MANILA, Philippines — It may not seem like it at first glance, but for Charo Santos-Concio, a decorated actress and a formidable media executive, life was not always easy. This is especially true when it came to her love life.
When she met her husband Cesar Concio Jr., times were different and they had their work cut out for them.
Charo opened up about her love story in one of Sun Life’s newest short films that feature the company’s celebrity ambassadors. In a film she personally penned, Charo lovingly recalled how their love blossomed in the most unexpected ways.
Watching the film, we couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if Charo’s love life was featured in her own show, “Maalala Mo Kaya.” Several revelations will unfold, and we listed down some of them:
1. That Charo sees beyond the surface
Charo is a complex woman, one who has earned all her stripes and has won many battles, even in love.
Acting takes a lot of skill and intelligence, aided by huge amounts of empathy—because these are what you need to internalize a character. By this alone, one learns to be more discerning of people and different situations.
In this regard, Charo stands high in the ranks. She has proven her mettle, having worked with film legends like Mike de Leon, Lino Brocka, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and Lav Diaz, not to mention narrating people’s stories in “Maalaala Mo Kaya” for over two decades now.
So it’s no wonder that, when she met Cesar, she knew she was in for something precious and lasting.
When Charo Santos and Cesar Concio Jr. married on November 9, 1983, it came as a surprise to many. If it happened today, it would’ve been a field day for everyone on social media. Photo Release
2. That Charo doesn’t judge based on age
Far from it. She is, rather, a fan of engaging and mature minds that can hold a conversation, someone well-traveled and able to muse about culture, art, and history.
It is with these same merits that Cesar hit the right notes when they went to Europe for a vacation with friends. She had found a teacher in him, a confidante, and an inspiration. The 24-year gap between them never mattered.
3. That their wedding shocked Manila society
Many Filipinos are sticklers for the conventional, especially in the earlier decades. Cesar had the odds stacked against him then, being 24 years older and separated with kids.
Naturally, when they were married on November 9, 1983, it came as a surprise to many. If it happened today, it would’ve been a field day for everyone on social media.
In a film she personally penned, Charo lovingly recalled how their love blossomed in the most unexpected ways, even with 24 years of age gap. Photo Release
4. That true love endures
Charo was adamant when it came to their true and honest love, so the both of them held their own.
She recalls what Cesar shared to her about the great artist, Michaelangelo, who once said, “Every block of stone has a sculpture inside. The task of the sculptor is to discover it.”
Much like Michaelangelo’s sculptures that were molded, carved, and chiseled into life over time, Charo’s love for Cesar was strengthened by inspiration, wisdom, truth, and a lifetime of possibilities.
He had evolved into her greatest love.
5. That it helps to have a partner for life
Two sons, three grandkids, and almost four decades of love story, their marriage remains intact. Their love continues to grow every day, and will surely do so for all the days to come.
This is how a lifetime partner should be—one that makes you appreciate the value of life and everything it has to offer; one that lets you have the courage to face the future head on because they’re there through good and bad.
Learn more and be inspired by Charo and Cesar’s love story by watching Greatest Love, a Kaakbay: Story of Lifetime Partnership by Sun Life, below:
RELATED STORY: Becoming his own Pascual: Iñigo carves a career in music
Sun Life Philippines is a leading life insurance company that has been helping people achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives since 1895. To find out more about Sun Life’s products and services, visit their website here.