WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR, HE OPENS THE AIRPORT

February this year, I lost a job. The morning show I worked at - UKG - reformatted, and I was no longer part of it. I went through an existential crisis. At 31 years of age, I had another "quarter life crisis". Questioning whether I am in the right line of work, what my purpose is in life, if this is the job I am really meant to do, and if I even have a place in it anymore. That self-doubt people go through when crisis strikes.

As the weeks passed, and after many talks with my family and friends and management, I was at peace with my situation. I accepted it, realized that this happens to everyone (no exceptions), and instead I looked forward to doing other things I've always wanted to do and pursue other dreams I've always wanted to pursue but had no time to.

1. I've always said that since I started working in 3rd year college, I have never had a vacation longer than 10 days.. but have always wanted to.

2. I've always dreamed of taking my Masters (In college I was convinced I would go to film school after graduation) but since I am blessed to have work I love doing already, I know that being away for 2 years isn't possible for now.. but I still have always wanted to.

3. I love traveling and really save up and set aside money for travel and take the chance to leave every time I have free time. 

Putting all that together, I consulted my loved ones and I decided to:

1. Finally take that 2 1/2 week vacation I have been longing for. I decided to go to London because my sister lives there. Aside from it being an amazing city, going somewhere where you can stay with family is huge savings because you don't have to pay for lodging.

Me, my sister Aissa, and Timmy Bear

2. Finally "study abroad" by taking two short courses. It is by no means a real "degree" but if all I have is a few days of learning a different point of view and getting out of my comfort zone, then I will take it. I took up a 5 day course on Data Visualisation in Central Saint Martins and a 3 day course on Lifestyle Journalism in London School of Journalism.

Taken on the first day of my class at CSM

3. Make the most out of my trip and take mini trips with my sister within my trip. We decided on Stratford Upon Avon just an hour away from London, and Edinburgh in Scotland, 4.5 hours away from London by train.

Sisters adventure in Edinburgh

So I fixed all my documents, fixed all my work schedules that had to be moved and asked permission from work I would be leaving, and set my trip for March 20 til April 6. My longest vacation (well, half study trip, half leisure trip) ever. 

Little did I know that before my 6AM flight on March 20, the biggest surprise of my life has been planned and was about to be revealed to me. 

#theproposal

It was a jampacked 17 days. Within the 17 days, I attended 2 short courses, took 2 out of town trips, saw 2 concerts, 1 musical, and 1 improv night, had a fitting session for a bridal gown, went to every spot in London I wanted to see, had dinner out with friends more 10 times, and took 3 travel tumbling shots. It wasn't a "rest" trip at all! It was an action packed, trip full of new adventures with amazing new learnings I will bring with me for life. And at the end of it all, I had what would be the start of a beautiful future to be planned waiting for me. 

My handsome sundo at the airport

Life is not just what happens to you, it is what you make of it. 

So really. When God closes a door, He not only opens a window.. He opens the airport and the world to you. When a door closes, it is your choice whether to be defeated by it or to take charge of the situation and make it work for you. 

And the most important lesson I've learned.. no matter how much you plan your life according to what you think will make you fulfilled and happy, God has plans for you that are far better than anything you can ever dream of. 

#JCANDB

There are so many family members, friends, and NAIA Terminal 2 staff I am so thankful to for coming together (at 4 in the morning!) and making the most magical day of my life possible. But most of all, I am thankful to my fiancé JC (aaaah, fiancé!!!!) for being so amazing. I thought I knew him well after 3 years of being together, but I guess this goes to show that he can and will be pulling surprises out of his sleeves for the rest of our lives. I am really the luckiest girl in the world.

I would like to share with you two very personal videos sent to me by our good friend Mikaela Martinez, who was right there beside me that morning.

I felt something was up, but I had NO idea what was in store for me. Until, this moment:

I saw behind me my closest friends and JC's closest friends, JC's family (and apparently my family being updated every second via a Whatsapp chatgroup) at 5 in the morning, all also with a rose each. I could not stop the tears streaming down my face.

Sorry for the bitin video, the clip really ended there and Mikaela started taking photos. Thank you for this, Miks! 

JC and I are really both very private people and aside from the occasional Twitter or Instagram post about what we do or when we travel, we really don't share much about ourselves except to family and friends. Until now, I still really have no idea why JC chose to propose the way he did, but I don't really want to question it anymore because I just really feel lucky and blessed!!!!

What I can share and would like to share, that maybe other couples may be able to relate to, is a few things JC said when he was standing in front of me in the middle of the airport.

Just like in the movies, really. Photo by Mark Intal

He said, "Last night, you asked me how much I love you and I just said a lot. But, this," he looks around, and says, "this is my answer."

He added, "I love that you aren't perfect, and I've come to love your imperfections." 

This means the world to me. When we girls are single or in the start of a relationship, there is always this pressure to look somewhat perfect, to act somewhat perfect, to avoid mistakes, to avoid screwing up, to impress or keep the guy we like or the man we love. But we all know that we can't be perfect. And this man decided to love every imperfection of mine, and I really, really cannot be any luckier.

It was really all a blur at that moment, I just couldn't stop crying! Photo collage by JR Intal

To be honest, until now I cannot stop staring at my ring and when I try to recall that morning, I really cannot believe that happened to me!!!! Thank you Lord for this wonderful man! I keep saying that I must have done something amazing in a past life for me to deserve this.

I've asked the question, "how do you know he is the one?" And I've heard the answer, "you just know it." To be honest, I didn't know it. JC and I have both been in relationships that we thought was for the long run but wasn't. But what I can share is, and this I realized from something my good friend Mariel mentioned to me, is that you know that person is the one when that person loves you the way you have always wanted to be loved. 

This is a photo we took before my boarding call, that we sent to our private barkada chatgroup, and we had no idea our friend Cheska would post it online, so please do excuse me for that face. I was just so happy!!!!

I do wish I had put on lipstick, and I wonder about how agaw-eksena that backpack is, but how would I have known this would happen.. and at 5 in the morning!

Thank you again to every single one of our loved ones and even those who we have never met for the overwhelming love and support you have shown JC and I.

Cheers to new adventures and new chapters!!!!