Screengrab from Chesca Kramer instagram @chekakramer
MANILA, Philippines – The Ninoy Aquino International Airport got a whole new meaning for Bianca Gonzalez and JC Intal than just a mere gateway to their adventures.
The long-time couple got engaged at Terminal 2 of the airport at dawn on Thursday as Intal popped the question to Gonzalez before the TV host left for London for 17 days.
It was only fitting that it happened at an airport, as one look at their Instagram accounts will tell the big role traveling has played in their relationship in the last three years.
“Bianca loves travelling, and I love travelling with her. In a way, the airport was meaningful,” Intal told INQUIRER.net in a phone call Friday.
“So every time we go out of the country, we’ll remember that moment.”
Intal, a forward for the Barako Bull Energy Boosters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), said that he had planned to propose on the car while driving Gonzalez to the airport for her 4 a.m. flight, but ultimately changed his mind. Instead, he ended up dropping on one knee and asking Gonzalez to marry him before hundreds of passengers, bystanders, and airport staff.
“Sobra [‘yung jitters]. It was a surprise for us, because it was uncharacteristic for me. We’re a very private couple. But I just told myself that that I’ll go for it. We still couldn’t believe it,” Intal admitted.
Intal was thankful for his friends who helped with the staff at NAIA and Philippine Airlines. His best friend and fellow PBA star Doug Kramer and wife Chesca were there to witness the proposal.
“My friend helped me talk to the people there, they were game, especially the PAL people. It went really smoothly,” Intal said.
While he was asking the question, they were serenaded by singer Prince Valencia. Gonzalez, who was moved to tears, answered “yes, of course.”
In those 20 minutes that they got before Gonzalez boarded the plane, Intal told his now-fiancee to use her time in London to think about her dream wedding.
But one thing is for sure, it is not going to be an extravagant.
“It’s going to be a small wedding, intimate. That’s what Bianca wants, and that’s what I want as well,” Intal said.
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