Exactly ten years ago today, Benz and I tied the knot. It has been a wonderful ten years. Sure there were hits & misses but everything is worth the bumpy ride.
Ten years seem to be a perfect time for a Renewal of Vows. It’s a term we often hear but do you know what it is exactly?
The renewal of vows is a ceremony for married couples who wants to reaffirm their commitment to each other. Often, these ceremonies are associated with a special wedding anniversary such as a tenth anniversary, or the milestone anniversaries such as the twenty-fifth (silver wedding) and fiftieth (golden wedding). But this ceremony is just as appropriate for couples at any stage of their marriage. It is specially meaningful to those who have just surpassed a rough period in their relationship.
Vow renewal involves no legal paperwork; thus, it is not a legally binding ceremony — married couples are already bound for life the day of their wedding. It can be officiated by a priest, a close friend, a relative, or even the couple’s children. It may be held in the church, in some exotic destination, a garden venue, or simply in the backyard of couple’s home.
Its most essential element is to exchange vows. It’s the perfect time for couples to pause and reflect on where they have been, what they have gone through, and where they are headed. Couples may recite the same words they’ve uttered the first time around during their wedding, or they may write new ones to make the vows more attuned to the present state of their relationship.
For my part, I really wanted the whole world to know that I will marry the same person all over again in a heartbeat. Having said that, please indulge me as I take this space to renew my vows to my wife, my partner, and my friend. Some may say that this may lack the romantic ambiance of a physical ceremony, but I honestly feel that simple words are more heartfelt for the occasion.
My vows
Bennette, thank you for holding on to our marriage. I know it wasn’t as smooth sailing as you hoped it to be but I appreciate the fact that you are still here with me.
I’m sorry for under-appreciating you. Our years of togetherness probably jaded me when it came to seeing how wonderful a person you are. Your drive to continuously help and bring meaning to other peoples’ lives truly is amazing. Though I rarely notice it now, in the few times that I did, I can’t help but get so overwhelmed. At one time, my eyes welled up, as I was so overjoyed knowing that so many people love you, yet felt so guilty that it took other people’s appreciation to get me reminded that all along, I have been married to a very wonderful person. I constantly wish that our daughter Kite will take after you in that.
I’m also sorry for all the pains I’ve caused you. I sincerely apologize for the times I let my temper get the better of me. I do hope you can somehow see my efforts to change this ugly side of me. I’m sorry for requiring you to say sorry for every single time I felt you’ve wronged me. I’m sorry for always minding my ego while I trample on yours. I’m sorry for being so petty and I’m sorry for all the hurtful words I’ve said. I thank you for still being here with me, despite me.
The first few years of our marriage was a struggle financially and I apologize for not being able to provide enough. I honestly felt unworthy for the times we couldn’t keep up with your friends and I so wanted to ask how you were feeling but then again, my ego was too scared to hear your answer. God has been great, and somehow life has gotten a bit more comfortable for us. Thanks for sticking out with me through thick and thin. Thanks too for showing me that goodwill is far more important than any material thing; and kindness, more important than status.
The past 10 days leading to our 10th wedding anniversary has been truly meaningful for me. Indeed I am truly lucky for you still are the source of my strength in times when I’m feeling so low. Thanks for the vote of confidence in times when I doubted myself. Thanks for still seeing the goodness in me even in the most trying moments when I wasn’t exactly being truthful to you.
I’ll be forever grateful that you never ever made me feel unworthy of deserving your love. I may have stepped out of bounds despite the latitude of trust you have given me, but be assured that I constantly struggle to stay strong when temptations come my way. I will never give up the fight.
I promise to always remain faithful to our marriage and our family; never ever thinking of having any woman other than you. Even when the romance is gone, I will look forward to the time that we would sit on our respective rocking chairs holding hands (and still gossiping about other people). I truly want to grow old with you. I will forever love you.
With our daughter Kite as my witness — plus the thousands of others who will stumble upon this piece — allow me to renew my marriage vows to you. But for this to work, you have to renew yours too.
Benz, despite all my shortcomings, with my promise to do better from this day forward, would you still like to grow old with me? I know it’s quite unfair to ask you this on the spot and not be given a chance to prepare the things you’d like to say. But be assured that you really don’t have to say much. Just utter three short words and that would suffice. Say either “Yes I do” or “No I won’t” the choice is yours — fully, completely and unconditionally.
