From arena to aisle: Couple got engaged during ‘GUTS Tour’ in PH

Sherrie and Dodie prove that screaming song lyrics in a concert can lead to exchanging vows at a wedding. Photos courtesy of Sherrieann Bangit. Graphics: Kazel Valdez/INQUIRER.net trainee

Concerts elicit a personal feeling connecting listeners to an artist they dearly love and support; they hold an extraordinary sensation that few adjectives can describe.

For concertgoer Sherrie, these shows gave her an experience that nothing else can compare once she stands with the giant crowd and starts to sing her heart out to every song.

Watching her favorite artists perform live has been on her bucket list, and experiencing it with the love of her life, Dodie, made it even more special.

Sherrie and Dodie have attended various concerts together since 2008. Photos courtesy of Sherrieann Bangit.

Since 2008, the couple has been attending concerts by their favorite artists.

Singing and dancing together makes every concert more unforgettable for them.

Twenty-nine concerts later, Dodie finally had the “guts” to ask for Sherrie’s hand in marriage during the “Guts Tour” of Filipino-American popstar Olivia Rodrigo at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

@thehappydreamer DODIE I PINKY🤙🏻 PROMISE TO ANNOY YOU FOREVER💕 #OliviaRodrigo #SoAmerican #GUTS #GUTspilled #GutsWorldTour #GutsTourProposal #GutsWorldTourManila #livieshq #livies #concertproposal #proposal @Olivia Rodrigo @livies hq ❤️ ♬ original sound – thehappydreamer – Sherrieann

“I was not expecting it, but it is really my dream to have a concert proposal because my boyfriend and I are very fond of watching concerts… It was simply a dream of mine that he knows very well,” Sherrie said.

She had no clue that her boyfriend would propose at Olivia Rodrigo’s concert, knowing that the artist’s genre does not lean on the sweeter side and does not have a typical proposal song. But Dodie proved her wrong; he got down on one knee just in time during the performance of her favorite and one of the most romantic songs in the setlist, “so American.”

“I do not know if he timed it perfectly because I even told him to move so I [could] dance freely since it is my favorite [song]… I was so concentrated on Olivia, but then I saw him kneeling and told myself, ‘This is it,’” she said.

“After the proposal, I checked his phone, and he had the Guts Tour setlist on his Spotify… I guess he also watched proposal videos to prepare,” she added.

Dodie has been ready for years following his two attempts to propose in the previous concerts they attended in Manila: Bruno Mars in 2018 and Maroon 5 in 2019.

During those times, Sherrie thought she had not yet healed from her family traumas and wanted to sort her baggage before giving Dodie her sweetest “yes.”

“[He does not mind] because that’s just our dynamic. He knows that I am not yet healed, and [he understands the situation],” she said.

For them, the Guts Tour instantly became the most memorable concert they have been through.

Sherrie believes that some things turn out to be even better than she could have ever imagined.

‘Worth the wait’

The couple had low hopes of securing a ticket to Olivia Rodrigo’s concert and have decided to accept the uncertainty of expecting nothing.

They were not lucky enough to secure a ticket online; however, their luck came when they tried purchasing it in the mall and got it by good fortune.

After getting the ticket, Dodie promised himself to once again ask Sherrie for marriage. For him, every concert has the potential to be a proposal.

“I asked the Lord to give me a sign [if I should propose] because I can already see that her aura is getting good, and her healing is getting better,” he said.

“So I told myself I just need to have courage. After all, we’re on the Guts Tour, [I need to strengthen my guts],” he added.

Seeing Sherrie genuinely heal from the pain of the past made Dodie think that everything was already falling into place; all he needed to do was carry out the proposal as planned.

“It was like everything was given. It seems like this is what my wife has been waiting for… This is the perfect timing,” he said.

“I just prayed that everything would happen perfectly, that everything would be on time because I cannot ask Olivia for a retake,” he added.

The couple believes that things happen when they have to happen, proving that the proposal is worth waiting for as it is a dream worth having being 21 years in the relationship.

“Everything was just right. For me, it’s a blessing because I was able to fulfill what she wanted to happen in a concert that we both [enjoyed]… And it just so happened that I was kneeling right to the lyrics, ‘I’m gonna marry him,’” Dodie said

“Right after [the proposal], I was relieved because I finally did it… The proposal was worth the wait, and it was special even though [it happened] in a simple way,” he added.

More than two decades later, they finally permitted themselves to open a new chapter in their lives. They will soon walk down the aisle and begin their happily ever after.

‘For better or for worse’

The couple encountered challenges throughout their relationship that tested their love, but they chose to stay and fight for it.

“There were a lot of unfortunate events that had happened in our relationship. There were many trials, but we made it… Little by little, we are getting there,” Dodie said.

“Always believe that good things will happen. It is just like a storm; the sun will shine eventually, and everything will be okay,” he added.

Sherrie and Dodie prove that it is important to celebrate their progress to conquer life’s trials while still working for days filled with joy.

“Along the journey, there are blessings and hardships that will come, but at the end of the road, just do not let go of the Lord… Every blessing will be given to you at the right time,” Dodie said.

The couple believes that love always has its perfect timing, and just because one does not have it right now means they are being left behind. Perhaps they are just being prepared for something more beautiful than they expected it to be.

“It is not yet too late for everybody. Just wait [because] the Lord is planning something good for you… At the end of the day, you just have to wait and be prepared for it,” he added. — Rachelle Anne Mirasol, INQUIRER.net trainee