16 Years Since the Proposal

 Sweetie told me when I woke up, "Happy 16th proposal year!" I looked at him in wonder and said, "Wasn't it March 14?" 

Hahaha!

I remember it was the 14th of March because it coincides with the birthday of Tita Pet. Sweetie said, "Oh yeah, I remember it's Pi day!" It's good to remember that day though. It's part of our core happy memories of that fateful day in Davao. 

I used to vlog back then and I managed to unearth the video from my channel. Here's the vid -

How I wish I could go on the zipline again. I'm no longer allowed, so will have to find other adventures my body can withstand (haha). 

Throwback Thursday: Why DFAT was so Memorable

Back in 2008 the Davao bloggers organized the "Davao Food Appreciation Tour". We were so excited since it was the first of its kind. For a few days we hopped from one resto to another to feature their food in our blogs. It was dizzying since we would cover five to six places a day. The best thing about DFAT though is we gained a lot of new friends.  

DFAT 2008, Marco Polo Hotel

Because we had so much fun during DFAT 1, we signed up for DFAT 2 the next year. The organizers mixed in some activities in the itinerary. One activity they offered was ziplining at Outland Adventure. I immediately signed up for it since I enjoy ziplining. Sweetie wasn't keen, but he went along. What I didn't know was he conspired with our blogger friends to surprise me. 

Headed to Pepper & Peppers after the adventure.

When we arrived at the resort I was told to leave my smart phone in the car. It was for safety they said. I complied without a second thought. Apparently, they didn't want me to have access to the internet in case someone spilled the secret (someone announced the engagement before it happened haha). While waiting for my turn to go on the zipline, I wondered why Sweetie and I were split up. I even wondered more when I was put last on the line. 

The answer was waiting at the other end of the zipline. I was winded when I hit the stopper because my camera hit my chest. Then I saw the huge signage that said, "Sweetie, will you marry me?" Then I was surprised to see Sweetie on the platform with a ring. We shared the beautiful moment with so many of our friends from all over the country. 

DFAT is a happy memory from 2008 and 2009. We got busy with work and life after that and we were not able to join the tour anymore. Many things have happened also since then, but I'm happy I'm still able to keep tabs with what's happening with the friends we gained from that tour. They'll probably laugh at our old photos once they see it again. We were all so balingkinitan back then! Haha. 

Here are my DFAT photos:

2008 DFAT Day 1

2008 DFAT Day 2

2008 DFAT Day 3

2009 DFAT

#BeKind #StaySafe

Love is All Around Me

Following the stressful day I had yesterday I'd like to sit still for a moment and celebrate happy moments. It's the season of love! A few months ago my nephew, Gabby, got engaged. This was followed by my cousin, Precious, and now my niece Carissa just got engaged too! 

Ahhh, so much love around me! I shed some tears after watching the Carissa's engagement video. She obviously had no idea it was about to happen. I'm so happy for her and wish I could attend her wedding. I missed Gabby's engagement because I was napping! Arggggh. And Precious got engaged at the beach. 

The kids have really grown up. I used to watch Gabby when he was a baby when I got back from school. Chase after Carissa and Patricia when they were little. We did a lot of Christmas family trips in Indonesia when they were growing up. I remember when I was newly broken-heart Carissa told me, "It's okay Tita, you'll be okay." She was 12 years old and dispensed moving on strategies to me. I was so shocked I immediately got out of my hole. Hahaha. 

It's been years since we had everyone in the same place. Makes all the time we used to spend together more precious. What will probably happen is I'll see them again someday with little ones running around. But for now I'll just enjoy this warm, fuzzy feeling that love brings. 

It was also just fitting that yesterday my good doctor sent me some macarons! To be honest I'm not really fond of macarons (I prefer broas), but I'm always game to try new things. The macarons was made by his niece. I must say it's the best macarons I've tried! The sweetness level is perfect! If you're in Singapore and want to try it just order via the Macbites IG account. 

Don't forget, today is St. Jude's day 4 novena. 

CB////*Yr2/194 #StuckAtHomeDay/Yr2/215 #NewG256 #Home12 #Xmas64 #StayHome #BeKind 

Love, Love, Love

I woke up to good news today. My cousin got engaged! It's happy news amidst the pandemic. It was what I needed since I didn't have a good night's sleep. I'm so glad I had the chance to meet my future cousin-in-law in Manila. Ahhh, love truly makes the world better. 

One of my nephews also got engaged and will be tying the knot later this year. I have another cousin who's about to give birth. Happy news makes me feel so grateful that my family has been healthy and secure in the past year. 

The news made me realize that life goes on. We all have our challenges. It's just up to us how to adjust to the trials. We can't just sulk at home and wait for the pandemic to end. I expect it's going to be a long time before things go back to what it was before. I wish though I could be at the life-changing events of my family when it happens. 

Congratulations and best wishes Chris and Precious! 

