Love to last a lifetime

In these days when marriages seem seasonal, and changeable, the union of engineer Eduardo Santiago and Pacita Mendoza Santiago is one for the books. The couple definitely has a love that has lasted a lifetime. The Santiago’s now in their 90s, recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at a simple but lovely gathering with family and friends in their sprawling home.

Engr. Eduardo Santiago, or Dado as he is fondly called, is one of the pioneer builders in the country. He has constructed several buildings not only in Metro Manila but also in the provinces and some of these have even become landmarks and architectural feats.

The couple was the envy of all their guests as they showed their devotion to each other by holding hands all throughout the wedding ceremony. Engr. Santiago enthralled his listeners as he shared with them that he had known Pacita for 80 years, having been neighbors five years before they were married. They married when he was 21 and she, 19.

Because of his good work, dedication, integrity and the support of Pacita, Engineer Santiago built a reputation for constructing big churches, among them, Baclaran Church, the Archbishop’s Palace, St. Francis Church. He was also responsible for the construction of theaters like Ideal, Galaxy, Cinema 21 and some of the largest offices and homes in Forbes Park and surrounding villages in Makati.

Together with their children, Juanito and Julieta Santiago, Corazon and Greg Dela Fuente, Viring and Rasty Ongkeko, Minnie and Ding Vitug, Ike Santiago, Tessia Santiago, Rose and Danny Montano, Patsy and Richard Schultz, the couple celebrated their special day. Engineer Santiago takes pride in the fact that he is alive to see the fifth generation of his great grandchildren.

Some of the people who came to celebrate with the couple and their family were Paquito Lichauco, Constancia Lichauco, Mr. and Mrs. Benny Ocampo, Atty. and Mrs. Bern Jalandoni, Rebecca and Nardy Tiongson, Mr. and Mrs. Rene Henson, Dr. and Mrs. Reynaldo Rivera, Lucy Santiago, Boy and Nancy Gopuansuy, Bennie Espina and her daughter Chelo, Nanette Jalandoni, Cecy Mapa Manalo, Arnold and Pressy Bauzon, George and Ana Litton, Nellie Bengson, Freddie Consunji, Alice Laurel and Nena Cassimiro.

Former actress Jeannette Torres emceed the evening affair where she recounted the couples’ love story. The couple met when they were young. She was 15 and he 17. They married five years later. The couple had 14 children, seven of whom are still alive today.

Eduardo Santiago later on became the dean of engineers in the country.

The evening was filled with music and entertainment numbers where the couples’ children and grandchildren provided the special performances. But the biggest applause was given to Engineer Santiago as he talked about the secret to a good and long life, a sense of fair play and to share a sense of goodwill with others. The evening was capped with a fireworks display, a gift from granddaughter Margie Ongkeko. Margie said it signified the colorful and strong influence her grandparents made on the many people in their lifetime. And as a sign of gratitude to the Almighty who gave her grandparents who are definitely a blessing for her.