It's mamang and daddy's 30th Wedding Anniversary

Today is September 29th in the Philippines, officially the 30th wedding anniversary of daddy and mamang!!!Whew! 30 years of marriage. How did they make it work? Let me share a piece of their story.

My mother was a teacher somewhere in Lake Sebu when she met my father, who was a member of Philippine Army that time (daddy retired from service in 2005 after a 30-year-service). They got married September 29th, 19?(please do the math lol) in a Catholic Church after a year or so of dating. When mamang gave birth to my oldest brother, she had to quit her job. A year after came the second child then followed by yours truly. Two years after, younger sis was born, followed by my youngest brother with a two-year-gap. Three years after, youngest sis was born. And that's the end of baby making. I guess they got tired of raising crazy children and finally thought "it's enough"!! Yes they were pretty busy lol.

Taken after New Year's eve mass, 2005. The oldest child is not in the picture for he was at the Airbase that time (Philippine Airforce). The second child is the first to get married (see couple in the left). Conspicuously, daddy and mamang are on the right side showing their $1 value smiles lol.

Each of them has its own definition of each other. If I ask daddy about their love story, he would punched in with several jokes leaving mamang this undefined face. That mamang is the one who's inlove with him. THat mamang visited him a lot of times in military camps. That mamang had to beg for him to marry her. That mamang thinks he is drop dead gorgeous (then daddy would show his signature Mr. Universe pose). Hearing his definitions of mamang give me amusement that result to stomachache and cracking ribs for laughing to death. Of course, there is a little hesitant in me about his story. I know daddy very well. Nothing is serious unless his face gets so red and fists like about to blow some Manny Pacquiao-like punches. His temper is beyond.

Mamang has her defenses and her own side of story in opposed to daddy's. That daddy was like a puppy dog following her whereabouts back then. That daddy had to beg for her to marry him. That daddy thinks she is the most beautiful and the sexiest woman ever created (which daddy admits sometimes). That daddy won't find a person like her. That daddy is nothing if he didn't end up with her. All her statements are outlined which most of her children believe. Well she is the serious type in the family with an intellectual mind and sharp mouth.

My parents are no saints. Fights, arguments and misunderstandings were often heard when both are in the house. Hmn...let's say that it was worst when I was a kid; when all of us, my siblings, were schooling, leaving them drowned in debt. Money was the primary reason which I believe is ordinary. After an hour or so of a dreadful debate, both act like they just got married. Daddy is good in kiss and make-up. Mamang holds a grudge and won't talk to him unless daddy's gonna pet her with hugs and kisses with appealing jokes. Today, they seldom fight because daddy's pension are all theirs, and if they do, money is still the reason.

My parents' union is a role model to me. An institution that is worth a million of applause and a standing ovation. Never would I say that their marriage is flawless but I would say it's definitely eminent.

The six children -- crazy, yet with so much love and respect for each other. Girls are in Catholic school uniforms while boys are in their Trinitarian uniforms. All went to different private schools that made my parents financially broke.

Mamang and daddy successfully raised 6 kids, undoubtedly.

Happy 30th wedding anniversary!!!