– Jo Petty
Principal sponsors were Helen Roxas; Marylen Mateo; Edita Antonino; Lydia David; Dr. OscarVerzosa; Dr. Francisco Gaisano; Carlos Laude; and Vivencio Golamco. The maid of honor was Melody’s sister Geraldine while Leland Castro, brother of the groom, was the best man.
At the ballroom of the posh Mandarin Oriental, Manila where some 500 guests attended the reception, 1816’s Robert Blancaflor adorned tables with colorful tulips, hydrangeas, stargazers, roses and peonies, reminiscent of the colors of spring. The guests were not only visually enthralled but also gastronomically satisfied as they savoured the exquisite five-course menu prepared by Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning chefs. The menu was apparently talked about for days afterwards – a gourmet appetizer (selection of smoked salmon, smoked duck breast, parma ham with melon and duck liver parfait with mango and salsa, accompanied by mesclun greens tossed in raspberry dressing); lobster bisque with herb dumplings; five-spices marinated grilled sea bass set on mushroom risotto and green asparagus tips; strawberry sherbet; roasted prime rib of US beef with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and ratatouille vegetables; and apple crumble with vanilla ice cream.
The evening proceeded as planned by wedding coordinator Peaches Go with a lot of help from emcee Michael Lim and the diligent attention to details of the groom’s mom, the gorgeous Felly Golamco-Castro. She helped in the preparations after Allan and Melody came for a brief visit to finalize the arrangements. Michelle Lim dressed up the bride and the entourage. The evening, captured for posterity by lensman Pat Dy, was capped by dancing to the music of Nonoy Lopez.
It may have been a nostalgic occasion for the couple’s parents – Panfilo Castro Jr. and the former Felly Golamco, and Homer and Jane Chanbonpin-Go – it being the first wedding among the children of both families. To the Castros and the Gos, it was a union they had long awaited.
On other good news, Boracay Island worshippers will definitely be thrilled to hear about Asian Spirit’s new promo. Beginning July 2 up to Oct. 15, the airlines will offer WOW fares that will give the traveler as much as 40 percent discount on regular fares to this treasure island. Under the plan, a one-way fare to Caticlan from Manila is only P1,500 or P3,000 roundtrip. If you plan to fly from Cebu, a one-way fare will cost P2,000 or P4,000 roundtrip.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up the sun-tan lotion and head to balmy Boracay.
Belated birthday greetings to tycoon John Gokongwei Jr., Papal awardee Susan del Rosario, Aug. 11; ABS-CBN big boss Gabby Lopez, Baby Araneta, Aug. 13; restaurateur Beng Dee, Beaver Lopez, designers Auggie Cordero and Nolie Hans, Aug. 14
So, how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)