Although we’ve
known each other and have been friends for over 20 years we never coined our
relationship as “best friends”. Not until her wedding day. Not until the host
called “the best friend of the bride” to give a speech. A speech which I was
not able to deliver at all since I was on the verge of breaking down into tears
and ruining the whole event for the couple.
Before I was
called upfront to give my speech, I was, I know I am ready. Days before the
wedding, I have prepared something to say to the couple. But was I able to say
the words? No! Hahahaha. I was holding my tears while my voice was shaking with
tremendous conscious effort or else, I could’ve ruined the whole event.
So this is
the only venue I see fit to say what I had to say that afternoon of December
9th in 2017 for the newlyweds Pauline and Marvin.
Emcee: Well
wishes and any message or advice for the couple?
Me:
“We are all
here of course to celebrate with the newlyweds Pauline and Marvin this special
day of the blessing of their matrimony. Congrats and best wishes to you both!
What advice
do I have for them? Remember that it’s not always hearts and flowers. You will
fight over the smallest of things to the most relevant of them. Choose only
those that are relevant and are worthy of “fights”. Learn how to agree to
disagree. It’s not always about how much voice you had during the argument, it’s
how much you’ve made your point clear. You will face challenges and difficulties.
Remember that you have to face them as partners. Extend your love to each one’s
families for if not for them, there won’t be the spouse that you have with you
right now. Some would say do not go to sleep with an issue or a fight unresolved. I
say, do not force to settle an argument with heightened emotions. Sleep on it if
you have to, and deal with it in the morning when you have calmed down and have
a clear head to talk things over.
Lastly,
during those times that you feel you are losing it, go back to the day when you
made your vows that you asked God to be one heart and soul, from this day
forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in
health, ‘till death do you part. And hopefully that will also bring you to that
day when you felt most inlove and happy to marry your spouse.”
Paulina,
you’ve always had a special place in my heart and you always will. You know you
can call to me on anything, and talk to me about anything. I cried during your
wedding. I wasn’t expecting that honestly. I didn’t know why I was in tears
during certain moments in that day. But then I realized, I was crying because I’ve
seen you change, transform rather, from that silly girl in high school who only
goes to school just for the heck of it to becoming a lady, a wife, and a mom. I
had the greatest pleasure of being there, witnessing the milestones in your
life. I am grateful we have maintained a special bond of friendship all these
years. And to know that your family treats me as family as well is something that
I will forever be thankful for.
Marvin, thank you. You know I cannot thank you enough,
for so many things. I mentioned during the reception “masaya ako Marvin na ikaw
ang katabe ni Pau ngayon”, and I mean it. I don’t know any better person who
will be Pau’s life partner. If there will be times that you have to vent or
will need help you know how to reach me. And you should know I will be as accommodating
to you as I am with Paulina. You both have me and Charlie to help you in
anything if you need us. Be it known that I don’t have any bias. That I tell
Pau she is wrong when she is wrong. So do not hesitate to ask me for anything
ok?
To the
newlyweds, Paulina and Marvin, I love you both. Cheers to your happily ever
after!
