28 years ago today, I walked down the aisle to say my “I do”. Two simple words, very simple, easy to keep in mind—yet very powerful. They meant a life-time commitment. I was so young then, 21 going 22. Did I know where I was going to? Did I know what was in store for me? NO, all I knew was that I was very much in love. Just that. All I knew was that soon, I was to have a family of my own. Soon, I would have the world—the world that held only mine and my husband’s. At that time, nothing else mattered except that finally, it would just be him and me. I was seeing my future through rose colored glasses.
28 years to this day, I grew wiser, older in age. Truly, there was no rose colored glass to look through. The world has held not only me and my husband. It had expanded to include children, family, extended family, colleagues and friends.
It has become a world far from what I had perceived. Slowly, one scenario after another unfolded before my eyes. I was the main character in those scenarios, hubby the other. It was not easy, there were challenges that my young mind sometimes could not understand. Being a wife and being a mother have made two different persona that I had to juggle at the same time. There was no time to panic, as one child after another came to the world to hold major roles in the drama that I had to direct, produce, and act in. The drama called life. Before I knew it, after 28 years there were so many characters in my project—4 sons and 3 daughters to raise, and a husband.
There were no specific books to refer to when something went differently. There were no scripts, no time to write them, everything became spontaneous. Everyday has become a learning experience.
Yes, I am proud. Proud to be Sexy Mom. Proud to be Filipina. Proud to be able to get over the rose colored glass, and see through the real world, the world that you and me live in. Proud to live life as should be.
Today, after 28 years, ask me. Ask me again, ask my hand in marriage—and I will have the same answer, I accept. “I do”. For the partnership, though not perfect, has become a marriage so pleasing to the eyes of God. Let the fruits of 4 sons and 3 daughters speak for themself. Let the by-products in the form of daughter-in-law and 2 charming granddaughters be witness. Let Angel Michael from heaven above be the harbinger of abundant blessings for a union blessed many times over.
If I were today’s bride, I will look like this—more radiant than 28 years ago. The gown didn’t have the necessary curves at that time. It had layers and layers, and chiffon sleeves. If it had, it would have shown the real Sexy Mom.
I’ll marry again my ex-boyfriend of 3 years, former groom, now my husband. I have no gift to give you, nothing material. But do accept my commitment of many many more years—to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. Happy 28th!
All these photos, courtesy of my personal photographer, daughter Monica, who suggested that I show off my wedding gown, which still fits—after 28 years.
Related Posts
- Arnel Pineda in Eastwood Mall on New Year's Eve
- Happy Birthday to a "Special Someone"
- Red Ribbon's Chocolate Walnut Fudge
- A Christmas Message (by Fr. Larry Faraon): Something divine in a baby…
- Merry Christmas!!!
- My FAMILY--They're my number ONE!
- CNN Hero of the Year: Efren Penaflorida (Congratulations, Efren! You make the Filipino proud!)
43 responses so far ↓
noemi // Jan 23, 2008 at 12:36 am
Happy Anniversary! It’s always good to count the years. Count the trials and the blessings. May you have more anniversaries to celebrate!
Micamyx // Jan 23, 2008 at 12:41 am
I’ll marry again my ex-boyfriend of 3 years, former groom, now my husband. I have no gift to give you, nothing material. But do accept my commitment of many many more years—to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. Happy 28th!
That is so sweet! I can’t believe that you were just 21 years old when you decided to get married! No wonder you look oh so young and sexy up to this day
Anyway, I would like to greet the both of you po a happy28th anniversary! 
P.S.: I am looking forward to your next entry
TONY JOAQUIN // Jan 23, 2008 at 1:22 am
Bravo Dine and spouse!
For having completed 28 lovely, productive, and love-filled life together, blessed with seven precious souls!
A very happy anniversary indeed.
Mabuhay to you both!
Cheers!
Tony
ba // Jan 23, 2008 at 1:53 am
Tanda niyo na. HAHAHA. Happy 28th. Ano feeling na 19 out of those 28 years andun ako?
lady cess // Jan 23, 2008 at 8:35 am
happy anniversary!
your wedding gown is lovely. im glad to see it is still in perfect condition after all these years. hay, i didnt store my gown properly, inipis
Mitch // Jan 23, 2008 at 8:46 am
Wow! Happy 28th anniv po Mommy Dine! Kita mo nga naman, kasabay pa ng bday ni Derelle ko.