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prep talkback: Send comments and queries to P.O. Box 233, Greenhills, San Juan City 1502; email: mail@WeddingsAtWork.com or simply visit: www.WeddingsAtWork.com
October 26th, 2008 at 3:10 am
awww.. shucks! this is sooo romantic. Happy 10th Anniversary! God bless you.
October 26th, 2008 at 4:04 am
Happy 10th Anniversary! Thanks for being an inspiration to a lot of us in the w@w and n@w community. Stay happy!
October 26th, 2008 at 5:33 am
this is so sweet! happy 10th anniversary! all the best for your family.
October 26th, 2008 at 5:35 am
happy 10th anniversary! may God continue to bless your marriage! thanks for all the help in the w@w and n@w family
October 26th, 2008 at 6:31 am
HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY!!!!…. henu ba yan! THAT is the MOST ROMANTIC VOW I’ve Read!….. i almost cried while reading your vow! You guys are both lucky to have one another. God Bless both of you and Kite of course. can’t wait for the 50th! hihihi… Stay Strong! Keep the love flowing! Cheers to 10 years of Love and Laughter. Congrats John and Benz
October 26th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Hi Sir John….such a touchy vows..melted one’s heart…Happy Anniversary and more power…
October 26th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Aww..Happy 10th Anniversary!!!Thank you for starting this web group. May both of you have many more anniversaries to come!!
October 26th, 2008 at 7:57 am
HAPPY HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY! A decade of laughter, sadness, struggle, faith, trust & love which strengthens your commitment to one another. Many more blessings to come and keep the marriage stronger! By the way, while reading, I had goosebumps =) I wish my husband will also say that to me after 10 years =p
October 26th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Congratulations to two wonderful people for your 10th year anniversary. You both deserve each other and I think you best compliment each other. John, the words above were so inspiring. It shows that it was really from the heart. And the suprise party for you from Benz was all good as well. Continue to suprise one another with your love and sweetness! God Bless your whole family!
October 26th, 2008 at 8:22 am
kilig kilig mode naman ako dito… Sir John sweet naman nito!!! congrats on your 10th year anniversary.
October 26th, 2008 at 8:35 am
How romantic
happy 10th year anniv guys! wish you all the best!
October 26th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Well Congratulations, it is a Milestone in which you should celebrate and be proud that you have come that stage in you’re life. I know all to well about the up’s & downs of marriage, but I also know the beauty of that partnership, this is where two truly become one flesh and venture into life able to take on anything that will come your way. “Congratulations & many more years Together”
Sean & Rose (the Groom speaks)
October 26th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Congratulations!May the Lord God Bless u always!!!
October 26th, 2008 at 10:07 am
happy 10th!!!
so romantic naman your celebration! cant wait to see what’s in store for the 25th! 
October 26th, 2008 at 10:11 am
grabe im still teary-eyed from reading your vows!
October 26th, 2008 at 10:29 am
happy 10th year anniversary!
when i read the wedding vows you exchanged 10 years ago super romantic.. and now this! naman! overflowing with love talaga!
more years to come!
October 26th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Happy 10th Anniversary!! I almost cried reading your vow! I agree, it’s the most romantic talaga! You can feel it’s sincerity and the depth of where it’s coming from. We wish you all the best! Thanks for all the inspirations! =)
Darwin and Ann Cruz
October 26th, 2008 at 10:54 am
happy anniversary! parang na teary eyes ako dito ah.so romantic.
October 26th, 2008 at 10:54 am
wow suppeeerrr sweet!!! Congrats and God bless!
Paul and Nica Reyes
October 26th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Tenenenenenenenenenenenenenenen! Happy 10th ulit! God bless!
October 26th, 2008 at 11:00 am
To John and Benette,
Happy 10th year anniversary! Papa John I was in tears reading your vows. O well inside probably is the hope that I be the recipient of the same. And your picture is so great. Lot’s of emotion. Be happy always.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Congratulations on your 10th anniversary. This is truly heartwarming and inspiring. It will melt the hardest of hearts. Keep it up and God bless your marriage in all the years to come!
