KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – Two days before Valentine’s Day and after 52 years of living together, a couple has decided to make their union legal.
Egnedio Corpuz, 77, and Julieta Venzo, 69, residents of Purok Magsaysay in Barangay Labangal in General Santos City, were among 87 other couples who joined the “Kasalan ng Bayan” held at the city plaza on Thursday.
Egnedio and Julieta are the city’s “oldest newlyweds,” said General Santos City Mayor Ronel Rivera.
The couple said they never thought of getting married as they considered their relationship strong. They have seven children.
But it is never too late to say “I do” and fulfill his partner’s dream of a wedding, Egnedio said, so he decided to register for the mass wedding.
Julieta said she felt like she was Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie being wed to Brad Pitt when they sealed their union with a kiss. “I was the happiest bride,” she said.
Asked what kept their bond strong through the years, Julieta cited, “respect and understanding.”
Egnedio said a relationship without respect and understanding is not for keeps.