My daughter’s wedding

When I walked my daughter Michelle down the aisle to give her in marriage to Nino, I felt as if my heart had broken. I am not ashamed to admit that I shed a few tears. But I will certainly deny my wife’s allegation as well as those of my brother’s and some friends ‘na humagulgol ako.’

However, even if I did cry a little last night, I think that’s perfectly understandable. Michelle, after all, is my only daughter, indeed my only child. And the thought that I would no longer be her “main man” was what saddened me the most. I would no longer be her “to go” guy and no matter how one describes it, it still hurts.

I am now relegated to a secondary role after Nino. In basketball parlance I’ll just be riding the bench. But that’s how it should be. In marriage, a husband and his wife must forsake their respective families as it were and dedicate themselves exclusively to each other — in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad times, until death do they part.

Most of us went through this same exercise. And just like Nino’s parents — Alex and Maria Alejandro — my wife Monique and I have endured this union through the years as we look forward to our 30th wedding anniversary next year. This is the example we as parents wich to impart to Nino and Michelle — to make tonight’s celebration last for all time. They have good role models to look up to.

I have a small family but we more than make up in love what we lack in size. And so I welcome Nino with open arms and an open heart into our family.

Nino, as you begin your journey in life together, always place your wife above everything else. Because from this day forward, nothing else will be more important to you. Love and honor your wife, cherish every moment you share together because life is short. Protect her at all times and most of all try your best to make her happy. I know from experience that this is easier said than done.

Chini, always love and respect your husband as he is the head of the family. Support him in his endeavors and always seek his advice whenever there are important decisions to be made. Learn to compromise and work as a team because two heads are better than one. After all, marriage is a team effort and to make it succeed will require the full commiment and devotion of you both.

Above all, never forget that y our journey in life began tonight when you consecrated yourselves to God and sought His grace and blessings in the Sacrament of Matrimony. Always make Jesus Christ, our divine Lord and Savior, the center of your lives. Do not beg for His mercy only in times of stress and difficulties. Sing his praise and glory all the days of your lives until you are reunited with Him in Heaven. With God by your side, you can do no wrong.