A pro, A prop, Apropos, A proposal.....

My Pen Mates,

There are a few things in life that bring true joy... Spiritual joy is a personal journey rewarded to the tried, tested, and devoted. Physical joy on the other hand plays on the senses and hovers in that zone where mental and emotional states are temporarily suspended in a state of euphoria and contentment. If one experiences the latter with people they love, then I submit that you achieve spiritual joy for that sublime experience.

This past weekend brought about a convergence of events that brought about such euphoria. What started out as an outreach to end an uncharacteristically extended period where the large Vinoya family has not gathered to celebrate anything, ended in an afternoon filled with shrieks and joy.

We (all the Vinoyas and my family) always have something to celebrate. Kids' birthdays, graduations, holidays, major sporting events, despididas, major anniversaries and benchmark adult birthdays (21, 50, 75)__ find us getting together for food, fun, and bonding. But over the Summer, it tapered off for whatever reason. Wanting to bring back the experience (partly because the kids wanted large-family together time), Grace and I decided to anchor a gathering around Kuya Cito's upcoming birthday on the 30th of September. Quick to pounce on an excuse to get together, everyone said they'll show up with their usual potluck dishes.

There was more food than usual, and for a short notice (we called Friday evening to set it up for Sunday mid-afternoon) get-together, I was surprised that Kuya Cito's children showed up with cakes and a large roasted pig (Lechon). Everyone was having fun just chatting, eating, listening to the piano, and watching the ball game.

As per usual, the end of the party brings out the camera for a group picture. First the kids with Grandma. The picture of grownups with grandma usually has variants such as_ just the girls with grandma, daughters with grandma, favorite in-law with grandma (which usually is a picture of just me and Mamang;)__ kidding!

The last sitting for the day yesterday was to be taken by Alvin (Marivic's boyfriend) and everyone was crowded on and around the living room sofa, the floor in front of it, and the bench next to the coffee table. We are pros at this picture taking thing so even Lauren the youngest one will actually sit down for several takes before everyone resumes any activity that is being interrupted.

On this particular group take, the third shot hit a snag: the camera (the prop) seem to have malfunctioned. Alvin couldn't figure it out so Marivic walks over to examine the camera. Needing to figure out and resolve the problem (before the subjects become restless in their poses), Alvin hands over the camera to Joseph, again, seeming to ask for assistance. Dutifully, Joseph examines the camera and looks through the eyepiece directing it towards Alvin. Before anyone could stir from their poses, Alvin gets on his knee next to Marivic, and in front of the entire family says: "Marivic, I love you very much......" and magically produces a black box holding a RING!

The room erupts! The rest of the marriage proposal gets drowned in the ensuing cheers and hails. The response was never heard, but it was affirmed by a kiss as Alvin gets up from his knee. An extended hug, tears, and broad smiles seals the deal and that's when everyone starts looking around the room to catch each other wipe their own tears. The scene was surreal and seemed to occur in slow motion. The hugging, jostling, and teasing that followed from Mamang all the way down to Lauren was unlike anything I've ever witnessed in terms of shared joy and unabashed expression of love.

"The best birthday gift ever!" exclaims Kuya Cito. "The best family party ever!" one of the nephews concur. I thought it was a class act on a couple of levels: it showed bravery and absolute commitment because of the way it was planned and executed, and it showed the younger generation how this type of major life event needs to happen in a manner that brings this communal joy.

First grandchild for Mamang and Auntie Victorina, first proposal, a most appropriate setting, executed by staging pros (Alvin and Joseph). You can't get a better start for a lifelong commitment.

Cheers!

Mon