Philippines Annual Conference East of the United Methodist Church


Sunday, July 16, 2006

Turgano - Silver Wedding at the Hyatt

By Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
Chair, PACE Commission on Archives and History

A silver wedding anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime event. If you missed the opportunity, that's it.

I'm reminded that when I was still a young unmarried man some decades ago, I assured myself that I will not let the opportunity go without a big bang. But when the time came some years ago, Claire and I deliberately had it pass by without that thought of big bang. However, together with our three sons we found ourselves in one of the malls in the city. I am sure, we did not miss the fun and moments of thanksgiving to our God. Only us, family, made it memorable. It we only had the resources there will be no reason to skip. Hmmmm. . . .

Obviously, whenever we are invited, we join the fun with those who have the resources to share during their anniversary. And we join them in thanksgiving in much better venues.

It was June 24, 2006 when many members of Fairview Park UMC troopped to Hyatt Regency at Roxas Boulevard and joined the relatives, friends, associates and peers of Judge Benjamin (Benny to church members and friends) and Mary Lou Turgano in thanksgiving for their 25th Wedding Anniversary.

It was one grand occasion. One former President of the Philippine Senate, Sen. Jovito Salonga, a sponsor, was in attendance. A retired justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Justice Abraham Sarmiento, from Sevilla, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, was also around. Rufus Rodriguez, also a high ranking government official was also in attendance. No less than the former First Lady, Mrs. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, better known as the wife of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos, was also in attendance. She sang two Ilocano songs -- "Dungdungoenkanto" and "Ti Ayat ti Maysa nga Ubing" to the delight of everybody, even some of her political nemesis who were around. She was just simply composed and happy. and she was openly invited for picture-taking by many admirers and well-wishers. For a moment, she was the center of attraction and she enjoyed it.

There were in attendance some of the groom's classmates at the U.P. College of Law and peers in the bench. Their "best man" twenty-five years ago was around and rendered an oldie song. One of their wedding sponsors twenty-five years ago was there to greet them and had also expressed a sort of another marriage advice. Church leaders -- UCCP, UMC, and others -- from different conferences were also present.

Two UMC bishops and two ordained pastors participated in the ceremonies. Bishop Emerito P. Nacpil, retired, solemnized and preached the anniversary message. He was the main celebrant during the Eucharist celebration. Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero, FPUMC administrative pastor, was co-celebrant in the Holy Communion celebration. Bishop Solito K. Toquero, incumbent presiding bishop of the Manila Episcopal Area offered the closing prayer and pronounced the benediction. Rev. Lagon, UCCP, president of Northern Christian College offered the Invocation. The "His Minstrels" (mostly from the FPUMC), Ms. Naomi Sison, UST voice and piano professor, and a Stringed Quartet provided classic music.

The whole affair was a brainchild of the Turgano children -- Maries (who prepared most of the details and particulars), Raffy (who served as liturgist), and Kathleen, (who was one of the bride's maids. It was one memorable night at the Hyatt -- Silver Wedding Anniversary and Renewal of Vows and Commitment of Judge Benjamin and Mrs. Mary Lou Turgano (a nurse by profession). Both are officers of the Church Council of Fairview Park United Methodist Church. To them, it was pure thanksgiving to the Lord!
:: posted by Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero, 1:03 PM

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