Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

IT has been said that the quality of love and the duration of a relationship are in direct proportion to the depth of the commitment of two people to making the relationship successful. Often we hear of marriages ending, but then again we wonder how others have endured. A few short conversations with couples who have been down the road of love and marriage—and still continuing to walk through it—has further confirmed the realities of making a relationship work.

"Trust, teamwork, understanding and faith in God," answered Marc Garvida when asked how he and wife, Cora, were able to reach 25 years of bliss. They are blessed with two sons, 23-year-old Marc Alexander and 18-year-old Marcelo, Jr.

Marc shared that they also have disagreements just like any other couple. "But we talk about it, go over with it and compromise on something." His advice for young couples? "Don’t sleep with a problem hanging over your heads," he said and explained, "Talk about it, resolve it before you go to bed."

Fernand and Susan Tanedo of Pittsburg, believes that their best secret in making their marriage work is remaining to be friends. Married for 22 years now, Fernand and Susan met because of their parents. Fernand’s mother, Zennie Gopez Tanedo, and Susan’s mother, Emelita M. David were business associates. They were good friends for seven years before they realized that they were meant for each other.

"Another secret is that couples should recognize that each have their imperfections," said Fernand and continued, "and lastly, learn how to compromise." Blessed with two sons, Riel Fernand, 20 years old and Jarry Fernand, 12, the couple looks forward to more challenges in the future.

Gil and Jett Viray-Navarro are also the perfect example of having a strong marriage, having been married for 25 years now. The first couple of Club Royale International Foundation—where Jett is the President—amazes everyone with their tireless efforts to bring the Filipino community in the Bay Area together through the Foundation’s affairs and projects.

Couple Lambert and Dorie Cachuela-Paniza, married for 22 years, shares that the foundation of their relationship is good communication. "Always be open to communication, as well as learning how to give and take," said Dorie, who is also the President of the Iloilo Ladies Association of Daly City. The couple were actually town mates in Iloilo and have known in each other since high school.