…last weekend.
It was during awarding, at the largest and most prestigious car show in the Philippines. My company’s car won third place, while his won second.
After receiving our prizes, he gave a short speech about how I was his inspiration and source of many good ideas, on how it’s been a pretty fast one year since we both got together.
Then, he dropped on his knees and asked, “Will you marry me?”
Everyone was shell shocked, especially my mother who was in front of the audience. Yes, the entire proposal was in front of a few hundred spectators cum strangers. It was truly a public spectacle.
After a pregnant 15-second pause, I said, “Yes…!”
Everyone, especially my entire family was shocked. They didn’t see that coming at all. My brother felt as if a bullet train hit his chest. I think he was more flustered than I was.
For me, I suspected that my boyfriend – now my fiancee – was up to something. For one, he made a big deal of attending the awarding ceremony, something he’s never really done before. If he could miss it, he would.
Two, the organizer even texted me that all participants are requested to attend the awarding. Usually, she’s too busy to do that.
And lastly, boyfriend’s hands were clammy that late afternoon. I think he was really nervous. As we went down the stairs from the awarding booth, I think he was even tearing up.
So there it is, the culmination of our one-year of togetherness. Today is our one year anniversary, and it seems that time, flew by so fast. So many things had happened — my MBA graduation, my dad’s death, the numerous power plays and fights amongst siblings, a few dramatic episodes from my boyfriend’s side, yadda yadda yadda.
When we first started this journey, Boyfriend did say, “Let’s date for a year and see how we handle it. At least, it gives us the chance to see how we are in different areas.”
And so we did. There were a few tough moments peppered with a lot of happy ones. There were good times and bad. I told him, “Gee, I’ve never had a year this bad…”
And yet we held on, still going strong after 12 months.
Honestly, I don’t really know where to start. I wasn’t really your typical child who planned her very own wedding. Everyone in my family is predisposed to staying single. And now, I’m getting married.
Yes, we’ll see how it goes, and I’ll be more than happy to share more of the ebbs and flows of wedding planning with you!
Have a good one!
Congratulations!
Yay! Congratulations!!! 🙂 It’s so inspiring to know beautiful and life-changing moments such as this. Happy for you! 🙂
Thanks to you both!
Hi Bonita, I stumbled upon your blog after googling “returning to manila”, reading your entry about coming back after being abroad for a while. I’ve been away working and studying abroad for 5 years now and somehow feel it’s time to come home for good — but have some qualms. Anyway just wanted to say that post was very helpful in tipping the scales in favor of coming back. Oh and congratulations on your engagement! – Melissa
Thanks Mel! Yes, adjustment has been really tough for me, but then again, there had been rewards no money can buy too. For example, spending time with my aging agents especially my dad who passed away earlier (would never have lived it down if I wasn’t there for him), and meeting Fiancée. It’s all about making a decision and taking responsibility for it. I made the decision to come back November 2011 and never looked back. Sure there were times when I missed living abroad, but this was my decision and I sure as hell make the most out of it!
I can just imagine the adjustments you had to make, but It seems you made a good call then by coming home!
It’s a bit of a gamble for me, on one hand I’m hesitant to give up the salary, ease of travel, and independence — same concerns you raised — but on the other hand my parents are getting old as well, and if I want to settle in Manila it’s time to start carving my career there. The winter here (you know how horrible European winters are) is also not helping. But yeah once I make a choice, whatever it is, should make the most of it and not look back.
Well don’t do it because you want to find a husband. A lot of my friends come home, only to find un-dateable men. Many Chinese dudes here can’t pull off the metrosexual look, and seeing them lying behind their parents’ shadow is a turn-off. Oh well, maybe they’re just picky…
I think happiness can be found everywhere you go. I personally enjoyed my glory years abroad, and I think time will tell if I’ve made the correct decision or not. Word of warning though: Salaries here ARE LOW. Put it this way, my salary abroad was 99x my allowance here in the Philippines. It’s that bad. And remember, no money = less independence.
So weigh the pros and cons. Decide for yourself and make the most out from it. 🙂
Thanks bonita, some food for thought for me. Worried about the dating scene as well, after getting used to dating Western style. I like what you said, that happiness can be found everywhere, that is true. There is merit in each way of living, whether here or there.
Yes I’m aware about the salaries, I think it’s something I won’t be happy about after getting used to earning abroad. Oh my, 99x??? That is ridiculous! But I see what you mean, my job abroad paid me 20x my job in Manila before I left. Thanks for your insight. (sorry if my reply is a little late, I just returned from a long trip). 🙂
Depends really. I made the choice not knowing I would meet the guy I would marry. I did. Some of my friends came back hoping to find someone, and they’re still single today. Make the choice for yourself. That way there aren’t a lot of regret.
Well Mel, there are good in dating in the more conservative Philippines. For example, there is a LOT more accountability. Families do background checks on potential partners, and my fiance is having a hard time answering questions my multiple relatives are asking. My relatives want to make sure he’s really a good man, and have thrown a lot of questions about his past, his family, etc. at him. Comes with the territories.
And yes, 99x. Minimum wage here is at Php 12,000 at most. Salaries abroad reach up to at least Php 100,000. Think about it, HK new graduates already earn that much (e.g., HKD 20,000). How much more do an experienced manager earn?
Very late on this, but better late than never.
Congrats! 🙂
Thanks Fili! Long time no see!