Riveras celebrate wedding anniversary with City Hall employees

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (07 April 2014) – The city’s first couple Mayor Ronnel Rivera and his wife Jane Gollon-Rivera celebrated their wedding anniversary last Friday (April 04) together with employees of the local government unit.

It was the couple’s 16th year of marriage.

City Hall employees treated the couple to a surprise party.

City employees offered roses to the first couple while serenading them.

Employees were also tickled pink when the first couple would grant their request to kiss each other.

It is the first time in the history of  General Santos City that an incumbent first couple celebrated their wedding anniversary at City Hall.

The couple was also subjected to a “compatibility test” by the employees to see how well they really know each other.

Every time the couple got the correct answers, employees would shriek with glee.

Mayor Rivera and Ms Jane got all the answers correct; except when the mayor assumed that “adobo” is the favorite delicacy of his wife.

 “We are really surprised that they (employees) had this party for us. Natutuwa talaga kami because ang daming taong nakisaya sa amin,” Mayor Rivera said.

Ms Jane also said, “actually, sanay kami ni Ronnel na magcelebrate na kami lang dalawa. Nung may mga anak na kami eh medyo dumami na kami mag celebrate at ngayon, marami na talaga ang nakikisaya.”

“Even though he is the mayor now, Ronnel is still thoughtful. Yung mga paalala niya sa mga bata at sa akin, kahit sa text lang yun eh malaking bagay na iyon sa akin,” the first lady added when she was asked to describe her husband.

“Kahit parati ko siyang kinukulit eh di siya nagagalit. Pinagbibigyan niya lang ako sa mga gusto ko,” she added further.

“Kung gaano siya (Mayor Rivera) ka generous sa inyo eh mas generous siya sa akin,” Jane happily told City Hall employees.

Mayor Rivera also narrated that like any other family, their 16 years of marriage has experienced troubles and challenges. He said that their love for each other and for their kids was their key to overcoming marital obstacles.

The first couple reminded everyone present to remain in love in marriage. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)