Man proposes marriage near Air Asia plane

Sunday, February 12, 2012

CLARK FREEPORT -- A 32-year-old mountain biker from Quezon City did not let Valentine's Day pass without proposing to his girlfriend near an Airbus A320 aircraft of Air Asia Incorporated Philippines in Clark Sunday.

Patrick Obias, an executive of an ad agency in Manila, did not think twice in surprising his lawyer-girlfriend Caleen Chanyunco, 29, of Marikina City, saying, "I want to spend my whole life with you. Will you marry me?"

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Chanyunco, who shed tears of happiness while Obias was proposing, was quick in saying "Yes" to her boyfriend.

The couple was clad in cycling gear when they entered the venue of the 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival. They also had their mini-reception onboard the Air Asia's newest aircraft.

Obias said it is unique and romantic to propose near aircraft and hot air balloons.

The couple said they will be celebrating their third anniversary this coming July 1.

Chanyunco said she was very happy and excited by her future husband's proposal, which she described as "sweet, serene and romantic".

She said she was surprised when she saw many people and television cameras near the airplane.

Obias sought the assistance of his friend Carlo, an employee of Air Asia Philippines, in arranging the schedule of his marriage proposal.

The couple thanked the airline and had a chance to pose for a picture with Air Asia Philippines chief executive officer Maan Hontiveros after their simple reception.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros announced that Air Asia Philippines has already acquired an airline operator's certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) on Tuesday.

With this, the airline is preparing to fly from Clark International Airport to international destinations in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau.

Hontiveros said they picked Clark as their hub to serve the people, including the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), in Central Luzon and other parts of Luzon and northern parts of Metro Manila.

She said there are more than 18 million people in the area and 30 percent of these are OFWs.

Hontiveros added that the government is fully supporting the plan to make the airport as the country's premier gateway.

She added that it is more convenient for passengers to fly in Clark because it is not yet congested.