30 couples of Tagbina District joined the Couples’ Retreat themed, “LOVE will be our Home,” October 31-November 2, 2025 at Can-Oda, Gamut, Barobo, Surigao del Sur.
Pastor Charlito Tepan and Ministerial Spouse Irene Gloven Dumlao-Tepan both organized and led the said event with the goal of fortifying the marriage relationship through re-focusing on God’s original design for marriage, reminding couples of Biblical principles for a heaven-bound marriage, and recharging couples’ spiritual health.
Friday evening during the Opening Night, Pastor Jesreel Mercader gave an enlightening message entitled, “Communication: How it Strengthens the Marriage Bond.” He emphasized how non-verbal and verbal love language glue couples in their marriage commitment.
Before and after the Opening Night message, MS Marchie Lagra-Mercader facilitated love language activities including Hug Therapy, “I Love You” Whispers, and Couple Gratitude Convo wherein couples, in an exclusive conference for two, took turns sharing to each other “7 Reasons I Thank God for You.”
Pastor Rogelio Marquez, Jr. shared, “Rx for a Strong and Healthy Marriage” and MS Cristy Batbatan-Marquez led out in an engaging couples’ group dynamics based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8—hence, creating a lively and learning-filled Sabbath School program for couples. Pastor Marquez’s Hour of Worship message, “Commitment: Close Emotional Ties” added empowerment to the couples.
Sabbath afternoon activities colored the said event with added rainbow hues as Pastor Robert Goyo shared, “Appreciation: A Key to Happiness ” and MS Janice Villacampa-Goyo facilitated in station-based love language activities: Station STOP where couples practiced positive conflict management strategies; Station LOOK where the value of non-verbal communication is highlighted; Station LISTEN where spouses take turns delivering their Tribute speech to their spouse; Station WATCH where couples honed observation skills; and Station PRAY where participants shared moments of meditation and prayer using the ACTS method (A-doration, C-onfession, T-hanksgiving, S-upplication).
Climaxing the event was the Couples’ Social Night on Saturday evening when Pastor Goyo shared an inspiring devotional message for couples; then, MS Goyo with Pastor Goyo led out in the exciting date-night activities for couples. First, the couples enjoyed “Carry Me Home” where husbands did sweetheart carry to their wives. Second, everyone enjoyed “Spouse Show Off” when spouses wrote what makes them proud of their partners. Third, “Kiss, Hug or Hold My Face” filled the air with laughter and giggles. Fourth, couples boggled their brains with “Kahinumdum Ka Ba?” as they gave detailed information about their spouse like birthdates, wedding anniversaries, and personal preferences. Fifth, couples took turns sharing their Love Story in 3 minutes—husband started the story in 1 1/2 minutes and wife finished it for the next 1 1/2 minutes. Finally, “Love is Blind” challenged the couples in identifying their spouses’ voices while blind-folded.
SCM Health & Youth Ministries Administrative Assistant Ma’am Lovely Durano expressed how her own participation Sabbath afternoon and Saturday night activities with her husband, Sir Reynaldo Durano, Jr.:
“It’s truly been a blessing! Through this experience, I was reminded that marriage is a continuous journey of growth and grace. As a wife, I realized there’s still so much I can improve to nurture a healthy, Christ-centered, and harmonious relationship with my husband.”
The weekend of love ended with the Sunday devotional message of Ma’am Lovely Durano and the commitment message of SCM Treasurer Mr. Reynaldo Durano, Jr.
“My husband and I enjoyed the activities; we learned a lot how to be closer to each other and to God,” Jerami Omila, one of the participants, shared.
“The retreat reminded me and my spouse that marriage is not just about being together; it’s about seeking to strengthen our relationship with the Lord,” Windy Fritz Naraiso, added.
“We learned practical ways to improve our relationship as husband and wife; we are thankful to God for the lectures from our guest pastors and ministerial spouses,” Tasing and Pedro Calinga, one of the most appreciative couples, expressed.
“The retreat was helpful in making our relationship with our spouse stronger and our relationship with God even closer,” Engr. and Mrs. Uba, one of the district’s leader-couples, testified.
“Despite the extension of the schedule—from August to November—the retreat proved to be a great blessing to Tagbina District couples; they learned so much from the LOVE activities and the lectures and sermons from our guest pastors as well as from our ministerial spousea who facilitated meaningful challenges for couples that would strengthen their commitment to one another,” Pastor Charlito Tepan, Tagbina District Pastor, concluded.
