These power couples shared significant moments from their proposal stories and revealed their secrets to strengthening a marriage.
A marriage is a profound partnership between two individuals rooted in love, mutual respect, and shared commitment. It transcends the excitement of romance, evolving into a deeper connection characterized by understanding, support, and a willingness to grow together. In a heartwarming exploration of love and commitment, Lifestyle Asia delved into 13 couples’ proposal stories and what their secrets are to a long, healthy, and happy life together. Their insights also provide valuable lessons for couples at every stage of their journey.
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So, how did they begin their journey to forever, and what are their thoughts on maintaining a love that lasts?
Rafe Totengco and Mike Lawn
How did your marriage proposal unfold?
Rafe Tontengco said the pandemic brought immense significance to his life. He and his husband, Mike Lawn, proposed to each other in their backyard during the onset of COVID. “We learned a lot about ourselves and our relationship during that period, which strengthened our bond.”
How do you maintain a strong and healthy marriage?
“We both have so much respect, trust, and gratitude for what we have,” Rafe remarked. “Above all, we really enjoy each other’s company even if we’re just quietly sitting while reading the newspaper.” The two have been married to each other for four years.
Gia and Crispin Remulla
Tell us your proposal story.
Ping recounted that Gia once knew he was going to propose and tried to plan it. “To her disappointment, I had other plans. It was our last day in Boracay and I knew she had an idea why we were there. I took her to the hotel rooftop and had food served for us. I promised to always feed her, and our meal came out on queue. Afterwards, I took out the ring, which she already knew about. I told her that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her and before I could kneel down, she said yes. There was a guy who helped us who played “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele at the back, although it was never our song.”
Ping added that during their honeymoon, he proposed to Gia once more and finally had the chance to kneel down.
What keeps your marriage strong?
Ping lovingly said intimacy and realizing that his wife is always right is the key to a strong marriage. The couple has been married for three years.
Joelle and Robert Caslick
Can you share the details of how Robert proposed?
Joelle disclosed that her husband, Robert, drunkenly asked her what ring she wanted. Her then-boyfriend proposed after lunch in her favorite restaurant. “He insisted we walk on the beach when all I wanted was a nap. Robert gave me a picture book which illustrated our dating story. He knelt afterwards, as I was getting to the end of the book.”
What are the key factors that maintain the strength of your marriage?
Joelle answered that what keeps their marriage work is when they carve out intentional time for each other. They have been married for about four years.
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Cassie and Kris Bautista
How did your spouse go about proposing to you?
Cassie Bautista said Kris proposed during their eighth anniversary as boyfriend and girlfriend. They went out to celebrate at The Champagne Room. “Kris wasn’t his usual giddy self the entire time, so I kind of knew it was going to happen that night,” she divulged. “Everyone else I encountered that day weren’t their usual selves either. After dinner, we were served dessert and on my plate were the words ‘Will you marry me?’ He forgot to say the words as he was so nervous. We were both laughing so much that everything else after that was a blissful blur.”
How do you ensure your marriage remains strong over time?
Cassie added that a blend of open communication, mutual respect, and shared experiences had a lot of help in strengthening their marriage. “We prioritize honest conversations about our thoughts and feelings, keeping us connected and aligned. Quality time through date nights, night out with friends, or activities outside our home help us stay close and create memories. [Our] shared goals and values ensure we’re working towards a common future while supporting our personal growth and endeavors. We handle conflicts constructively and always aim to understand each other’s perspectives.”
They also maintain intimacy through daily gestures of love and appreciation. The couple’s flexibility and adaptability in navigating the unpredictability of life keep their connection resilient and joyful. They have been married for about 5 1/2 years.
Jessica and Earl Yap
How did Earl propose to you?
Jessica answered, “Earl’s proposal caught me by surprise. I helped my mom set up an outdoor installation at the Ayala Museum and Greenbelt gardens. I wanted to have a quick bite to eat and see him before I go to bed, but he had something special planned.”
Jessica remembered that his then-boyfriend walked in with the same outfit from their first date and he looked so excited. “I had no idea what he had planned, until he knelt before me and proposed. It was a sentimental and sweet gesture, unexpected yet touching. The private moment was unforgettable.”