October 26th, 2008 at 11:56 am
awwww!!!!! =D sooo sweet!! =’D
Happy 10th anniversary!!! May God continue to bless you marriage. =)
October 26th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
AWWWWW!! this is so sweet John! *tears in my eyes*
Happy 10th John & Benz!
October 26th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Congrats for reaching the 10th year milestone, John & Benz!!!
Here’s praying for another 50 years of togetherness & happiness.
May you continue to inspire engaged and newlywed couples…
God bless you more and more each day!
as you would always say…CHEERS!
October 26th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
gave me goosebumps..ohh so roooommmantttiiic… Happy 10th! May God bless you with more years together!
Sir John, that is the sweetest vow ever! I bet if all husbands are like you, there will be zero divorce / annulment case in the philippines / world..hehehe
October 26th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
That’s so sweet! May God shower you guys with more love! God bless.
October 26th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
awww this is just too sweet and too romantic! my eyes are welling up! congratulations on your 10th wedding anniversary. I sincerely hope Ms. Benz will say ‘Yes I do!’ (of course she will!) because you are such a perfect couple
here’s to a lot more fruitful years together!
October 26th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
w@w ang sweet talaga. Congratz! Happy 10th anniversary. GOD BLESS
October 26th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Owwww! I’m teary eyed! Happy 10th anniversary!
October 26th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Happy 10th Anniversary! May God bless you, ten times ten more years
October 26th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
A Big Congratulations to both of you John & Benz for reaching 10years with such sweet and lovely marriage that still remains and going strong. Keep on inspiring us N@wies and thank you for coming up with this very helpful group site. God bless your marriage and family. Celebrate life with thanksgiving to our almighty creator. Cheers!……………..
October 26th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Congratulations on your 10th year anniversary Benz & John …
October 26th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Very well written bro. You are truly lucky to have Bennette around and Bennette to have you of course. Continue to bring out the best in each other. More years to come!
October 26th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
sooo romantic! happy 10th anniversary! thank you for being an inspiration to us w@wies! =) God bless!
October 26th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
more anniversaries to come! Wishing you both another fruitful years to come! w@w talaga!!! God bless!!
October 26th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
congratulations for the 10 great years. Papa john, the vow is so romantic, thank you for inspiring your “kids” in w@w & n@w. May you be blessed with so much more wonderful years together.
October 26th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
This is so honest and beautiful. Happy 10th anniversary!
October 26th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
eto lang masasabi ko, NAK NG! muntik na john! har har! i’m sure u know what i’m talking about. sry di ako nakabili ng mla bulletin but i’m sure dadalhin mo un tom. =) at eto pa ang isang masasabi ko, ang swerte mo talaga kay benz, john!
anyway, happy anniv again! benz, LV! LV! LV! mwah!
October 26th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
YES I DO
Love you, Didda!
-Benz <— di din naman makakaisip ng kasing gandang vows so yan na lang.
PS.
Thanks to all who texted, emailed, replied, celebrated with us and specially to those who blogged. Thank you thank you thank you. You guys made the event so much more special. LV LV LV! hahaha
October 26th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Salamat Bayaw
October 26th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Wow! Congrats and happy 10th anniversary to Sir John and Ma’am Benz!!! Sooo romantic and heartfelt!
October 26th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
sooo sweet!!! aaww.
Happy 10th Anniversary! More years to come! =)
October 26th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Naiyak naman ako! Happy Anniversary John and Benz! Ganda naman ng picture
October 26th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
This is so touching..as in!!
Congratulations to the both of you, you have been and will continuously be a blessing to a lot of couples..
We wish you the best
October 26th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
awwwwww!
Mam Benz!:yes i did na hehehe!=)
Godbless ur marriage forever!=)=)
October 26th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Happy 10yrs Anniversary Mamu Benz and Sir John!!!
Godbless always.
chonna and gene
052108
October 26th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
so sweet!happy 10th anniversary!
October 26th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
awwwwwwwww sooooooooo sweet….
Hay salamat po sa pagpapaalala na despite sa gulo ng mundo may mga successful marriage pa din sa paligid. Isang buhay na katotohanan kayo Sir John, Mam Benz…
Always believe that God will never abandon us..
May u both have many many many years to come.. Sa 15th dapat ulitin ito hehehe..
God bless you both..
