Gertrudes and Rogelio Alowa have been married for 53 years and they, together with 18 other senior couples, celebrated the renewal of their marriage vows through a ceremony organized by the Taguig City government. 

Mayor Lani Cayetano officiated the renewal of marriage vows of the 19 senior citizen couples at the Convention Center in the New City Hall on Oct. 13 in celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week.

Mayor Lani Cayetano with the 19 senior citizen couples that renewed their marriage vows (Photos from the Taguig City government) 

The couples celebrated either their golden anniversaries or more than 50 years of being with their spouse. 

“Noong una kayong humarap, sa dambana 50 years ago upang hilingin ang pagpapala ng Panginoon na kayo ay maikasal ipinangako niyo kayo ay magmamahalan, rerespeto, at magpapahalaga sa isa’t isa (When you first faced the altar 50 years ago to ask for the blessing of the Lord for you to get married, you promised that you will love, respect and give importance to each other),” said the mayor. 

She added, “Ang 50 years ay napakalawig na panahon. Kayo po ay napakagandang halimbawa sa ating komunidad at sa maraming mag-asawa na sa araw-araw ay nagsusumikap sa kanilang pangako magsama habambuhay (50 years is a long time. You are the best example in our community and for many married couples that strive daily in their promise to be together forever).” 

The city government prepared a ceremony for the couples through the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA)

During the ceremony, Cayetano gave a blessing to each couples’ marriage. The couples sealed their renewed vows with a kiss and had a cake slicing ritual, dance and wine toasting. The 19 couples received 25 kilos of rice each from the city government. 

Gertrudes Alowa from Barangay South Daang Hari, said the vow renewal was an opportunity for them to mark their 50th wedding anniversary and offered her tip for a lasting marriage. 

“Yung magbibigayan, kapag galit yung isa, dapat magpakumbaba yung isa. Kasi kung pareho mag-iinit, mapupunta sa hiwalayan yan. Yun ang kailangan, magbibigayan ang isa’t isa. Kami'y nagpapasalamat mag-asawa kasi kung hindi dahil kay Mayora, hindi namin ito makakamit (The giving, if one is angry, the other one should be humble. Because if you are both going to heat up, that will lead to separation. That is what is needed, to be giving to each other. We are thankful because if not for the mayor, we will not achieve this),” she said. 

Napoleon and Carmen Briñas of Barangay Bambang have been married for 50 years. 

“Advice sa bagong kasal: Hindi man tayo perpektong tao, at dumadaan tayo sa panahong nakakagawa ng kasalanan. Ang importante lang po ay marunong kayong humingi ng kapatawaran. At ang lalong importante, ang iyong kasama sa buhay ay nakalaang tumanggap at umunawa dahil sa pagmamahal (My advice to newlyweds: Even if we are not perfect and we go through times that we commit sins. The important thing is for you to learn how to seek forgiveness. And more importantly, your significant other in life is willing to accept and understand because of love),” said Napoleon.