Fifty years ago, Cynthia and I said “I do,” embarking on a journey that amazingly but not unexpectedly has lasted half a century. It was Sept. 13, 1975, we were both 25 years old, and surrounded by about 60 family members and friends, we made that vow to walk life’s journey side by side.

And while we celebrated our golden wedding anniversary a few days ago, we have actually been together for more than 50 years. We have been “going steady” for seven years prior to our wedding. Kids, “going steady” was a slang term during our days which meant to be in an exclusive, serious romantic relationship with one person. Before we went “steady,” we were in the same circle of friends. In fact, two of our closest friends since our UP Diliman days — Doy and Dek — celebrated their own golden wedding anniversary last month.

So Cynthia and I have been together since college. Reflecting on our time together, I realize that longevity in relationships is not about grand gestures or perfect moments; it’s about the little things, the everyday habits that build a life together. After we graduated from UP we started dating. I would visit her at her home in Las Piñas (then make the trip back home to Tondo) which at that time was like going to the province. Her parents liked me — mabait daw ako at masipag — and I enjoyed going to her home because I get the chance to spend time with her.

We both liked simple things. We would have simple dates — watching movies, eating simple foods and talking. I remember she was already teaching at Far Eastern University (FEU) in Morayta and I would fetch her after my work in Makati. We would go to one of the popular cinemas along Recto — Odeon, Cinerama, Dilson — and watch Filipino films, usually a comedy which we both liked. I remember the two of us watching a Dolphy movie while sharing minatamis na saging or siopao from Kowloon.

We have weathered storms — in the world of politics not in our lives as husband and wife. We were once asked if it was okay to have our love life turned into a film and I said it was okay but that would be a “boring” film. “Steady” lang kasi kami. No major, earthshaking moments; just a life of love, nurturing and respect.

Cynthia is my wife and my partner in life. I am very thankful that I have her as a partner as we built our beautiful family; raising our beautiful children, Camille, Mark and Paolo, and, now doting our grandkids.

Many people have asked us: “What is your secret?” There is no secret, folks. What makes a relationship successful is something that we already know from the advice of our parents and lessons from the books we have read and the movies we have watched.

Aside from love, respect is very important. Cynthia and I learned early on that despite our commonality we also have differences as human beings. When we decided to be together we also decided to accept and appreciate each other’s quirks and differences. We made it a point to keep growing together — whether through hobbies or travel adventures, we kept discovering each other anew.

But for us, the most important thing is family. Our family is the heart of the story of Manny and Cynthia. Raising our children had its challenges, but doing it together forged a bond deeper than words. Watching our children grow and start families of their own fills us with joy and pride. Even when we are all busy with our lives we make sure to spend time together.

I promised to Cynthia half a century ago, that I look forward to growing old with her and spending the rest of our lives together. I am glad that 50 years on, I have kept that promise.

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