October 26th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
this is the sweetest techie thing i’ve ever encounter! and the best venue ever. hehe. happy 10th anniversary!
October 26th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
awww, even if I was trying my hardest not to.. i was teary eyed.. i was sooooooo touched.. Thank you for both being an inspiration.. I pray your example will be emulated.. and the good Lord bless all your goodness.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Happy Anniversary! Tama ka Benz…LV! LV! LV!
October 27th, 2008 at 1:20 am
Pare, kaya mo rin palang maging sweet! Natututo ka na! Haha
Benz, yun lang?! Kailangan paluhain mo rin ako. Hehe
Seriously, congrats guys! Oh, and go get a room! Hehehe
October 27th, 2008 at 4:04 am
Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments.
For our picture, thanks to Erron Ocampo. That was taken on our way to Discovery Shores for M+K’s wedding reception.
Oh and thanks to Gerry Katigbak for our clothes and Jesy+Steve for our hair and makeup. Bwahaha! Nag-feeling celeb tuloy ako sa comments na natanggap namin dito!
To Marbee, my editor in Manila Bulletin, and Lucci: thanks for allowing me to use our column to publish the piece.
October 27th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Bong,
Di kayang sapawan nor sabayan itong ke John eh so no more na hahaha. It will come out lame lang.
Sige sa HK dun si Kite sa kwarto ninyo ha!
See yah in a while.
-benz
October 27th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Sniff..sniff.. Tears!
Nakaka touch..
Wish you all the best!
October 27th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Bennette & John,
Belated Happy Anniversary! You are so blessed to have each other. Benz, you are so darned lucky to have John, but then again, you deserve it. May God bless you and your family — always, and may He shower you with blessings far more than you could ever ask for.
Jojo & Pittipat
October 27th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Happy, Happy Anniversary! To the couple who has been witness to a lot of fairy tale weddings .. you sure deserve one too …and still counting … till eternity! May you be blessed with more happiness, romance and little “kites”!
October 27th, 2008 at 9:07 am
this is soo touching. Happy 10th anniversary!
October 27th, 2008 at 9:26 am
That is so sweet and sentimental :).
Congratulations, John and Benz, on your 10th anniversary! May you have many many more years of wedded bliss!
October 27th, 2008 at 9:39 am
congratulations! super naka-touch…wishing you both the best…
congratulations!
October 27th, 2008 at 10:23 am
happy 10th anniversary to you guys! we at w@w look up to you, and wish ganyan pa din kami ka-sweet when the 10th year comes along
congratulations and more to come!
October 27th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Kaiyak naman…Happy 10th Anniv John & Benz! May you have more wonderful, healthy, loving and prosperous years ahead of you! Continue to be blessings to others! We love you!!!! (ganda picture)
October 27th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Congratulations on your 10th wedding anniversary!!! May God continue to bless you good health and an unending love.
October 27th, 2008 at 11:16 am
HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY!
waaaah! kakaiyak naman, grabe.
Congratulations john & benz!
God bless…
October 27th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
wonderful vow! so sweeeeeeeet…. Happy 10th year anniversary! God bless and more anniversaries to come!
~Marijoe & Vil~
October 27th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
happy anniversary to you benz and john! such a romantic and heartfelt vow. more anniversaries to come!
October 27th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Happy 10th Anniversary John & Benz! Wishing you all the best!
October 27th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Awwww, nakakaiyak!!! I amde a mistake of reading this at the office!! Congratulations God bless you always!
October 27th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
awwww!! that was so sweet!!! congrats po sa wonderful relationship!! Godbless po!!!
happy Anniversary!
rodel&gina
12.27.08
October 27th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Happy 10th Anniversary to you, Benz & John!
October 27th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
wow John, parang kagaya lang nung una ha, na imagine ko uli, sobrang senti ka
Naiyak ako dun ah. Naisip ko din, hindi lang ikaw maswerte kay Benz, sya din, lucky and blessed to have you as her husband. Oh soooo sweeeet! Mukha nga kayo artista sa picture. hehehe. Bagay na bagay kayo. Perfect !
October 27th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
OoOhh, so sweeet =) Happy 10th Anniversary John and Benz! May God bless you and your family! =D
October 27th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
finally after much techie tweaking, nakita ko na din ang vows yey!
muntik na ako umiyak. Congrats and thanks for being an inspiration to all of us w@wies.
