Work meaning not only getting along for a long period of time but actually surviving together all difficulties and challenges a married life brings til you are ready to see each other again in heaven (kind of mushy, isn't it? ala Dear Joe).

ASAWA. This is how I will put together my personal view of the "teknik" as to how the young and upstart couples out there (pwede na rin sa mga older lovers) could actually strengthen the bond of marriage and make it last a whole lot longer than the Spaniards conquered my bayang magiliw.

Affection & Affinity -- This is where you and your partner started. Liking each other whether at first by physical looks, characater and humor, financial capability, fame. A feeling that later developed into LOVE. This feeling of affinity and affection to each other should remain even if all you can see is the kulubot na balat (wrinkled skin) and uban (white hair). Even if your spouse smells like bengay or worse amoy lupa (pano ba sa English ito?). Even if you have to shout just so you can let him hear that he should go back to the toilet and flush the McArthurs because he forgot to.

Sharing, Sacrifice & Sex -- Sharing is a must in every relationship including marriage. I believe that 95% of yourself should be shared to your better half and likewise you should expect and receive the same 95% from him/her. Without sharing everything would be a mess unless one has to sacrifice. Being able to make personal sacrifices so the other can go about his/her preferred way is not an easy task especially if the subject includes either of the following (or combination): religion, politics, lifestyle, vices, other affiliations. Sacrifice in married life is inevitable and nobody said married life is just like a walk in the park. The last S is SEX. I do not believe in all that crap saying that Sex is Holy. I believe it is one of love's pleasure-slash-obligation-slash-pleasure thing rather than being Holy (siguro pag si bradermayk ang partner mo). This part of marriage life is what couples should be enjoying to the maximum as when both of you aged it is going to be increasingly difficult to make love, let alone have an erection. I won't elaborate much about this as I am feeling homesick.

Awareness -- Being aware of your hubby's needs, likes and dislikes is very important. You should know when to give her gifts, say the right words, say nothing at all, do the comforting pat and give the sweet embrace. Of course memorizing the important dates in your life is also necessary.

Wear Trust -- When I say Trust I am not pertaining to the popular brand of condom. Rather I am referring to believing in the honesty and reliability of each other. Trust should be preserved and fortified in each day of your relationship. Trust is not a shirt that you can wear then wash and wear then wash again. So don't let your trust for each other wither to oblivion.

Ambience of mystery -- Without mystery there'll be nothing to discover anymore. No excitement, no adventure, no fervency! When I said that only 95% should be shared to your spouse that's because the remaining five should be reserved for this. Couple should continue discovering things about each other as this will not just freshen up the relationship but might, oftentimes, even tone up your marriage to the point that saying "healthy and happy marriage" would be an understatement. Remember that when you first met each other there is so much unknown that makes both of you want to snuggle underneath the sheets, make love and talk about everything all night long.

Remember that your marriage is not just a piece of paper, not a just a ceremony and certainly not something that you may take for granted. Marriage is a pact of LOVE swore and affirmed before God and the world.

Amen!

Recently, the Philippines tops the list for women executives (percentage-wise) among all other Asian countries. Here is the article:

Philippines tops list for women executives

The Philippines has topped a survey among all asian countries with Filipinas holding senior management positions.

New findings from the Grant Thornton International Business Report showed 97 per cent of businesses in the Philippines have women in top managerial positions... keep reading