After 10 years as a couple, Jerald Napoles and Kim Molina have taken the next major step in their relationship with an engagement at where it all started.
The marriage proposal brought nostalgia to the comedian pair as it took place on August 11 at the (Philippine Educational Theater Association) PETA Theater, where they first met during the 2014 jukebox musical play “Rak of Aegis.”
While proposing, Jerald recalled their first meeting on the same stage a decade ago.
“So, on this stage exactly 10 years ago for the first time, we got to know each other Saudi Girl, Tondo Boy. Nag-duet kaagad tayo nang hindi pa tayo nag-uusap,” he recalled.
Jerald continued, “So, doon tayo nagkakilala [and] this stage given me a lot of things in my life [like] progress, dreams, goals career, name, family, friends, new friends, and of course, a special someone.”
The actor also explained the delays in his proposal plans, sharing that he had intended to propose last year but faced various challenges. “Pasensya na 10 taong pangako hinimok lang siguro ng panahon, marami rin tayong challenges kaya hindi rin matuluy-tuloy,” he said.
His original plan was to propose in Venice on a gondola, but circumstances led him to realize that the PETA stage was the most sincere and fitting place for this important moment in their lives.
“And the final plan was supposedly kung natuloy tayo sa Europe, sa Venice, sa gondola. Pero baka dito talaga kung saan nagmula at mas sincere actually kung dito.”
Jerald then thanked and expressed his deep love for Kim, saying, “Maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat sa pagmamahal na ibinigay mo, maraming salamat sa pagpunta. Maraming salamat sa pagsama sa akin sa 10 taon na tinatanong mo lagi kung bakit kita mahal at hindi ko rin masagot kung ano ba dapat ang mag-isip ng sagot pag tinatanong mo ang tao.”
The actor was on the verge of tears as he continued, “Basta ang alam ko lang mahal kita pag gumigising ako. Mahal kita pag kumakain ako. Mahal kita pag nagdyi-gym ako. Mahal kita pag nasa banyo ako.”
“Mahal kita bago ako matulog, mahal kita sa pagtulog hanggang sa panaginip. Ikaw’ yung nagparamdam sa akin na matagal pa akong naging mag-isa sa buhay. Marami akong kaibigan pero nangangapa ako kung ano ba ang dapat kong gawin kasi nasanay akong mag-isa.”
In a touching moment, Jerald compared their relationship to that of penguins that mate for life, and asked Kim, “So, ito na ‘yun and Kim, you know that you’ve always been may penguin, may favorite animal. Hanggang sa nalaman ko na ang penguin takes a partner forever, so, Kim will you be my penguin and will you marry me?”
Kim, overwhelmed with emotion, jokingly checked the size of the ring before Jerald slipped it onto her finger. The couple embraced and shared a kiss, while those who witnessed the proposal cheered in celebration.
Jerald concluded the evening by thanking everyone present, handing Kim a large bouquet of sunflowers, and expressing his gratitude for their support.
