And they lived happily ever after...
Our story started on April 7, 2000. A new chapter unfolded on January 1, 2010. Forever began on June 11, 2011.
His..
Natasha and I have known each other since we were little kids. We were in our first wedding together in 1987 (Tita Marissa’s wedding) as a flower girl and a bible / ring bearer at ages 5 (Natasha) and 7 (Matthew). Growing up, we were always teased about being paired up. At every party we were at (usually at Imperial Palace in Cerritos), we would be FORCED to take pictures with each other as every one ooooh’d, ahhhhh’d and embarrassed us.During this time I grew to dislike that goofy looking girl named Natasha Burgos. Then we were paired up again as a junior bridesmaid and junior groomsman at Tito Glenn’s wedding in 1991 at ages 9 (Natasha) and 11 (Matthew).
After a long period of not seeing each other, we ran into each other at Lola Siony’s 70th Birthday in 1999. I was only at the party for a short time (I had a hot date that night), I said hi to my uncles and aunts, ate a little bit, then left. After I had left, she told her dad that she wanted me for her partner in her Debut (18th birthday party). Our families hadn’t seen each other in quite some time, and her dad asked my uncle to be in her Debut, thinking that he was me. The next day my uncle called me and said that he was going to be in her debut, and that she had asked me to be in it as well. I was going to say no, but my uncle was saying that he was going to be in it, so I said yes. Imagine my surprise when I get to the first practice and I don’t see him there, and I find out that he was invited by mistake AND that I was going to be her partner. After the second practice I was going to make up an excuse to why I couldn’t be in her party, but two guys had already said they couldn’t do it anymore, and I felt bad and decided to stick it through.
One weekend, I was ditched by a friend and had nothing to do that night. I felt a little bad that I didn’t know this girl, so I asked if she wanted to hang out that night. We ended up at Long Beach Town Center, we watched Hurricane, and walked around and got to know each other. It was surprisingly fun. After that we started to hang out more and more.
Finally on April 7, 2000, I asked her to be my girlfriend. Since then, it’s been quite an adventure being with her. Through the good times and the bad, the many desserts, busy weekends, family parties, and domesticated days, we’ve managed to not kill each other and actually still like each other.
After a long period of not seeing each other, we ran into each other at Lola Siony’s 70th Birthday in 1999. I was only at the party for a short time (I had a hot date that night), I said hi to my uncles and aunts, ate a little bit, then left. After I had left, she told her dad that she wanted me for her partner in her Debut (18th birthday party). Our families hadn’t seen each other in quite some time, and her dad asked my uncle to be in her Debut, thinking that he was me. The next day my uncle called me and said that he was going to be in her debut, and that she had asked me to be in it as well. I was going to say no, but my uncle was saying that he was going to be in it, so I said yes. Imagine my surprise when I get to the first practice and I don’t see him there, and I find out that he was invited by mistake AND that I was going to be her partner. After the second practice I was going to make up an excuse to why I couldn’t be in her party, but two guys had already said they couldn’t do it anymore, and I felt bad and decided to stick it through.
One weekend, I was ditched by a friend and had nothing to do that night. I felt a little bad that I didn’t know this girl, so I asked if she wanted to hang out that night. We ended up at Long Beach Town Center, we watched Hurricane, and walked around and got to know each other. It was surprisingly fun. After that we started to hang out more and more.
Finally on April 7, 2000, I asked her to be my girlfriend. Since then, it’s been quite an adventure being with her. Through the good times and the bad, the many desserts, busy weekends, family parties, and domesticated days, we’ve managed to not kill each other and actually still like each other.
Hers...
I have known Matthew since I was a little kid. I remember the first time I met him was at my aunt, Tita Marissa’s wedding. I was about 5 and he was 7. I was a flower girl and Matthew was the ring bearer. A few years later, we were paired up again as junior bridesmaid and junior groomsmen at Tito Glenn’s wedding, I was about 9 and he was 11. Pictures would be taken as everyone would “ooooh and awww” and I’d be so embarrassed, especially because I thought this little boy was cute. Yes, I had a crush on him.
