Living the Marriage Vows- An Untold Love Story

Love is not about how much love you have in the beginning but how much love you build till the end....

The most romantic story I know isn't Basha and Popoy, or Noah and Allie, or Romeo and Juliet. But the most romantic story I know is the one that's real, the one that has survived the odds, the one that I look up to.



33 years ago, there were two people who decided to get married in a small church with only their family and a few friends. The bride wore a simple white dress with a veil, the groom wore a simple barong. There were no flowers, no fancy makeup, no jewelry, no expensive invites or giveaways, not even cameras and videos to document that day. They had one wedding photograph taken by the church photographer. These two did not care about anything but just to seal their love for each other in front of their families and God. This couple is of course, my mom and dad. And their love story is the most romantic of all, especially after they got married.

Dad and Mom teasing each other (murag highschool!)

33years ago when Dad said, for richer or for poorer, he didn't know we'd go through rough times, that he had to feed and make a living for 7kids plus my mom. When they both said, for better or for worse, they didn't know that there will be people who would affect their lives in one way or another-- people they never knew could stay in the end, people they thought of as friends who would disappear like dust when everything would seem to fall apart.... 33 years ago, when my Mom vowed, in sickness and in health, she didn't know that the man she promised this vow to, will have to suffer a stroke twice, and go on half body paralysis, that she had to take care of him, and had to give up everything just to be there for him. They didn't know. But they went through it all, with laughter, tears, prayers and just by loving each other day after day after day.

Well, they didn't know too, that 33 years after, Dad's effort in making a living out of those seven kids would turn out well. Some of us got married, with kids. We have good jobs and Dad's principles in helping without asking for anything in return has also taught us to work and help in sending our brothers and sister to go to school, when he can't anymore.

They didn't know too, that their smallest of deeds could go a long way. The people Dad and Mom has helped before turned out to be the ones who stuck by them through the worst of times, the realest of friends they could ever imagine. They didn't know the impact they could give for these people, and the ones who went away are just memories of good times.


33 years after, my Mom didn't know how much I (and my other siblings) admire her, for her love, patience and understanding towards my Dad, for giving up everything- friends, travel, work, etc.- just to be there for my Dad. When she carefully feeds him, washes him, talks to him in that soothing voice of hers, and when Dad softly stares at her with loving eyes and saying thank you-- it grips my heart in a way that makes me believe-- Lord, this is what love is all about. I feel it from them, growing stronger despite all odds. They didn't know that effect they have on me, on each person who knows them. They have made me believe that you just don't say those vows when you get married, you have to live by them. For love is not in knowing that he/she is the one after all you've been through. Love is believing that in good times and in bad, that person will be the one you'd love and choose to be with no matter what happens.

The Last Christmas that we were all together, when Dad was in full health

So, on your 33rd wedding anniversary, Mommy and Daddy, I'd like to tell the world how grateful and blessed I am, how blessed we are, to have parents like you both. I always say this, we might not be rich but we are so wealthy in love and understanding. And that's what would get us through in our everyday journey. Right now, I imagine that they will not be able to read this because Dad might be in his bed, Mom is feeding him or talking to him about stuff (mainly about what's happening to their children). But in that bed, in that small house, there goes one of the greatest romantic stories I could ever witness. Simple, pure and real. I love you both so much. Happy Anniversary and I wish you many many more years together.


P.S. Some of you might not know but 2years this 25th, Lito and I got married too in a small church (official church wedding, before that "grand" one in July), simple with family and a few friends, just like how my Mom and Dad got married. It was way better than the one in July. I don't know too what would happen to me and Lito along the way. But when times get rough, I know I have my parents as an inspiration. And with that, I would still choose to love you and be with you, Pre... Love you and advance happy anniversary!