My story begins on November 15, 1999 . . .

I just resigned from my Japanese employer and that day would be my first day at Sykes Asia Inc. The concept of Call Centers were new at that time and I had no idea what work awaits me back then. I just knew that I would be a Technical Support Engineer (wheeww mukhang bigatin di ba?) J

I normally arrive five minutes before the time but that day was extra special that I said to myself “I’d like to make a good impression by arriving early.” I arrived at 8:15AM expecting to see early birds as well. However, when the elevator door opened no one was there!

As I was about to take my seat, I saw this short-haired pretty lady sitting across the reception area. I thought she was one of the receptionists because she had a very good accent while she was talking on her cell phone. So I decided to take the third seat apart from her. I wanted to ask what time the others are expected to arrive but she was busy talking. Fifteen minutes passed and I was already eavesdropping on her conversation, I’ve noticed the sweetness of her voice. I told myself “ that guy was really lucky” (sigh). I secretly glanced at her and wished she would look at my direction. After ten minutes of waiting, I heard her say “ First day mo rin? “ and I said “ Um, Oo” (feeling shy and pa-cute). So, she’s one of the newbies, I uttered to myself. We talked for a while and learned that her name was Tet. The others soon arrived and I met some of my other colleagues. We were divided into two groups and I was fortunate to be grouped with her.

Two long weeks of activites and “getting-to-know-each-other” programs were given to us. I could say that our group was really closer at that time since we would go out often and make fun of each other. I was still secretly glancing at Tet and wished that we could talk longer. It’s because of her, I look forward going to the office everyday.

We had a two-day training for our soft skills and these were the most incredible days of my life. I finally made my move and tell her what I feel.

On our first day of training, I knew that it would be my chance to profess my love and admiration for her. It’s either I go and tell her or regret for keeping my feelings. I anxiously waited for her to arrive and as I was talking to my teammates, she entered the door (whoa!! I was sweating and fidgeting) and sat down to chat with her friends. One of our teammates, asked me if I could join them. I stood up and sat beside Tet. We were discussing about crushes at that time and when they asked me who’s my crush, with jittering hands I answered, “ si Tetet”. For a moment, there was silence in the room and suddenly they all cheered and teased her. I was blushing and smiling at the same time. I hesitated to look at her because I was scared that she will get mad. Luckily, she just shrugged and said “OK”. YAHOOOOOOO!!!!

The next few days and months were really exciting. I would sit next to her and ask some dumb questions just so I can hear her voice. I would even sneak behind her to smell the perfume she’s wearing. J Every morning I would also fetch her from the ground floor so we can go up together in the elevator.

THE PROPOSAL: February 8, 2000


Every moment with Tet was really fun and I could sat that we compliment each other in so many ways. Crush definitely grew to love.

On the day of February 8, 2000, I asked her if I could bring her home and she agreed. While at the bus, I was so nervous and pre-occupied, thinking on how to propose to her. Should I kneel or stand? Should I give her flowers or love notes?! Grr!!! this is too much!!! HELP!!!!!!

WHAT IF SHE REJECTS ME? So many questions keeps on flashing in my head. Out of nowhere I told her, “ No matter how hard I try to fight my feelings, it just reverts back to the one person I love most”.

We were watching TV at their living room, I told myself “ THIS IS IT, GO FOR IT!”. I summoned all the courage I have as I took her hand and held it close to my heart. I looked at her and said “ Tet, you have always been my inspiration in everything I do. You make me laugh and brighten my day, but most of all you bring out the best in me. Loving you is just so effortless. WILL YOU BE MY GIRLFRIEND? “ She was appalled, I guess, but then I heard her much awaited reply “ YES”. I was overwhelmed and ecstatic to the point of shouting like Tarzan… hehehe J

Two weeks passed and I was still in a daze; I was talking to myself “ I want to give her something that will celebrate that day.” Then, I remembered my father.

February 22, 2000, I invited her to have coffee at Starbucks, Glorietta 4, knowing that this was her favorite hangout. We ordered mocha frappuccino as she begun telling me stories. With only a few sips left, I told her to close her eyes. I took the red and gold box outside my pocket and softly whispered, “ Tet, my dad gave my mom a ring as a symbol of their commitment with each other. I like you to have this ring as a sign of my unending love and commitment to you. Please wear it and remember that you’ll always be in my heart. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH! “ I could see the tears welling in her eyes as she accepted the ring. I was touched and begun to cry as well.

A year after, during our anniversary at Restorante’ Italiano Le Opera, I decided to informally propose to Tet. As I was asking her to be my wife, the band played Besa Me Mucho.

THE PLAN: March 24, 2001

She got an offer for a job in Singapore. I needed to put my plan into action, I can’t afford to lose her!

A few weeks back, I discreetly talked to Ate Joan( Tet’s older sister), to help me with my surprise. Good thing, she was there to support me with my plans.

It was 4:00 PM and the plan is on the green. I called Ate Joan and told her to proceed. So, she told Tet to buy an envelop for her requirements at National Bookstore. Upon knowing that she was out of the house, I rushed to their place and carefully took my props out of the car.

At 6:00PM, Tetet finally arrived. I patiently waited inside her room. I queued Regine’s song “Kailangan ko’y ikaw at Ate Joan’s room. When she entered the front door, I could see the look in her eyes when she saw 4 dozen of white roses scattered on the floor leading to her bedroom. Another dozen of pink roses where placed on her floor and bed, when she saw me standing inside the room she smiled.

I took her hand as we went to her sister’s room. I played our love song “I knew I loved You” as I knelt in front of her. Before I opened the box, the next song filled the room. At first I hummed then I sang a few lines from Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw…

Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw
Dito sa piling ko
Kailangan ko ng madama and pag-ibig mo
Sa bawat oras na di ka nakikita
Para bang kay bigat ng nadarama
O giliw nasan ka
Bakit lumisan ka?
Paano na ang puso kong nagiisa

At the end of the song, she was crying and laughing at the same time. I held her hands while saying “ Tet, swity and besyfren (that’s what we call each other), WILL YOU MARRY ME AND BE MY WIFE?

Will you spend your life and grow old with me? I wanted to spend this lifetime and the next together. I just can’t imagine seeing my life without you in it. You will always complete me. I LOVE YOU more than you’ll ever know.”

With all that flowery words (heheheh) all she muttered was, “ I don’t know.” Oh men! I felt like dying. It took me three times for her to say “I WILL MARRY YOU.” Sulit!!!!!!!!

THE PREPARATION: June 2001

We joined W@W egroup as we plan our upcoming wedding. I’ve asked a feng shui expert for the lucky date and year of our wedding. J

Our church wedding is set on SEPTEMBER 27, 2003 at Christ the King Church, Greenmeadows.