CEBU, Philippines - A glittering event that took place three full moons ago was the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Dr. Ricardo Urbina and his effervescent wife of 50 years, Julita. The renewal of vows held at the Pedro Calungsod Shrine at the Archbishop’s Palace compound was officiated by Rev. Fr. Socrates Saldua, assisted by Fr. Jojo Anore and Fr. Joselito Tulipas. The solemn ceremony was attended by their loving children who carefully planned the whole affair without bothering their parents, thus making sure every minute detail was followed to the letter.
After the church rites, Carding and Lita received their friends and relatives at a dinner reception at their family-owned restaurant – the Laguna Garden Café at The Terraces in Ayala. What caught our attention the moment we entered the grand hall was the very elegant and impeccable table settings. Every table had a centerpiece of crystals with a unique arrangement of dry twigs with golden balls hanging in between. These dry arrangements just arrived from Hong Kong, compliments of Pinky Chang and Teresin Mendezona. The guests, on the other hand, were all agog with the very special dinner never before served in any Laguna outlets.
As the time for the golden couple to cut their five-layered fondant wedding cake (signifying 50 years of blissful marriage), the six children surrounded their parents and filled them with hugs and kisses. The cake was made by Chef Gabriel of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
In perfect attendance were the children and grandchildren: Jill and Kelly Viado with Katrina Jay, Kelly Juno and Krisha Jill; Jet and Dennis Canoy with Julienne Marie, Ian Denis, Patricia Marie and Denis Wilfrid; Guia P. Urbina; Grace and Edman Absin with Julia Celine, Edric Glen and Enrico Julian; Raki and Cecil Urbina with Regina Clare, Ricardo Antonio, Julie Marie Arceli and Roque Jose Miguel; and John Paul P. Urbina.
Amazing but true, the children of Carding and Lita didn’t hire anybody to entertain the guests. Endowed with talents, the grandchildren took turns in presenting songs and dances to the surprise of the more than 200 guests.
When Carding and Lita’s theme song “A Summer Place” was played by the band, the golden couple danced, reminiscing their past romance as they were joined later by some guests. Learning from the story of Lita, the celebration was a recreation of their love affair when they began their life together some 50 years ago. It was truly an affair to remember! ?