MANILA, Philippines - For many a Romeo out there, finally popping the big question to his one true love is accompanied by many tense and nerve-wracking moments. Often, the challenge is how to propose in style, in a way that will sweep his ladylove off her feet and make her fall in love with him all over again.
This is what Dominic “Nic” Francisco, 27, had in mind when he planned his big proposal to girlfriend Jacquelyn “Jack” Reyes. This time, he didn’t plan a lavish dinner, or a walkway lined with red rose petals; he actually had it “published” on his girlfriend’s favorite newspaper, which happens to be The Philippine STAR.
It was like something straight out of a movie, a unique request that even The Philippine STAR couldn’t say no to.
Nic, who works as a software developer for Smart Communications, initially thought of doing the proposal in a more traditional fashion. But he thought of a better idea that would surely catch Jack’s attention. “Jack really loves reading, especially The STAR. She spends half the day during weekends reading all the sections of the paper,” he said.
He sent an e-mail to The STAR inquiring about a personalized front page where the question, “Will you marry me?” would be the day’s “headline.” The STAR was more than happy to assist Nic with his request, where the customized front page came complete with an article of Nic recalling the early stages of their relationship and how much they have grown together.
Big day
Nic chose to spring the surprise on Jack’s 27th birthday, giving her the customary flowers and her favorite newspaper neatly tucked under. Clueless, Jack didn’t realize that the day’s edition was a personalized copy, which The STAR helped design for Nic to mount his unique proposal.
But when the surprise began to unfold as she was poring over the special issue, Jack could not contain tears of joy. “It was the most wonderful birthday gift I’ve ever received in my entire life,” she said.
“I saw the roses, and the personalized shirt that said, ‘Will you marry me, Jack?’, but nothing could ever beat seeing the headline printed on my suking newspaper, The Philippine STAR. For an ultra-shy guy like Nic, I know it was an herculean task for him to pull off that stunt,” she reminisces.
Thus, as the self-effacing Nic went down on his knees to ask for her hand, Jack could only give him a resounding “yes!”
Jack, describing her beau as a certified torpe, recalls that it took Nic a couple of dates, countless text messages, and an awkward realization to finally come up to her and admit that he’s in love with her. “That’s why when he finally told me how he did it, he all the more captured my heart. Everyone was in awe of Nic’s idea,” Jack said.
Bright future ahead
The couple is currently in the frenzy of preparations for their wedding, which has been set on Oct. 7, their 55th month together.
“Preparing for our wedding is both stressful and exciting,” shares Nic. “We’ve been going to a lot of bridal fairs to look at the things we need as well as get discounts and freebies from suppliers. Despite the hassle, we still smile a lot because we’re doing this for the two of us. After all, the most important thing is our union.”
It’s been more than three years since Dominic and Jack, both 27 years old, became a couple and while that may seem like a short span of time for some people, Nic has absolutely no doubts that Jack is “the one.”
“For me, the strength of a relationship is not simply measured by the number of years that you’ve been together. It’s every single day that you share with each other. We’ve gone through a lot but what’s important is that we learned from all these experiences may it be good or bad and now I’m ready to be with the girl that I want to spend the rest of my life with.”