A 79-year-old groom and his 67-year-old bride finally exchanged vows in a civil ceremony at Manila City Hall on Wednesday morning, February 4, after more than three decades of life together.
The wedding of Manuel Bulong Delos Santos and Mae Jean Dolar Baladiang at the Bulwagang Villegas served as a poignant opening to the Valentine month, proving that the timing of love and devotion is never too early—or too late.
Delos Santos and Baladiang stood before Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso to celebrate a union defined by decades of shared history.
The pair had been living together for 32 years, navigating life’s challenges and caring for six grandchildren in their household long before reaching the altar to formalize their bond.
Domagoso officiated the ceremony, noting that the event was a “heartwarming situation” for the city hall staff.
The Mayor said the couple was granted a ceremony due to the persistence they showed in seeking to honor their relationship after a long journey together.
Baladiang explained that while their life together spanned over three decades, the path to this day required patience.
The bride described the ceremony as the ultimate fulfillment of a life spent with a partner who truly cared for her.
“For 32 years na nagsasama kami, ngayon lang kasi naging maayos ang mga documents namin. Sa 32 years na pagsasama namin, dito ko napatunayan at nahanap ‘yung tunay kong pag-ibig—’yung tunay na hinihintay ko, ‘yung totoong nagmahal sa akin. Kaya ito na po ‘yung katuparan ko at salamat po,” Baladiang said.
Despite their financial struggles, including raising six grandchildren and recently pawning their television to pay for school enrollment, the couple remained focused on their goal of standing before the city to pledge their love.
Domagoso emphasized that their story serves as a lesson for the public on the enduring nature of commitment.
He expressed hope that the couple would be blessed with good health and a long life together now that they have fulfilled their dream of marriage.
“I hope kapulutan ng aral ang pagsasama ninyo na kahit na sa ganitong edad ay kinikilala niyo pa rin ang kahalagahan ng kasal. Bilang institusyon, bilang indibidwal, bilang Ama ng Maynila, walang huli sa pag-ibig at asawa hanggang dulo,” the mayor said.
In her remarks, Baladiang thanked the Mayor and City Hall staff for the kindness and assistance they received.
The bride also remarked on how the blessings they received far exceeded what she had initially prayed for.
“Ang daya-daya po ni Lord. ‘Yung hinihiling ko po sa Kanya, konti lang; ang binigay Niya po sa akin, sobra-sobra,” Baladiang said.
