EDGARDO Delilan of Hacienda Celena and Sarale Sales of Hacienda Cudangdang #4 both in Barangay Cudangdang in EB Magalona met when they were just 19.
They then became lovers, and after a year, they got married on September 25, 1970.
The couple, who were both laborers in the hacienda, was gifted with six children - Erwin, Edna, Eva, Erna, Emlyn and Edralin.
As farmworkers, life was not easy for the Delilan couple. They struggled much until their sacrifices eventually paid off.
Now, both at 71, Edgardo and Sarale got the "best gift" from their children and 19 "apos" - their golden wedding.
"Supposedly, it was on September 25, 2020, but due to Covid -19 pandemic, we decided to postpone it," said Erwin, the couple's eldest son.
But since Covid-19 remains as is (until now), the siblings decided to pursue the wedding on June 12, 2021, a day after Erwin also turned 50.
So it was a double celebration, indeed.
The simple yet memorable ceremony, officiated by Fr. Salvador, took place at the Chapel of St. Roque in Hacienda Cudangdang #4.
Then, it was followed by a salo-salo or "punsyon" at the Delilan's residence also in the said hacienda.
"It's the first time in Cudangdang that people witnessed a golden wedding ceremony," shared Erwin.
"The barrio setting truly inspires us... and our kasimaryos who are now in Manila and abroad."
Even Fr. Salvador, in his homily, stressed that such a golden wedding, indeed, was a "gift" from God for the humble community for people to appreciate the sanctity of marriage and family.
Hence, the priest congratulated the Delilan siblings for initiating such a move that made a one-of-a-kind history not just in Cudangdang, but also in the entire community of the St. Joseph The Worker Parish in EB Magalona.
"Well, the feeling was beyond quantification. It's the first time that I witnessed a golden wedding ceremony and the couple was my parents per se," says Erwin.
"It's priceless. And it's the "best gift" I've ever received for my golden birthday as well," he capped.