With the quarantine still in place, couples have gotten more inventive with their proposals and weddings. But for introverted guys like Jerome Javillonar, an unconventional proposal might have always been on the list of options. Luckily, his viral Genshin Impact in-game proposal is just what bride-to-be Ronica Pilar Cabansag had been waiting for.
Genshin Impact has received a number of best mobile game awards in 2020 and 2021. The open-world role-playing gacha game is appealing for a number of reasons, such as its housing system in what is called a Serenitea Pot. Here, Javillonar popped the big question. We had a chat with the couple about the beauty of in-game dates and how to know if a virtual proposal is the right kind for you.
Congratulations on your engagement! How did Jerome come up with the idea to propose in-game?
Ronica: Actually, we’re both gamers and Genshin Impact is our favorite game. Proposing there made more sense for him because he knew that I would really appreciate it.
How difficult was it to prepare everything for the proposal?
Ronica: Upon entering his room, I saw balloons, LED candles, and a laptop in which the game was already open. In-game, he made some mazes and sentences using bushes, trees, and walls. He started with “Roses are red” followed by “Violets are blue” then “Forever is real with you.” “Will you be my waifu?” came last. It took him more than a month to make everything because it was difficult. For example, you need to chop wood to create a tree and mine ores to create walls.
This process was time-consuming because creating an item is limited to five times per day and he needed around 250. So yes, it was really hard.
How do you think the experience compares to more traditional proposals, Ronica?
Ronica: I couldn’t believe what was happening at the time. Everyone has a different love language. Mine is [making an] effort, so it was the best marriage proposal for me.
[Here’s] my opinion. If you have the money, you can just hire people to do everything for you like setting up balloons, flowers, and candles. I mean, a traditional proposal seems effortless and easy when money is involved.
How long have you been playing Genshin together? Do you consider the time you spend together in-game as dates?
Ronica: We’ve been together for almost three years. We’ve been playing Genshin Impact since its release, which is about a year and a half ago. Yes, I do consider our casual gaming sessions a date because I spend quality time with him in-game.
What do you think are the not-so-talked about struggles of shy guys planning to propose, Jerome?
Jerome: I can’t speak for every introvert out there, but I think just the act of proposing itself is a struggle. It’s not just asking “Will you marry me?” There’s a lengthy preparation to undertake before doing so and this itself is anxiety-inducing for an introvert. Even more if she likes a more extravagant or public way of proposing.
Still, if you really love someone and you want to tie the knot, you have to swallow that fear of public attention and rejection and just do it.
Will your upcoming wedding include Genshin Impact details as well?
Ronica: We would love a Genshin-themed wedding. However, ours will be simple and normal. But if we’re given the chance to get married again in the future, why not?
Any words of advice for people who are also thinking about proposing in-game?
Jerome: Just make sure that your girl will really love it because no matter how much effort you give, if she doesn’t have the same love language as you do, it will be useless, I think.
Art by Pammy Orlina
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