We’d see each other a few times a year at family parties but would never talk to each other, we’d actually prevent ourselves from seeing one another.But each time never fails we’d be forced to take a picture. I’d be hiding in the corner but they’d still manage to find me. All I’d hear was “Matthew! Sasha! Time for a picture!” We’d just take the picture, without a glance at each other nor speaking to one another. I’d look forward to see him at the parties but dreaded that I’d have to take a picture with him. I remember I went to his 16th birthday at his house and brought together to take a picture and I thought in my head, “I’m sure this dude has a girlfriend, she’s probably here, I hope she doesn’t kick my ass.”
At Nanay Siony’s 70th birthday bash, I thought to myself this is the time I will make an effort to get to know this boy they’ve been making fun of me with since I was small. I remember seeing him while our parents went to greet one another and I was feeling confident, that now we’re a little older maybe we can be friends and get to know each other. And may I add, I looked HOT that night. I was confident! But later that night, I saw that he left early. He probably couldn’t take such hotness. At that time I was deciding whether or not I wanted to have a debut, an 18th birthday party. But that night I told my parents I wanted one and I wanted Matthew Timbol to be my escort. I was going to get him. ;)
He came to my first debut practice LATE. We talked a bit, definitely more than usual. By my second practice, I’m sure he thought I was just so amazing he asked me out. He was late to pick me up, but we went to Long Beach Town Center. We talked for a long time and really got to know each other. We saw the movie, “The Hurricane” where he bought HIMSELF a Dr. Pepper. But at this point, I really liked him. We began hanging out every week after practice, calling each other after class, emailing and chatting everyday (PNoy and Smyle4Sha) and a few months later on April 7, 2000 he asked me to be his girlfriend before he left for a family trip.
It’s been a crazy adventure with lots of ups and downs, topsies and turvies, but am lucky to have found someone that while growing as a couple I was able to grow as an individual. Not a lot of people can say that. We’ve had some of the best moments together that I treasure close to my heart. But it’s definitely been a journey, a surprising one that we haven’t ripped each other’s eyeballs out yet. We’ve still managed to like one another, even love each other, most of the time. I think my plan of getting him with my debut worked a little too well….
We’d see each other a few times a year at family parties but would never talk to each other, we’d actually prevent ourselves from seeing one another.But each time never fails we’d be forced to take a picture. I’d be hiding in the corner but they’d still manage to find me. All I’d hear was “Matthew! Sasha! Time for a picture!” We’d just take the picture, without a glance at each other nor speaking to one another. I’d look forward to see him at the parties but dreaded that I’d have to take a picture with him. I remember I went to his 16th birthday at his house and brought together to take a picture and I thought in my head, “I’m sure this dude has a girlfriend, she’s probably here, I hope she doesn’t kick my ass.”
At Nanay Siony’s 70th birthday bash, I thought to myself this is the time I will make an effort to get to know this boy they’ve been making fun of me with since I was small. I remember seeing him while our parents went to greet one another and I was feeling confident, that now we’re a little older maybe we can be friends and get to know each other. And may I add, I looked HOT that night. I was confident! But later that night, I saw that he left early. He probably couldn’t take such hotness. At that time I was deciding whether or not I wanted to have a debut, an 18th birthday party. But that night I told my parents I wanted one and I wanted Matthew Timbol to be my escort. I was going to get him. ;)
He came to my first debut practice LATE. We talked a bit, definitely more than usual. By my second practice, I’m sure he thought I was just so amazing he asked me out. He was late to pick me up, but we went to Long Beach Town Center. We talked for a long time and really got to know each other. We saw the movie, “The Hurricane” where he bought HIMSELF a Dr. Pepper. But at this point, I really liked him. We began hanging out every week after practice, calling each other after class, emailing and chatting everyday (PNoy and Smyle4Sha) and a few months later on April 7, 2000 he asked me to be his girlfriend before he left for a family trip.
It’s been a crazy adventure with lots of ups and downs, topsies and turvies, but am lucky to have found someone that while growing as a couple I was able to grow as an individual. Not a lot of people can say that. We’ve had some of the best moments together that I treasure close to my heart. But it’s definitely been a journey, a surprising one that we haven’t ripped each other’s eyeballs out yet. We’ve still managed to like one another, even love each other, most of the time. I think my plan of getting him with my debut worked a little too well….
The Proposal
Will you marry me?
