We've arrived in Tagaytay. I made a reservation for two at The Teahouse at Qi Wellness Living to celebrate our 8th anniversary. I also ordered food in advance, so it will be ready when we arrive.
"Dito tayo kakain Love?" He asked while holding the car door.
"Umhm, thank you," I said slowly, not to bump my head. "Why?"
"Wala, balak ko sanang dalhin ka rito, pero naunahan mo ako." He smiled.
"Talaga? Hmm... Pasensya na, mabagal ka kasi." Then I flipped my hair and walked away, teasing him with a smirk.
Narinig ko siyang tumawa. Iyan ang dahilan kung bakit mahal ko ang lalaking ito; kahit anong kalokohan ang gawin ko sa harap niya, natutuwa siya, at hindi ako natatakot na huhusgahan niya ako. Hinintay ko siyang maabutan ako para sabay kaming pumasok, iniabot ko ang kamay ko para hawakan niya, at pagkahawak niya ay pinagsalikop niya ang mga daliri namin. Pagkatapos, nauna na siyang maglakad.
"Good afternoon, sir and ma'am," said the security guard to us.
"Good afternoon, too, Manong Guard," I replied, then turned to the woman beside him. "Is the table I reserved for two ready?" I asked.
"What's the name again, ma'am?"
"Valerie Andrada."
"This way, ma'am," she said, pointing the way.
I was surprised to see the table wasn't just set for a simple dinner. Instead of the expected plain setting, a warm, romantic ambiance had been carefully crafted. Several flickering votive candles, their soft light casting a gentle glow on the polished wood, were scattered across the crisp white tablecloth. The centerpiece was a small, exquisitely arranged bouquet of a dozen deep crimson roses, their velvety petals unfurling like whispered secrets. They weren't simply tossed together; the roses were artfully arranged in a spiral, creating a visually stunning effect. Their rich crimson color popped against the white tablecloth, a vibrant splash of color that drew the eye. The roses' intense fragrance mingled subtly with the delicate scent of the candles, creating an intoxicating aroma that filled the air. It wasn't just a table; it was a carefully composed scene, a testament to thoughtfulness and romantic intention. The unexpected flowers transformed the ordinary into something truly special and memorable.
"Miss, aren't you pointing to the wrong table?" I asked, confused.
"No, ma'am."
"But as far as I remember, I only requested candles in my call," I explained.
"Yes, ma'am, but sir added the flowers for you," the woman explained.
Then I looked at him; he was holding a chair and approached me.
"How did you know my plan?" I asked, sitting down.
"I told you, love, you can't hide anything from me," he said, holding out the flowers. "Happy 8th anniversary, love." He greeted me and then kissed me.
"Happy 8th anniversary, too, love."
After he greeted me and gave me the flowers, he sat down. Minutes later, our food arrived, a feast for the eyes and palate. First, the LA ZI JI: glistening pieces of succulent chicken, richly coated in a deep red-brown sauce, the aroma of doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste) a tantalizing promise of the fiery yet savory flavor within. Served alongside fluffy, fragrant rice, it was a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Next came the Duo of Pig's Ear Salad - a surprising delight. The terrine, smooth and delicately seasoned, contrasted beautifully with the satisfying crunch of the crispy pig's ears. The subtle sweetness and savory notes danced on the tongue.
The 'RIB' was a masterpiece of culinary artistry: a tender, fall-off-the-bone pork rib, glistening with a rich, dark red-braised sauce, the fermented black bean relish adding a complex depth of flavor. The accompanying pickles provided a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pork, and the crispy rice added a delightful textural element.
For dessert, the CASSATA was a dream: layers of moist almond sponge cake, intensely decadent dark chocolate, and creamy cassata filling, all topped with a scoop of refreshing tres leches ice cream. The White Chocolate and Mango Pudding was equally delightful - a light and refreshing end to the meal. The delicate floral notes of the chrysanthemum and the satisfying chew of the tapioca pearls perfectly complemented the subtle sweetness of the mango and the creamy white chocolate. Each bite was a burst of tropical sunshine.
