My brother and I planned a ride to Lake Sebu with our partners during the first week of April. I got even more excited knowing we’d be riding matching white Honda ADV 160s — twinning bikes! The trip took around 4 to 5 hours since we made several stopovers to enjoy the scenery, grab some food, and refuel.
The mountains might all look the same to some people, but when you're close, each one feels uniquely majestic. Being near them was a different kind of experience—calming and humbling. It made me realize how vast nature is, and how small my worries really are in comparison. It felt like nature was gently telling my heart, "Everything will be fine."
One of the highlights of Lake Sebu is its tilapia, which comes from one of its famous lakes — the true signature of the place. We bought fresh tilapia in town, and I swear it was some of the best I’ve had. The tilapia from the lake tastes noticeably different compared to the tilapia from a fishpond. We got two kilos for around P130 per kilo, if I remember correctly. The fish were still alive when the vendor cleaned them, carefully removing the gills.
We went straight to SOX Paragliding Adventure at Barangay Takunel, Lake Sebu, Philippines. To get to the peak, we had to hike for about 10 to 20 minutes. Some locals offered us a habal-habal ride, but we decided to hike and just let them carry our stuff. It was tiring, but seeing the view from the top made it all worth it.
We stayed overnight and grilled the fresh tilapia and pork, prepared some rice and fruits, and enjoyed dinner with a cold breeze and a view that looked like city lights in the distance. We slept in a tent, and honestly, it was like one of the best camping experiences so far.
In the morning, we took the time to enjoy the mountain views and the lake below. From there, we could see the mountains — Mt. Apo, Mt. Matutum, Mt. Melibengoy, and a few other peaks in the distance. Below the peak, we spotted Punta Isla Lake Resort, and the lake looked so wide, it seemed like it had taken over most of Lake Sebu. Everything was just beautiful and felt peaceful.
After breakfast, I started feeling nervous. I was going over the plan in my head while trying to act normal. I let everyone know quietly — it was time for my brother’s proposal to his girlfriend. It felt surreal, like the whole place was waiting for that moment too.
A quick flashback before our trip to Lake Sebu. My brother and I went to SM Lanang to look for an engagement ring. I was so happy knowing he was finally ready to commit and propose. We visited about five different stores, comparing styles and prices. After checking out our options, we finally found the one. It was the best among everything we had seen, fit our preferences, and I really felt that Rudy, my brother’s girlfriend, would love it.
Back at the peak, everyone already knew about the plan, except for Rudy (of course!). The staff there was incredibly supportive. They even brought out a speaker and offered to take photos of us. First, we took a group photo, then the staff suggested a couple's shot for my brother and Rudy. That’s when the plan came together! My boyfriend quickly handed the ring to my brother behind them, while Rudy was busy striking a pose. We asked them to do the Titanic pose so my brother could grab the ring while Rudy was facing the peak.
As they did, the staff played the couple’s theme song — "Looks Like We Made It, Look How Far We’ve Come my Baby..." [You’re Still The One by Shania Twain]
My sister had already started crying at this point.
And then, it happened. Right there at the peak, where people come to feel like they’re flying, my brother made one of the biggest leaps of his life.
As the song played, Rudy was still facing the mountains, all of us were behind her, and she was probably wondering why everyone was acting a bit too giddy. She had no clue what was about to happen. The staff timed it so well, and we all played along, holding back nervous laughter and excited tears. My brother slowly knelt behind her, ring in hand. The wind was calm, the clouds felt so close, and everything just paused for a moment. It was like the mountains themselves were waiting with us.
When she turned around, her face said it all. First, confusion. Then shock. And finally, tears. She covered her mouth and cried. And I mean, really cried. The kind that comes from the soul. The purest kind.
My brother, trying to keep his cool (though I knew his hands were shaking), asked her to marry him. And without hesitation, through happy sobs, she said yes. They both cried and hugged each other tightly.
Everyone clapped. My sister and my boyfriend got emotional. The staff and our friends were even giddy behind our phones while doing our best to take videos. It was simple, raw, and beautiful. Not over the top, not staged — just love, and nature, and a ring that held so much meaning.
I couldn’t help but cry, too. It was a moment we’d all remember forever. Not just because it was a proposal, but because it happened at the edge of a mountain, with the sky wide open, as if the world was applauding with us.
We stayed a little longer at the peak after that, just taking it all in. No one wanted to leave yet. The view, the moment, the memory, it all felt too precious.
***
PS: We kept telling Rudy to wear a “wow na damit” — we meant a beautiful dress because we planned to take a group photo. She was so shy to wear it and ended up in just pants and a black top!
PPS: Special thanks to the SOX Paragliding Adventure staffs. They accommodated us so well. They are incredibly hospitable, and they truly poured their hearts into helping us plan the proposal. We’re deeply grateful for the support, warmth, and genuine care you showed.
Sorry, Rudy — I had to share your personal moment! During her paragliding flight, the staff member who flew with her congratulated her and even prayed for her in the air! It was such a genuine and touching gesture.
Maraming salamat!
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