How Patricia & Rob keep marriage intact

In a field where most marriages don’t last (so many pressures, so many temptations and so many intrigues, you know), Patricia Javier and Robert “Rob” Walcher III are among the very few exceptions. They celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Dec. 27 last year. At the start, some cynics predicted that the east-meets-west union wouldn’t last. The couple has proven them terribly wrong.

Asked how they keep their marriage intact, Patricia told Funfare in an exclusive interview, “I don’t know how to fight in English. It takes time for me to decide what to say. And by the time I’m about to open my mouth, wala na ang galit ko.”

That’s a joke.

“Seriously,” continued Patricia, “give-and-take kami. We compromise. We meet halfway on some issues. Rob is patient and understanding. Simple lang. Mabait na tao siya, sobrang maka-pamilya.” 

A chiropractor, Rob is part-German and part-Scot who grew up in the States (Reno, Nevada) while Patricia is a homegrown actress-singer raised on Filipino custom. Luckily, they didn’t suffer from culture shock. They instill the best of both cultures in their children Robert IV, eight years old, and Ryan.

“We train them to be punctual in everything, always American time and never Filipino time,” said Patricia, “and to be independent. We teach them Filipino values such as respect for elders, ‘yung pagmamano, and to say ‘po’ and ‘opo.’”

They were two right people who met at the right time. She was free and so was he. They met in San Diego, California, introduced to each other by their mutual friends Dr. Benjamin Camacho, and Melinda and Romy Casas.

“It was perfect timing,” recalled Patricia. “It didn’t take time before Rob began courting me. Before I knew it, we were going steady already.”

But when Rob proposed marriage, Patricia said that she developed cold feet.

“Ang daming pinagdaanan bago natuloy ang kasal,” laughed Patricia. “I had my wedding gown made in the Philippines but it got lost on my way to the States. I thought that was a bad sign until I found out that my gown was misplaced at the Customs.”

It helps that they are both Christian who put God at the center of their marriage.

“Rob didn’t used to be religious and I was able to influence him,” said Patricia. “Dati, he didn’t go to church as often as he should. Malaking factor na pareho kami ng religion.”

After living for years in San Diego where Rob ran chiropractic clinic and Patricia resumed her rudely-interrupted career as a singer, the couple decided to settle down in the Philippines.

The Dec. 27, 2015, event was a celebration of both their 10th wedding anniversary and their happy homecoming. Joining them were their close friends, including (as principal sponsors) the late German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, Bernie and Ernesto Leyva, Melinda and Romy Casas, and Dr. Ann and George David.

The event organizer was Kristine Rose Cruz of Krissybey Events Management. Other credits: Susie Bonaobra and Bing Cristobal (gowns), Wilfoto (photo and video), Joane Quimio (hair and make-up), Dawn Escarte of Rojo Flowers (florist), Acoustic After Class (reception band), Studio 22 (might’s and sounds), Bente Dos Akustik (ceremony band), Sweet Solutions (cake), Jeff Quinquileria of Walkabooth (photo booth), Wedding Digest Philippines (souvenirs), Red Veil (candy buffet), and Janne Rabe and Phoebe Walker (emcees). 

The reception was held at Patrick’s Café at The Paris Beach Club of Azure Urban Resort & Residences, catered by Lady Lynn Catering Services.

“We are here to stay,” said Patricia. “Enjoy na dito ang mga bata.”

Rob has set up his chiropractic Dr. Rob Clinic (#47-B Scout Rallos St., Quezon City) while Patricia is back to singing and acting, with a new album titled Patricia Javier Reinvented produced by Larry Hermoso to be launched on Jan. 29 at Elvishe Restorante (on Mother Ignacia St., Quezon City).

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