"Here's your order, madam."
"Thank you." I smiled at them.
We enjoyed the evening, savoring our meal and discussing how our relationship began.
"Honey, there's something I wanted to give you. It's a little something I got for our anniversary." Sabi ko sa kaniya sabay abot ng regalo ko sa kaniya. "Here open it."
"What's in here?" He asked while wiping his mouth with the tablecloth and then opening my gift. "HMMM..!! Love," he looked at me.
"Why? You don't like it?" I asked nervously.
"N-no, I-I mean I don't like it 'cause I love it, Love." He smiled with teary eyes.
I gave him a monogram necklace with his name engraved on it. I carefully unclasp the delicate necklace, the fine silver chain glinting faintly in the dim light. My fingers, trembling slightly, trace the intricate pendant - a one peso coin size and his name
"EARL" on it - before gently lifting it towards his neck.
"It's… It's more than just a gift, Honey. It's… a small token of my love, a reminder of all the precious moments we've shared, and all the wonderful memories we'll make together. May I…?"
Tears shimmered in my eyes as I leaned in, the cool silver chain a whisper against his skin. My fingers lingered on his neck as I fastened the locket, the contrast of the cool metal against his warmth a tangible expression of my love. Jacob closed his eyes, feeling the weight of that love more deeply than the necklace itself.
"It's beautiful, Love," he whispered, his fingers lightly tracing my cheek. "Just like you. Thank you. And... before I forget, I have something for you as well."
He gave me a crafted design card, and I'm so touched by his effort. Inside the card, there is a long poetic message for me.
"Dear Valerie,
Valerie, this evening when we celebrate our 8th anniversary here at a fancy restaurant in Tagaytay, " I read aloud where he could hear, "It feels like a dream, a vibrant tapestry of perfection, a moment I never wish to end." Do you recall the night our destinies entwined? You found me, a soul adrift, casting stones upon the shore, "I smiled, "a silent plea against the tide. Yet in your gaze, a kindness bloomed, a spark ignited, a magic born that time cannot dim.
Since then, our laughter has echoed through sun-drenched days and starlit nights, adventures painted across the canvas of our lives, quiet moments whispering contentment. Remember Siargao's embrace, the sun's warm kiss upon your skin as we danced with the waves? Or the Banaue terraces, a labyrinth of emeralds, leading us to a hidden waterfall, a sunset that stole our breath? Each shared experience is a radiant jewel, adorning the crown of our love.
Through storms that tested our resolve, through sun-drenched meadows of joy, our love has been the unwavering North Star, guiding us home. You, my dearest, are my solace, my confidante, my heart's most faithful song. Your laughter, a melody that fills my soul, your challenges, a sculptor's hand shaping me into a better man, your love, a boundless ocean where my spirit finds its peace. For this unwavering devotion, my gratitude knows no bounds.
With all my love, always and forever,
Magnus."
I looked unto him, kneeling, holding a red velvet box and inside of it a ring that had a twisted design of the band, along with the branch details on each side, symbolizing the connection and growth in life, while the round rubies on the branches signify the intensity and preciousness of love. Then it beautifully combines the romance of the camellia with the brilliance of diamonds, symbolizing pure, beautiful, and sincere love in life. That's why they called it the ring "Carmella Heart." The elegance and vitality of the camellia flower symbolize the beauty and sincerity of love. The central round diamond, held by three prongs, sits at the heart of the camellia flower, representing love blossoming in the heart, and the three layers of petals, adorned with diamonds, reflect the flower's message of love and hope.
"Valerie, my love." Then he held my hand. "This dream, this incredible, beautiful dream we've built together, wouldn't be complete without you. It wouldn't even be a dream, but a stark, empty reality." He took a deep breath before he could continue again, "I've been pondering this for quite some time, so, my dearest Valerie, with every fiber of my being, I ask you… Will you make this dream a reality with me? Will you be my wife? Will you promise to spend forever with me, sharing every sunrise and sunset, every adventure and quiet moment, hand in hand?"
"Y-yes, yes, Magnus Earl Davis Chavez, I do."