LOOK: Donita Rose Is Engaged To Her Newfound Love!

Donita Rose just announced her engagement to her boyfriend gospel recording artist, Felson Palad.

The 47-year-old actress-turned-host broke the news on her Instagram, where she posted a photo of her with showing her diamond ring, "Am now officially engaged!"

Felson, 37, is also based in Los Angeles, USA, where Donita works as a celebrity chef.

The former MTV VJ posted the news after attending a wedding with her boyfriend. She also shared a video of him dancing, and said that it was the "highlight of my night."

READ ALSO: Love Yourself First Before Others Can Love You: Sunshine Cruz, Donita Rose Tell Solo Parents

'He really loves the Lord'

In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph, Donita revealed that she prayed for Felson. She first saw him in a YouTube video in October 2021.

"Hindi ko naman sinabi siya mismo, pero sabi ko, "Ganyan Lord gusto ko, kitang-kita yung passion niya for the Lord. He really loves the Lord," said Donita.

They first met each other in person in January 2022. "Alam niyo ba na the first date, he picked me up and then he dropped me at the house at the end?"

She adds, "Tapos sabi niya, 'Can I ask you out on a date?' Sabi ko, 'Bakit, ilang taon ka na ba? Teka, parang di ako maka-get over sa age gap natin."

READ ALSO: The Difference is Love: 3 Unconventional Couples Prove Love Conquers All

But Felson assured her that age gap is not an issue. He revealed why he was single at 37. "Ang story sa akin, I've raised my sisters. I really waited. I prayed to the Lord. I don't want to mess things up. Ayoko na rin mag-fool around."

He adds, "Tsaka unang-una, kilala ko na ang Panginoon, ba't pa ako magloloko ng tao?"

Felson admits, he prayed for Donita too.

"Yung three days na di ko nare-receive messages niya, it was divine intervention na the Lord wanted me to pray for her first before anything else."

"And ganoon ang buhay-Kristiyano sa amin. We live by faith. We start everything in prayer even in the tiniest thing ng buhay natin, and that includes our romantic life situations."

To which Donita says, "To know we share the same faith, di na ako mag-struggle doing life and doing faith together."

Donita parted ways with her ex-husband Eric Villarama after a painful break-up. They officially divorced in 2016. They have a child, Joshua Paul, who is 17.

How to make a relationship with a huge age gap work

1. Find a common ground 

"If you're dating someone with a big age difference, remember the reasons why you are drawn to that person," Christie Tcharkhoutian MA, MFT, a marriage and family therapist said to Insider. 

"Maybe you are very mature, and individuals your age aren't able to connect with you on a deeper level. Maybe you have a fun, energetic side and you haven't been able to find a partner your age with similar interests and activities."

2. Make sure your values match

Like Donita and Felson who are both open with their faith, having the same values with your partner can withstand your age differences. "If you want the relationship to be long-term, then make sure that your values, morals, and life goals match up," said Laura Bilotta, a relationship expert and author.

3. Respect each other.

According to TV host Pauleen Luna, her relationship with husband Vic Sotto was an easy one because of respect. “Never did I hear my husband raise his voice and felt like I was younger and didn't matter. I always felt validated. I always feel important around him. Respect plays a big role in any relationship. I know deep in my heart that it's one of the main reasons why this relationship is so easy.”

4. See your partner as equal.

For Rona, who has an 11-year age gap with her husband, the secret to their relationship is this. “If you think otherwise -- if you think one of you is better because they are older or younger -- your relationship will always be rocky. If you see each other as equals and as partners, you will survive everything.”

Want a stronger relationship with your spouse? An expert says, "watch your partner's face."