Vin had been thinking about asking Cheryl to marry him for some time. Actually, both of them discussed the thought of marriage several times, and about what they wanted and didn't want for their wedding. But when was he going to ask? that was the question.

He decided by November of 2004 that he would ask her before the end of the year. If not for Christmas, then by New Year's.

Well Christmas came and went without the proposal. He had trouble getting a ring. However, while Christmas shopping, he found out that his landlady works for a jewelry store. His plan was starting to take shape and planned to ask Cheryl New Year's Eve, just before midnight.

That idea fell through when he couldn't get the ring in time.

When the hell was he going to do it?

Cheryl had planned a party for past and present members of Sumisibol on January 7, 2005, at the Mexifunk restaurant, Olé. This would be a celebration of the New Year with friends. It was also the same date and place that their friend, and Sumisibol member, Vanessa was having her 25+1 birthday party. Ahh, thought Vin.Opportunity at last.

The Wednesday before, Vin went to see Cheryl's father and ask his permission to ask Cheryl. Mr. Tolentino thought about it for a few moments and gave his permission.

That Thursday Vin picked up the ring: a princess-cut solitaire, in a four-sided star-shaped setting, with a white gold band. [editor's note: Sweet.]

On Friday, with ring in pocket, Vin walked to Olé with Cheryl. At one point, Vin patted his pockets to make sure he had had everything; cigarettes, keys, ring, cell phone, etc,. Cheryl thought this was odd and said as much. Vin said he was just making sure he had everything. It's the honest truth.

When they got there, Vanessa and her fiancé, Joe, were there with some of their friends. As well as Metta, with some more friends. Vernica came out from hiding in the ladies' room and joined them. Cheryl, Vin, and Veronica then went to the reserved table.

During the next hour or so, more people showed up: Jeff, Sheelagh and her fiancé, Al, Armi, Barney and his date, Julman, Rolando, etc,. People kept going from our table to where Vanessa and Joe were, and vice-versa.

When dinner was finished, Vin gathered everyone around the table. He gave a “happy birthday” to Vanessa and continued...

On behalf of Cheryl I would like to thank you all for coming. Friends are very important to Cheryl, which is why I think she would appreciate it if you all participated in this. At this point Vin got down on his knee and asked Cheryl to marry him. Through tears, she said yes, and Vin placed the ring on her finger.

Half of the people knew about it, half didn't. Julman, Cheryl's brother, didn't. He had to hold on to someone's arm during the proposal and later had to go outside to get some air.

Vin surprised the hell out of Cheryl.

It was well worth it.