MANILA – In a rare moment, Matteo Guidicelli looked back at how his and Sarah Geronimo’s love story began even before they actually became a real-life couple.

In the September 2016 issue of StarStudio Magazine, Guidicelli revealed that he has always had a huge crush on Geronimo and his ex-girlfriend, actress Maja Salvador, even knew about it when they were still together.

A photo posted by Matteo Guidicelli (@mateoguidicelli) on Aug 22, 2016 at 11:33pm PDT

After he and Salvador broke up, Guidicelli finally found the courage to truly get to know Geronimo.

“I called Billy and I said, ‘Introduce me to Sarah, introduce me to her,’” he shared, referring to his conversation with his good friend, Billy Crawford, who had a show with Geronimo in Cebu at that time.

Following their encounter in Cebu, Guidicelli recalled going out of his way to catch Geronimo’s show in Batangas, where he even lined up with the singer-actress’ fans to get a meet-and-greet.

“I sat down—really, at the back of the Popsters. Tapos pumila ako sa meet-and-greet, and then nagpa-picture of kay Sarah,” he said.

Guidicelli said he ended up giving Geronimo of copy of their picture when they were already a couple several years after.

A photo posted by Lubao Int'l Balloon Festival (@lubaoibf) on Apr 13, 2016 at 3:40pm PDT

Although Guidicelli may have already caught Geronimo’s attention because of what he did during her show in Batangas, it was only after their US concert tour that he officially began courting her.

“After America, talagang sabi ko I like this girl. I want to get her attention. Kinapalan ko na mukha ko, ginawa ko na lahat,” he said.

Indeed, Guidicelli’s efforts paid off as they are now in a relationship for over two years.

According to Guidicelli, they want to keep their relationship low-key as much as possible and very close to normal.

“Siyempre, she’s my princess. I take care of her, but I want to show her what reality is, what life is. That everywhere you go, you won’t walk around with an entourage, or be treated like a VIP,” he said.

Among the things they usually bond over are working out together, and doing outdoor activities. Just recently, the two climbed to Mr. Pico De Loro along with their other friends to celebrate Geronimo’s birthday.

While they have some similarities, Guidicelli mentioned that they also have differences just like normal couples do. Nonetheless, the actor appreciates how they complement and bring out the best in each other.