28/05/2026
May 29, 2021 - The world was on lockdown, face shields were mandatory, and pandemic anxiety was at its peak. Yet, amidst all the uncertainty, a young couple entered into a lifetime partnership at the Holy Rosary Cathedral. They decided to tie the knot—not just because the strict health protocols offered a brilliant excuse to keep the guest list short and save on wedding costs (though the economic benefit was undeniable)—but, more importantly, to solidify their love and exchange their vows before God and their closest witnesses.
And while the guest list was strictly limited in number, its jurisdiction was surprisingly province-wide and multi-faceted. Their lineup of principal sponsors formed a formidable panel: the then-Provincial Governor and Vice Governor, a Municipal Trial Court (MTC) Judge, the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, a future bank manager, a school principal, a teacher, the City Civil Registrar, and even former US citizens. It was an exclusive jury, but certainly a heavyweight one, convened to witness the commencement of their union.
At the time, the man was just a reviewing law student trying to reach his goals, while his beautiful bride, Kim, was navigating her own path, just two years into her career at a prestigious bank. Their original master plan was to wait until after the Bar Exams to get married, but God clearly had a different, much better schedule in mind.
A few months later, their little lucky charm, Stacey, arrived. The man's dream of becoming a lawyer was no longer just a personal ambition; it became a family mandate. His family's future depended on the result of his sacrifices. The pandemic forced the Supreme Court to postpone the Bar Exams multiple times, which could have been deeply frustrating. Instead, he treated it as a welcome extension, using the year-long review period to spend precious time with his wife and baby.
Kim and Stacey were his absolute support system, providing the moral support and energy he needed to keep going. And he definitely needed a miracle when he tested positive for COVID-19 just a week before the Bar! Thankfully, by God's grace, he tested negative right before the final clearance—a speedy recovery that defied the usual quarantine rules.
The exams finally finished, and while the test itself felt manageable, the journey getting there was long, tiring, and full of uncertainties. Through it all, Kim was the unwavering backbone of the man's energy, and Stacey was his ultimate inspiration. Even after passing, the trials didn't stop—he literally had to stand in line for 10 straight hours, from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM, just to sign the Roll of Attorneys! It was never easy.
Fast forward to today: the husband and wife are happily married, though not without their occasional "silent treatments." Instead of loud, verbal cross-examinations, they sometimes invoke their right to remain silent. Those are the times when the house is deafeningly peaceful, but their hearts are on strike with no talking and no hugging. Thankfully, they always manage to settle their differences. After all, those quiet gaps are overwhelmingly outweighed by their sweet moments together—their spontaneous travels, fun eat-outs, and endlessly playful moments with Stacey.
Through it all, the man eventually realized that marriage is not some fairy tale like Cinderella and the Seven Dwarves, where finding your princess guarantees an automatic, uncontested "happily ever after." In reality, the longer the relationship goes on, the more they both enter their flaws into the record. He knows her imperfections, and she certainly knows his. They have both witnessed the good and the evil in each other. Yet, despite full disclosure of all these flaws, he finds himself inevitably loving her even more—honoring the binding promises they made at the altar on the day of their wedding.
Perhaps, the hope for a brighter future for their marriage was already admitted into evidence through the signs of the times. After all, the priest who officiated their wedding is surnamed "Cahayag," and the OB-Gyne who helped deliver their daughter is surnamed "Lamdag." With both names carrying the promise of light and brightness, the universe was already hinting at a radiant path ahead for their family.
Through all the seasons of their life, the man is endlessly thankful for his wife's unwavering support. Without Kim, he knows he wouldn't be where he is today. The man extends his deepest love to his wife and to Stacey, thanking them both for the happiest five years. With prayers and faith in the Lord, he knows the years ahead will continue to rule in their favor.
Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary Bibii!
The man - Teonilo M. Bagalanon Jr.
