Save the Best for Last: Congrats Janet and Jerry

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

He had that ring in his possession for a decade. He bought it because he was waiting for the right woman to come along, and being the hopeless and hopeful romantic that he was, Jerry Masangcay knew that on that particular occasion, the time was right.

Janet Guinsatao met Jerry through circumstance. She had been living apart from her spouse almost a year when she contacted me to find her a new place, hoping that her luck will change for the better. It just so happened I did have a new rental coming up, an investment property newly rehabbed by my client who was willing to lease it out to her after I told my client that I knew Janet personally. After she moved in, that’s when her life seemed to change. She started dating here and there, and one fateful night, after being invited or more likely prodded by an officer of the new Lions Club she joined, she met the dapper and dashing young President of another Lions Club, and this man was no other than Jerry Masangcay. As soon as he laid eyes on Janet, he knew he had to get to know her better. He practically begged her to join the party that night, but Janet hesitated after seeing the well dressed attendees. She simply refused, but did give him her number after he insisted. This was a year ago, in October 2018.

Jerry started calling Janet, invited her to dinner, and they became fast friends. Shortly thereafter, Jerry invited Janet to their Lions Club Halloween party, and Janet, being the dutiful sister that she was, called her sister Nelia Ladlad who for the last 59 years, has celebrated her birthday on Halloween. Surprisingly, this year she and her husband Dr. Ladlad, decided to take a trip instead, freeing up Janet’s Halloween night after 59 years!. Talk about Kismet. The rest after that night, they say is history. They became inseparable, showing up to parties and events in complementing outfits. They were open and candid about their blooming romance,and raised a few eyebrows with their seemingly whirlwind courtship. And why not? Both were single, Janet having secured her divorce at that time, but unfortunately, also was there to lay her ex-spouse to rest in January the following year.

From the time they met and started going out, Janet felt a lightness of being around Jerry. He made her laugh, he listened to her every story intently and with an open mind, showered her with attention, respect and gifts, even introduced her to his family that Christmas. Janet’s family accepted Jerry wholeheartedly in November, and in December, Jerry’s family also welcomed Janet with open arms. It seemed that the universe was working with them, to further solidify their relationship.

After six months of becoming “official”, Jerry asked permission from Janet to “move in” with her, as he candidly broached the question. Janet was taken aback, but did not hesitate especially after Malvin, her son, seemed to like Jerry. And so this year, last July, Jerry and Janet fully committed themselves to each other with no qualms or reservations, only following what their hearts were dictating. It was clear to all their family and friends, including this writer, that this was indeed something truly special and sacred between them.

Finally, this month, at Jerry’s surprise birthday party which I had the privilege to emcee, Jerry turned the tables around on his beloved, sang her an impromptu love song, and got down on not one, but two knees. He declared his undying love and commitment, and asked Janet to be his wife. The guests “oohed and ahhhed” with joy, and before we knew it, the surprise birthday party became a surprise engagement event. What a night indeed! What could have been more perfect than having both families together that evening, both of their sons present, Jeremy, Jerry’s son, and Malvin, Janet’s only child congratulating, hugging both his mom and Jerry, expressing joy and wishing them both blessings.

To Jerry Masangcay and Janet Guinsatao, may you have the very best of what life has to offer, all the blessings that the Lord will shower you and the unending support and love from the people who know and love you. We will await your blessed union and watch your love continue to unfold in beauty and mystery as you start this journey together. We love you!