A girl’s post about a guy who “bought” a star and named it after her as a gift went viral on social media for its “kilig” vibes.
Hannah Grazhel Chiong posted on her Twitter account about how her boyfriend Ronnie Sta. Teresa purchased a star for her and named it “Grazhel”.
Best gift ever from this guy! You’re the best! I love you! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ACFuNXm1XF
— HannahGrazhel Chiong (@Iamhannahchiong) October 8, 2017
Netizens pointed out that it’s similar to a scene from the 2002 romantic drama film “A Walk to Remember” where Landon (played by Shane West) named a star after Jamie (played by Mandy Moore) as a testament to his love.
Sta. Teresa said he was indeed inspired by the Nicholas Sparks film.
“While watching ‘A Walk to Remember’, I thought naming a star for someone would be one of the sweetest things one could do. So, without any doubts, during one of our trips, where the skies are clear and the stars are shining, I named a star after her, ‘Grazhel’,” he said in a Facebook post.
But can people really just buy a celestial body and name it after someone as a romantic or friendly gesture?
The Philippine Astronomical Society, Inc. has clarified that only the International Astronomical Union can name celestial objects, despite some companies offering deals on purchasing and renaming stars.
“Despite numerous enterprises that “guarantee” that you have a unique ball of gas with celestial coordinates to really seal the deal, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the only organization that legitimizes the names of celestial objects and no, you cannot “buy” stars, nebulae, galaxies, etc,” they said in a Facebook post.
Chiong clarified in a Facebook post that she knew it’s not legitimate but she still appreciates her boyfriend’s gift because it’s the thought that counts.
“lt doesn’t matter if the star is real or not, it’s the time and energy he used to do all this just to get this for me, all to show me how much he loves me,” she said in her post.
Photo credit: Hannah Grazhel Chiong/Twitter
