Would you say yes to Dh20 engagement ring? Filipinos in UAE join fiery debate

How would you react if someone slipped a twig onto your finger, pledging marriage, devotion, and unwavering commitment — like a scene out of an old movie? In a different take, could you say yes to an engagement ring that would cost as low as Dh20?

When asked the hypothetical question, a colleague's stunned expression and sorrowful shake of the head spoke volumes. She isn't alone in her reaction — across social media, many this week are expressing disbelief too.

It all started when an anonymous Facebook post went viral in the Philippines, with the poster asking for advice about a 299-peso (Dh20) engagement ring she received from her fiancé. The posts and the discussion spiralled out of hand, quite literally, and eventually reached the fiancé, who broke up with her despite them being together for eight long years.

The proposal, the posts and the subsequent break-up sent shockwaves among netizens. Was it a troll post or rage bait? We may never know — but the debate is no longer about the couple. It's taken a life of its own and kickstarted fiery debates about love, diamonds and everything in between.

The debate has reached UAE shores too — naturally. And Filipino expats here are now sharing their own thoughts on the viral post.

Talking to Khaleej Times, stunned Dubai resident Jalin said, "To think that they’ve been together for eight years — and that was all the effort from the man? It would have been okay if the 299-peso wedding ring came with a key to a house or something of similar value. He can scrimp on some things if he made sure he could provide comfort for their future lives."

Sharjah resident Vhalyne D-Atilano is clear that mere twigs or twine would not win her heart, and she has her reasons. She said, "As far as I am concerned, I wouldn't say yes — because I know how much my partner earns. So, if he had given me a Dh20 ring, it might mean he is incapable of providing for me later on (in life). It might also indicate that he wouldn't spend for me in the future. How could he be a provider after marriage?"

However, the Filipina is not all about the 'material' things. "In a different situation, if that's all he can afford (299 peso ring), I'd appreciate it. I can even do without it. As long as he is sincere and can promise to strive for the best for me and my kids after marriage."

In ancient times, the opulence of an engagement ring was an indicator of the husband’s wealth and ability to care for a wife. In the 21st century, women still want to have financial stability in their lives.

UAE resident Zandra Jacaban said, "In my opinion, an engagement ring is a sign that the man is financially stable and can afford the responsibility financially and emotionally."

The Filipino mother added, "My husband and I were together for 12 years before he asked me to marry him. The ring had a one C (carat) stone, so I’m grateful. But I would not mind if he had given me one that is worth 299 pesos — as long as his passbook is ‘fat’."

Not everyone feels that the price tag is critical when it comes to matters of the heart. According to some expats, a little understanding can make all the difference.

Sheldone Rey Dacalos, a video editor in Abu Dhabi, had been saving for the right time to 'propose' to his wife of 10 years — and he finally got the opportunity to do so after she visited him, with their children, in December.

The resident, who has lived in the UAE for six years, said, "Every time we see surprise proposals, my wife always goes ‘sana alllll’ (how I wish). I wanted her to experience that emotion. So, I saved up for a long time. To us, the diamond's size or the ring's price does not matter. What matters is the essence of the proposal. Since I had the extra money, I could buy a beautiful ring that was a bit expensive.

"It's not really about the price though; it's the precious memory of seeing how happy she was when I proposed. And I will be reminded of that every time I see the ring."

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