Taguig is a city that knows how to celebrate milestones, but some celebrations are more meaningful than others. Beyond new buildings and modern developments, the city recently honored a different kind of achievement — love that has endured for 40, 50, and more than 50 years. As part of the Elderly Filipino Week celebration, 33 senior citizen couples gathered at the Convention Center of the New Taguig City Hall on October 6 to renew their vows before Mayor Lani Cayetano. Organized by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), the ceremony was more than a formal event. It was a tribute to faith, commitment, and partnerships that have stood the test of time.
More Than a Ceremony, A Celebration of a Journey
The renewal of vows recognized couples whose marriages span decades of building homes, raising families, and overcoming life’s challenges together. For many of them, saying “I do” again was not just about repeating words, but about remembering the journey that brought them to this point. Mayor Lani Cayetano led the ceremony and reminded the couples of the significance of what they have built. She encouraged them to cherish their years together, to give thanks for the trials they have overcome, and to continue honoring the promises they made long ago. “Inyong muling pinagtibay ang inyong pagsasama sa pamamagitan ng inyong pangako sa isa’t isa. Gusto ko pong ipaalala sa inyo na napakarami ng inyong pinagdaanan, marami rin po kayong pinagtagumpayan, mga bagay na dapat ipagpasalamat sa Panginoon. Nawa ay panatilihin ninyong maalab ang inyong pag-iibigan sa isa’t isa at pagsikapang tuparin ang mga pangako, pangako na dalhin ninyo ngayon at habang kayo ay nabubuhay,” the mayor said.
Symbols of Happiness and Harmony
The celebration included a symbolic cake and wine ceremony, representing the happiness and harmony the couples have shared throughout their married life. The city government also gave rice packs and small gifts as tokens of appreciation for their lasting example to the community. While the venue was the new and modern Taguig City Hall, the focus was on something timeless — the value of family as the foundation of the city.
The Secret to 42 Years Together
Among those who renewed their vows were Valentino Canilao and his wife from Barangay West Rembo, married for 42 years. When asked about the secret to their long marriage, their answer was simple and grounded in values many Filipino families will recognize. “Ang sikreto naming dalawa sa aming mahabang pagsasama ay ang pagkakaroon ng pagpupuri at pasasalamat sa Diyos, pagmamahalan, pagtutulungan, pagpapatawad, at ang pagdadamayan. Itong renewal of vows namin sana ay maging inspirasyon sa aming mga anak at apo,” they shared. For them, the renewal was not just for themselves, but for the next generation. They expressed their gratitude to Mayor Lani Cayetano and the City of Taguig for giving them a chance to relive such an important moment alongside other senior couples. “Para po kay Mayor Lani Cayetano, isa pong karangalan na kami ay maging bahagi ng Renewal of Vows sapagkat ito po ay nagbibigay ng panibagong inspirasyon sa mag-asawa. Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo, at sa lungsod ng Taguig.”
