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A Filipino woman received four engagement rings from her then long-distance partner—here's why
A woman hailing from Baguio touched the hearts of netizens as she proudly showed off the four engagement rings she received from her then long-distance partner on social media.
In a recent Facebook post, Precious Joy Pader-Orencia said she only found out about the other three rings after tying the knot with the love of her life Jussive Orencia.
"Had I known, I would’ve shown all of it during the wedding," Precious said, adding how she and Jussive were in a long-distance relationship for three years.
Precious works as a high school English teacher in Cambodia, she told PhilSTAR L!fe.
The first ring, she said, was bought at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020.
Jussive, who's in the Philippines working in the information and communications technology industry, had to put off the proposal though he was very much ready to pop the question if she ever went back home that time.
"By value of money, this was the cheapest ring," she said of her first engagement ring.
The first engagement ring (Precious Joy Pader Orencia/Facebook)
The second one (Precious Joy Pader Orencia/Facebook)
The third one (Precious Joy Pader Orencia/Facebook)
The fourth engagement ring and their wedding bands (Precious Joy Pader Orencia/Facebook)
The first engagement ring (Precious Joy Pader Orencia/Facebook)
The second one (Precious Joy Pader Orencia/Facebook)
The third one (Precious Joy Pader Orencia/Facebook)
The fourth engagement ring and their wedding bands (Precious Joy Pader Orencia/Facebook)
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As the pandemic was raging, Jussive eventually got promoted in his job.
Jussive revisited his plan in December 2021 when Precious's Filipino friend from Cambodia arrived in the country. Jussive sought the friend's help to arrange for a virtual proposal.
To make up for the delayed proposal—and make it even more special—Jussive availed of a customized ring that his friend would bring to Precious. He'd then kneel in front of the camera and pop the question using the preexisting ring.
As the customized ring was taking time to finish, Jussive had to buy two engagement rings as backup, one that will be brought to Cambodia and another that he'll use.
The virtual proposal was a success on Feb. 13, 2022, also thanks to the help of their loved ones.
"He really took the time, money, and effort," Precious said. "It was like a magical night. I wouldn’t have it any other way."
Precious went back home in June 2022, during which Jussive was planning to propose again in person at the airport. He, however, savored the moment of finally being with his fiancée.
They got married in the Philippines on Aug. 8, 2022, with their respective dads who are both pastors officiating the wedding ceremony.
Looking back into her story about her engagement rings, Precious said it made her love Jussive more.
"You don’t have to be the richest or the man with lots of money to pursue the woman you love and you’ve been praying for," she said.
To date, Precious and Jussive are navigating married life in Cambodia.
"These rings may be cheap," she said, "but I consider them my treasures."