Today isn’t the exact date we got married. In fact, there isn’t anything special going on this day. The reason I was writing about it now is that I’m amused. Amused of the fact that we totally forgot about it.
It was August of last year. We were aware of how difficult it is to get married emotionally and financially. At least we were ready of those before we even considered making a move. Imagine, we planned on getting married before I got pregnant. But I was already 5 months pregnant when it did happen. What we weren’t ready was the processing of the papers, which was never mentioned from people who were vowing forever.
We didn’t plan on having it in church because we knew it will cost and that our parents should be there. As a matter of fact, we only have 10 guests in mind. We had civil wedding but that didn’t help us be “together forever” easily. It was like he and I against the world, only that the people aren’t literally against us.
The processing was chaotic. Not to mention, we weren’t originally from Cebu (where we were located and working at that time). We speak little Bisaya. Just for the benefit of those wanting to tie-the-not, here’s what you need to do and have:
- CENOMAR – This is to certify that you’re not a 3rd party. Certificate of No Marriage. We got this from City Health Office. Funny, by the name of the organization, we were also wondering why it was processed there. To save you from an awful lot of wrinkles, do it online. I swear, the money you save isn’t worth the back and forth to the place, the time you spend waiting for employees on lunch, and the possibility of having some infection from the sick ones there (remember: City Health Office). Here’s the link. All requirements are also posted there like birth certificates and such.
- The Seminar- We asked for the schedule November, we got one for March, earlier is booked. It depends on how many are getting married. It was a fun discussion of what to expect and some touch of family planning. I recall the program started with each couple telling why they are marrying each other.
- Barangay Certificate- To make sure we are from the Philippines. This may be just 10 pesos and 5-minute paper for some, but this was the most difficult paper we processed. We had to secure Voter’s ID to get this. After securing such, we were just asked if we were a voter of the said Barangay. When we said we are, they didn’t look for the ID. If we only knew, we could have said yes with a grin.
After all the trouble in putting a part of his name into mine, the civil wedding finally happened 13th of August 2012. Although the waiting for the Mayor and agony of the process were longer than the said event, it was all worth it. I am the happiest bride and the happiest wife.
I don’t know if I should be alarmed that we both forgot to celebrate the day we promised to be together. So much has happened in a year. And to be quite honest, I can no longer recall what I said during our seminar why we want to marry each other. I would probably still miss some of our anniversaries in the next 10 years, but what I do know and most certain of is that I love him and want to spend my life loving and forgetting with him.
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