A man from Quezon City rejoiced as his girlfriend said “yes” to his wedding proposal during the concert of K-pop girl group TWICE at the Philippine Arena in the province of Bulacan on Sunday, Oct. 1.
In an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin, the young couple from Quezon City shared their proposal story during the concert of TWICE, one of the hottest K-Pop groups.
The love story of Gelo Fontanilla and Charlene "Cha" Valderama started in 2012 when Cha relocated from Bulacan to Quezon City. She and her family lived in a house situated in front of a basketball court, the place where Gelo and his friends had been playing since their childhood days.
In 2014, Cha, who was playing with her nephew in front of their house, became the subject of inappropriate remarks of a group of men playing at the court.
Noticing the situation, Gelo decided to connect with her on Facebook expressing his concern about the catcalling she had received from the boys.
As their communication continued, their relationship grew stronger and deeper, eventually prompting Gelo to court her.
“This may sound cliche but I found her really comfortable to be with. During the early stages of our relationship pa lang, I was sure about her na. With her, I found my oasis,” Gelo said.
“From then until now, he always gives me assurance and I always feel safe kapag kasama ko s'ya and that's what I really love about him. So I can say na nung una pa lang I have found my Mr. Right and My Greatest Love,” Cha said.
According to Gelo, he started to listen to K-pop songs around 2016 or 2017, until one day, Cha introduced to him the K-pop group TWICE.
In March 2023, the couple attended the “Born Pink” concert by K-pop group Blackpink that was held in Philippine Arena.
Gelo said that he had fun during the concert especially since he was with Cha. He promised to himself that he would propose to his girlfriend.
“Pag ang BlackPink nag encore dito sa Pinas, I will propose to my girlfriend na (If BlackPink does an encore here in the Philippines, I will propose to my girlfriend)," he said.
The opportunity presented itself when they learned that his favorite K-pop group would be holding a concert in the country.
“Then came the news that TWICE will hold their own concert. One thing I knew for sure, I had to do it there,” he said.
Behind the Proposal
Gelo explained that when the opening of ticket sales was announced, they became worried because they didn't have enough money to buy VIP tickets at that time, prompting them to settle for Upper Box seats just to attend the concert.
A stroke of luck happened to the couple when Gelo was able to purchase two VIP tickets for that concert.
"Parang bigla na lang sinabi ni God na, you will get what you've always dreamed of," he said.
He revealed that he had already set in his mind that they will attend the concert in the VIP section to have the best chance for them to get noticed by the group whom he hoped could also help him propose to his girlfriend.
Gelo said that he had a banner that is written in Hangul "트와이스. 내 여자친구에게 프로포즈하게 도와줘요. 고마워요." which means "TWICE, please help me propose to my girlfriend. Thank You!"
He also contacted one of Cha's friends and told them to attend the concert because he wanted them to witness his proposal.
During the concert, Dahyun, one of the members of K-pop group, saw the banner and thought that he was proposing to TWICE.
"Dahyun held out her arm, like apparently asking me to 'put a ring on it'," Gelo said.
"Hindi man kami napansin ng TWICE, pero I still got the proposal done in front of thousands of my co-fans (Even if TWICE didn't noticed us, I still managed to get the proposal done in front of thousands of my fellow fans)," he added.
Cha, who got ecstatic and surprised by the proposal, said she was still surprised by her boyfriend's proposal because Gelo was not the type person who keeps surprises.
"He always gets excited and naii-spoil niya 'yung mga gusto niyang gawing mga surprise sakin (He always gets excited and ends up spoiling the surprises he wants to do for me)," she said.
Cha thought that Gelo was into something when he prohibited her from opening his phone and bag.
"So my thoughts was that meron siyang gagawin na something," Cha said.
On the day of the concert, she had hints but she never expected that it was a marriage proposal.
"So when he kneeled and brought out the ring, I was really surprised," she said.
She also expressed her shock and was very happy at the same time.
"Is this really happening?," Cha said.
Asked what is his message to his fiancée, Gelo expressed his gratitude to her for believing in him through the years.
"Thank you for believing that this day will come. We've been together for nine years and you never had doubts that I will ask for your hand," Gelo said.
"Thank you for being supportive about my fanboy moments. After all, you were the one who introduced me to TWICE. HAHAHA!," he jokingly added.
"We still have a long journey together. The goal is to grow old together. I promise to be by your side throughout this journey called life. You are my dream and my reality. I love you so much and I always will. You are the answer to the question, 'What is love?'," he added.
Cha also expressed her love and support to Gelo as a K-pop fan.
"Matagal man ang inabot ang mahalaga tayo pa din ang endgame. You are a big part of my life and I am so grateful kay Lord na He gave me you (No matter how long it took, what matters is that we're still each other's endgame. You are a significant part of my life, and I am so grateful to the Lord for bringing you into it)," she said.
"We have been through a lot and whatever happens in the future I am glad that I'll get to do everything with you. I love you always and I am really happy that I can spend my everyday with you," Cha added.
Cha answered Gelo's question "What is love?"
"I love you and the answer will always be 'Yes or Yes,'" she replied.