Commitment and sacrifice: Love lessons from ‘Wagas’

GMA News TV’s docudrama “Wagas” features real love stories of real people every week. Since it aired in February, the docudrama has become an inspiration to its avid viewers and also an instrument to show the world that true and everlasting love is not limited to fairytales.

Here are some of the most notable love lessons we can learn from "Wagas".

Be willing to commit and sacrifice



Sometimes, "kilig" is not enough to sustain a long and lasting relationship. It is important for both parties to be willing to commit and sacrifice.

Regine Tolentino had a great career ahead of her when she met Lander Vera-Perez. They fell in love and got married in a span of six months.

The public raised their eyebrows on what was called a "whirlwind romance." It came to a point where Regine was asked to choose between her career and Lander. Though she loved performing and she knew she could still go far with her career, Regine chose the latter.

"I don't feel I'm doing anything wrong," she said.

After 16 years and two lovely kids, Regine didn't regret her decision because she and Lander are still happily married.

Perseverance goes a long way



Not all couples are lucky enough to have mutual feelings starting day one. There are some people who have to go through a long and difficult journey before getting to cross the finish line. And most of the time, it pays to hang on and be consistent.

In Coach Rio dela Cruz's case, it took him almost seven years to finally hear a yes from surfer girl Nicole Wuthrich.

They've known each other since college. Nicole was in a relationship then, but Coach Rio was that one friend she would run to whenever she had problems. When she was out of the relationship, he tried to pursue her. But things didn't work out the way Coach Rio wanted.

They spent a while apart, until Nicole looked back and saw Coach Rio's efforts. Then she realized he was all she needed.

“Ever since, very consistent siya na pinapakita niya sa akin na may care siya sa akin, na gusto niya akong alagaan,” Nicole said in a “Wagas” interview. “Very sweet and thoughtful siya. Feeling ko, hindi ko makukuha sa ibang tao ‘yung ganyang klaseng pagmamahal.”

Friendship is an important ingredient of a successful romantic relationship



Mike Enriquez and his wife Elizabeth started out as friends when he was still a radio DJ. After long late night conversations and numerous song requests, Mike was able to capture the heart of the conservative kolehiyala.

Mike and Elizabeth have been married for 36 years now. In an interview with “Wagas”, he revealed the secret of their long and lasting relationship: "Kahit mag-sweetheart na kami, para pa rin kaming magkaibigan. Kapag Thursday na, pinag-uusapan na namin kung saan kami kakain ng Sabado at Linggo."

“Huwag kalimutang mag-holding hands pa rin kahit matagal na kayong kasal,” he added.

In love, all things are possible



A woman from Isabela named Annalyn Tiñoso married her dead fiance Ronnick Bacud, a few days after a he got hit by a truck in an accident.

People thought she was crazy for even thinking about it. But Annalyn remained firm in her decision. "Gusto ko lang naman matupad ang pangarap naming maikasal," she said.

Meanwhile, Ron Sapinoso, despite having cerebral palsy, learned how to live like normal people do. He finished his studies, got a job as an animator, and fell in love.

At first, Ron courted his crush Mary Grace, a nurse, anonymously. He had difficulty speaking, so while he prepared himself and practiced his lines, he sent love letters and doughnuts to Mary Grace through the help of some of his neighbors.

When he finally felt that the time is right, Ron called Mary Grace and asked her out. It didn’t take long before he knew the feeling was mutual.

“Kapag kayo'y nakakita na ng taong karapat-dapat, huwag niyo nang pakawalan," Ron shared.

Ron and Mary Grace, blessed with one child, are now married for 17 years.

When love is true, it does not easily fade



Teenage sweethearts Amy Silvosa and Orly Escovido met and fell in love in a far-flung town in Surigao more than 40 years ago. They had great plans for their future together, until Amy was forced by circumstances to marry another man.

Amy and his husband transferred to Manila to start their new family, while Orly served in the military.

“Masakit man isipin, pero ‘yun talaga ang nangyari sa amin. Hindi ko siya malimutan kahit saan ako mapunta,” Orly narrated. “Noon, combatant ako, dala-dala ko ang litrato niya kung saan man may digmaan noon sa Mindanao. Nandoon palagi ang litrato niya sa sumbrero ko, siya pa rin ang nasa isip ko.”

Forty years later, they met again in the same province where they first fell in love. Amy was already a widow, while Orly was separated from his wife. Both had children. But this time, they didn’t let go of each other. At that point, Amy and Orly knew they weren’t just teenage sweethearts. They are proof that two people who truly love each other will always find a way back together — no matter the distance, no matter how long it takes.

“Ang ligaya ko, grabe. Hindi matutumbasan ng kahit anong bagay kapag magkasama kaming dalawa,” Orly said as tears of joy fell from his eyes. —CM, GMA News

Catch “Wagas: Mga totoong kuwento ng pag-ibig” every Saturday, 7 PM on GMA News TV. For updates about the show follow “Wagas” on Twitter and Facebook.