MANILA, Philippines - Nurse Eugene Padua conspired with airport policemen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to spring a surprise on his girlfriend, a flight attendant based in Korea, as she arrived at the airport yesterday.
Eugene, 26, approached Lieutenant Joselito Mutya, asking if he and his relatives and friends – as well as five members of the Angono National Band – could meet his girlfriend, Marian Ocampo of Asiana Airlines, at the NAIA arrival area.
Mutya coordinated with action officer of the day Manny Rodriguez, and the two men set up the band at the curbside to make the proposal more romantic, and so that they would not hamper foot traffic at the arrival area.
Upon her arrival, Marian said she was initially surprised and worried when airport policemen approached her and escorted her towards the curbside, where she was met by Eugene and the band playing the song “Swept Away,” popularized by Christopher Cross.
Eugene then knelt on one knee and, offering her a bouquet of fresh flowers and a diamond ring, asked her, “Will you marry me?”
Marian was speechless for a few seconds before answering with a loud “Yes!” A crowd of people, including several airport policemen and employees, shouted their approval.
Eugene and Marian met in August 2006 when their friends set them up on a date. The two became engaged two months later.
Eugene said they only meet once a month, during Marian’s 10-day furloughs, because she is based in Korea. He told reporters they plan to get married early next year, and want to have two children.