“The love we give away is the only love we keep.”—Elbert Hubbard
Love is truly a great adventure. Love is the vital catalyst that changes one’s life direction from single blessedness to wedded bliss. This adventure could happen any time, and when the time comes, the heart knows exactly how to flow into its rightful path of happiness and pure joy.
Love must be in the air this month with so many weddings and wedding anniversaries. Just last week, I attended a special celebration of a young Chinese couple who met in the manner of modern times—cyberspace! Clement Huang and Camille Alcazar-Tan, who grew up in the same circles, went to the same schools and attended many of the same events, did not cross paths until they met on a dating app.
Their story is just like the Taiwanese romance movie “Turn Left, Turn Right” about a violinist and a translator who live in the same building, separated only by a wall, but never get the chance to meet because every day one turns left down the street and the other turns right. Fate somehow brings them together over the pandemic and now, they are ready to start their lives as one.
It’s like a match made in heaven when everything falls into place. Despite being exact opposites, Clement and Camille complement each other like pen and paper, which happen to be their family businesses, where one is into office supplies and the other is in the paper industry.
Despite the gloomy and rainy week Manila had been having, the couple was blessed with perfect weather on their special day. With loved ones and friends flying in from different parts of the world, the event was made better with delicious food prepared by Conrad Manila, while being serenaded with music by the 3rd Avenue band.
Chance encounter
In another remarkable twist of fate, Angela Diano and Dino Imperial developed their attraction for each other at law school. Angela and Dino’s love story unfolded from their chance encounter as college orientation seatmates. Little did they know that this serendipitous meeting would pave the way for a breathtaking journey of love. Against the enchanting backdrop of rolling waves, the melodies of violins and the warmth of a Bali sunset, the newlyweds embarked on their joyous union, surrounded by an intimate gathering of 186 cherished family members and friends.
The breathtaking Villa Vedas in Tabanan, Bali, served as the picturesque venue, where the couple’s three-day love celebration reached its glorious climax. A prelude of festivities commenced with a memorable welcome dinner at the renowned Barbacoa, followed by the ethereal all-white despedida de soltera.
As Angela beamed with joy, she said, “To witness everyone wholeheartedly revel in and celebrate our journey leading up to this special day overwhelmed us with an overflow of love!”
Dino added, “It was truly heartwarming to witness our friends and family unite as one for three extraordinary days.”
Behind the scenes, meticulous planning was executed with unwavering dedication, from curating each day’s activities to personally overseeing the tasting of every meal. The result was an impeccable symphony of perfection, leaving no detail unattended to.
The ceremony and reception were infused with elements that reflected the couple’s passions and desires. Vibrant hues of turquoise, fuchsia and tangerine colored the festivities, setting the tone for an extraordinary three-day celebration that radiated with awe-inspiring grandeur.
Congrats to Dino’s parents, Farah Laurel-Imperial and Windy Imperial, for raising a fine son!
As the sun began its descent, casting a resplendent amber glow upon the water, the cinematic moment reached its pinnacle. Angela encapsulated the essence of their journey with profound simplicity, saying, “Our love story has been 13 remarkable years in the making, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to spend the rest of my life with my best friend and the love of my life.”
Angela and Dino’s wedding transcended boundaries, blending meticulous planning, breathtaking beauty and an overwhelming outpouring of love. It was a testament to the power of a love story that blossomed over several years.
‘Let’s do it again’
From couples who are about to start their love journey to couples celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss, there is always reason to celebrate love. One of the most meaningful and joyful celebrations of the season was the golden wedding anniversary of Tito Boy and Tita Corito de Claro held last weekend in the Valle Verde 6 chapel. The entire family and their closest friends witnessed the couple renew their undying love for one another during a beautiful mass concelebrated by no less than 10 very special priests.
Tita Corito, who looked radiant in her golden terno, lovingly said, “Fifty years ago I committed myself to you, Boy. Thank you for all the love and patience you have shown me. I love you forever.” The dashing Tito Boy beamed back at her with twinkling eyes and said, “After 50 years and every 50 years thereafter, I will say, let’s do it again.” He then took her tenderly into his arms and the couple embraced as joyous laughter filled the chapel.
A very grateful Monsignor Manuel Gabriel blessed the couple and thanked them for their ministry of journeying with priests for most of their married life. As their thanksgiving offering to our Lord, the couple requested their friends for donations to their two favorite charities, Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross and Fraternidad Misionera De Verbum Dei Inc. in lieu of gifts.
The graciousness of the De Claro family prevailed all night as their three children, their spouses and nine grandchildren paid tribute, over a sumptuous dinner, to the couple expressing their gratitude for all the love they have been showered with. This is one very close-knit, united, happy family. But more importantly, they are known as a family that shares their blessings so generously.
Since joyful giving is a way of life for Tito Boy and Tita Corito, a Verbum Dei priest gratefully declared that “Charity” is the name of their fourth child.
May we all enjoy our own lives filled with love, faith and hope!
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