It was January 1, 2015. My brother and I were in the mall and he was taking a selfie (He didn’t like selfies) and about to send to this girl (showed me the picture) – “Ate, maganda ang legs.” This is but one of the countless stories (and fights of these two) as I have been part of this love story from the beginning.

And today it unfolds.

I am very protective of my brothers. And I am choosy with who I like for them and who gains my approval. And today, I earned a sister. And I am glad it is you.

It was not easy. But what a ride it has been. Thank you, Yen, for being patient. Thank you for taking care of my brother. Thank you for taking care of Tamtam. Thank you for opening yourself with the possibility of today. Welcome to our family. Welcome, sister!

Tan, you have always been someone who brings the family together. To the misunderstandings, you play the unbiased party. To the fun and festivities, you are the clown that ensures the party is never over. To our family, you are the errand boy, the go-to person, you are the reliable support always ready to help. Thank you for bringing joy in our family. Thank you for bringing Yen and Tamtam into our family.

I have seen you grow from the happy-go-lucky boy to the man you are today. I have seen you rise from heartbreaks to joy to confusion and back to joy. I see you blooming everyday into fatherhood and now into married life.
I am excited to see more of what will be of your becoming.

To both of you, may you grow into friendship together. Let the candor of youth make you enjoy the years as you build your family. May the years be kind so both of you can be gentler with each other and kinder to yourselves. May the years together make you grow into partnership and teamwork. Support each other and be actively engaged into each other’s affairs giving space enough to be together and space enough to grow as individuals. There are many who love you and support you. I want what will bring joy into your family and into your lives.

Yen, welcome to family. To both of you, cheers to many happy years together. I love you both. I always have your back.

#TanYenAngWedding #NangMaYENloveSiTRISTAN #TANgingIkawLangYEN