Ciara & Jojo: Meant for each other

MANILA, Philippines - They were too shy to kiss after the Christian wedding ceremony at the Manila Polo Club, Makati City, Sunday afternoon, Jan. 17, so Ciara Sotto, 28, and Jojo Oconer, 37, blushed away from each other as soon as their lips met. So when the crew of the GMA show Startalk requested them to please kiss again, the newly-weds did it with more feeling, longer this time, although with much reluctance. Said Ciara, “We’re both shy kasi, eh!”

The near-sunset fairy-tale wedding capped a romance that became public only when the event was set. Ciara was the last of the four children of former Sen. Tito Sotto (who’s running for reelection in May’s elections) and Helen Gamboa to get married, so her mom broke into tears when told about it and threatened to cry again as she and Tito gave their youngest child away.

“Tito and I are happy that Ciara has found her Mr. Right,” said Helen during the reception also held in the same venue. “Mabait si Jojo, very hardworking and very responsible.”

A marketing graduate, Oconer is the COO of Tony Tuviera’s APT Entertainment (producer of Eat, Bulaga! and co-producer of the 2009 Metro Filmfest entry Ang Darling Kong Aswang with OctoArts Films and M-ZET Productions).

“They are really meant for each other,” added Helen.

While the guests and the sponsors were partaking of the dinner (Pan Seared Fillet of Sole on a Bed of Mesclun Greens & Arugula topped with Apples & Glazed Walnuts laced with Creamy Vinaigrette Dressing, Cream of Wild Mushroom with Pesto Oil, Tropical Sherbet, Roast Beef Tenderloin topped with Tarragon Sauce, Sweet Corn Nibblets with Blue Cheese & Pesto tops crisp vegetables, Symphony of Desserts, etc.), they were entertained with the screening of film clips of how the romance bloomed (they met during one of Eat, Bulaga!’s US tours), spiced up with photos from their respective family albums.

Would Jojo let Ciara go on with her showbiz career?

“If she wants to, why not? When I met her, showbiz na siya, so why would I stop her from doing something she loves doing?”

   Meanwhile, the couple is preparing for their honeymoon in Maldives and will settle down at their own condo unit a stone’s throw from the Sottos’ house in White Plains, Quezon City.

(Note: For the second part of the wedding coverage, tune in to Startalk on Saturday, Jan. 23, after Eat, Bulaga!).