MANILA, PHILIPPINES – A romantic anniversary hike to Mount Pulag became an unforgettable viral moment for Filipino couple Nicole Coprada and John Rey Zabella — and the internet can’t stop talking about it.
Although the proposal happened last week, the viral photo capturing the moment is spreading widely just in time for Valentine’s Day, inspiring thousands of fans with the couple’s heartfelt surprise.
Celebrating their fifth anniversary, Nicole and John Rey set out for a sunrise hike with no photographers and no special setup. But as the sun rose over the famous sea of clouds, John Rey surprised Nicole by proposing — and a stranger happened to capture the magical moment. The candid photo quickly went viral, earning thousands of likes and shares on social media.
The couple met in 2021 after Nicole followed John Rey on Instagram. They bonded over anime, hiking, and shared adventures, growing their relationship despite living in different towns in Quezon Province.
“Akala ko yayakapin niya ‘ko — yun pala luluhod na siya!” Nicole laughed, recalling the unforgettable moment that now has fans swooning online.
The engagement comes after John Rey had carefully planned the proposal for years, including asking for Nicole’s parents’ approval and memorizing her ring size. Following the viral attention, the couple expressed gratitude for the unexpected coverage, saying it perfectly captured the authenticity and joy of their special day.
After John Rey completes his training with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the couple plans an intimate wedding in 2027 and is already eyeing Taiwan for their first international trip together.
This Mt. Pulag proposal proves that love, adventure, and a little serendipity can create unforgettable moments — and sometimes, those moments go viral just in time to warm hearts on Valentine’s Day.
