MANILA, Philippines - ?Tis the season for June brides or should I say desperate (to be) wives? Despite the high mortality rate of show biz unions, there are still a few happily married celebs. Here are their sentiments about the joys and woes of being hitched.

For someone who?s tried marriage once, I?ve always wondered why it?s called tying the knot and taking the plunge. Does it somehow mean that being a wife is emotional suicide by diving into an empty pool?

Marriage and the City, anyone? Someone old, someone new, someone borrowed, someone blue?

Lea Salonga: I love the romance, the companionship, the fact that I don?t have to sleep alone anymore (unless one of us is really sick, then it?s quarantine time), having children, being with your best friend for most of the day, falling asleep in a snuggle.

As for what I hate... whenever I have to go away. When I was single I didn?t really care about the whole gypsy aspect of my job, but when I got married, it became more difficult to leave the hubby while I traveled. Worse now that I have a daughter. But it?s what we both signed on for. Other than that, everything is peachy!

Tweety De Leon-Gonzales: I love everything about marriage as I am fortunate to have a really good one. I love that I am in a team with a dependable partner, a forever ally, a true friend. I love the constancy of it, the everyday chance to fulfill my daydreams, whether flirty or serious. I love that someone at home needs me. I love that marriage keeps me whole. I love that I am connected.

I hate it for all the same reasons. I hate that it has brought me to a state of vulnerability and emotional dependence. I hate the transparency of my weakness. But then again it wasn?t marriage that did all these to me. I think it was more like honest-to-goodness, old-fashioned love.

Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan: It is amazing to be committed forever to the love of my life who complements every aspect of my being. I also have the privilege of taking part in the growth of my husband and shaping our future together.

Sometimes, I hate the work required to strengthen my marriage. On the other hand, because there are no shortcuts to keeping it solid, then I guess the work?s not so bad after all.

Lani Mercado: I love the security that marriage gives and how it binds a family together despite the odds. There?s nothing I don?t like about marriage except infidelity. It can?t be perfect but God is always there to help you work it out because it?s a covenant between the couple and God.

Suzi Entrata-Abrera: I love the constant challenge to keep the marriage fresh and exciting. I hate getting out of bed with my husband to have meals because what?s in the bedroom is always more appetizing.

Giselle Sanchez: I love the fact that my husband and I get to make love six times a week. Even God has a day off. What I hate about marriage is that even when I?m sick or busy, I still have to make love six times a week.

Geneva Cruz: I love that I have somebody to lighten my load and make me laugh even when I?m not in the mood to. I love being married to my best friend.

Since I?m a free spirit, I don?t exactly like that being married means I should not decide on my own anymore. Married couples must discuss everything out of respect for each other.

Danica Sotto-Pingris: I love waking up beside God?s gift to me. I hate waking up and seeing my husband?s dirty clothes on the floor?but that?s part of the package.

Gladys Reyes: I love the never-being-alone feeling that marriage brings. I hate the adjustments and trials that come with it.

E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com.