychology in Ateneo de Manila University in college.

She has always loved acting. While she was in high school, she became a part of the cast of Palibhasa Lalake and a teleserye in GMA, Rio del Mar. Krista put her career on hold while she was in college, but went back to showbiz right after graduation.

She became a newscaster in TV Patrol, then went on to star in several teleseryes which includes Hush Hush, Hole in the Wall, Lily Rose, Pieta, May Bukas Pa and Agimat. In 2008, she starred in two movies -- Paupahan and Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After, followed by Wapakman in 2009.

In early 2010, Krista went to the US to be with her California-based family.

"I just wanted to rest and be with my family so I came here. I wanted to get away from the madness of showbiz," explained Krista.

Meanwhile, Jeff took up Accounting at the University of Southern California, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. At a young age of 22, he founded Island Pacific Supermarket. Island Pacific currently operates 8 supermarkets located in Northern and Southern California.

A few months ago, Krista and Jeff reconnected and have been inseparable ever since.

"I fell in love with her because she makes me so happy. Sobrang saya ko pag kasama ko siya and I can’t imagine living my life without Krista. Siya ang taong gusto kong kasama hanggang tumanda ako. Masarap na ang kasama mo sa buhay ay napakamabuting tao," said the proud and happy groom, Jeff, who admitted that when Krista went on a one-day retreat in Sacramento, he felt lonely. "Sobrang lungkot ko noon. I missed her so much and that’s when I knew I didn’t want to spend a day without her."

Krista admitted the same and said that her new husband is "worth the wait. He is a very private person and yet he was willing to give up his privacy for me. Ayaw niya ng showbiz, yet he chose to marry me [even if I belong] to a [showbiz]family. That’s why I love him so – he is a very good person, responsible, loving and he respects me and my family."

In his speech after the wedding, Jeff said he looks forward to a new life with Krista.

""To my wife, my bride, and my joy. You always remind me of my favorite quote from Dr. Elizabeth Kubler Ross which says, ‘The most beautiful people I have known in the world are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known defeat and yet have found their way out of the depth.’ Baby, you look really gorgeous tonight, but I just want you to know that you are also the most beautiful person I have known on the inside. Krista, we both have made mistakes in our lives, but whatever road it was we took -- it led us to each other. I have no regrets with the life that I have lived and you shouldn’t too, because when we looked back and connected the dots, they really all made sense. We both know that life is not perfect and that we will face challenges, but we also shared a commitment with each other. That no matter what the obstacle may be, we will conquer it. My life was simply not complete -- until now. Babe, I don’t want this day to be the happiest day of our lives. I just want it to be happier from this day forward."