Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Love and Marriage

Last 19^th of June, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago renewed her wedding vows at the Manila Cathedral. To symbolize their 40 years of marriage to former Interior Undersecretary Narciso “Jun” Santiago, she wore a ruby colored gown designed by Inno Sotto.

Though she refused to kiss her husband in public claiming it was “too sappy for my age”, she shared her thoughts on love and marriage.

Asked why they wanted to renew their vows, she answered:

"That is a tradition in our country. Catholic couples are supposed to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, and then the 40th because they're still young enough to walk down the aisle, and then their 50th. But sometimes, many of them are already suffering from disabilities."

She also shared that she wanted to experience marching down the aisle with her 3 granddaughters, her reason in wanting to celebrate their 40^th wedding anniversary.

Asked about their secret to a successful marriage, she said:

"We never see each other in my house. That's the secret. Sometimes, I'm surprised that I'm married to someone so good-looking because I hardly ever see him."

Senator Santiago shared that they give each other autonomy, freedom, space. That freedom, of course, is given with the belief that they’ll both be loyal with their marriage vows. To her, “ marriage is an inviolable social institution as our Civil Code provides."

Her simple advice to young couples?

"Be kind to each other.“

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Kasal.com thanks the following source for this article:

ABS-CBN. Miriam on love, marriage and divorce (Posted on 20 June 2011) Retrieved on 3 July 2011 from http://ph.news.yahoo.com/miriam-love-marriage-divorce-120841951.html

A Thank You from Lani to Bong on their 25th Wedding Anniversary

Celebrity couple and political figures Lani Mercado and Bong Revilla have just recently celebrated their 25^th wedding anniversary and renewal of vows last May 28.

It has been widely publicized that the Revilla family life did not come as easy as some other families. They have had their fair share of problems that were also under public scrutiny.

Their wedding was a huge affair with celebrities and political figures gracing the ceremony and the reception. But behind all the glitter and shine of the silver gowns and tuxedos worn on that day, it cannot be overlooked how the love between husband and wife has endured for more than two decades. Their vows were heartfelt, sincere and touching.

"I never suffered because I love you, our children, our family. The love makes us strong through the trials," her voice trembled as she held Bong's hands and faced the altar. "Thank you for teaching me how to forgive. Now, I know myself more.  Thank you for teaching me to be a public servant like you."

Lani also clued people in on who wanted to bring them down.  “We made it through”, she told Bong, "despite the  you-know-what department."

Bong gave Lani his message as a reply, "I am yours alone forever," and that he will always "choose her to be his wife and mother of his children."

Married life is certainly not easy. Lani and Bong’s 25 years of being together shows that love and marriage can endure the most difficult trials life can throw at you. It is a process of learning and growing together as a couple. May they be an inspiration to other married and soon-to-be married couples.

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Kasal.com thanks the following source for this article:

Maridol Rañoa-Bismark. Yahoo! Omg. Lani to Bong: Thank you for teaching me to forgive (Posted on May 30 2011) Retrieved on May 31 2011 from http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/blogs/omgphnewsblog/lani-bong-thank-teaching-forgive-053033463.html