A lot of smiles have been spread since the opening of the 43rd MassKara Festival here in Bacolod City, but nothing is sweeter than the unexpected marriage proposal during the invitational sports competition, Mr. Bacolod 2022. It was held at the Ayala Events Center of the Ayala Malls Capitol Central-Bacolod last Tuesday.
The Marriage Proposal by Bacolod Bodybuilder John Garcia
Bacolod bodybuilder John Garcia, 29, proposed to her longtime girlfriend, Jesa Mojares, 31, on stage, while the competition was going on. The proposal was captured and shared by the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation’s social media page.
It was double smiles for John after he was also crowned champion in the Men’s Physique Tall category.
John said he was planning the proposal for four weeks now but could not find an opportunity, as he was busy preparing for the competitions, which has taken a toll on their relationship.
“This is my fifth competition for this year alone and it can be very taxing,” John said. He added that prior to their trip to Bacolod, “our relationship was rocky because my regimen, particularly my diet, makes me irritable.”
In fact, John said that the couple nearly split up, and “we agreed that we will talk about our relationship after the Bacolod competition.”
What Made Him Decide
The thought of losing Jesa pushed him to make a decision. “I was ready to gamble everything and prepared myself if she says yes or no, but I just had to do it,” John said.
Along with the proposal was a commitment that John will take a season off from competitions to work on their relationship and prepare for their wedding which they plan to hold next year.
“I had the ring on me when we took this trip. I hid it in my shoes, as Jesa might discover it while rummaging (through) our suitcase,” John said.
On the day of the competition, John talked to his coach, Wins Hipe, to help him convince the organizers to allow him to push through with his plan.
The Execution
Jesa was unaware of what was happening and was outside the hall when the plan was underway. When she came back, she heard her name being called and thought that she won in the raffle. She was really taken aback when she saw John on his knees with a ring but readily gave her nod which led to roars, applauses, and smiles from the audience.
John said that Jesa’s acceptance makes him seriously think of cutting himself off from competing and just dedicating himself to his full-time job as a bodybuilding coach. “I am seriously thinking of retiring from competition and just putting up a small business with Jesa’s help,” he said. But he added that it is something that the couple needs to discuss moving forward.
But for now, the newly-engaged couple will spend the rest of their trip enjoying Bacolod and reveling in the happy faces around them.
Congratulations John and Jesa!
