Love proved that it is patient for newlyweds 69-year-old Samson and 62-year-old Mercedita Rica, who finally tied the knot after nearly five decades of love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.
They were among the four pairs who exchanged vows before Mayor Greg Gasataya at the Bacolod City Government Center on Wednesday, July 22.
Their inspiring love story began 47 years ago when they first met in Bago City before eventually settling in Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said Thursday, July 23.
“My prayer is that God continues to bless us with good health so we can stay together. I hope he never grows tired of me because he loves me, and I love him,” Mercedita said.
For Samson, love has always been expressed through hard work. After moving to Bacolod more than three decades ago, he earned a living selling charcoal using a pedicab before spending nearly 30 years as a pedicab driver.
Only a year ago, he became a tricycle driver after his children gifted him a motorcycle, allowing him to continue providing for his family.
Alongside his efforts, Mercedita helped build their livelihood through a sari-sari store that started as a small tiangge before growing into the neighborhood store they now manage.
“From the time I was courting her, I was determined that she would become my wife. I show my love by working hard every day to provide for her and our family,” Samson said.
Over the past 31 years, the couple built a home together, raised four children, and are now blessed with 12 grandchildren.
Their fourth child, Irene Rica, said the family had long dreamed of seeing their parents finally get married.
“I am happy that Mama and Papa are finally married. I encouraged them to do it for our family. We have wanted them to get married for a long time, but financial challenges kept them from doing so. Now that we are in a better position, we decided it was finally time. I love my parents and my siblings, and this means so much to all of us,” Irene said.
During the ceremony, the mayor congratulated the couples and paid tribute to Samson and Mercedita’s remarkable journey together.
“I don’t think I have anything to teach the two of you. After 47 years of loving, sacrificing, and staying together, you are the ones who have so much to teach all of us about commitment, perseverance, and building a strong family,” he said.
Mercedita said that financial hardship had long been the primary reason they were unable to have a wedding ceremony. Yet despite not having a formal marriage for decades, their relationship remained a testament to enduring love and mutual respect.
“Our foundation has always been kindness, respect, and open communication. Time never mattered because I knew he loved me,” she added.
Despite life’s many challenges, the couple always chose to resolve their misunderstandings privately.
“When we have disagreements, even our children don’t know about them. We don’t shout or create a scene. We simply talk things through and settle everything as quietly as possible,” she said.
For Samson and Mercedita, their wedding day was not merely the beginning of a marriage but the culmination of 47 years of unwavering love, sacrifice, and devotion to one another.
Also joined in marriage during the ceremony through the City Civil Registrar’s Office were Max Winter and Zairah Gayle Gromea, Aljun Ocampo and Christine Joy Maglasang, and Alfred Togalon and Judy Faith Villaranda.*
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