STOMPer Irene's boyfriend, Alan paid for her driving classes even when he just started working and did not have a driving licence himself.
STOMPer Irene shares her love story:
"This is a story of how Alan met Irene.
"Alan decided to check out Irene secretly when he knew that she was attached to Isetan Scotts for her Polytechnic attachment. On the pretext of looking for a name card holder, Alan went with his mates to look for Irene.
"Irene didn’t know Alan was nearby watching her from her sales counter.
"Later that evening, Irene was set to head down to East Coast Park for her class BBQ after work. Alan called her and asked if he could tag along, Irene replied, 'Sure'! Busy gorging down the barbequed chicken wings at the BBQ, Irene totally forgot about the meeting with Alan until she saw the numerous missed calls on her mobile phone.
"'Hello Alan, sorry I forgot about you. Are u still at East Coast Park?'
"'Yes, I am.'
"On November 17, 2001, while at the bus-stop outside Meridian Hotel (currently known as Concorde Hotel), Alan popped the question 'Will you be my girlfriend?'. Irene was surprised and she replied, 'No. I have not thought about boy-girl relationship for us. It is just friendship.'
"Disappointed, Alan was adamant about the situation.
"He asked the question for the second time and Irene said, 'Okay, let's give it a try'.
"Then their friendship became a boy-girl relationship.
"Alan just started working but he sponsored Irene’s driving lessons when she was still schooling in Polytechnic. He saved for her driving lessons and encouraged her to give her very best. Alan didn’t have a driving licence because he witnessed a car accident before his very eyes while learning. This traumatic experience destroyed his confidence. Irene did not mind Alan for not having a driving licence as she would willingly drive him home in her dad’s car unconditionally.
"Irene began to fall for Alan gradually. Alan who has a keen eye for photography made D-I-Y calendars for Irene with pictures taken together in the past year and requested her to place them in her office. Alan wanted to be with Irene for 12 months, 52 weeks and 365 days. This simple act of love touched Irene’s heart.
"Three days before Valentine’s day (Feb 11, 2012), Alan presented Irene with a special valentine gift - his driving licence. He strongly believed that he needed to drive Irene around when she was pregnant. He picked up the pieces and once again, touched Irene’s heart with his determination.
"The rest is history.
"We decided to tie the knot and be together forever. Our wedding date '10.11.2012' represents:
10 - we knew each other for 10 years.
11 - we are getting married at the 11th year.
12 - 2012, a new chapter begins.
"This love marathon will end this year and our status will be Mr. and Mrs. Koh.
"Message to Alan: You were my yesterday, you are my today, you will be my tomorrow. All I am I give to you. Happy Valentine’s Day! BB loves Hunny Bunny!"
