Love the second time around

LOVE, so goes a line of a popular song, comes from the most unexpected places.

Armando Garces is from Luzon. Elvie Obregon came from Mindanao, particularly Davao City. But as fate would have intervened, the two met in Metro Manila.

It was love at first sight for Armando but not for Elvie. She came to Manila to undergo a review for her engineering course. She lived at her sister’s place.

And it happened that Armando is a friend of the husband of Elvie’s sister. That was how he met her. “I was smitten by her beauty,” he said.

Elvie and Armando Garces. (Photo by Henrylito Tacio)

But Elvie wasn’t interested on him – at first. All she wanted to do was to pass the board examination. Having a sweetheart was far from her mind.

But Armando was persistent. He courted her even though Elvie said they could just be friends. He wooed her with roses and chocolates; but she ignored his amorous advancements.

When Elvie returned to Davao City, she got the biggest surprise of her life when Armando followed her. He spent the Christmas season with her family. It was then that Elvie realized that he was serious.

“He is kind and loving,” Elvie said of Armando.

Before she knew it, they became sweethearts. Finally, the whirlwind courtship ended in marriage.

Three children joined them later on: Patrick John (who is now a nurse), Dan Rafael (an information technology student), and April Rae (taking up biology).

After 25 years of living together as husband and wife, Armando and Elvie exchanged vows again recently.

“It’s sort of a family reunion, too, of the Obregon clan,” Elvie said.

Aside from Armando and Elvie, other Obregon couples also tied for the second time during the occasion: Reggie and Roxan Obregon, Dream Boy and Juliet Obregon, Teddy Boy and Nena Obregon, Danny and Beam Obregon, Joevir and Janeth Obregon, Crismon and Desiree Obregon, Danny Junior and Joan Obregon.

Others who also exchanged vows the second time around include Charles and Seminoa Floreza, Elmundo and Juvy Limcatson, George and Ra Jan Orellanida, Jeffrey and Jacqueline Casiller, Jerome and Pearlie Ninoneuvo, Mario and Emelie Silvosa, Sammy and Chona Ando, Rodolfo and Larcy Escamilla, and Maximo and Esther Ybanez.

“I am very happy that they’re getting married again,” said son Patrick John. “We are very lucky to have them as our parents,” Dan Rafael added.

“They are our role models.” Both sons gave away their mother-bride to the father-groom during the ceremony, which lasted for more than hour.

Pastor Percy John D. Obregon, who travelled all the way from Digos, was the officiating minister. April Rae was the maid of honor.

Little bridesmaids were composed of Fayo Valere N. Casiller, Michelle Jade S. Artista, Bea Juliane B. Oregon, and Daniela Joan B. Obregon. The little groomsmen were Kurt Lester M. Obregon, Dan Judny B. Obregon, Mico Jade S. Artista, and Michael Jade S. Artista. The Bible bearer was Vaam Terence N. Casiller.

Hymns Harvey O. Ando and Shella Mae Amante served as masters of ceremony. The ushers were Kim Frances M. Obregon and Lord Kenneth O. Silvosa.

The pianist of the special event was Miriam Fuentes. Sammy Ando, Dan A. Millanes and Lorie M. Fresco provided songs for the couples.

In its invitation, these words were written: “Love is never happy when do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. Love will never end.”

Armando and Elvie Garces have proven this.