February 17, 2007. It was a small, simple, quiet wedding at the foot of Mt. Makiling. We had no wedding planner, no coordinator, no hired photographer/videographer. Prior to the big day, we had no save the date, no prenup pictorial, no food tasting, no rehearsals. We made/ordered everything by ourselves. The day before, I was still gathering data for my masters thesis and Yog was still working. The day itself, the only decor the chapel had was 110 dozens of flowers from Dangwa, which Yog himself helped arranged at 3am. It was a no-fuss event — very much like us. I could say we were, and still are, a no-fuss couple. As I write this, I just finished washing the dishes. We had dinner at home for our 13th anniversary.
We may not have much — but what we do have makes me truly proud and happy. A house we can call our own, a son who looks and acts like Yog but thinks and feels like me, a dog and a cat, a car, things we need (and sometimes want), food on the table (and in the fridge), jobs that pay enough to cover the bills, hope that tomorrow will always be better, and faith that as long as we’re together, we can conquer anything.
Our marriage is far from perfect. But we have learned to be patient, to go beyond the head over heels stage, to accept our shortcomings and love our imperfections.
On our 13th year as husband and wife, I sing…
“Through the years
I’ve never been afraid
I’ve loved the life we’ve made
And I’m so glad I’ve stayed
Right here with you
Through the years”
And I, we, will stay, through many more years, many more challenges, many more triumphs… together.
teacher mommy pia 