Online seller Rienz Crystal Reyes was wrapping up her livestream when an unexpected guest popped up -- her boyfriend, down on one knee, asking her to marry him. She said yes and the Facebook video is now viral.
From celebrities like Ellen Adarna and Derek Ramsay to locked down couples who are gritting it out during the pandemic, Filipinos' love for romance transcends the most uncertain of times. The declarations of love and forever also provide spurts of kilig to news feeds that are otherwise filled with death and despair.
With a proper manbun (barbershops are closed) and in his pambahay or house clothes, Josephous Ramas's proposal is fit for the new normal, where there is no shortage of creativity.
"Kaya po ako nag propose sa live selling online kasi po matagal ko na po talaga gustong mag propose sa kanya kaso dahil sa business at pandemic hindi ko ma-push yung proposal," Ramas told reportr.
In the livestream, Viernes modeled dresses and fitted pants waiting for viewers to reserve the items with a "mine" comment. Ramas snuck behind her with a ring and a black forest cake.
"Engaged na ang tindera niyo!" Viernes said after saying "yes" to Ramas.
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They lost their jobs to COVID
Ramas, who has been in a seven-year relationship with Viernes, said they have been apart for most of their relationship and lost both of their jobs during the pandemic.
Two days before the viral April 5 proposal, Ramas said he and his girlfriend figured in a minor motorcycle accident which he took as a sign that life is too short to prolong asking Viernes to spend forever with him.
"Kaya naman nung pinu-push nang fiance ko yung live selling, doon na ako nag-push na mag-propose sa tulong ng mommy niya at kapatid," he said.
Ramas added that he even asked their friends and families to watch the live selling event to witness the proposal too given the physical limitations due to the pandemic.
"Nag-chat na ako sa mga kaibigan ko at mama't kapatid ko na manuod sila ng live selling ni mahal. Kaya doon po ako nag propose kahit wala kami sa magandang lugar dahil lockdown po eh," he said.
For now, Ramas said they have yet to discuss their wedding plans since their focus is to make money with their live selling business.
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