50 years and counting
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IS NO EASY FEAT.
Thus, the children and in-laws of Tatay Rufino and Nanay Erlina Roque made sure that they get to celebrate their golden anniversary in a special way by renewing their wedding vows. Never mind if preparation time was short, imagine just one week!
Tatay Rufy and Nanay Linda was married September 9, 1967 and their renewal of vows was held September 16, 2017 at the Cafe Demitasse along F. Torres Street.
The intimate renewal of vows ceremony was officiated by Dr. Ferdinand Oreta, a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Churches of Christ-Davao, formerly Metro Davao Christian Church.
Immediate family members and relatives along with close friends and few members of ICOC Davao witnessed the special event.
The members of the wedding entourage including the groom, minister, principal sponsors and secondary sponsors went through the traditional walk on the aisle.
A standing ovation and applause greeted the blushing bride during her traditional march.
Not only were Tatay Rufy and Nanay Linda teary-eyed during the entire ceremony but we, the guests, too could not help but shed tears of joy as we witnessed them exchange rings and vows.
Their children Veronica (now based in the U.S), Anabelle, Jesel, Edgar and Allan could attest how their parents weathered a lot of storms in their married and family life. Tatay Rufy and Nanay Linda have remained their source of inspiration.
During the reception, Tatay Rufy and Nanay Linda were beaming with pride and joy. They gamely sliced the cake and fed each other then we all broke out in cheers and laughter. They did not eat on their table though but instead eat their meals at a corner with daughter Anabelle.
The lovely couple also received inspiring messages from principal sponsors Carlos Gabucan, Sr. and his wife Lenny and son Edgar and wife Lani (who spearheaded the preparations for the anniversary).
Tatay Rufy, born in Tarlac, and Nanay Linda, who hails from Bohol, opened some of their gifts then thanked everybody who came and made their 50th anniversary truly memorable. Most importantly, they thanked God for helping them through their marriage.
The truth is, we can't thank them enough for the encouragement and inspiration they continue to give us.
Few weeks after the celebration, Tatay Rufy underwent a major operation but Nanay Linda was by his side at the hospital. Their love for God and in each other will be their source of strength as they undergo yet another challenge in their marriage. This, too, will pass and they will survive this with flying colors just like in every trial they faced for the past 50 years.