On January 1, 2010 Natasha woke up to Matthew telling her that he had a surprise for her that day. Because the holidays were so busy, they were unable to take Christmas pictures they usually take every year. Therefore, he told her that they would take New Years pictures instead. Natasha was so excited! When she finished getting ready for the day, she asked him where they were going to take them. He said they'd take it at Disneyland, as they have annual passes. Natasha was not to fond of this idea as they had a full day ahead with plans they've already made. They were to go to his aunt's house to have New Years lunch with his family and then an early dinner with her family. She asked if they can just take the pictures tomorrow, but Matthew insisted they go that day. At this point, Natasha was upset and did not understand why he was so eager to go that day. But it was something Matthew wanted to do for her, so she agreed. But not without a fight. On the way to Disneyland, they were arguing. Natasha did not want to feel rushed or pressured with time on the first day of the year. Matthew threatened to turn around, angry that he wanted to do something nice for her but she would just not let that happen. When they arrive to Disneyland, Natasha apologized to him in the car, thanked him, and was going to make the most of the short time she was going to have with him at Disneyland.
They enter the park and walked towards the castle. It was not only until now that Matthew began to feel nervous and felt the butterflies in his stomach. They found a Disneyland photographer to take a picture of them and they smiled big, as Natasha thought this was going to be their New Year's picture. But it sure was more than that. Matthew then took her to the side of the castle and sat her down to take a look at the pictures of them that were just taken. After taking a few more snapshots in front of the castle, he then held her and shared a 2010 resolution that already brought Natasha close to tears. It was beautiful day, they were in front of the pretty castle, and his words were just the icing on the cake. She then joked that it seemed like he was going to propose and laughed it off as they both stood up ready to leave. Matthew then said, "But wait, there's one more thing" and revealed a box and in it was the most beautiful ring Natasha had ever seen and she began to lose her breath and started to cry. With loving and unforgettable words, Matthew proposed. They both knew they could not imagine spending the rest of their lives with anyone else but the person in front of them. Natasha looked straight at the man who she very much loved and knew he loved her the same and on that magical day said...
"YES!!!!!!!!!!"
On January 1, 2010 Natasha woke up to Matthew telling her that he had a surprise for her that day. Because the holidays were so busy, they were unable to take Christmas pictures they usually take every year. Therefore, he told her that they would take New Years pictures instead. Natasha was so excited! When she finished getting ready for the day, she asked him where they were going to take them. He said they'd take it at Disneyland, as they have annual passes. Natasha was not to fond of this idea as they had a full day ahead with plans they've already made. They were to go to his aunt's house to have New Years lunch with his family and then an early dinner with her family. She asked if they can just take the pictures tomorrow, but Matthew insisted they go that day. At this point, Natasha was upset and did not understand why he was so eager to go that day. But it was something Matthew wanted to do for her, so she agreed. But not without a fight. On the way to Disneyland, they were arguing. Natasha did not want to feel rushed or pressured with time on the first day of the year. Matthew threatened to turn around, angry that he wanted to do something nice for her but she would just not let that happen. When they arrive to Disneyland, Natasha apologized to him in the car, thanked him, and was going to make the most of the short time she was going to have with him at Disneyland.
They enter the park and walked towards the castle. It was not only until now that Matthew began to feel nervous and felt the butterflies in his stomach. They found a Disneyland photographer to take a picture of them and they smiled big, as Natasha thought this was going to be their New Year's picture. But it sure was more than that. Matthew then took her to the side of the castle and sat her down to take a look at the pictures of them that were just taken. After taking a few more snapshots in front of the castle, he then held her and shared a 2010 resolution that already brought Natasha close to tears. It was beautiful day, they were in front of the pretty castle, and his words were just the icing on the cake. She then joked that it seemed like he was going to propose and laughed it off as they both stood up ready to leave. Matthew then said, "But wait, there's one more thing" and revealed a box and in it was the most beautiful ring Natasha had ever seen and she began to lose her breath and started to cry. With loving and unforgettable words, Matthew proposed. They both knew they could not imagine spending the rest of their lives with anyone else but the person in front of them. Natasha looked straight at the man who she very much loved and knew he loved her the same and on that magical day said...
"YES!!!!!!!!!!"