Bernadette love story

Bernadette Sembrano’s love story about how she met and married husband Emilio Aguinaldo IV is a feel-good movie plot. It’s about chance encounters, much like the John Cusack-Kate Beckinsale movie, Serendipity.

Bernadette met Orange (Emilio’s nickname) when she covered the 2006 Independence Day celebration in Kawit, Cavite, where Orange’s grandfather Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence. The following year, 2007, Bernadette was again assigned in Kawit. The second time they would meet, sparks flew. And this year on June 12, Bernadette married Orange, who is currently the Vice Mayor of Kawit.

Bernadette and Orange believe they are destined for each other. There’s “lolo,” hero Emilio Aguinaldo, who has in a way paved the way for their love story to blossom and the plate number of her car 6-1-2 or June 12 Independence Day, which is the day of their wedding.

Of Orange, Bernadette said, “He is everything I’ve hoped for.” And 30 minutes before she walked down the aisle, a teary Bernadette enthused, “I am excited na kinakabahan na masaya. I’ll get married after 32 years. It’s a good decision and it’s worth the wait.”

The wedding was held at Chapel on the Hill at Don Bosco in Nasugbu, Batangas with both Bernadette and Orange who call each other “Indie”, (after Independence Day) vowing to love each other. “You’re the best thing that happened to me. You know how much I honor you, how much I respect you, and now in front of God and in front of our loved ones, pangako ko sa yo, mamahalin kita tulad ng pagmamahal ni Kristo,” declared Orange. Bernadette for her part said, “You’re the best thing that has ever happened in my life. To God and with God who made all of this possible I love you.”

The reception was held at Sonya’s Garden in Tagaytay. The newly- weds flew to the US for their honeymoon.

Pyromusical show

Starmaker Fireworks and Pyromusicals’ professional team is now in Singapore to set up, choreograph and implement the pyromusical show for the Singapore National Day Parade.

The Singapore National Day Parade is the most important annual event celebrated in Singapore. It is organized by the Singapore Government and headed by the Singapore Armed Forces. This year is doubly special as the Singapore Air Force is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Rehearsals for the show have started last June 21 and the main celebration is on Aug. 9. Over 5,000 fireworks effects will be launched and synchronized using a time code during the main event.

With choreography by Errol Lucero, Starmaker will open the pyromusical show with a Musical Mascleta specially designed by Francisco Martinez of Pirotecnia Europla. Mascleta is a traditional Spanish firework that is very popular in Valencia, Spain. Starmaker, the country’s No. 1 supplier of fireworks and special effects is headed by Doy Tan.

Fun ride at Metrostar Ferry

With traffic all over the metro getting more unbearable, water travel has become the viable alternative. And to ease your travel woes, Metrostar Ferry put into service modern, brand new, twin-hull, twin–engine fiberglass ferryboats. These vessels with amenities for a weary traveler’s comfort, are proudly Filipino made by shipbuilders in Navotas.

All Metrostar vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art navigational equipment including radar, sonar, GPA and radio apparatus, and are designed according to the strictest standards. First aid kits, fire extinguishers, life crafts, life vests and other safety measures are provided.

Metrostar operates four daily Cavite City-Mall of Asia trips and back. What used to be a two-hour travel from Cavite to Manila by land is now only 40 minutes with Metrostar. Summer rates are at P65 and senior citizens and students can enjoy special discounted rates of P55 per person. Metrostar has also started the Manila Bay cruise with M/V Doña Inez. There are four trips in a day starting at 11:15 a.m. Fare rates are P120 per person.

It’s a fun ride. I tried it in an episode of Boy and Kris where I did an interview with lovely couple Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban.