podcast 2

About the show

In this episode of the “Playground Vibe” podcast, hosts Gilbert and Melanie Dela Cruz share their personal story, offering listeners a glimpse into their journey together. Married for 16 years, they recount their spontaneous and whirlwind romance that began 20 years ago when Gilbert, fresh out of his first army deployment, met Melanie at a recruiter’s office in Austin. Despite initial resistance, including Melanie’s then-boyfriend and her reluctance due to Gilbert’s age and his ongoing divorce, the two connected and began a brief but intense courtship. Their early relationship involved secret meetups and long phone calls until Melanie, respecting her parents’ disapproval and her own values, decided to part ways with Gilbert. The separation lasted four years, during which Gilbert completed another tour in Iraq and Melanie pursued her studies and enjoyed her independence. Despite the time apart, Gilbert never forgot Melanie. Using a people-finding service, he tracked her down after leaving the army, rekindling their relationship despite a rocky reintroduction over the phone. Once reunited, they quickly became inseparable, culminating in a marriage that began with a humorous proposal and her parents’ playful blessing. The couple reminisces about their early days, including Gilbert’s quirky habit of wearing a tight shirt when asking for Melanie’s number and their frugal but memorable first date at Subway. They tease future podcast episodes where they will delve into their introduction to the alternative lifestyle community, hoping to provide guidance and support to others on similar journeys. The episode closes with a call to action, inviting listeners to follow them on Spotify and visit their website, playgroundvibe.com, once it’s launched.