CB///*Yr2/65  #StuckAtHomeDay/Yr2/92 #StayHome #BeKind 

The Proposal: Four Years After

Four years ago today Sweetie sprung the biggest surprise of my life. We were in Davao for the first DFAT (Davao Food Appreciation Tour) and I had no idea that he had planned the culmination of all the clues he's been giving for me for so many months. His co-conspirators were our good friends Andrew and Blogie. Here's what happened:

(Skip to 4:22)

Time flies so fast and Sweetie and I have since tied the knot, bought our own cars, moved homes thrice, got our very own place (no more renting!) and have a son in university. Sweetie has endured a number of home disasters - my cooking, a dancing washing machine, me getting poisoned several times, cycle of dying plants, abusive real estate agents etc. - all captured in our marriage blog. We can't say that things have settled down because there's always something new everyday.

True to his promise Sweetie continues to court me every single day. When I'm home in Manila he writes me short notes everyday (to replace all his love letters which perished during Typhoon Ondoy). And after all that we've been through I just thank God everyday for writing my love story.

The Perfect Proposal

I wasn't sure whether I'd have the courage to share this very special moment via a video, but I realized that my friends made a huge effort to document the moment (especially Markku, Hana, Gwing and Drew the accomplice).

This thing doesn't happen everyday and I have to hand it to Sweetie for proposing to me in the best way possible. Hope this video inspires you:

This is where everything started, "When God Writes Your Love Story (part 1 and part 2)".

The Mid-Air Proposal (via zipline)

March 14, 2009

Sweetie proposed to me while I was mid-air on the zipline today.

I was pretty nervous about today since we were scheduled for a zipline adventure at Xcelerrator here in Davao. I wasn't so gung-ho about it since I was scared that trekking up the mountain might trigger an asthma attack (nginig!). I did not want to disappoint my friends (and myself) so even though I was a bit anxious about the trek I still agreed to do it. Good thing it was a bright and sunny day, unlike yesterday when it rained the whole day. It was not an easy trek and I had to take a lot of breaks with Sweetie. I was last on the list anyway so I wasn't worried about not making it to the platform immediately. 

After a couple of stops Sweetie and I finally managed to get to the platform area and everyone clapped. I then sat down beside Ria and chatted with Jeff, Fritz, Hana, Markku, Chattee, and Brendel. I was a bit sad though that Sweetie was going to go down ahead of me, but I did not want to make a fuss so I just kept quiet about it. 

Marrku and Hana went ahead since they were #20 and #21. Long way to go I thought since my

 priority 

number was 40. We were all surprised though that Sweetie was called after Hana. He held my hands before he went up the ladder to tell me that I was finally going to find out what all the clues were all about (he's been giving clues since November and one every week since Valentine's). What he said did not sink in since: (1) I was nervous for him going on the zipline;

 (2) I had given up deciphering the clues since they were really hard to crack and (3) I was anxious about going on the zipline, so my comperehension was pretty below average.

After Sweetie took the zipline I just continued chatting with my friends. I had nothing to do since I left all my gadgets at the hotel and my phones with Gwing who was at the entrance of the park waiting for us. Little did I know that there was an ongoing Plurk 

riot already because Arpee and Jane announced that we had gotten engaged. Blogie issued an embargo and the plurks were deleted because they were worried that I might've been surfing while waiting for my turn.

I was really surprised when the crew called me. I'm wasn't prepared yet! I wanted to tell the crew that it wasn't my turn yet since about 10 people were supposed to go ahead of me. But they insisted and called me by name. So up I went the platform and waited for my turn. My knees were shaking since I was nervous that I might drop my camera while I was on the zipline since I was going to take a video. I even had to stop the crew before pushing me out because I was really nervous. They just gave me a few seconds before they pushed me out of the ledge.

The zipline was a dizzying, enjoyable experience. I kept whirling around

 and I'm sure the video I took would attest to that. When I got to the end of the line everyone was looking at me as though they were expecting something. I just smiled and waved. I was about to panic already since I could not find Sweetie in the crowd. I was already ready to cry because I could not find him.

Blogie called my attention and I finall

y noticed that he was holding this huge tarpaulin. I immediately noticed that it had “Sweetie,” on it. I had to squint a bit to read what was written below it. It asked, “Will you marry me?” 

I was floored (I was mid-air though LOL). I finally found him after twisting around a bit. He was on the “rolling stairs” holding another tarp explaining all the clues he gave me. And then he said, “Sweetie! Will you marry me?” I was really so surprised and tulala and I remember someone from the audience asking, “So what's the answer?” I then just shouted, “Yes Sweetie I will marry you!”

Then I was reeled in by the crew and Sweetie reached out for me. He then brought out the ring and kneeled down and asked again, “Will you marry me?”

Everything else was a blur and I'm not sure how I managed to go down the steep steel staircase since my legs were wobbly. When we got down we were greeted by our friends and new-found friends and the owner of Xcelerrator also gave his congratulations and gave us two free t-shirts! (Apparently the whole staff knew what was going to happen!). 

I was really, really surprised today since: (1) it never crossed my mind that Sweetie would propose now (2) I knew that Sweetie was planning something and I thought it was a surprise trip, I never thought that he would conspire with Andrew with this grand plan; (3) I always wished for the perfect proposal, but I never really thought about the details and (4) eversince I got asthma my daily concern has been focused on not triggering it (LOL).

