A sunset serenade, a poem, a kiss & a marriage proposal to live for!

He was known as one of the Spice Boys of Congress – young, good-looking and in the limelight. Whether it was on political issues or his personal life, Miguel Zubiri had his share of media attention. The media specula-ted on his love life and Miguel remained the elusive bachelor for a long while. Many wondered why, in spite of numerous attractive dates, no one in particular could really hold his interest. Is he a playboy, a mama’s boy (his mom is ultra-glam Vicky Zubiri whom Miguel has a very close relationship with) or is he gay? These were the usual questions asked of him. The answer is "none of the above!"

For Miguel Zubiri, a commitment of love is for a lifetime. He waited to meet the woman of his dreams and when he did, he knew she was the one. He pursued her endlessly and did not waver in his choice.

The woman is Audrey Kay Tan, a fair, long-legged beauty whom he met on a Wednesday night four and a half years ago. Audrey recalls that it was love at first sight for the two of them because they talked the whole time and at the end of the evening, Miguel asked her for her telephone number and booked her for a date the whole week except for the days that he was going out of town. Then he started to visit her regularly at home with Audrey’s mom usually around, which he did not mind at all because he really wanted to get into her good graces. After four months of having home dinners and watching TV with Audrey and her mom, (the former Dette Aquino) Audrey and Miguel started to go out officially – with the blessings of mommy, of course!

Two years later, Miguel surprised Audrey by flying her to Amanpulo when all the while she thought they were going to Boracay with some friends. On the night he proposed, there were two people on the beach with them: the chef preparing their dinner and the guitarist serenading them. The setting was so romantic, even the most jaded heart would have melted. Miguel asked the staff to prepare a bonfire on the beach and while they watched the sunset, and waited for dinner, Miguel stood up to read her a poem he wrote himself. Audrey’s reaction was to stand up and give him a kiss. Then she thanked him for the heartwarming poem and at that point she thought Miguel was going to take her to dance. Instead, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

Six months later, Audrey had to leave for Madrid to pursue her post-graduate studies at Universidad Complutense de Madrid. She graduated from Ateneo de Manila with a bachelor of science degree in management, major in communications technology. The separation was difficult for them and challenged their love and fidelity. As the year went by, they both realized that the separation was a true test and a blessing because it even strengthened their faith and love in each other. It was a long year for the lovers to be apart but time just flew and before they knew it, they were back in each other’s arms, planning their wedding.

Miguel and Audrey are like two peas in a pod. They are both content to be just with each other at home, watching TV or a good movie. They are not the party animals that people think them to be. They prefer small, intimate gatherings with close friends. They both love to travel and discover new places and they plan to do this when they get married.

I asked Audrey what she loves in Miguel and vice-versa. "Miguel is so patient with me. I guess because of our age difference, he has more patience and wisdom. He is truly so understanding of everything that I am going through. When something does not please him, he does not make it worse by fighting and arguing with me but would rather offer his support and his constant loving presence."

As for Miguel, he loves the fact that Audrey never tries to compete with his work or for his time at work. She accepts that his work entails public service and is really proud of his dedication to his work and constituents. He is so attracted to her beauty, and likes her fashion sense (her favorite local couturier is Rajo Laurel and she goes for Carolina Herrera’s designs and personal style).

What is her vision of life as Mrs. Miguel Zubiri? " I don’t want to be known simply as Mrs. Miguel Zubiri. Don’t get me wrong. I have no plans to compete with him as he does his work really well but I would like to maintain my separate identity as a person while at the same time doing everything I can to help him do the best for his constituents. I would like to be a working mother like my mom was. I saw how she was able to balance motherhood and career successfully and I want to do the same when my time to start a family comes."

This is a most exciting time in the lives of Audrey Kay Tan and Juan Miguel Zubiri. They are in the final stages of planning their wedding. Audrey’s gown was executed by the famous Spanish couturier Hannibal Laguna, the same couturier who designs for Penelope Cruz and Princess Leticia. It is Spanish-inspired, complete with a Spanish silk veil. The rest of the entourage’s clothes are made by Rajo Laurel.

Before Christmas day comes, Miguel and Audrey will have said "I do," the magic words of a couple in love. We raise our glasses and toast to their everlasting happiness!