Rod and I picked November 19, 1972 for our wedding day. We had planned what we thought would be a unique ceremony and reception at St. Pancratius Church, an old and small church but scenically and historically set inside the Paco Park on San Marcelino Street. With our wedding date falling within the Christmas season, we envisioned a magical wonderland setting with all the Christmas lights from the trees all aglow above us and casting colorful reflections on the large circular water fountain fronting the church doors. The setting has added historic significance; our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal is buried in the adjoining area of the Paco Park.

The ceremony was timed so that I could do my wedding march from the gate of the park, pass the water fountain and on to the short aisle to the altar still with nature’s light on. And after the nuptial ceremony, with the lights all aglow, emerge from the church with Rod by my side. And as guests enjoy some pre-dinner reception, we’d slip away a few blocks down the street to observe a wedding tradition among colegialas, that of offering the bridal bouquet to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the chapel in my college alma mater, St. Theresa’s College. And upon our return, the whole evening was going to be a great celebration. Almost everything has been arranged – from the permit secured from then Imelda Marcos’ appointed Rizal Park Development chairman, Teodoro “Doroy” Valencia, to the priest and caterer. But alas! With the declaration of Martial Law by then president Ferdinand Marcos, we had a 360-degree change of wedding plans. With curfews in effect, the evening ceremony became an early morning rite and the garden dinner reception became a breakfast gathering at the Jade Vine Restaurant.

An additional lunch reception was added by my mother for our relatives and town mates who could not make it to Manila. And that meant traveling to Gapan, now a city. And it being a Sunday, we have to return to Manila and be home before the curfew hours. Because the next day was a Monday, a regular working day. Did you think we were off someplace honeymooning? Well, as a government employee working under the Office of the President, I was expected to report for work…no absences were allowed at that time, the height of Martial Law … unless I want to see myself out of work.

Thirty three years have gone by since then. On our anniversaries, there are times when the thought of that would-be magical wonderland wedding reception was still dancing in my head. But then again, reality sets in every time…plans are plans and they may or may not happen. But, whatever happens, happens for a reason because God has a plan for us and we should accept these changes. I think what’s important though, is that we have learned to weather all kinds of changes, rough rides included. And through all these, together as a couple and as a family, we’ve managed to recognize God’s role in our lives and have come out stronger.

No regrets…