Thank you Sweetie for making me the happiest girl in the universe today and for making this a really perfect day. I appreciate all the hard work you put in to make it work. Naisahan mo ako ha!

Thank you also for the co-conspirators:

Honey – for the ring! Aba, nung isang taon niyo pa pala pinagplanuhan ito ha!
Andrew – for all the legwork and tiny details you guys worked out. Uber fail ang rants ko sa iyo about the clues! Arggghhh! Naisahan talaga ako!
Blogie – for proceeding with the zipline today even though you thought of moving it to the 15th. At may heart pa pala sa schedule ng DFAT ha! And for the Plurk embargo! Good thing I did not bring any gadgets when we went up to the platform.
Markku and Hana – for the full photo and video coverage! Wow! Wala ako masabi! Super duper thanks! We will cherish the photos and videos forever.

AJ - for accommodating Sweetie's request to put one of the clues in your blog.
Our blogger friends from Manila, Davao and GenSan, and Plurk friends from all over (sensya na sa riot ha, wala ako kamalay-malay), you guys made it more unexpected because I never thought Sweetie would do a public proposal. Thank you for all the support! (And please do send me a copy of photos/videos you took of the day, pretty please?).

Matt McNeil and his staff at OutlandAdventure.org (Xcelerator) - I should've picked up the excitement of the staff! They seemed all kilig! Thank you! Your camp will forever be in my heart.
And most especially to Papa God – the past 15 years have been pretty rough, but with faith anything is really possible. Thank you for writing my perfect love story.

You may want to visit our new website, www.AileenJay.com for full details on how Sweetie planned this perfect day.

More about the proposal:

Our website where Sweetie recounts how he planned everything

Yogajane's back-end kwento

My Plurk announcement

You can also watch the raw video of the proposat at Markku's Vimeo channel

The raw footage by Markku

Leonard's photos

Janette's post

Jay's Plurk announcement

Rico's post

Pogz' post

Ria's video

Andrew's Zipline of Love and Lols Post

MYMP and an Engagement

I was clueless about how we were going to celebrate V-day (a belated one). All I knew was we were going to Megamall to meet a friend and drop by an expo. By Friday night I was already going crazy over the surprise (OC ako eh!) and was trying to wheedle it out of Sweetie all night, to no avail. So, I had to wait!

After the meet-up, surprising Richard Poon (I bet he never expected us to show up in that event), and hyperventilating at the expo (thank God for the huge electric fan at the Megatrade Hall), I was whisked away to the Metrowalk area, still clueless about where we were going. I was just told we had to eat dinner and then we had to go and "claim" the gift.

I was then given an envelop and in it were 2 tickets to MYMP's "A Valentine... So Perfect" concert at the Meralco Theater. I did not realize immediately that the concert was about to start in 30 minutes and that Meralco Theater was just a stone's throw away. I had to ask, "Kelan ang Feb 16?". Me, the dodo. I finished my dinner in no time.

I love OPM. I've said that time and time again and I just cannot help but feel starstruck whenever I meet an artist and I don't think I will move past being a fan. Anyway, I couldn't help but giggle last night when we arrived at the Meralco Theater. Why? Because the whole place was filled with lovers! Mag-jowa! Magkasintahan! Good thing I have Sweetie because if I didn't and attended that concert I would've ended up depressed over the lovey-dovey feeling in the whole place.

Juris and Thor

The last time I watched MYMP was back in 2006 at the Araneta Coliseum with my friend Mabel (and we sat at the bleachers!) and I truly enjoyed watching them. Juris gave a heartfelt rendition of "Bukas na lang Kita Mamahalin" and Chin gave a powerful performance of "Kisapmata". They also introduced what I'd say would be the Philippines' version of "Rod Stewart" - Tata (hope I got that right). Thor also graced the occasion and did a duet with Juris, "Be My Number Two" (check out his album "Soul Obsessions" it's really good).

I've heard of surprise proposals - done in concerts, with famous authors, or even as scavenger hunts - but I've never witnessed one (planned some yeah, but not I have not witnessed one). Juris announced that they were going to name someone "couple of the night" and while she was singing, photos of different couples were flashed in the screen. The couple in the final photo was called down to the stage and were given some flowers and gifts.

Juris asked the girl to give a message and she just said, "Thanks sa treat, happy valentine's and... I love you." The crowd cheered! Sino ba naman di kikiligin nun? Then the microphone was passed on to the guy and he was quite formal at first, greeted Juris and Chin, the audience and then he said, "Juris I hope you don't mind if I say a few words." The audience suddenly became silent. And then the guy said, "Hon I spoke with your brother 3 nights ago..., " the audience started going wild here, "and I told him `ang kapatid mo ay mahal na mahal ko at siya lang ang mamahalin ko buong buhay' and then I told him that I want to take care of you," then the guy kneels down , "Hon, will you marry me?"

Of course the girl said "Yes" and after the guy placed the ring on her finger she started pounding his chest (and was probably crying already). And then Juris sang "Love Moves in Mysterious Ways". Awww...



Check out photos of the concert at the MYMP Band Multiply account.

It was a great day. I definitely made the right choice =)