A short glimpse into the story God has been writing in our lives.
Our story began on September 22, 2023, through a Christian dating app called Christian Cafe.
At the time, we were living in different places and walking through different seasons of life. Arlene was in Boston pursuing her MBA, while Dennis was already in Arizona. What started as a simple and friendly conversation soon became something much deeper. From the beginning, there was an ease between us — a connection that felt sincere, steady, and quietly meaningful. What first grew through conversation soon became a bond of heart and spirit.
It did not take long for us to realize that what we had found was special.
After 100 days, we became a couple and met in person in Tucson, Arizona. What had already been growing through conversations, prayers, and shared time became even more real when we were finally together. Beyond the excitement of meeting face to face, there was also a deep peace in our relationship — a quiet assurance that God was gently leading our steps.
Like many meaningful love stories, ours began with the challenge of distance. Long-distance required patience, trust, and intentionality, but by God’s grace, we were sustained. Technology helped keep our communication open, but it was God who continued to deepen our connection — turning ordinary conversations into something rich, steady, and full of meaning.
Ours is a multicultural love story, and with that comes both beauty and adjustment. There are differences in culture, language, and life experience, yet those differences have not divided us — they have enriched our relationship and deepened our understanding of one another. Through every new experience, God has continued to show us that love, when rooted in grace, can bridge distances far greater than geography.
One of the defining moments in our journey came after Arlene completed her MBA and returned to the Philippines. Dennis traveled with her, and in that experience, our relationship stepped into a deeper kind of understanding. It was not only a chance to meet family, but also an opportunity to enter more fully into one another’s world — culture, home, history, and all the beautiful differences that shape who we are.
The name HighRankin holds a special meaning for us. “Rankin” comes from Dennis’s surname, while “High” points to God — the One who is above all, who knows best, and who lovingly remains over every part of our story. It is also a play on words: High Ranking — a reminder that God is always first, always faithful, and always on top.
On July 12, 2025, we were married in Tucson, Arizona — a day that marked the beginning of a new chapter in the story God had been writing all along. It was a beautiful reminder that what begins in faith, prayer, and trust can unfold into something even more meaningful than we first imagined.
HighRankin is our way of honoring that story. It is a place where we share the journey God has entrusted to us — with gratitude, faith, and hope. As we continue building a life together, we do so with joy and expectation, believing that the best is yet to come and looking forward to the many adventures still ahead.