I wish you both the best!
Have a good one!
Please extend my greetings to Mr. Racoma…
Good day!
Bing // Jan 23, 2008 at 8:47 am
dine, after reading your post, dapat congrats ang sinasabi and not just happy 28th anniversary
may you have many more anniversaries to come. :)))))
Maritz // Jan 23, 2008 at 8:49 am
congratulations Dine… what an accomplishment… only those who are sincerely devoted can understand and relate to… and there are just a few out there…
above all, congrats at kasya pa ang gown mo… e on pa nga ako nung kinasal e ngayon nde pero syempre ayaw sumara ang zipper.. teka, sarado ba ang zipper sa likod after 28 years? hahaha…
verns // Jan 23, 2008 at 9:27 am
awwwww…Happy Anniversary Sexymom.
You know with all these annulments, divorces and separations you see in the net and on tv, sometimes it makes you hopeless and it “gives love a bad name”...but there are still marriages out there which are strong and one of that is yours. Wish you more years together…cheers!
dennis // Jan 23, 2008 at 9:44 am
so good to see a long-time married couple still going strong after all those years. i hope that many younger couples strive to follow the example you have set
Bles // Jan 23, 2008 at 9:49 am
hi dine.
congratulations and happy anniversary to you and allan. i’m sure your kids are very proud to have you both as their parents.
wishing you both the best in the years to come.
=)
annamnaila // Jan 23, 2008 at 9:52 am
What a beautiful tribute to 28 years of a non-too-perfect partnership. Without the rose colored glasses, you have chosen (and the key word is choose, a deliberate and willful act) to love and stay committed. Bravo, Dine and Alan.
feng // Jan 23, 2008 at 10:07 am
Happy happy 28th anniversary to you and Daddy Alan. your story surely inspires and touch so many, including me.
Kyels // Jan 23, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Happy 28th Anniversary
Your story is so inspirational that tears trickled down my cheeks … This is the love that I’ve always admired even when I was still a child. I’m so happy for both of you.
(:
And Tita, you do have the radiant glow in your eyes. It’s really wonderful! HUGS!
Aileen Apolo // Jan 23, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Wow! Congratulations! 28 years! Sana paglaki ko ganyan din ako :p
Em Dy // Jan 23, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Congratulations to you both. Here’s to more love.
Louis // Jan 23, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Congratulations Tita Dine. I am praying for more fruitful and memorable years of love and partnership. God bless always!
Belle // Jan 23, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Happy Anniversary to you both! You look beautiful then and now in that gown. So, i have 8 years more to go to catch up with you.
Rach (Heart of Rachel) // Jan 23, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. It’s a blessing to share many happy years together.
You look fabulous Dine. Happiness gives you that certain glow.
cielo // Jan 24, 2008 at 12:11 am
Very inspiring indeed, in this world where there are many broken marriages, both of you serves as an inspiration to couples like us who are really very keen in maintaining a long and lasting love like yours.
Congrats & Happy Aniv.
More love and more inspiration to give.
TorAa // Jan 24, 2008 at 11:42 am
Congrats with 28 years of marriage. That’s great these days. You keep up the appareance. Hurray.
We did celebrate our Silverwedding (25 years) last December. If you scroll down here, you’ll see us:
http://toraa.blogspot.com/2008/01/crossing-rio-de-la-plata-from-buenos.html
purplishsistuh // Jan 24, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Hi Tita Dine!
Congratulations to you and Tito Alan
Wow.. 28 years! Your kids are the truest evidence of such a loving relationship. (Sana umabot din ako diyan Ü)
I’ve been reading your blog for the past few days and it’s inspiring me to revive mine. I just hope I find the time…
Cheers to life…. cheers to love!
Kittymama // Jan 24, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Happy Anniversary, Sexy Mom! I am bowled over by your “superpower”- the ability to fit in your wedding dress after 28 years!
