Danica-Mark ‘quiet’ wedding on March 3

Curtain-raisers:

• It was a nightout that nearly ended in, well, another "incident" at Embassy in The Fort, hangout of the rich and famous (with some not-so-rich and not-so-famous thrown in). According to Funfare’s bar-hopping DPA, Borgy Manotoc (with girlfriend Ornussa Cadness) almost clashed with Bong Alvarez (photo) (who was there with date Bing Loyzaga (photo), together with Ogie Alcasid and Mylene Dizon). It seemed that Bong wanted to order more drinks and he mistook Ornussa for a waitress (if all waitresses were as sexy and beautiful as she is, what more can Embassy habitués ask for?). Ornussa must have been offended and she told Borgy about it. To make what could have been a long, thorny story short, cooler heads (including Ogie, Bing and Mylene) intervened and, thankfully, nothing serious happened. Embassy is where Borgy also had an unpleasant encounter with Jay-R last year.

• Andi 9 (real name: Andrea Manzano) has been intriguingly quiet since Monday, making followers of Mo Twister’s (photo) controversial program on 89.9 TM wonder whatever happened to one of his co-hosts (the other being Mojo Jojo). Could it be true that Andi 9 got peeved with Mo’s constant ribbing of her? Once, Mo asked Luis Alandy on the Forbidden Questions segment if he ever "pleasured" himself with Andi 9 in mind. Andi 9 didn’t like that; neither was she happy with the "bloopers" foisted on her by Mo. Did she get pikon, was her family bothered by Mo’s (below-the-belt?) ribbing, that’s why Andi 9 was forced to resign? Anyway, Andi 9 will deliver her "farewell address" on the program this morning.

• Somebody who looked very much like Ara Mina (photo) was spotted "lovey-dovey" with Jojo Manlongat (who should be familiar to showbiz-watchers because he has several showbiz pals) a few nights ago at the Bubble Gang restaurant (on Katipunan Road, Quezon City). Is this why somebody named Polo Ravales (photo) is seething with jealousy? Ara and Polo have been going steady for barely a year and their relationship is already showing cracks which Ara attributes to "lack of time" both on her part and that of Polo. It’s the same reason – and not any "third party" – given by Angel Locsin and Oyo Sotto for their break-up.

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The wedding of Danica Sotto and Mark Pingris (who made a pamanhikan with Danica’s parents, Vic Sotto and Dina Bonnevie, two weeks ago) has been set for March 3 but the venue is being kept strictly confidential because Danica wants the event to be as quiet and as solemn and as much "exclusively-family" as possible.

Just the same, Danica wants her one special moment to be memorable so she agreed to grace the Romancing the Bay bridal fair slated at 1 Esplanade (beside SM Mall of Asia) on Feb. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For sure, Danica can get ideas and helpful suggestions from participating establishments Hizon’s Catering, Printrade Society Printers (printers of wedding invitations), Celestial Artistry (maker of wedding rings), Dragon Fireworks and Royal Flower Shop.

Also participating are photo/video specialists, gown designers, bakers, wine sellers, souvenir makers, travel agents, musicians, stylists and coordinators. Other brides-to-be can learn a lot from Romancing the Bay.

"Marrying couples, whether showbiz or not, shouldn’t be pressured into having a big wedding just because people expect them to do so," added Danica. "They should stick to their budget and their resources."

Speaking perhaps from experience, Vic advised Danica and Mark to make sure that they keep their marriage intact through thick and thin, and through all the stumbling blocks that married couples are bound to encounter on the way to blissful togetherness.

"Otherwise," Vic casually mentioned in an interview with Funfare, "kung magkakahiwalay din lang sila, huwag na lang," adding in jest that he shuddered at the thought of Danica making him a lolo for the first time.

Incidentally, at Romancing the Bay guests will be treated to musical entertainment, a grand food-tasting by Hizon’s Catering, live mannequin show featuring the latest in bridal couture by Sammy Amante Jr., a ride in a calesa and bridal limousines (by Robert Camba), a parade courtesy of The Party Channel’s Marvin Galang, and a fireworks exhibition by Dragon Fireworks.

Soon-to-weds will may view showcase models units by SM Development Corp. and may win The Celestial Diamond Wedding Rings by booking with participating suppliers during the two-day event. Zero-percent installment and use of credit cards will be facilitated by Banco de Oro and Equitable Cards.

The event’s media partners are Manila Bulletin’s About Weddings, Weddings At Work.com, The Beat and Wave 89.1. (Note: Couples may register at www.chu-u-yen.com. For details, call 0919-6810600.)

Fr. Corsie’s healing sked

Here’s Fr. Corsie Legaspi’s healing schedule for February:

• Today, 1 to 5 p.m., at the Coming Home Retreat and Meditation Center, Binakayan, Cavite;

• Feb. 12, Monday, 1 to 5 p.m., at the Coming Home Retreat and Meditation Center, Binakayan, Cavite;

• Feb. 19, Monday, 1 to 6 p.m., at Our Lady of the Redeemer Parish, San Miguel, Tarlac;

• Feb. 23, Friday, 1 to 5 p.m., at De La Salle University, Dasmariñas, Cavite;

• Feb. 24, Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m., at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 13th St., Cubao, Quezon City;

• Feb. 27, Tuesday, 1 to 6 p.m., at the Holy Family Parish, Santa Barbara, Pangasinan; and

• Feb. 28, Wednesday, 1 to 6 p.m., at St. Ildephonse Parish, Malasiqui, Pangasinan.

(Note: For further information, call Somil at 046-878-0069 or 046-434-8759, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.)

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