CHRIS DERINGER

From: 'Aiea

Age: 25

Occupation: Merrill Lynch financial adviser and Army reservist

Nominated by: His mother-in-law; he's been married two years. He and Brilana met online, which meant he had to pay a nominal fee to make contact: "The best $5 I ever spent," Deringer says now.

Fifteen minutes of fame: "I was surprised!" said Deringer, who's currently in California, noting how his wife and even younger sister campaigned for him.

"My wife sent out an e-mail to all of her friends, and my sister in New Jersey put it out to a bunch of people on Facebook. ... People were actively contacting me; people at work let me know about seeing me (in the paper and online). I feel like I represent the next generation of romantic men. It shows romance isn't dead."

For Valentine's Day: He may do something special for his mother-in-law, who nominated him, "but if you print it, I can't surprise her with it." Surprise is a big thing for this romantic man. He's sending gifts to his wife, since he won't be home for today's love fest: "It's tough, but I did spend 14 months in Iraq. That was a lot tougher than spending time in California."

Words of wisdom: "Don't get into a routine," Deringer said. "It's more than just relationships, it's about life. You have to keep things interesting. (Do) big grand gestures, but also the little things - doing dishes, when she's out, making dinner. My wife actually appreciates the little things more."

JICKY FERRER

From: Mililani Mauka

Age: 51

Occupation: Federal civil-service multimedia branch chief

Nominated by: His wife of nearly 16 years, Marla.

Fifteen minutes of fame: The morning he got the news, Ferrer was giving blood. After a nurse recognized him as one of the Most Romantic Men, Ferrer started rhapsodizing about the others who made the list and their amazing stories. But then he saw the woman with the needle grow teary-eyed. "I said, 'Make sure when you poke me, your eyes are clear.' "

Still, he promised to bring the blood bank workers the dessert he served his wife at the end of their romantic first date: a Bubbie's "Multiple Orgasm" dish.

Then Ferrer grew serious: "I can learn a lot from the people who participated. ... Oh! I've got to call my mom, tell her my dad had great genes," he said, adding that he used to be embarrassed about his father's public displays of affection toward his mother - "always holding her hand, kissing her in public."

For Valentine's Day: Besides a nice dinner at Assaggio, he's left a scavenger hunt of things for her to find throughout the week.

Words of wisdom: "Do wacky things to keep relationship vibrant." On their Tourist Night date, the pair donned matching outfits and plastic lei to see Waikiki, where they walked around with disposable cameras.

Words of wisdom: "I know Oprah says 50-50, but I have to quote my mom, 'A relationship isn't 50-50. It has to be 60-40.' You always have to give 10 percent more to your special person. ... That shows unconditional. ... And I always tell my wife, on the phone, when I leave her, that I love her."

LEOVIGILDO 'LEO' RAMIREZ

From: Makakilo

Age: 63

Occupation: Retired Navy man.

Nominated by: His son, Gil.

Married: 38 years to Perlita, whom he met in the Philippines. (His brother, a principal, introduced him to the then-student teacher.) "We were together five years before we decided to get married. I made sure she's the right girl." They have six children.

Fifteen minutes of fame: In one of his senior citizen classes - which he takes "to keep my mind sharp" - the teacher told him that when her godmother "read your bio, she cried." His church friends at Immaculate Conception and at St. Joseph also told him they'd read about him in the newspaper.

For Valentine's Day: "I talked to my kids. We'll plan a different way this time. We all will help cook. Someone will stop, get a clean tablecloth, make lumpia, pancit. I have to get roses from my garden."

Perlita is at the center of the day, but he said: "Of course, I go to church, to thank the Lord."

Because Perlita sacrificed so much during his time in the military, holding down the fort for long stretches, "I owe her. ... I had to give back for the sacrifices she does for us."

Words of wisdom: The seniors in his computer and 'ukulele classes - some divorced, some widowed - often ask for advice from this long-time married man. He's happy to oblige. "If we have some argument, I try to solve it right away, before we sleep. I will have headache if we carry over to the following day."

Ramirez said he also tries to avoid arguments, choosing to look for the positive.

"When we sleep, I hug her and give kisses because I don't know what will be next. I thank God."

ANDREW YOZA

From: Mililani

Age: 60

Occupation: Retired from Hawaiian Telcom, currently working for Hawaiian Airlines as a plane cleaner.

Nominated by: His wife of 26 years, Marilyn, who actively campaigned for her man. "She likes to do things like this. ... She called our friends on the Mainland, daughters, whoever she could get ahold of. Anybody who'd listen."

Fifteen minutes of fame: "This doesn't happen every day," Yoza said. "I don't like to be in the spotlight, but it makes her happy."

For Valentine's Day: Marilyn, if you're reading this, close your eyes: Yoza said he's probably going to "go down to Ala Moana, get her some candy. Her favorite is chocolate. Godiva. She likes that."

Right after that, he's sending her off on a trip to Los Angeles, to visit a friend for a week. "I'm staying home," taking care of their two dogs.

Words of wisdom: "This is the give-and-take. When you get married, it's give and take. I try to be a good husband. I forget once in awhile, or it's the last minute, but I just try to remember the important days. Christmas is her favorite."

If she wants to do something, he goes with her; if she wants to buy something, Yoza says, "Go ahead." Plus, he tries to be thoughtful in the little, day-to-day chores. If he get home earlier, he'll make dinner ("something I can cook").

The two women who come closest to his ideal in a perfect woman, one who gives from her heart? "My mom and wife." He admits he used his mom as a guide for the perfect woman, but says, "my wife is even more" close to the ideal.