Beyond Forever: Stories from Timeless Romance

 By: Jennyric Borromeo, Jeweleen Enriquez

“Ang relasyon ay ‘di parang laro, halimbawa, di naman kayo nagbabahay-bahayan, talagang tunay talaga, kasi ginusto niyo ‘yan parehas na mag-asawa ‘yan,” says Ricardo Carrera, 64, as her wife of more than 40 years, Virginia Carrera, 58, smiles and agrees. “Ang relasyon dapat pagtibayin niyo,” Ricardo speaks.

In a world that often seems to whirl at an accelerated pace, where trends and fads come and go like fleeting gusts of wind, there exists a rare and enduring phenomenon that stands as a testament to the strength of human connection — long-lasting relationships.

When a lot of Filipinos thought that love teams in a long-term relationship would be the end-game, they are yet to be reminded that some love are not exceptional and everlasting. Just like how Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla broke many hearts with their sudden separation.

Picture this: A ballroom in space where couples dance without stopping, their steps timed to the music that doesn't follow the passing of time. In this magical world, love isn't just a feeling that goes away; it is a work of art made from dedication, laughter, and shared dreams.

What sets these extraordinary unions apart? How do these couples emerge unscathed from the storms that often capsize more ephemeral connections? The answers lie not in conventional wisdom but in the tapestry of unconventional tales.

With “Beyond Forever,” a feature story about two couples with extraordinary and unshakable relationships, they share the secrets of their decades of lasting romance.

Jocelyn, 41, and Aries, 43, a couple reminiscing about their 22 years of marriage shared an inspiring story about all aspects of a successful long-term partnership. "Ang biggest achievement namin ay ang mga anak namin, ang tatlong maria namin," they both proudly said in response to a question about their greatest accomplishment. This statement highlighted the immense joy that their three lovely children have brought into their lives.

The Craft of Understanding

Jocelyn and Aries highlighted the value of mutual understanding in their relationship, saying, "Sa isang relasyon dapat nag-uunawaan kayo." They felt that understanding one another was essential, no matter what obstacles might come up.

Aries and Jocelyn emphasized how important understanding is to a relationship. They think that regardless of the situation, partners should always try to understand one another. This emphasizes the value of empathy and open communication in creating a mutually understanding atmosphere that can withstand the unavoidable ups and downs that occur in relationships.

Spilling their secret for more than four decades, they didn't find love at first sight, but rather, love unfolded over countless pages, each chapter revealing a new layer of depth. Ricardo and Virginia both agreed that understanding and patience keeps them together. “Pahabaan ng pasensya at unawaan, kung mayroong mga pagkakamali, dapat tanggapin ng bawat isa,” Virginia said. Ricardo added, “Hindi ‘yong nagpapataasan ng pride, kailangan patas-patas lang.”

Reminisce to Solve Trouble

Communicating can be a difficult thing for some couples, but it will be easier if you try to reminisce about when your love started to bloom. Jocelyn and Aries shared wisdom with couples who are having trouble communicating: "If feel niyo na ‘di niyo naiintindihan ang isa't isa, balikan niyo ‘yong mga panahon na nagliligawan pa lang kayo." They think that thinking back to their courtship can help to reaffirm the love and connection that first brought them together.

The couple provided helpful guidance on handling miscommunications. They recommended going back to the initial stages of courtship, when patience was plentiful and love was still developing. Couples may restore the spark and handle disagreements with the same compassion that defined their early relationship by reliving those times together. This counsel emphasizes the value of nostalgia and cherished memories as instruments for settling disputes and preserving a close emotional bond.

For Jocelyn and Aries, the 22 years of companionship represent a shared belief that they are destined for each other, highlighting the importance of commitment, understanding, and revisiting the roots of love in maintaining a strong and lasting bond. The couple attributed their long-lasting relationship to a deep sense of commitment, saying, "Kaya kami nagstay sa isa't isa ay dahil kami ang nilaan para sa isa't isa."

Strength = Uniqueness

In this symphony of love, where countless hearts harmonize, the search for individuality often gets lost in the noise of love. Still, in this busy world of shared feelings, there is a truth: uniqueness thrives in the strength of love, transcending mere expressions of affection.

Ricardo, with unwavering confidence, shares insights from his own relationship, saying, “Sa relasyon namin ng misis ko, matatag kami, bawat isa.” For him, a relationship is not a fleeting encounter, likened to a hasty bite of rice to be quickly chewed and spat out. Instead, he paints a vivid picture of resilience and tenderness, emphasizing the importance of not merely consuming love but gently savoring its nuances. “Ang relasyon naman ay ‘di parang kanin na isusubo tapos iluluwa mo na parang ayaw mo. Kailangan hindi ganon, kailangan na medyo lalambingin mo kaunti tapos ilululon mo. Hindi ‘yong subo ka nang subo.”

Ricardo's insights align with the idea that the uniqueness of a relationship emerges from its enduring fortitude. The robustness of their relationship is its ability to endure and thrive, and this is what makes it unique amid the confusion of shared love.

In a world where love often feels like a fleeting instant, these enduring couples stand as a testament that love can be a masterpiece, a work of art crafted with dedication, laughter, and shared dreams. Their stories serve as a beacon, guiding others through the complexities of relationships that transcends the transient nature of trends and fads. In the headlines of a world often captivated by fleeting moments, these two couples with enduring love stories take center stage, offering a timeless testament to the enduring magic of 'beyond forever.'