It was a bright and sunny morning when Garet, dressed in a formal barong Tagalog, arrived at the humble home of Yuri's grandparents, Lolo Damian and Lola Concha, in Pasil, Cebu. The surrounding area was peaceful, with the soft breeze from the sea carrying the scent of the ocean and the faint sound of waves crashing against the shore. The lush greenery of the area added a serene backdrop to this important moment.

Garet had come with his loyal servant, Andres, and his two trusted friends, Sebastian and Luciano. They all traveled together in a sleek black car, and while the journey had been long, the excitement in Garet's heart kept him going. He had come not only to ask for Yuri's hand in marriage but to honor the Filipino tradition of Pamamanhikan—a tradition that showed respect and sincerity in asking for the approval of the bride's family.

When Garet and his companions arrived at the house, Lolo Damian and Lola Concha were already waiting for them outside. The elderly couple stood with welcoming smiles, their expressions a mix of curiosity and warmth. Lolo Damian, a tall man with a strong yet gentle demeanor, was dressed in a traditional Filipino camisa de chino, while Lola Concha, a small and graceful woman, wore a colorful baro't saya.

Garet stepped out of the car first, his heart beating fast with anticipation. He walked towards Lolo Damian and Lola Concha with a respectful bow of his head.

"Magandang araw po, Lolo Damian, Lola Concha," Garet greeted, his voice calm yet filled with reverence. He extended his hand in greeting, and Lolo Damian shook it firmly, while Lola Concha took his hand with a gentle smile.

"Magandang araw din sa iyo, Garet," Lolo Damian replied, his voice deep and steady. "Tiyak na maligaya kami sa iyong pagbisita. Lalo na't kasama mo pa ang mga kaibigan mo."

Lola Concha smiled warmly at the sight of Garet's companions. "Ang mga kaibigan mo, Garet, mukhang magagalang at maayos. Puno ng respeto," she said in a soft voice, her gaze shifting to Andres, who was standing silently behind Garet, and then to Sebastian and Luciano.

Sebastian, ever the social one, bowed slightly in respect. "Magandang araw po, Lolo at Lola. Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyong oras."

Luciano followed suit, nodding politely. "Magandang araw po, Lolo at Lola. Salamat po sa pagtanggap sa amin."

Garet smiled at his friends, then turned his attention back to Lolo Damian and Lola Concha, who invited them to sit on the wooden benches arranged around the porch. Andres stood quietly beside the door, ready to offer anything his master required, while the rest of the group took their seats. The air was calm, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee began to waft from the kitchen.

Lola Concha ushered them to sit. "Maupo na po kayo, Garet. Napakasarap ng kape namin dito, marami nang nagtangkilik."

Garet sat beside his companions, and after a few moments of small talk about the weather and the beauty of the town, he began to get to the heart of his visit.

"I know that this might be a little sudden, but I've come here today to ask for something very important," Garet began, his voice steady but filled with meaning. "I am here to ask for Yuri's hand in marriage."

Lolo Damian and Lola Concha exchanged a quick glance, their faces softening as they processed his words. It was a big moment for them, but they were not surprised. They had seen the connection between Garet and their granddaughter and had already heard much about him through Yuri's stories.

After a long pause, Lolo Damian looked at Garet directly, his eyes steady and wise. "Garet, anak, wala akong duda na mahal mo ang apo ko. At nakikita ko naman na hindi mo siya pababayaan. Pero bilang isang lolo, may mga bagay akong nais na itanong."

Garet nodded, understanding the weight of what was coming. He had expected nothing less. "Please, Lolo, ask me anything. I want to make sure I show you the respect you deserve, and that I prove to you that I am worthy of your granddaughter's love."

Lolo Damian leaned back in his chair, his hand resting on his cane as he spoke. "Tama ka, Garet. Mahal na mahal namin si Yuri. At ang kaligayahan niya ang mahalaga sa amin. Nais ko lamang malaman kung kaya mong magsakripisyo, kung kaya mong magbigay ng isang buhay na puno ng pagmamahal at respeto para sa kanya."

Garet took a deep breath, and without hesitation, he replied. "Lolo, I promise to always put her first. I'll protect her, love her, and be there for her no matter what. I may not know all the answers yet, but I will spend my whole life learning and growing with her."

Lola Concha smiled gently, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Mahal namin ang apo namin, Garet. Kaya't makikita namin kung tunay ka ngang magmamahal sa kanya."

Sebastian and Luciano exchanged quiet glances, knowing how important this moment was for their friend. They remained silent, allowing Garet to speak from the heart.

Lola Concha then stood up and gestured for Andres to come forward. Andres approached with a tray of food, traditional delicacies from Cebu. "Puno ng kasaysayan ang bawat pagkaing ito, Garet. Ito ang mga pagkain na ikinasal kami ng aking asawa," she said with a smile as she handed him a small plate of food.

Garet smiled and took the food with both hands, showing his gratitude. "Maraming salamat po, Lola Concha. I truly appreciate this, and I value everything about your family."

Lolo Damian's gaze softened. "Ang pamamanhikan ay hindi lamang tungkol sa isang hiling na kasunduan, Garet. Ito ay patunay ng respeto, at ikaw ay ipinasok namin sa aming pamilya." His eyes twinkled with a sense of approval. "Mahal namin si Yuri. Kaya't sa huling tanong ko—handa ka na ba talagang maging bahagi ng aming pamilya?"

Garet looked at his friends, then back at Yuri's grandparents. His heart was filled with confidence, knowing that this was the path he wanted to take.

"Yes, Lolo, I'm ready. I'm ready to be a part of your family. To love and care for Yuri, and to honor everything that you hold dear."

Lolo Damian smiled widely and gave a firm nod. "Well then, Garet, if you truly love our granddaughter, we accept you. We're happy to welcome you into the family."

Lola Concha's smile was wide, and she placed her hand gently on Garet's shoulder. "Welcome to the family, anak. You have our blessing."

Garet's heart swelled with gratitude. He stood up and bowed to them once more, deeply thankful for their acceptance. "Thank you, Lolo, Lola. This means everything to me."

As the conversation wound down and everyone enjoyed the food and drinks, the air around them was filled with joy. The formalities of Pamamanhikan were over, and the union of Garet and Yuri was now more certain than ever. There was a sense of peace in the air, knowing that Garet had earned the respect of Yuri's grandparents, and with their blessing, he could now move forward with the woman he loved.