Former Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and Rogelio C. Medina
I SAW a Facebook post from Jose Ma. Montelibano that said: “Old friends gathered to reminisce about a great lady that they all served directly or indirectly from 1986, or 39 years ago. It was a different era but a proud one, and the memories remain strong and vibrant. May generation after generation never forget.”
He was referring to former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, whose birthday is January 25, a day before my birthday.
Photo above shows (seated, from left) Popoy and Margie Juico, Elfren Cruz, Maria Montelibano, Ball Dominguez, Mimi de Jesus, Mariasun Azcuna, Ballsy Cruz, and Neni Sta. Romana Cruz; (standing, from left) Dodo Dee, Cesar Sarino, Jose Ma. Montelibano, Eldon Cruz, Viel Dee, Tina Sarino, Sonny Dominguez, Ping de Jesus, and Adolf Azcuna. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina
I vividly remember I was the Information Officer 3 at the Office of the Press Secretary. How I missed the late Fritzi Aragon and my good friends Margie Juico and Marisse Reyes.
Ballsy Aquino-Cruz was so kind to me and she even called me up at my home then.
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February is the month of love. I will feature different stories of love. I asked each respondent: (1) How do you define love? (2) Are you in love with whom and why?
Their replies are as follows:
PX and She Ilano
PX Ilano is happily married to She Ilano and has a child actress-daughter Elia: (1) “Love for me is an unshakable commitment to protect, provide and stand firm no matter what the storm is. It’s when you look at someone and know you’d face the world’s chaos just to see her smile.”; (2) Yes, I am very much in love with my wife every day. I love her because she gave meaning and direction to my life. She is incomparable and she is a blessing from God.”
Frederick and Hershelyn Francisco with their son Luka
Basketball coach and sportscaster Frederick Francisco is married to Hershelyn David Francisco and has a son Luka: (1) “True love is choosing to be with someone who can’t live without you.”; (2) “My wife and baby boy. I’m in love with life and the hope it brings with my family.”
Robert and Ping Fetizanan
Ping Diaz Fetizanan is married to Robert RJ Fetizanan and they are in New York City celebrating their anniversary: (1) “Love after 30 years of marriage is not just a feeling — it is a legacy. It is a commitment built through the years, marked by struggles, joys, and the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Aging may bring physical and emotional challenges, but love at this stage becomes a testament to the promises you made long ago. Hormonal changes and irritability are natural, but they also offer the chance to redefine love. It becomes less about grand gestures and more about quiet acts of care. Love is brewing a cup of tea for your spouse when they’re too tired to ask, choosing to walk away instead of snapping back, or holding hands in silence when words feel too heavy. These small acts of kindness remind you both why you chose each other. This love is also a gift to your family — a reminder to your children and grandchildren of what true commitment looks like. It shows them that love is not fleeting; it is a constant effort to choose one another every single day, even when it’s hard.”; (2) “My husband because he is the one whom God chose for me, and in his, I find a partner who walks beside me through every high and low. When we stood before God and our loved ones on our wedding day, we made a commitment to love, honor, and cherish each other. That promise was not just for a season, but for a lifetime. It was a vow to embrace the good and the bad, to adjust to life’s changes, and to grow together in faith and love. My love for my husband goes beyond the things he does for me. It’s about the life we’ve built together, the family we’ve nurtured, and the shared dreams we continue to pursue. With him, I’ve found not just love, but purpose. He is my blessing, my strength, and my greatest gift from God.”
Adorable Roger Ocampo bringing cheers to children as Mr. Bean Pinoy.
Comedian Roger Ocampo, hailed as the Filipino Mr. Bean, has lost his right foot and is blinded on the left eye: (1) “For me true love is unconditional, just how Jesus Christ loved us. Love is knowing how God really loves us by giving His one and only Son to die on the cross for all of us. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, that whosoever believes in Jesus Christ will not perish.”; (2) “I’m separated with my original wife and three kids for 24 years. They’ve left after I had an accident losing my middle finger on my left hand on board ship as I worked as a seaman. I lost my job and I couldn’t provide the needs of my family. My mother-in-law took away my wife and my three kids and I was left all alone. I was accused falsely, that’s why my three kids neglected me and they have forgotten me as their father until now…But I’m so in love with Jesus Christ and I’m happy walking on His side holding and leaning in His everlasting arms. Jesus Christ is everything to me. I’m so blessed that He never leaves me even in my hardest time.”
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Wick and Cayen Veloso with their cute, talented grandchildren.
It is very much appreciated that each year my very good friend Wick Veloso, De La Salle University alumnus and CEO of the Philippine National Bank, greets me an advanced birthday greeting.
Many thanks, Wick, you are always the first one to greet me a happy birthday. I turned 65 on January 26 this year.
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From left: Birthday celebrant Rogelio C. Medina, Victoria Medina Isip and Rosita Constantino Medina behind Kohl’s Sephora in Vallejo, California.
Thanks to my mother Rosita Constantino Medina as well as to my sister Victoria Medina Isip and her loving husband Vicente Santiago Isip (they plan to spend this year their wedding anniversary in London) for treating me to Hibachi Grill and Buffet along Gateway Blvd., Fairfield, California for my 65th birthday after attending a Sunday Mass at Northgate.
Birthday cake was courtesy of my niece Aiko Kumano in Hawaii and my sister and brother-in-law surprised me with their birthday presents.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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