Emily's best friend, Manilyn and her boyfriend, now husband, Sua invited her to this one popular bar in Long Beach called "Mai Tai" for a happy hour treat. Little did she know she will meet Donnie (Sua's best friend) that night.

Emily & Donnie reached their comfort level and started hanging out secretly without their friends and they would go to a happy hour at TGIF, a casual lunch at Jollibee, a fancy dinner at the Stinking Rose, or late night grub at Guppies. They even started going to church together.

One Sunday afternoon, Emily attended a 5:30 pm mass at Holy Family Catholic church by herself. After the mass, she randomly received a Facebook message from Donnie whom she hasn't spoken to in about 5 years since their falling out. The two quickly reconnected as friends for a whole year before they became a couple.

After months of prepping for this romantic proposal, Donnie popped the question on March 12, 2022 in front of their friends and family.

now & forever