Couple shares story behind viral proposal photo with comet Neowise

The engaged couple who took the once-in-a-lifetime shot with comet NEOWISE has shared the story behind the viral photo which sent netizens melting in kilig.

In Oscar Oida's report for "24 Oras," Richmond Perez and Sandra Rafanan said their special moment wasn't staged at all. The stars simply aligned to create the perfect conditions to make it happen.

"Dito sa Nueva Ecija palagi siyang maulap, maulan," Richmond said. "Talagang pinagbigyan lang kami sir nung time na 'yun na makita namin ['yung comet]."

He already popped the question before using a simple ring,  but they had chosen another ring to mark their engagement.

Richmond hadn't planned on going down on one knee again, but when he and Sandra went outside to see the comet, he was hit with a sudden inspiration.

"Nakita ko na 'yung comet, nakita niya, sobrang saya na nun," he said. "Bigla ko naisip, buti dala ko 'yung ring. 'Yun, nagpropose na uli ako."

Sandra, of course, said yes. But she had to control her emotions so that they could preserve the moment in a photograph. 

"Ang totoo po kasi 10 seconds long exposure para makuha 'yung picture na 'yun so kailangan po i-hold ko 'yung kilig ko within 10 seconds kasi mag-bu-blurred po," she said.

Comet NEOWISE, discovered by NASA in March 27, started approaching the Earth in July 3, 2020. It will remain visible until the first week of August, with the best chance between 7 pm to 8 pm.

It has a wide orbit around the sun, so it won't be seen again until after 6,800 years. —MGP, GMA News