Pauline Lim and Marco Qua stayed strong despite their differences, leading them to their inevitable “I dos.”
This is an excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s December 2023/January 2024 Issue.
Pauline Lim and Marco Qua have known each other since they were young. Little did they know, fate is set to bring them together forever.
Pauline narrates that she initially knew Marco back then. She became classmates with Marco’s younger sister in their secondary school alma mater. They officially met at the World Food Expo in 2017 and have been together since.
“Up at such time it started out as a business inquiry due to working in the same agriculture businesses,” Pauline chimes in. She messaged Marco back as well about a concert that she is a big fan of. The rest, as they say, is history.
Pauline and Marco got married on May 6th of this year, fulfilling six beautiful years together.
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Strongly connected despite their differences
Despite Marco’s priorities being different, he said that he had a mindset of “it happens when it happens.” He said that back then, settling down wasn’t high on his list as he was growing his business.

Pauline recounted that she is a person who sees life as glass half full. She’s always hopeful and open to new experiences. She added that her compassionate, supportive, and patient nature easily connects with people.
Even with Marco’s analytical, assertive, and consistent self, Pauline is able to connect with him in ways that make sense to them, and that was enough.
Spending time together felt like family
The couple described themselves as fun, genuine, and complementary as they are able to balance each other out. They emphasized that relationships are never perfect but they appreciate each other’s strength and imperfections wholeheartedly.
Marco is a serious person most of the time, especially when he attends to business affairs. Pauline becomes his reminder that there are things worth appreciating in life. Her presence in his life brings out his compassionate and gentle nature.

Pauline expressed that being with Marco also brought out a side of her that challenges herself and leaves her comfort zone. He helps her as well in terms of improving her disposition towards work and family and becomes independent like him.
“That is how I guess we complement each other,” Pauline said.
Marco’s proposal in Japan
They knew instantly that they were destined to be together, so it wasn’t a question of if he would propose, but more of when he would do it.
Marco got down on one knee and asked for Pauline’s hand in marriage during the first day of their Japan trip. Pauline said it was a four-day trip and Marco utilized the first day to make a romantic gesture. “That intentional first day proposal honestly surprised me,” Pauline added.

Parents will do everything for their children
The couple shared an endearing detail wherein the best highlight of their special day was that their fathers showed up for them.
They narrated that during those times, both their fathers are physically recovering. Pauline and Marco said that the sight of their dads mustering strength to go through a wedding for the last time meant so much to them. They are the last ones in both of their families to get married.
“Seeing this proves that parents will do everything for their children,” Pauline said. The couple expressed that it became a guiding principle that they held dear as a couple.
Banner photo from Jamie Lihan of Mayad Studios.
Read more by purchasing a copy of the Lifestyle Asia October 2023 magazine via SariSari.shopping or select newsstands in National Bookstore and Fully Booked. Subscribe to the E-Magazine via Readly, Magzter, and Press Reader.
Bridal gown FRANCIS LIBIRAN
Second gown ELLA CHUA DESIGNS
Groom’s suit SAARTO MANILA
Hair and make up JELLY EUGENIO
Church SANTUARIO DE SAN JOSE
Caterer MARRIOTT HOTEL
Hosts JC ALELIS AND TRINA ONG
Band 3RD AVENUE
Coordinator COTE EVENTS
Planner CHRISTINE ONG-TE OF COTE EVENTS
Invitation INVITATION DESIGN BY KENNETH UY
Stylist TEDDY MANUEL
Photos MAYAD STUDIOS – JAMIE LIHAN
Videos MAYAD STUDIOS – CARMELA DY HUBAG