(Second of two parts)
Here is the continuation of Tita Millie Cariño’s letter regarding the supposed “wedding” of Robin and Mariel in Baguio. Read on…
Judith invited some elders of the clan because Robin was asking for their blessing to show his affiliation and genuine respect for them. I told Robin that we have a cousin who is a Pastor and maybe he would want him to say some prayers for them as well. He willingly agreed and we sensed his sincerity. We all ate before anything else since it was past lunch hour when they arrived.
After lunch, Robin and Mariel changed into the native attire. That was almost three in the afternoon of the same day. They walked outside, with Mariel carefully assisting the three matriarchs of the clan. It was raining and muddy and Robin even walked barefoot. The “ceremony” took place, the pig was butchered and some minor ritual was presented. Kylie and Ali covered their eyes when this was going on. A Bontoc War Dance, not an Ibaloi Wedding Dance was performed by members of Robin’s stuntmen. Robin and Mariel danced with some of the Igorots present to the delight of the small crowd.
After Robin and Mariel showered and changed into their casual clothes, our cousin, Pastor Walter Joaquin gave a short message to them and prayed for their relationship. The two professed their love for each other in the presence of our family and some friends. This took place inside our home where only the family was present. For us, it was a private family gathering. Robin’s children Ali and Kylie were blessed and the Pastor gave some words of advice to them.
The small gathering of some members of the Cariño family present had some fellowship or bonding you might say, with one another. Our sons Eric-Michael and Sonny Boy who are in Australia even had video call with Robin and Mariel that afternoon. Judith ordered additional pancit from the UC canteen for our dinner, none of the pork meat of the pig butchered earlier was served. Robin, Mariel, and the group left at about eight in the evening of Sept. 6, 2010. My husband Sonny and I wished them all well.
All is well that ends well…or so we thought.
Consequently, after a week or so had passed, some irresponsible soul (presumably uninvited) leaked to the media what is supposed to be a family affair. But take note, even the date they stated was not accurate. We do not know who did, and that started the media frenzy. In all these, we can only say, and we agree with Robin, “Whatever creed we believe in or whatever blood affiliation we belong to — we can all live in peace with one another, we just need to care.”
Robin is a Muslim, Mariel is a Catholic, my husband and I are Christians. We all can love one another, can’t we? Shouldn’t we? Why all these fuss about a good and private family event?
To tell you honestly, my husband and I never watched any movies of Robin, nor watched Pinoy Big Brother where Mariel was discovered according to some of our relatives. But when they came here, we know that both of them have gentle hearts with good intentions.
Mr. Abunda, in spite of all that are being said and done, my husband Sonny Cariño and I unconditionally say that Robin and his family will always be welcome here in our home.
And that is the whole truth!
God bless!
Sincerely yours,
— Millie Cariño
074-442-8719/jocarc7@yahoo.com