Dennis Villarino Teernstra and husband Joop Teernstra could have easily renewed their marriage vows in New Zealand, their home for the last 20 years. But because Cebu is quite nostalgic to the couple since they first met at The FREEMAN office, the celebration was in Cebu.
Dennie used to work at the Accounting department of The FREEMAN, and as fate would have it, Joop came to the office and asked Donnie how much would it cost for him to put an advertisement like “Wanted to meet girls for a wife” or something to that effect. Dennie immediately replied and told Joop “dala ug pinalabtik”…why don’t you try me? From that time on, they became friends, love began to blossom and finally they got married. Their sponsors were the late Judge Peary Aleonar, publisher Juanito V. Jabat, the late Inday Jossie Gullas and this writer.
Joop and Dennie now have two beautiful children – Liefje and Oliver. Liefje is based in San Francisco, California while Olivier is still studying in New Zealand. That’s why they were not able to attend the auspicious occasion.
During their anniversary, Dr. Profeto Babarin and his wife Dr. Sonia Babarin stood as sponsors. The celebration was in Moalboal church officiated by Rev. Fr. Danny Sanico. A dear friend, Nita Pepito with Nora arranged everything, from the gown she wore, to the flowers (mostly orchids from the Teernstra gardens in Consolacion), to the reception.
After the church ceremony, the silver anniversarians looked so happy the second time around, happy to realize they have reached 25 years of blissful marriage.
To Joop and Dennie, congratulations! May you reach another 25 years for your Golden Wedding anniversary celebration!