In a way, the Booky app is the love child<\/a> of the newly engaged couple. We sat down with “To be honest, it\u2019s\u2026 kilig<\/strong>,” Iza gushes. “It\u2019s fun to be the center of attention,” adds Ben.<\/p>\n “After 6 years, it’s like our relationship has a fresh spin but at the same time it\u2019s so overwhelming because everybody knows; like MMDA officers are greeting me with congratulations.<\/strong> It\u2019s a little random but it’s also nice. It seems like people are really happy for us so I’m happy too.”<\/p>\n “I\u2019m just happy Iza\u2019s happy.”<\/p>\n Six years is indeed a long time so let’s refresh your memory and take things back to the very beginning<\/strong> when the two lovebirds first met.<\/p>\n “I first saw Ben in 2011 after I hosted the Esquire Ball at the Peninsula Ballroom. I remember seeing him with another cute guy, who happened to be Ralph [Ben’s brother], but really seeing Ben. He caught my eye and I thought, ‘Who is that guy? There\u2019s two of them, but who is that<\/em>?'”<\/p>\n “I first saw Iza on TV when I was living in Shanghai but the first time I saw Iza in real life was at the Peninsula.”<\/p>\n “O, and then?” Iza is waiting for her fiance’s answer.<\/p>\n “Next question?”<\/p>\n “And then? What did you think when you saw me?”<\/p>\n “I thought what a beautiful, confident woman. I\u2019d like to say hello.”<\/strong><\/p>\n Iza: *giggles*<\/strong><\/p>\n When asked what they love doing together, Ben readily answered, “Kain<\/em>… We love to eat because we’re both piggies<\/a>.<\/strong>” At this point, he lets out some gas that doesn’t slip by Iza “Omg, you just farted!” to which he gives a sly ‘hehehe’ and moves on.<\/p>\n “We love to eat and then…”<\/p>\n “Travel!” Iza says excitedly.<\/p>\n “… to eat,” he agrees.<\/p>\n “We also work out together.”<\/p>\n “So that we can eat more,” finishes Ben.<\/p>\n It’s quite clear that the couple constantly has food on their mind. When hunger kicks in, they frequent The Wholesome Table<\/a>, Green Pastures<\/a>, and Wildflour Cafe + Bakery<\/a>.<\/p>\n With their shared love of eating out but not having a singular platform to turn to when deciding where to eat, they appropriately birthed the Philippine food app, Booky<\/a>.<\/p>\n “I love that Iza doesn\u2019t mind the smell of my farts. I love that we like the same poods<\/em>. I love that Iza has a lot of ways to express herself. She adds a lot of color to life,<\/strong>” he says shyly, “Okay your turn.”<\/p>\n “Well, I love that Ben balances me. He pulls me back to the ground when I\u2019m flying too high up and getting lost<\/strong> in the stars which I tend to do. And I love that he\u2019s good at the things I\u2019m not good at… and he\u2019s gwapo<\/em>.”<\/p>\n At this point, the couple has completely taken over the interview. Ben asks the next question, \u201cWhat\u2019s your favorite pood\u2026 poods\u2026 that the other person cooks for you? <\/strong>… I love Iza\u2019s chili. Turkey chili, my favorite,” he sings.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause it\u2019s one of the only things I can cook,\u201d says Iza with a laugh, \u201cHmm, from Ben\u2014sweet potato fries that I learned to make from you and banana pancake.\u201d Turkey chili with sweet potato fries and banana pancake for dessert sounds like dinners at home are pretty colorful for the couple.<\/p>\n We wouldn’t be the first ones to say that we’ve been waiting a long time for Ben to put a ring on Iza.<\/p>\n \u201cI put a date on the proposal day, maybe two months ago<\/strong>. My mom was part of the plan because I knew she was going to be here around this time. And that\u2019s it. I booked the venue maybe 3-4 weeks ago and asked friends to save the date.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFunny thing, the ring was hiding in my work bag<\/strong> which Iza was kind of hovering over the night before.\u201d Good thing Iza didn\u2019t go any further than hovering because that would have ruined the surprise of a lifetime.<\/p>\n \u201cSuper total surprise. I had no clue whatsoever<\/strong> because I thought it would just be family Sunday, maybe a little more special because there would be more family attending. All I wanted was a photo at Sonja\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Since first laying eyes on each other back in 2011, the couple has seen and eaten their way through the world. When you think successful couples, Ben and Iza are definitely up there.<\/strong> One half comes with the limelight while the other dives head first into the ever-growing tech industry. And yet, they\u2019ve emerged, as Iza puts it, \u201cHappy, healthy, wealthy and wise.\u201d One can\u2019t help but wonder, why now?<\/p>\n \u201cNo, we waited 5 years because we both weren\u2019t ready,\u201d Iza admits.<\/p>\n \u201cCareer wise, there were some questions on timing and Booky<\/a> is going super well now and so there\u2019s definitely a lot more certainty in that area in my life,\u201d says Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, I wasn\u2019t really ready before now. Winning [the Yakushi Pearl Award] in Osaka was a thing for me. Like a sign. I guess early this year, things were more definitive. And you kind of reach a point in your life when you just say, \u2018Hey, I\u2019m ready…<\/strong> If not now, then when?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter late than never.\u201d<\/p>\n Better late than never, indeed. And for all you wondering, we asked the burning question…<\/p>\n Their dogs, Hugo and Chloe, bark loudly in the next room. \u201c\u2026 the dogs,\u201d Iza answers right as one of the dogs barks in agreement. When it comes to their travels, they share the responsibilities;<\/strong> Ben takes care of tickets while Iza does the packing. It\u2019s a similar situation in the kitchen with Ben doing the cooking and Iza doing the dishes.<\/p>\n \u201cBut generally, who\u2019s in charge?\u201d Iza re-asks.<\/p>\n \u201cMe,\u201d Ben answers matter of factly, but she\u2019s not having it.<\/p>\n \u201cNO, me! Huh!\u201d<\/p>\n For more stories of (the food you) love, The Booky Report<\/a> is going to bring you more on all things sweet and edible!<\/p>\nmom and dad<\/del> Iza and Ben and asked about their love story.<\/p>\nWhat does it feel like to be engaged?<\/h2>\n
One fateful day in 2011<\/h2>\n
Ben and Iza sitting on a tree, e-a-t-i-n-g<\/h2>\n
READ<\/strong>: 16 New Romantic Spots Around the Metro Perfect for Date Nights<\/pre>\n
The couple that eats together, stays together.<\/h2>\n
From dining tables to diamond rings<\/h2>\n
INSPIRATION<\/strong>: 15 Romantic Restaurants in Metro Manila Ideal for Proposals<\/pre>\n
LOOK<\/strong>: 20 Restaurants in Manila with Breathtaking Views<\/a><\/pre>\n
“If not now, when?”<\/h2>\n
Who is in charge?<\/h2>\n
Our biggest, sweetest congratulations to you, Ben and Iza!<\/h2>\n