Singer-actor Benj Manalo finally popped the question to his long-time girlfriend and live-in partner, Lovely Abella, last Tuesday, June 11.
With the presence and support of other celebs and their closest friends, the son of comic Jose Manalo pulled off the proposal by staging it as a music-video shoot for single.
Lovely was evidently caught off guard by the well-crafted proposal—videos of which she posted later on her Instagram account—but despite that, she gave Benj a resounding “yes” answer.
On her IG post, she divulged how she was totally clueless about Benj’s pakulo.
“Hindi ko alam, hindi ko alam ang ganitong pakiramdam, yung totoong wala akong alam, as in kahit konting kaba, wala talaga.. “ wrote Lovely. “
She couldn’t help but give Benj a thumbs up for pulling off the secret event.
“Ang galing mo babe @benj naplano mo lahat ng wala akong nahahalata, salamat sa pagmamahal, salamat sa lahat.. alam kung di ako perfect, pero trying my best na maparamdam sayo ang pgmamahal na deserve m0!! Love you so much!! Finally (ring).”
In continuity post, the dancer-turned-comedienne, still in disbelief, further explained what she felt after the proposal stunt and what had happened prior to it.
Lovely wrote: “Yung gulong gulo ako sa pangyayari.. una may ginagawa siyang music video, at humingi siya ng favor sakin mag cameo sabi pa niya ininvite niya mga friends ko, naisip ko tulong nga naman para mapromote lalo yung music video niya.. pagdating ko kanina from embassy lahat sila, ang sabi bat ganyan suot mo para kang PTA teacher...”
Prior to the “music video shoot,” Lovely was already feeling grateful to their friends and fellow stars Jerald Napoles, Karylle Yuzon, Kim Molina, Pepe Herrera, Alex Medina and Albert Sumaya (Betong) for their all-out support to Benj’s video shoot. Imagine how doubly thankful she became after the proposal?
Lovely went on: “tapos wala pa din akong idea kung bakit, pero super nagpapasalamat ako kasi andon daw si @iamjnapoles @ilovekaye@kimsmolina @pepe.herrera@paengerzi @alexvmedina@powercaressing sabi ko wow full support sila nagpasalamat talaga ako sknila sa supporta nila.. tapos hetong si @amazingbetong nagmamakaawa pa ako na sumama siya tulong kay benj sabi pa niya baka kailangan ipaalam sa artist center sa isip ko ( ang arte naman nito) pero kinausap kunyari ng rm ko yung rm niya.. ang galing...”
In the video, Benj was seen profusely thanking her and Lovely said she didnt think anything of it since she’s used to her boyfriend’s thankful nature.
“tapos madalas talagang nagpapasalamat sakin si @benj everytime na may ganyang event siya di na bago sakin nahabaan lang ako, pero wala pa din akong idea.. sorry di pa din ako makamove on ganito pala ang feeling..”
Good job, Benj!
Lovely and his future dad-in-law Jose Manalo are both comedians appearing on the weekly GMA-7 variety show, Sunday Pinasaya; while Benj is presently part of the Ang Probinsyano action series on ABS-CBN.
The couple is yet to announce their wedding plans. Nevertheless, congratulations, Lovely and Benj!
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