Old-Fashioned Love

with Cecile M. Genove

Theirs may just be any ordinary love story, but definitely it is not run-of-the-mill. For Dexter Grefaldia and Hope Carino, waiting 11 years until their wedding day recently at the Silliman University Church was worth it. Steeped in the old-school tradition of nurturing relationships, Dexter, an electrical engineering graduate, deliberately took a leave of absence from his job as a building inspector of Aramco in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to fulfill his promise to his long-time sweetheart.

Indeed, love knows no boundaries and hope springs eternal if love is in the air. Known as “Hope of Troy” to her friends, Dexter pursued Hope relentlessly, who is the youngest of three children of Ely Elnar Carino and the former Minviluz Adalid Omoso of Valencia, Negros Oriental, despite the eagle eyes of her father. Aware of our norms and culture, Dexter, like the patient and understanding person that he is, courted not only Hope, but also her family and close friends.

This was corroborated by the testimony of their best friend, Kyrie Villaluz, an engineer now working in Japan, who shared the story of Dexter and Hope to the wedding guests, and which was read for her by another friend of the couple, Mona Pusod. Kyrie wrote that while all their friends were boisterously laughing their hearts out, Dexter and Hope would surreptitiously steal meaningful glances at each other, their friends little knowing that it would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Dexter’s relentless spirit would be tested to its limit while he was pursuing Hope. While Hope lives with her parents in mountainous Valencia, Dexter would yet be coming from Sibulan on the northern side of the province. It was a sacrifice that has eventually paid off.

It was when both found themselves working in Cebu (Hope is a physical therapy graduate) that they decided to be a permanent twosome. Hope would later on transfer to Dumaguete and work in the medical services division of the Bureau of Fire Protection of Negros Oriental, where she has been connected for almost ten years now. When Dexter thought of trying out his luck to work abroad, both promised each other that they would look forward to the day when they would formalize their union in marriage.

It was the happiest day for Dexter and Hope, especially so that Dexter’s father, Engr. Rufino Dinglasa Grefaldia, also took a furlough from his job in Saudi Arabia to attend their wedding. Dexter’s mother, the former Loida Fontelo Divinagracia could not conceal her mixed emotions while Dexter and Hope exchanged marital vows.

The mid-afternoon ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Noel Villalba and the Rev. Ramonette Lumayag. Reception was held at Bethel Guest House in the presence of relatives and friends of the couple, together with their principal sponsors, namely: Chief Inspector Arnulfo Sayson, Rev. Neminda Esquierdo, Prof. Carlos and Nona Magtolis, Dr. Pedrito and Rebecca Regalado, Mr. Nicasio and Belen Pis-an, Inspector Allan Patrocinio, and Rev. Ludy Berame.

Best man was Umbel Grefaldia, while maid of honor was Berna Dagoy, who was given the bouquet by the bride. Bridesmaids were Ivy Olasiman, Rhea Mae Ramirez, Rachel Lazalita, and Joelle Pandan. Groomsmen were Karl Mikhael Magtolis, Dunhill Sayson, Mark Pis-an, and Michael Regalado. Flower girls were Gazelle Carino and Tatiana Angela Grefaldia. Ring bearer was Mclean Apenas, Bible bearer was Reno Esquierdo, and coin bearer was John Patrick Divinagracia. Secondary sponsors were: Yvette Grefaldia and Hartlin Divinagracia, veil; Eileen Faith Carino and Engr. Nheil Fortin, cord; and Felicitus Flint and Sharon Carino, candle.

In these cynical times, it is always refreshing to meet couples like Dexter and Hope, who still cling on to old-fashioned love as the elixir of life.