A love beyond compare: The joyful union of Jude and Mia

NEWLYWEDS. Jude and Mia Diokno pose with close friends at the altar of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine following their wedding ceremony, celebrating love, faith, and friendship.

Love, they say, has no timetable—and for Jude Altamarino Diokno, love arrived not only at the right time, but in its most meaningful form.

At 65, Jude—an elected city councilor and a highly successful businessman—finally fulfilled what he calls the single most important wish of his life: marrying the woman he loves and who loves him back. That woman is Mia, 48, his partner of eight years and now his wife.

Their story began unexpectedly, through a contractor involved in Jude’s poultry business who introduced Mia to him. From that moment on, Jude knew what he wanted—and he did not waste time.

“I never stopped courting her,” he recalled with a smile. “But it was a whirlwind courtship that lasted only seven days. At my age, and as a busy businessman, I could not afford a long courtship.”

With honesty and courage, Jude laid his heart bare. He told Mia he had no more time for uncertainty.

“It was either we go on together, or we stop this feeling of love,” he said.

He added gently but firmly, “If you really like me, come with me—bring your son. Take care of me, and I will take care of you and your son.”

From that moment, they shared one roof—and one life—for eight meaningful years.

Both Jude and Mia came into the relationship with sons from previous relationships. What makes their story even more beautiful is that their sons are not only best friends —they are now family. Jude lovingly embraced Mia’s son as his own, completing a family built not by circumstance, but by choice and love.

“When the eighth year came, I decided it was time to marry her,” Jude said. “By then, I already knew her completely—her character, her personality, her attitude, and even the people around her. But truthfully, my serious love for her was already there during our first year together.”

Jude describes their marriage as “the best thing that ever happened to me.”

He shared that marrying the woman he loved and who loved him in return was the only item left on his wish list.

“The happiness I feel now is beyond compare,” he said. “It is ten times more than all the happiness I felt in my entire life.”

Jude and Mia exchanged their marriage vows on January 10, 2026, at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine, a place deeply meaningful to Jude, who is a devoted follower of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia and values the church’s rich historical significance.

“Mia dedicated her entire life to me,” Jude said with gratitude. “That is why I also dedicated my whole life to her.”

With a laugh, he joked that Mia can now officially sign documents as Mrs. Mia Diokno—“even checks,” he added, smiling.

Asked how they overcame challenges, especially during their years as live-in partners, Jude’s answer was simple and profound: love.

“Love transcends everything,” he said.

Today, Jude and Mia are content and complete. Whether or not their union is blessed with another child, Jude said it would simply be a bonus. What matters most is the family they have already built—rooted in commitment, respect, and unwavering love.

Jude now shares this simple but heartfelt advice to couples who have yet to marry:

“No matter your age, get married and ask for God’s blessing. It makes love deeper and more meaningful.”

Their story stands as a joyful reminder that love does not fade with time—it deepens, matures, and, when nurtured, becomes the most beautiful victory of all.