Just a small town boy, born and raised in the Philippines. He took a plane going to Hawaii. Just a city girl, born in the Philippines, raised in Hong Kong. She took a plane going to Hawaii. They met in the week of orientation just outside of the cafeteria. He was with a bunch of freshmen figuring out how to get to Foodland. She was a returning student so she knew the way. So he followed her. It would be really nice to say that there was a spark but, alas, there was none. After their initial meeting, he forgot her, she forgot him. They met again during one of their batches' potlucks. There he learned she was a TESOL student. After being advised by his professor to ask help from TESOL students, he asked her to help him with his essays. So they met. Once a week. First their meetings went from "hi" - work-on-essay - "bye" to work-on-essay and 2 hours of laughter and conversation. She realized how different their world was. He realized they were the complete opposite. But you know what they say: "Opposites attract." Somehow through all odds, there was a spark and ignited.

It look 4 months for Jen to agree to dating. It took another 1 year and 7 months for X to propose. After learning about Jen's love for fine dining and Italian cuisine, X asked help from their close friend, Dong Ho, who is a great chef, to cook a course meal for them. So, on a fine Saturday afternoon, they headed to Dong Ho's apartment to what Jen thought was just a nice dinner with friends. Little did she know a couple of their other friends were scrambling in Hyrum and Jade's apartment to get the decorations ready for the proposal. After dinner and a couple minutes of stalling, finally they headed for their friend's apartment. The apartment was dimly lighted. Rose petals on the floor surrounded by tealights in glass mason jars. They slow danced to a couple of their favorite songs. They exchanged a few words and X got down on one knee. And of course Jen said yes. Then, their friends jumped out from hiding with a banner saying "Will you marry me?" a couple minutes too late. It was a small intimate proposal but Jen wouldn't have had it any other way. P.S. click on the Photos tab to see the story unfold!