Vi & Ralph: Going strong after 20 years

She was clueless, so Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos set an appointment with another group for last Tuesday, Dec. 11, which happened to be her and her husband Sen. Ralph Recto’s 20th church wedding anniversary. Since Vilma couldn’t cancel it, Ralph had no choice but to reset to tomorrow night the dinner that he had planned to surprise her with.

As we all know, they are partners not only at home but in politics. Vilma conceded that Ralph has been her mentor and adviser in her rise from mayor of Lipa City to governor of the province.

As a nod to the couple’s wedding solemnized at the Lipa City Cathedral, Funfare asked Vilma and Ralph in separate interviews to enumerate the 20 reasons that keep their love for each other deeper, what they find specially lovable about each other.

Vilma’s list:

He’s a loving son

Caring husband

Ideal father

Considerate boss

Religious and God-fearing

Forgiving and soft-hearted

Down-to-earth

Thoughtful

Generous

Intelligent

Good leader

Man of integrity

Optimistic

Statesman

Witty and funny

Adventurous

Friendly

Good-looking and mestizo

Good dresser and a pianist

Nice feet

* * *

And Ralph’s list:

• Family and values

Her genuine devotion to God

Her being a caring mother, a loving wife, devoted daughter and understanding sister

Her grace under pressure during family crises

Her being thoughtful and a disciplinarian to me and to the kids

Her unwavering faith in the capacity of people to change

• Public service

Her commitment to serving the people

Her advocacy for the women, youth and the elderly

Her palabra de honor

Her perseverance to make Batangas a model province

Her being passionate on issues affecting the province and the country

Her principled leadership-style

• Craft

Her devotion to her craft and professionalism

Her being an inspiration to her peers and upcoming stars

Her being down-to-earth and humble despite her stature as a movie icon

Her not being afraid to try out new and challenging roles

• Funny/personal

Her being both a superhero (Darna) and a nun (Sister Stella L)

Her being my mentor in life and love

Her being stingy and simple that balance my upscale

Her patience in keeping up with me through the years

HER UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

To the couple, happy 20th anniversary and, as the Chinese would say, may you have 100 more blissful years together!

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