MARRIAGE, under any circumstance, requires a leap of faith and constant work.
For Telesforo and his wife Teresa Caluban–Corsiga, this is how their marriage is working for the 55 years now aside from the love they have for each other.
The two met in Abuyog town, Leyte when Teresa’s sister married Telesforo’s brother. The courtship took about three years before Teresa, who was then 16 at last answered yes Telesforo, then 22.
“Dili pa jud musugot akong papa, ginapabulag mi tungod akong magulang minyo sa iyahang magulang, maot man daw na (My father did not approve of the relationship, he wanted us to break up since my sister married to his brother, it was not acceptable),” Teresa said.
But the two did not separate despite their parents’ reprimand, Telesforo said, adding that their relationship continued even though they barely see each other.
Until one day Telesforo’s elder brother died due to an illness. He said it was only then when his relationship with Teresa was given a chance.
Telesforo, however, came to Davao City to look for a job. He said distance was never a hindrance to their relationship. He added that he wrote and sent letters to Teresa most of the time.
But one day, Teresa was encouraged by her cousin to work in Manila so the couple lost communication but after three years, Teresa was informed that Telesforo already returned to Leyte and had been asking for her whereabouts.
“I also went home. I didn't realize that he already sought the blessing of my parents to marry me. He formally asked me to marry him, saying that he can already take care of me having bought a lot and built a house in Davao," she reminisced.
Teresa said their dating relationship lasted for about 10 years, including the time they were apart from each other.
The couple was blessed with 10 children, unfortunately, two have died.
Telesforo is now 86 years old while Teresa is 81.
There is no secret for a long-lasting relationship, according to them.
They only said that a couple must have to work their relationship with God – talk and plan together, settle differences and be happy and contented with each other.
After all, marriage is a commitment and never a contest.