"50 years! Wow! Five decades ago and it seems just like yesterday.
"Believe it or not, and not because Ludy is listening, Ludy is the only woman I ever loved and touched ever since I met her.
"I had several girlfriends, plenty of them, before I met Ludy. But the first time I met Ludy, when she was the Inicbulan Fiesta Queen, I said to myself, 'This is the most beautiful woman I ever saw in my life and I am going to marry her.'
"I finally found the one and only love of my life.
"Several people had asked Ludy why she picked me to be her husband when there were doctors, lawyers, millionaires and even a Congressman as my rival.
"I have no regrets because, if you are married to someone like Ludy, there is never a dull moment in your life. Either you are very happy or you are on your toes.
"After 50 years, I’m still crazy in love with her. Ludy is just as beautiful as the first time I laid my eyes on her. She is also exciting, generous with a big heart, and the most intelligent woman I have ever met. We would not be who we are today if not for Ludy.
"I thank God for celebrating this occasion with my dear family and friends. Ludy and I are very grateful for your presence and support, and we are very thankful to God for bringing you into our lives. You have helped strenghten our devotion and commitment to each other.
"For those who could not be here, we also thank them for their greetings and gifts.
"We give special acknowledgement to the people who helped make this celebration possible. First of all, to our children, Arnell and Maria, Roselle and Mike, and Ariz - and to our grandchildren, Brianna, Elysia, Gabriel, Jacob and Jessica. You are the greatest gifts and special blessings to us and we thank you for being there always.
"God bless you."