Forget grand gestures. In 2026, the moments that made the internet scream "kilig" happened in jeepneys, malls and even flooded churches.

The jeepney driver and his passenger princess

In June, a young jeepney driver who calls himself a "Gen Z jeepney driver" went viral for a simple moment: picking up his girlfriend in his jeepney.

Aldrin Hermogino, who plies the Lagro-Fairview route in Quezon City, posted a TikTok of his girlfriend, a nursing student named Samantha, hopping into the front seat beside him and giving him a kiss on the cheek. His caption roughly translates to: "I was just picking her up, but suddenly I got kilig."

The video had about 4.9 million views and over 7,000 comments, as reported in early June. According to a GMA News report cited by Interaksyon, the two met because Samantha kept catching his jeepney on his trips until they started dating.

Celebrities joined in, too. Actress Miles Ocampo told them to "stay in love," while actor-restaurateur Marvin Agustin joked that he wasn't jealous at all.

A Valentine's proposal with a live band

On Valentine's Day, Lhey Miranda of the Manila City Band proposed to his partner of five years, Aliana Villanueva, at an event at SM Mall of Asia while the band played "Marry You." Their daughter was there to witness it. Aliana later wrote that she thought they were just taking photos.

"I do," even in the flood

In August, after heavy monsoon rains, Lhiane Galang and Gilbert Chico pushed through with their wedding at St. John the Baptist Parish in Hagonoy, Bulacan, with floodwater almost waist-deep inside the church. The parish had suggested postponing, the bride shortened her gown and a portable speaker was used because the power was out.

The parish later clarified it was not romanticizing the floods, and many commenters reminded the couple and guests about the risk of leptospirosis. A sweet story, but also a reminder to stay safe and see a doctor after wading through floodwater.

Why we can't get enough

These stories hit differently because they feel real. No luxury cars, no expensive surprises, just people showing up for each other in everyday places. In a year of bad news and high prices, a jeepney ride with your person might be the most relatable love language of all.

Got a kilig story of your own? The internet is always ready for the next one.