11th Wedding Anniversary

[Han Delaguna]

I blog this to mark my marital bliss with Lucille, a journey we embarked on September 23 eleven years ago. With three beautiful children we playfully named after our favorite vegetables, Carotz who is 9; Cabbage, 7 and Brocolli, 4; life, indeed, is worth living and sharing.

The celebration was a simple, low-key, private affair and just for two of us love birds flying out together to strengthen our vows.

Arriving in Manila on Sept. 22 via an afternoon Cebu Pacific flight from Tagbilaran, we checked in at the UCCP Shalom Center in Malate then headed out to the Mall of Asia. It was my first time, Lucille's second. After savoring a sampler of Thai food, the IMAX giant 6-storey 3D theater was at the top of the agenda. It was my first time, Lucille's third. Then, it was Indonesian food for dinner before heading back to the hotel for the night.

Sunday morning of 23rd September came. It was The Day. Wishing the kids were with us, we called the little tots and hearing their voices was enough to brighten our day even more. The cloudy sky and cool breeze provided a pleasant walk to the UCCP Elinwood Church. The message exhorted us to do the ARK (acts of random kindness/love).

After spending about 3 hours at the nearby Robinson's Place, Lucille and I hurried off to the Cultural Center of the Philippines to catch a 3:00 o'clock showing of "Mulan". From the theater we strolled leisurely about, taking in the skyline of Manila. We would have strolled all the way to The Luneta but then it was about to rain. We hopped into a taxi like high school students sneaking out from class just when the sky released a downpour.

Monday morning started early at 4:00 dawn. I made a final check of the documents we will be bringing. We started dressing up for the event, the opportunity of which came unexpectedly, and for which we have been tirelessly preparing for the past two weeks with fervent prayers. By 6:15 AM, we took the waiting service vehicle and headed for the U.S. Embassy...

I was in a dreamlike state when I pushed the iron gate to let myself out. Lucille followed right behind me. I took her hand. Our footsteps were light feeling unbelievable it was over that soon.

"Should we take a ride here?" Lucille asked. My mind played back how well the interview went. God has paved the path for us. "No," I replied. "Let's take a walk...  Let's relish this moment", I said with a smile.

[pioneer]

Congratulations, Atty. DeLaguna.

What a lovely essay.

And your kids' names are indeed nutritious.

[-<GEC348>-]

Delaguna,

Your kids' names kinda remind me of the chopsuey

Mao ba ni ang inspiration?

[Han Delaguna]

Congratulations, Atty. DeLaguna.

What a lovely essay.

And your kids' names are indeed nutritious.

Well, sort of something like that... but that just came to mind after we steped back and looked at the bigger picture

[lumine]

better late than never.... belated 11th wedding anniversary, delaguna!

[Sigbin II]

A very romantic reminiscence, Sir.

Congratulations, on the anniversary!