What factors do you think make a marriage work?
She answered that deep love and appreciation strengthens a marriage. “Earl and I embrace each other’s differences, and we respect one another wholeheartedly. Despite being polar opposites in many ways, we’ve built our marriage on a foundation of acceptance and understanding, and that fortifies our bond. These factors allow us to navigate life’s challenges together and grow stronger as a couple.” They have been husband and wife for six years.
Chicho and Miguel Rodriguez
What was your proposal story like?
Chicho kept her husband’s proposal story short yet meaningful. “Miguel proposed to me on the eve of his birthday in the Blessed Sacrament, the mini chapel in Santuario de San Antonio. That has been his family’s tradition during their birthdays.”
How do you and your spouse keep your marriage solid?
She acknowledged that while God, love, and respect are the big three in strengthening marriages, communication also helps. “You need to have an open line when things are great and even when things get rough. Your partner needs to know and feel that there is a connection through all of life’s patches. Communicating is a crucial way to stay connected.” Chicho and Miguel have been married for eight years.
Camille and Hadj Oloan
How did your spouse pop the question?
“There was no formal proposal,” Camille said. “We found a house that we wanted to buy and decided it was time to get married.”
What continues to reinforce your marriage?
The couple responded, saying talking to each other may seem basic for many. However, chatting about even the most mundane things helps keep their relationship strong. They have been married for 14 years.
Joy and William Lee
Can you fill us in on your engagement story?
Joy Lee explained that William, her husband of 20 years, proposed to her intimately. “It was just the two of us, exactly as we had always wanted. [It was] simple and heartfelt, without any grand gestures.”
What makes your marriage firm and unbreakable?
She explained that through putting Christ at the center of their marriage and family, their relationship becomes stronger. “Respect for each other and open communication [are also factors],” Joy added.
Denise and Jaivic Lim
How did you propose to your spouse?
Denise said they went straight to the wedding proper. “We never had a formal proposal. After seven years of dating, we went to the Feng Sui Master and he picked the date for us–11/11/01.”
What strengthens your marriage to this day?
She answered, “Our faith in God fortified our marriage. Loving one another unconditionally is next.” Denise and Jaivic have been married for 23 years.
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Keri and Francis Zamora
How did you get engaged?
Keri and Francis Zamora had a very straightforward proposal story. “We were both very young,” she mused. “He just asked me if I wanted to get married and I said okay.”
What habits or practices sustain your marriage?
Keri replied that respect, love, and having faith in God are factors that make their marriage secure. Keri and Francis have been married for 23 years.
Dinggay and Bryan Villanueva
Can you narrate your engagement story?
Dinggay Villanueva said that her then-boyfriend, Bryan, flew in from San Francisco where he was working and only intended to stay two nights. “[That was] enough time to propose and see my parents and our friends. His flight got delayed so he just flew in to propose over dinner at the Prince Albert in Intercon. After he proposed, we met up with our friends. The next day, he saw my parents in the afternoon before he went back to San Francisco. A for effort!”
What solidifies your marriage?
“We are thoroughly committed to doing whatever it takes to make it fulfilling for both of us,” she replied. “We really try to humor each other, hear each other out, and not invalidate our feelings. As hard as it is, we try not to think the worst of each other.” They have been husband and wife for 25 years.
Jody and Richie Lim
What was your spouse’s approach when he proposed to you?
Jody and Richie Lim dated since they were in college, so plans of getting married had been on the table. When they graduated, there was no romantic gesture or grand proposal. “The promise we made to each other was enough for me,” Jody said.
What aspects of your relationship help maintain its strength?
“We’ve been married for 25 years,” she said. “One of the things that strengthens our marriage is the unconditional love we have for each other. We keep our commitment through each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We understand each other and don’t hold each other to unrealistic expectations.”
Ylaine and Peter Co
How did you ask your spouse to marry you?
Peter Co answered that he proposed during one of their dates in a bar, although his wife, Ylaine, cannot remember which one.
What elements contribute to the ongoing strength of your marriage?
“Faith and commitment,” said Peter in a curt yet reassuring way. He and Ylaine have been married for 26 years.
Banner photo from Rafe Tontengco.
