ANGEL THOUGHTS “In marriage, Walk the path together, Side by side whenever possible. Remember to hold each other When the air is cold. If the air becomes too close, So each one can breathe. When the path ahead is narrow, Pick one to go first. Always be willing to follow; Don’t be afraid to lead. Trust your partner, trust yourself, For marriage is a journey That leads to great love.”

June is the time to "spoon" and "sing love’s tunes" by the "light of the silvery moon" and go on a honeymoon, according to an old song by Doris Day.

Those of us who can admit to remembering her sentimental songs must have tied the knot in a June month! That era romanticized June as the best month to marry. But now, as wedding coordinators say, the "ber" months are the hottest choices for this generation of brides as well as January and February. And there are those who set their altar dates in tune with the Chinese astrological calendar, like this August 8, 2008, for the lucky "888."

Any month of the year is a "good" time to walk down the aisle. Trust your instincts, young couples, but remember to book your choice of church and venue way in advance. At Bella Vista, our home, we have bookings for next summer already! Hubby and I just loved weddings! And these days, talking to engaged couples when they check out Bella Vista has been very enjoyable for me.

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Just as I love weddings, I love going to anniversaries, especially when I know that the couple really have something to celebrate– faithfulness to their vows throughout the years. Well, last Sunday, a favorite couple of ours, Supreme Court Justice Adolf Azcuna and his wife Maria Asuncion or Mariasun, celebrated their fortieth year of togetherness.

Adolf, who was then presidential legal counsel and press secretary, was my first direct boss in the Aquino administration. Later, he was persuaded to run for senator on the FVR slate, though he spent more time at the bookstores during the campaign. All the administration slate ran on a shoestring budget especially Adolf, who drove himself to office when he was still with the Cabinet. So he and others like another ex-boss of mine, Buddy Gomez, would pick up their modest campaign brochures after people in rallies threw them away (hopefully after reading them). I remember him during our Palace years as a true gentleman, an honest, dedicated public servant with a brilliant legal mind. He was one of Hubby’s favorite and most admired Aquino officials.

Much, much later, he was appointed by President Gloria to the Supreme Court after turning down nominations by President Aquino and FVR.

Mariasun was the "invisible" Cabinet wife who never meddled in Adolf’s job, not even to snip a ribbon for an art exhibit. She had her own career in St. Scholastica’s College where she now is the dean of the Liberal Arts department.

Adolf and Mariasun are poles apart in temperament; they also have a difference of ten years between them, but they have a solid marriage. Mariasun said that while they have grown as a couple, she has been blessed with a husband who has given her space to fulfill her own capabilities.

A simple thanksgiving mass was held at the beautiful chapel of St. Scholastica’s in Tagaytay City. Mariasun wanted a no-frills Eucharistic celebration, and they got it from Fr. Nunez, who focused on the theme of love for his homily.

The chapel has a huge glass picture window behind the altar table, so it was all greenery you saw during the mass. Glass panes lined the side walls, and it really was so relaxing to be in that chapel, especially when the rain was softly falling outside.

Dashing Justice Adolf in his piña barong and blushing bride Mariasun in a black and white flowing gown met their close friends at the door of the chapel. Guests included Adolf’s associates from the Supreme Court like Justice and Mrs. Tony Carpio, Justice and Mrs. Leo Quisumbing, Justice and Mrs. Tinga, Justice Reyes, retired Justice Jose Bellosillo, Mariasun’s beloved sisters from St. Scholastica’s College, Senator Joker Arroyo with his wife Fely, close friends and neighbors Joey and Tessie Estagle, former colleagues from the Aquino cabinet Jose de Jesus with his wife Mimi, deputy executive secretary Jake Llagonera and his wife Maite, their balae Ting Bengzon (their youngest daughter Agoo is married to Andy, the Benzons’ son), and other close friends.

The Azcunas have three daughters: Rina, soon to marry Alvie Sipongco in Baguio City on June 15; Bea, her dad’s executive assistant; and Agoo (with two sons Andres and Angelo); and only son Miguel, a marine biologist. Adolf is from Zamboanga, and Mariasun, formerly an Aunario, is from Nasugbu, Batangas.