Perhaps you’d like to share with us your secrets for staying a Sexy Mom (in body and spirit) always. I tagged you in my blog; it’s in today’s post. I hope you still do tags.
Thanks and God Bless!
~♥Kittymama
Girlie // Jan 24, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Happy Anniversary! I can’t help but notice the details in your gown, it’s pretty
haze // Jan 24, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Impressive ! A perfect example of a beautiful couple. Wishing you more grandchildren, inner peace and happiness as you journey towards GOLDEN YEARS
! HAPPY 28th Wedding Anniversary to both of you Tita Dine 
! God bless and more power.
chesca (exskindiver) // Jan 25, 2008 at 5:12 am
that the wedding dress is still in pristine condition and still fits perfectly—is an indication that your happy 28 year marriage is no accident.
you obviously put your heart and soul into all that you do.
that is truly impressive.
Sidney // Jan 25, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Woah ! Super! Congratulations!
What a wonderful and inspiring story and I wish you many, many more years of happiness together with your family!
Sonnie // Jan 25, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Happy Anniversary! Inspiring
Mari // Jan 25, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Happy Anniversary, Sexy Mom. Still rock solid after 28 year…that’s true love.
amomandmore // Jan 25, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Happy 28th Anniversary Dine! Truly, with a solid foundation, you’ll weather the times and be even “sexier” as you turn golden soon:)
amymd // Jan 26, 2008 at 6:59 am
Congratulations and belated happy 28th, Dine! Pareho pala tayo na January. Mine is on the 28.
Gina // Jan 27, 2008 at 1:06 am
Here’s to the next 28 years and onwards ! Cheers!
Wow, you can still get into that beautiful wedding dress
SexyMom, talagang sexy pa rin!
Kimmy // Jan 27, 2008 at 6:05 am
Belated happy anniversary! Still looking good in that wedding dress.
Wedding Gowns, Bridal Gowns, and More » Dine Racoma’s (SexyMom’s) Wedding Gown // Jan 27, 2008 at 4:26 pm
[...] recently celebrated her 28th wedding anniversary and I convinced her to share her wedding gown memories in this blog. This is her [...]
backpacking philippines // Jan 27, 2008 at 5:10 pm
wow! congratulations and Godspeed
Leah Tirol-Magno // Jan 27, 2008 at 11:25 pm
im happy for you.. i wish you a happy anniversary and may you both have many many more years together..
chateau // Jan 28, 2008 at 11:30 am
Happy anniversary to you, Dine and Allan Sr.!
Wow, the gown still fits, good for you. (I think you lost weight. You’ve been working so hard ha?) I’m sure last year my gown would not have fitted anymore.. Hmm, but you gave me an idea. I might just check if it will already hehe.
Aura // Jan 29, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Congratulations and Happy Aniversary to both of you!!
All the very best in life too!!
sugarplum fairy // Jan 29, 2008 at 11:43 pm
oh Dine! Huli man daw at magaling humahabol pa din! I am so happy for your and your family. Congrats to you and Alan! May God continue to bless you and your family.
ghee // Jan 30, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Happy Anniversary,Dine!!
great great pics!!really nice to see couples who are still in love with each other after long years
more anniv to come!
julie // Jan 31, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Belated Happy Anniversary, Dine!
I agree, that being married is a learning experience. We can be better persons or we may lose ourselves in the process. Congratulations! And that the gown fits is an added bonus.
yes, you are more radiant 28 years since you got married
The D Spot–Finalist for The Philippine Blog Awards, Best Blog: Family and Living Category : The D Spot // Sep 19, 2008 at 9:03 am
[...] 28 Years Married–still on solid foundation! [...]
Married 29 years…and life goes on… : The D Spot // Jan 23, 2009 at 6:50 am
[...] This is almost half a lifetime, if I am to live till I am 60 (9 years from now). How fast time flies. Many years ago, I was just a young lass at 19, a med tech intern in UST when I met a young guy of 24. That was my first party (imagine!) with an excuse from the Dominican sisters where I was dorming, that I had a 24-hour shift in the hospital. Two years later, I was a bride at 21. The rest is history. [...]
Leave a Comment