“All beings want to be happy, yet so very few know how. It is out of ignorance that any of us cause suffering, for ourselves or for others.” —Sharon Salzberg

Never give up on love. Somehow, love manages to find its way back to us—maybe differently, perhaps in a new and unfamiliar form. After healing from the pain of loss, it is vital that we must be open to receive love’s renewed emotional energy.

Many might say “yes and no.” It depends on how one holds on to love.

Love is the most powerful feeling humans can experience in life. People say that you never forget your first love; the often intense and dizzying feeling of falling in love for the first time truly can be a remarkable adventure that defines the way we look at our relationships for the rest of our lives.

Perhaps it is because the heart is a clean, untainted slate, yet to be damaged. All of a sudden, all of the little things our partner does seems perfect—and you are more understanding of all the things a more seasoned lover might not accept. Though to look at someone and see no imperfections, and to always feel as though you’re living in a fantasy, is neither normal nor healthy.

Your first relationship can be a roller-coaster of overpowering foreign emotions that may or may not turn you into an annoying, delusional psychopath. You might not have any idea of what to do, what will work, what won’t, when to pick a fight and when not to. Eventually we learn to remove our rose-colored glasses and see things as they truly are.

Humans are complex individuals, and nobody is perfect. Every relationship we encounter will have its own unique set of challenges and difficulties, but the key is to find someone who makes it worth navigating all the stress for. Whether it be our first love or our 40th, in time we learn that the kind of love and acceptance we get from each partner will vary—and it is our responsibility to ourselves to choose the kind of love that will fulfill us wholly.

Falling in love again

Individually, we are complete and whole human beings, capable of living without another person to call our other half. But I believe that we are meant to love and love and love, and no two loves will ever be the same. It’s a new adventure every time—and that’s the beauty of falling in love again.

That was the sentiment I felt at the intimate, lovely wedding of Charlie Cojuangco and China Jocson. When they asked me to host their wedding celebration, I was very excited. I’ve known Charlie for years through social events, and I vividly recall how he was once my highest bidder in a charity auction.

Meeting the couple for a tête-à-tête one weekend was anything but dull; I immediately felt the love and fondness these two shared as they walked me through their love story, and I carried that euphoria with me throughout last Sunday’s affair.

Oct. 10 is a very special date for the couple, as all of us found out during the wedding reception. Turns out, 17 years ago, Charlie and China first met during the wake of Charlie’s late wife Rio Diaz. China was then a journalist doing a story, and she interviewed Charlie—but because that moment was marred with sadness, that first meeting was long forgotten.

But as China says, “the heart never forgets.” Fast-forward to 2021, they accidentally met again through mutual friend Kiko Tiu-Laurel. Their connection lead to a quick and easy engagement, flowed to a civil wedding, and now is sealed with Church rites.

As Charlie intimated in his speech, “In two weeks I knew I was going to marry her; when you know, you know.” He further shared, “I was praying and said, Lord, thank you. And if my late wife had something to do with this, show me and tell her thanks.” A week after, photos and a video of their 2004 encounter resurfaced. It’s the confirmation indeed!

Both families welcomed the bride and groom with so much love. Charlie’s older brother Mark sternly reminded Charlie: “a happy wife is a happy life.” Speaking on behalf of the Diaz family was Rio’s sister Gloria Diaz. There was also a surprise video message from Tina Cojuangco-Barrera, Charlie’s older sister in Australia.

China’s brothers, Jerome and Francis, echoed the congeniality and wished their baby sister a life of marital bliss.

The celebration was short but sweet. A scrumptious meal was prepared by dear chef Margarita Fores and assisted by local chef Oliver.

Tarlac’s Kaisa Hall was magically transformed into a beautiful indoor garden by China’s good friend Anton Barretto. Dearest Tim Yap, also a friend of the bride, was my cohost for the night. His Yaparazzi Events, headed by his beau Javi Martinez, made everything come to life.

And in true Charlie Cojuangco fashion, the program was capped off by him singing “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before,” to everyone’s delight. I was happy to witness the start of their lifetime together, full of the love they so generously impart on their family and friends.

Home makeover sale

In between relationships, I have decided to renovate my home and it is quite timely that Wilcon Depot, the Philippines’ leading home improvement and building store, celebrates its anniversary with an exciting monthlong offering called “Wilcon Dream Home Makeover Anniversary Sale.”

With shoppers enjoying deals up to 50-percent off from the widest array of home improvement materials, Wilcon Depot Loyalty Members can also get the chance to enjoy P120,000 worth of a shopping spree. For every P5,000 worth of purchase in a single receipt, customers are entitled to one electronic raffle entry.

From an excellent array of high-quality tiles, sanitary wares, plumbing, furniture, home interior, building materials, hardware, electrical, appliances and other DIY items, Wilcon Depot has the best selection available nationwide.

Participating customers can register and check their accumulated entries online at wilcon.com.ph/upload/dreammakeoverpromo. Promo ends on Oct. 31 in all Wilcon Depot and Wilcon Home Essentials stores nationwide, and promo is also on Wilcon Online Store.

Visit any of their 69 retail outlets nationwide or experience more convenient home shopping with Wilcon Online Store by visiting shop.wilcon.com.ph.

To get more updates and the full mechanics of this promo, you can visit wilcon.com.ph.

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