Chiz, Heart seal romance

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Francis Escudero and movie star Heart Evangelista sealed their romance yesterday with a grand wedding in an exclusive resort, with certain invited guests conspicuously missing.

Until the last minute, a room was reserved at the Balesin Island Resort for Heart’s parents Cecilia and Reynaldo Evangelista, but they didn’t show up to give Heart away to her groom.

Heart walked to the altar by her lonesome to the tune of “How Did You Know?” – the lyrics (How did you know I needed someone like you in my life…) of which, according to Heart, perfectly described her feelings.

Heart had a falling out with her mom, who frowns on Heart’s romance with Chiz.

Mother and daughter haven’t spoken to each other since three years ago when the whole incident exploded on national television, although Heart has made peace with her dad.

Although resigned to the sad reality that her parents would snub her wedding, Heart told The STAR in an exclusive interview that she still loves them dearly and she hopes that she and her mom will eventually reconcile.

Another no-show was President Aquino, the best man, who was represented by the groom’s brother Phillip Escudero. It was Chiz who told P-Noy not to attend so he wouldn’t be bashed again as he was when, as “witness of honor,” he graced the wedding of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes on Dec. 30 last year.

“Chiz and I understand the situation,” said Heart. “But President Noynoy will be attending the reception in Manila (on Wednesday night, Feb. 18).”

Heart’s sisters attended, with Camille as maid of honor and Michelle as one of the women of honor.

The bridesmaids were Heart’s friends Jennylyn Mercado, Carla Abellana, Solenn Heussaff, Lovi Poe and Alessandra de Rossi.

Officiated by Fr. Jerry Orbos, the wedding was held just a day after Heart turned 30 on Saturday, Feb. 14. Chiz celebrated his 45th birthday on Oct. 10 last year. It capped a seven-year romance that began after Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago introduced Chiz to Heart who turned out to have developed a big crush on the senator back in 2007 when she saw Chiz casually dressed in T-shirt and sandals at a restaurant.

“At that moment,” recalled Heart, “the song Lady In Red was playing so I decided to include it as one of the songs to be sung at the reception.”

Chiz’s marriage to a singer was annulled. He has twin children who accompanied Chiz at the wedding march, together with his widowed mom, Evelina Escudero.

True to form, Chiz was in his usual light mood throughout the ceremony while Heart cried (“Only a little,” she texted The STAR). He wore a suit by Paul Cabral and she, a gown by Dubai-based designer Izra Santos, said to be inspired by the gown of Grace Kelly when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Heart had actually two gowns done, the other by Monique Lhuillier.

The bride woke up early yesterday morning and the first thing she did was write a letter to Chiz, assuring him that “no typhoon can stop our love for each other. I’m very happy, I’m very excited.” Despite overcast weather, the sun came out before the ceremony started at past 4 p.m. Had the bad weather prevailed, Chiz said he had tents ready and raincoats (similar to those worn by Pope Francis and the crowd in Tacloban) for the guests.

Located off Quezon province, the exclusive Balesin Island Resort is accessible only by private plane about 25 minutes from Manila. Because of the distance, some of the principal sponsors begged off and sent representatives. Among those who attended were Lance Gokongwei, Ramon Ang, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Hans Sy, Jackie Lou Blanco, GMA executive Lilybeth Rasonable, Mel Tiangco and Sen. Grace Poe (Chiz’s good friend). GMA boss lawyer Felipe Gozon and GMA executive Gilberto Duavit were represented by relatives.

Asked what she wished for the newlyweds, Sen. Grace texted The STAR, “I wish that they will have children soon.”

Heart said that she’s being practical and she wants “just one or two children,” adding that she and Chiz plan to start on having one “maybe one year after our wedding” because we want to travel first. They plan to spend their honeymoon in Japan sometime next month.