October 27th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Kakaiyak naman..congratulations Mommy Benz and Daddy John.. Cheers to the next 100 years of togetherness =)
October 28th, 2008 at 12:28 am
happy anniversary po to the both of you! i’ve never read a more romantic and heartfelt vow
you truly deserve each other for being such incurable romantics
October 28th, 2008 at 1:05 am
HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY! grabeee thats ohh so sweet..
God bless!!!
October 28th, 2008 at 1:39 am
what the?!!!! binigyan lang ako ni Jojo ng flowers na binili nya sa supermarket ah…wala ako ganito…this is so touching.. moving…kaiyak… kainis! Thanks for inviting the world John…you’re very lucky to have Benz!Happy 10 years to you !!! Love you both!
October 28th, 2008 at 10:22 am
awwww! what a wonderful couple!
God bless you both!:)
October 28th, 2008 at 10:59 am
this is so touching.
congrats to the mom & dad of w@w! =)
October 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
so sweet… happy 10th anniversary po!
May God continue to bless your marriage! Thanks for sharing with us this wonderful vow and may you both continue to be an inspiration to everyone. Take care!
October 30th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Belated Happy 10th Anniversary John and Benz.
You guys are blessings to us w@wies and n@wies. Even if you’ve only met some of us, your union has touched us all!
God bless your marraige and many, many, many more annivs to come.
P.S. Sana naman ma-inspire si PJ mag-sulat ng ganyan for me. Hehe!
October 30th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
GOOD FOR YOU GUYS!!!!…I was wondering where you were, i enjoy your vespa blog
jim w USA
November 2nd, 2008 at 8:08 am
looking forward for more information about this. thanks for sharing. Eugene
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
awwww!! so sweet!!
congrats on the 10 years…and many more years to come! God bless you and your family!
[ side note lang: our 1st anniv was 2 days after your 10th
]
November 4th, 2008 at 9:41 am
congratulations John! this was very inspiring!
Now get bloggin on WRAV! we miss it terribly!
November 7th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Congratulations John & Benz! Ang sweet nmn kaingit! more years to come for both of you.
Better late than never
ngaun lng ulit ako nkpag open ng site eh.
Katuwa nmn kc same tyo 1026 anniv kso d un magiging wedding date nmin 1024 n. but with your renewal… sna c jun din gnyan on our 10th yr. hehehe..
Congratz and God bless!
November 7th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
THIS IS VERY ROMANTIC AND SWEET!!! MORE POWER to Maam Benz and Sir John!!! You guys are great! I’d love to write a wedding vow like this someday too. hehe
November 8th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Love your site, I will check back for more info like this.
November 14th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
AAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!
Sniff! Sniff!
SOOOO sweeeeeettttt!!!!!!!!
Happy 10th Wedding Anniversary!
November 17th, 2008 at 1:26 am
This is so sweet! I wish my husband could write the same for me. You’re so romantic!
Happy 10th anniversary! May you have more blissful years together.
November 21st, 2008 at 11:11 pm
omigosh john, i love your vows not only because of how truly heartfelt they are but also bec i get a glimpse of benz through your eyes (and also others’ eyes) i love that it is so genuine and feels so candid
November 21st, 2008 at 11:13 pm
and shucks, i feel like crap bec i’m so much less of the woman benz is. denis deserves better! argh. i think denis deserves benz! hehehehe j/k
November 21st, 2008 at 11:14 pm
omigosh sobrang natouch ako kinukulit ko si denis saying i love you ilove you to him, nakakahawa ka pala john
November 29th, 2008 at 9:23 am
your wife is truly blessed!
congratulations on your 10th wedding anniversary. may you continue to inspire other people with the love you are showing for each other.
by the way, if all husbands (and wives) would be so expressive of their love, then there would rarely be any broken children brought about by broken homes.
i’m sure your daughter is very proud of you.
January 19th, 2009 at 4:15 am
I only got to read this now. Wooooow!
This is soooo touching and heart-felt.
Congratulations on your 10th Wedding Anniversary!
God bless!
January 8th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
i admire you guys what a great couple!
superb anniv. vows.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:16 am
really really beautiful..truly inspiring..god bless