For a lasting marriage, the formula goes: 10 years of insistence, 20 years of tolerance and 30 years of understanding and this seems to be the winning formula used by Joe Ma (馬德鐘) and his wife, Karen Cheung (張筱蘭) who, after all these years, have managed to keep the romance alive in their 20 years of marriage. Joe has known Karen for more than 30 years, beginning their budding love romance when they were merely teenagers. Not only has their love for each other not wavered, it has grown stronger than ever. The passionate couple’s public display of love for each other is often captured on camera. Apparently, not one to shy away from talk of his marriage, Joe even boldly proclaimed he has the best wife in the world. He added, “Karen is like a part of my body. I cannot do without her! If she is not there to help me manage the household and take care of our son, I won’t be able to concentrate on my career.” Despite working through most festivals and holidays, the ardent Joe is never sloppy when it comes to planning the most memorable Valentine’s Day for Karen. A few Valentine’s Day ago, while the couple was holidaying in Southeast Asia, Joe arranged for a helicopter to chauffeur Karen to a secluded island. On the island, Joe flew in a chef, a band and several wait staff to serve up the most romantic meal to the couple. 20th Wedding Anniversary This year will mark the platinum wedding anniversary for the loving couple. Friends have suggested throwing a party to celebrate this milestone in their marriage. However, Joe slyly claimed that he will be busy filming the sequel of Tiger Cubs <飛虎2> in June and has no plans yet. Chances are, the romantic Joe may already have an idea up his sleeves! First 10 Years of Insistence, 20 Years of Tolerance Only a weathered love can stand the test of time and last more than 10 years. Karen admitted that their love was not as easy in the beginning, when it was tested by the realities of life. Karen said, “From knowing each other to exchanging wedding vows, we have shared more than 10 years together. In our initial years of marriage, Joe was just beginning his career in the entertainment industry and we had to struggle to make ends meet. Even my mother also questioned my choice then but I had confidence and insisted on treading on. And I have proven that I made the right choice.” Though the couple suffered more setbacks after that, nothing could break their strong bond created in those first few years. Karen said, “We have indeed gone through some hitches and unhappiness in our marriage, but those are already in the past. Nothing was worse than the beginning. If not for Joe’s encouragement and support, I would not be able to study and do my research at the same time.” Karen had formerly taught at Hong Kong University. It has not been Joe’s good looks or tall physique that Karen is most attracted to. She was won over by Joe’s filial piety. Like Joe, Karen believes a family that eats together, stays together and so it is the couple’s wish to stay under the same roof as Joe’s parents and siblings. 30 Years of Understanding Having spent more than a quarter century together, Joe and Karen have a tacit understanding, especially when it comes to their son, Ma Zaixiang (馬在驤). While Karen is in charge of their son’s education, Joe takes care of the other aspects of his son’s development, such as teaching him sports as well as introducing him to music. With such an arrangement, there has never been any conflict when it comes to bringing up their son together. Creds: Ming Pao
