Two hundred fifty guests were invited to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of well-liked couple renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jofe Syquia, and his wife, Czarina Ablaza, at Santuario de San Antonio in Makati, presided by the groom’s brother, Fr. Jocis Syquia who, incidentally, is well known as the chief exorcist of the Archdiocese of Manila.
With the couple’s five children, Amanu, Azi, Aziz, Alfonso and Agu Syquia surrounding them, Czarina reminisced, “Throughout our 25 years of marriage, through thick or thin, we have always stuck it out together. Our greatest blessings are our children and they keep our family bond strong. Also, we try to regularly practice what the late Fr. Peyton used to say, ‘The family that prays together stays together.’”
With a Bridgerton theme, the bride’s parure created by her brother, Junjun Ablaza, caught our eye because of the interesting and creative mix of handcarved cameos, pearls and diamonds.
Looking back at their first meeting, Jofe recalled, “I first met Czarina at her place. We were set up by the sister of my aunt.” Czarina smiled as she reminisced, “Initially, I found Jofe geeky and weird.”
But love conquered all and just as it was 25 years ago, the reception party was held at the ballroom of the Manila Polo Club, with an added surprise bestowed by the loving couple on 25 lucky guests that included Anya Katigbak, Glecy Mojares, Agnes Huibonhua and Michele Sison who were given sparkling jewelry pieces.