We're the new generation couple.  A click here and there using the worldwide web.  Yes, we met online! :)  Weng (as close friends and family would call her) was new to Canada and Branden was starting College in Devry when they met in Alberta Connections - in MSN.

A small chat led to phone calls. The constant phone calls turned into an agreed meeting in a coffee shop;  yet, as if fate would have it - that small meeting turned into a full-blown date.

That date became the start of an everyday meeting to a proposal 4 months later. 

It was winter and all of Calgary is experiencing -15 degrees while everyone is in a huff doing their usual Christmas shopping - it was November afterall.  Actually, it's the first of November 2003 and things are pretty hectic with our weekend schedules.

We agreed to meet after lunch at The Bay Downtown while I spend some two hours or so at the gym while he goes off to get his haircut and visit his mom in the SW.  At around 1-ish and getting impatient, there's no Branden in sight - so I went ahead and phoned him to just meet me at the College Auditorium where Jessica's CD launching will be held.

When I reached the venue, Branden is still not there. I wondered, where could he be? Then again, it's winter - we are expected to be lenient with some tardiness here and there.  At 2:15pm, my cellphone rang - Branden was on the line, frantic.  I finally saw him and he was all red - I muttered, "What's wrong?" He hugged me tight and said, "Nothing - are you mad at me?" I said "No, what's wrong?" He insisted - nothing was wrong.  End of Story.

Or so I thought... After the concert, he asked me, do you want to have dinner? I find that strange - when it's winter and it's darker than usual, we'd rather be home and sip our teas or hot chocolate in a warm place. But what the heck, I agreed to have dinner.   We drove to Eau Claire and I realized, yay!!! we're going to OSF (see Restaurants).  I noticed though, that Branden was quite red in the face (it could be the freezing temperature, who knows?!) so I asked if he's alright. He said, he's fine (but was not looking at me). Weird, weird, weird....

After giving out a big sigh, he looked at me - and asked, Maria Rowena Tan, will you marry me? - This he said while taking something out from his jacket - then there it was,  a ring! OMG!!!!!!! I saw Branden's face - all red, perspiring, with hands shaking - and I said Yes, of course! I will marry you, Branden William Nystrom.

With some tears and a lot of kisses, we got engaged - right in the parking lot of OSF - and at 15 degrees below freezing. :)

Maria Rowena (Weng to close friends and family) is the eldest in the brood of four girls.  Her hometown is Makati in the bustling city of Manila in the Philippines.  Weng has always been known to be a Jesuit by formation (thanks to her Atenean Spiritual Director) and a Dominican by education (her grade/highschool was run by Franciscan Friars and was a graduate of the Royal Pontifical University).  She is a Bachelor of Science(Hons.) graduate  of the University of Santo Tomas and took her first crack of corporate life with Procter & Gamble Philippines.  Then, went on with the financial industry (PCIB to Ayala Life)  in various capacities - the last being an HR and Training Officer.  Her last work was with a local pharmaceutical company called Marketlink. 

Prior to migrating to Canada, Maria Rowena was involved with a lot of religious outreach as well as serving in their parish as a lector/commentator.  The Missionary of Charities (ran by Mother Teresa of Calcutta) was once a Sunday activity for her as she helps in some layman duty for the elders and the abandoned. 

Before deciding to uproot herself and get transplanted in the Great White North and settling in the Oil&Gas rich province of Alberta, Maria Rowena hang out a lot with her high school and college friends, the MTED, and her ALNP brothers and sisters. 

A booklover who has serious passion with the stage and broadway musicale, her interests include nature-tripping and the internet - and yes, shopping! :)

Branden William (or Nee-nee to his niece, Morgen) is the youngest of the three boys from the Nystrom side.  He is a true blue Albertan, having to live most of his life in this diverse province.  Born in Olds, schooled in Calgary and Edmonton, and explored the Northwest Territories (Yellowknife) - Branden is someone who can recount to you the beauty of this prairie province. 

A graduate of DeVry in Calgary, he pursued a career in the Parts Industry - having been a Ford employee most of his life and left a job as Parts Manager for the coffee company. But just this April of 2006 - he is now involved with a multinational downtown technologies office and he assumes a Parts Liaison post. How exciting, because this time - his network of clients includes Asia, Australia and the usual Americas and Europe! :)

Hockey, golf and billiards are three of the best sports he plays. He is a big fan of that White and Red hockey club - which by the way, almost got Lord Stanley's Cup in 2004 - what else, but the Calgary Flames!  During summertime, he hies off to the greens with his buddies or Kurt (his brother) to tee off and shout, Fore!  A pool shark, Branden dreams of having his own pool table once we tie the knot. (Hint! Hint!) :)  

Branden is my gift.  Who would know that my destiny will be with someone who has the most caring heart and greatest sense of humour?  And yes, 6 years my junior! :)  A hardworking man who knows the value of family and faith, a person whose sense of humour and playfulness makes us all feel young and healthy, a soul so kindred - I knew from the first day we talked and met that I'm in for the greatest adventure of my life. That is my Branden... :)