My wife Buena Fe and I were in Cebu City on August 24 to attend the wedding of my niece, the daughter of my dear cousin, Mercy Claret Rama. The father, Atty. Ernesto Rama, is a member of the Rama clan of lawyers in Cebu.

The Bride: TARA TRIZTINA C. RAMA is an accomplished lawyer herself, presently connected with the Department of Education in Manila.

The Groom: EDGARDO V. TALAROC, JR., is a full colonel in the Philippine Army. A member of PMA Class 1999, he was in the class Top 10 and a recipient of the Distinguished Cadet Star.

Wedding is a celebration of love and commitment and often brings together friends and relatives. While the focus is on the happy couple, the gathering presents an opportunity to reconnect with relatives from far and wide. Inescapably, you notice that they look older (as you are) than the last time you saw them.

The couple was accorded the time-honored wedding tradition of having to pass through the “arch of sabers”. This symbolizes the couple’s entry into their new life together and their welcome to the military family.

Looking at the groom and his fellow officers in their dapper "white duck" uniform, reminded me of the movie "An Officer and a Gentlemen" which I watched about forty years ago. The movie and the real life story of Ed and Tara may not even be remotely similar but they share the same values of friendship, perseverance, discipline, love and commitment.

If you want to know more about the movie, you can read the synopsis or watch the trailer and movie.

The ceremony was held at the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod, SM Seaside Complex at 4pm. After the mass and picture taking, we proceeded to the reception venue, the Marco Polo Plaza, Nivel Hills, Cebu City. With the traffic, the drive took almost an hour - just in time for cocktails. Then dinner and entertainment.