Posted by marie on Sep 19, '07 2:10 PM for everyone He is also my first. (You can stop holding your breathe now.)
We first got married at a Greenhills church called Sanctuario de San Jose on October 2, 1982. (Yes, yes, we're ancient. I know for some of you that's the year you were born.) We liked each other's company so much we decided to further seal the deal by getting married again in Christian rites on October 5, 1985. This turned out to be a smart move. If one of us should ever forget the first date there's always the second date to celebrate.
This year we will be married for 25 years. Hmm, maybe we should renew our vows at the Fort so we can say we first got married at San JOSE then had our 25th at fort BONIFACIO. That means we were united at ... Jose - Bonifacio ! Ha ha! How appropriate! (This is how my brain works at 1:45 am.)
My dad use to tell me this: "Marriage is like a dwelling ...with no Fire Exit. So you better make sure you build it right and you put out any fires as soon as they start." That formula worked for them. He and my mom were faithfully married to each other for more than 50 years and stayed together in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, until death did them part. Now they're together even in heaven.
How does a spouse stay faithful in marriage? One strategy, wives, is to instill the fear of of the Lord. I used to tell Joey, "Remember God is MY father. So that makes Him YOUR father-in-law. Wow, you've got an omni-present, omnipotent, omniscient father-in-law."
When Joey points out, "Hey, God is MY dad too you know." I tell him "Sorry, I said it first so you can't use that line of reasoning " which, unfortunately, reveals the maturity level of some of our conversations! ; >
When Joey and I reminisce about our single days, we realize how opposite we are. It was really a miracle that we even met in the first place. And it is still the same miracle-working God that keeps our love faithful, the laughter coming and the fights (oops, excuse me)... disagreements to end.
In my next blog, I'll describe that first meeting. Or as those autograph books put it ..."How Did You Met ?"
 | Happy 25th anniversary on Oct. 2 and then again on Oct. 5!!! You have every good reason to celebrate!!! Wow talaga!!! |
 | I'm so glad my brother married you. He couldn't have had a better one. You're a great SISTER, that's what you are to me. Too bad you can't come to celebrate here on October 2. But wherever you celebrate, have a great time... Enjoyed our long telephone marathon earlier. Miss you. |
 | kfav wrote on Sep 19, '07 Happy 25th anniversary! Wow I learned a lot from this story. Thanks tita! =) |
 | wendygep wrote on Sep 19, '07, edited on Sep 19, '07 whether i hear it in seminars or reading it here, your story never fails to inspire me...Advance Happy Wedding Anniversary to you, Ms Marie and Ptr Joey! many more blessings for both of you! |
 | happy 25th (and 22nd?) anniversary my friend! hope you enjoy your celebration! we miss you... |
 | Happy 25th anniversary!! i enjoyed reading this story. enjoy your celebration! =) |
 | Ahhhh!! What a nice, sweet love story (wala pa nga e, hehe) I've just read. I like that: JOSE-BONIFACIO! And at 1:45AM?! Hmmm! That's Marie Antonio-Bonifacio writing. A very sharp, smart and beautful writer you are! Advance anniversary greetings to you and P. Joey! Excited to read the love story of all time..... |
 | Happy Silver Wedding Anniversary! I'm looking forward to read how the two of you met. Pang tele-novela ba? ;-D You're an inspiration to Paolo and me! |
 | happy anniversary, pastor joey and tita marie! wow, 25 years! i was 3 years old when you got married (the first time). hehehe. have a great anniversary celebration! thank you for your example, leadership, and friendship :) |
 | happy anniversary ptr joey and tita marie! 25 years and still going strong. =) |
 | Happy Anniversary to both of you. Your marriage is a blessing to us..and to many... |
 | Happy 25th birthday mom! Can I have an allowance again? |
 | eauj wrote on Sep 19, '07 Happy 25th to you & ptr Joey! can't wait for your next blog. |
 | haha....can't wait tita marie! your blogs always make me smile and laugh. happy 25th anniversary! God bless your marriage more and may you continue to be a blessing to us as you set a great example. we love you! :) |
 | i remembered you this morning! happy anniversary! |
 | happy anniv, thnx for modeling marriage and true love |
 | happy silver anniversary. your marriage is an inspiration to us and to many. Can u please post your old pix 25 years ago??? We will definitely see a miracle in that pix :-) |
 | hi marie! this is riza (using jonathan's multiply). i miss you and our thursday meeting. happy happy 25th anniversary! thank you for being a good example.you are an amazing writer...i enjoy reading your blog. maybe someday you can compile them and make it a book?... |
Comment deleted at the request of the author.
 | janetsuson wrote on Sep 20, '07, edited on Sep 20, '07 d naman kayo mukhang ancient,e. :-) happy 25th anniversary.thanks for everything.you have always been an inspiration to us. |
 | Congratulations on your Silver Anniv. Am so glad that I am a part of the clan. Hope to see you soon. |
 | there is this sparkle in ptr joey's eyes every time he's talking about you :-) in love na in love hehehe... happy 25th! |
 | Happy 25th. We were married in October 10th five years behind you. You two are great example for us. God bless. |
 | Happy 25th!! We actually got married 3 times in about a 10 day stretch. So I have three chances at remembering. I like your story about the house without a fire escape. That is a good way to look at it. God is so good to give us someone we can grow old with (not that you guys are old yet lol), but that we can grow old with. Bless you guys!! |
 | ms marie and ps joey, happy anniversary! :) congrats.. and thanks for being such an inspiration to singles and married couples alike! looking forward to your next installation... |
 | Hi Marie, Happy 25th anniversary!! Ardy and I are blessed to have you and ptr.joey modeled a blissful and godly marriage...enjoy your special day!! |
 | hi everyone, thanks for all your very kind words. We are yet to celebrate next month.
Watch out for the next installment entitled "1st Time Ever I saw Your Face". ; > (those in your 40s, sing along!) |
 | What a great example you are to so many people. I look forward to making it to 25. Congratulations!!! |
 | Happy 25th anniversary chinkee and i are bless with your life |
 | happy 25th ! great and inspiring blog :) |
 | Congrats:) you guys are adorable!!! |
 | Congratulations and Cheers to a blissful 25 years together! Enjoy your Trip.=) |
 | Oh My Dear Ninang Marie, hehehehe
Happy Happy @5th Anniversary... Grabe talaga!!! I salute God so much for you and Ptr. Joey's life, as a testimony to our marriage lives...
The title "Joey is my 2nd husband" catch my attention and found out your Multiply Site... galeng...
Mwaaahhhh
Hazel |
 | your blog is always funny and I always learn something new! have been married for almost 3 years, so I can say that I read your blog to pick up a few pointers here and there=) |
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I used to tell Joey, "Remember God is MY father. So that makes Him YOUR father-in-law. Wow, you've got an omni-present, omnipotent, omniscient father-in-law." 
