‘Mela isn’t just the answer to my brother’s prayers; she’s also the answer to mine’

MANILA, Philippines - Sunshine and smiles filled the day Vincent Juico and Mela Manuel vowed to love each other for eternity before God and man in rites solemnized by Archbishop Monsignor Socrates Villegas and Father Joy Tajonera at the Santuario de San Jose Church in Greenhills.

Mela was radiant in an aristocratic, “severely simple” satin gown by Rajo Laurel, who also did Vince’s suit and the gowns of the entourage.

Vince is the son of Philip Ella Juico and Margarita Penson Juico, and works as chief of staff to the chairman at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, while Mela is a nurse by profession and an entrepreneur. She is the daughter of Victorino Calderon Manuel and Modesta Barcelona Manuel.

Vince and Mela were schoolmates at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde but it wasn’t till long after graduation that their love blossomed — through Facebook.

Almost a decade after they first dated, Vince and Mela reconnected through Facebook because Mela noticed in his profile photo that he had lost a lot of weight and had become fit and toned. He told her he was into circuit training, and their common interest in physical fitness eventually led to a second date in February 2013.

He had lost about 60 pounds, and she, about 15 pounds — but they had gained a heavyweight kind of love that led to the altar last March 30.

In his homily, Monsignor Soc said no marriage would work without the help of God. He also reminded Vince and Mela that good children are not molded in school, but in the home.

Reception followed at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, with Zenas Pineda sprucing up the banquet hall.

In her message to her brother during the reception, Vince’s Ate Dinggay said: “I’ve been blessed to be in a marriage that’s happy. But I always tell my husband Bry, my happiness will only be complete when I see my siblings equally happy, if not happier. I’ve been praying for good partners for my siblings soon after I found mine. Mela isn’t just the answer to my brother’s prayers. She’s also the answer to mine.”

— Joanne Rae M. Ramirez