Understated wealth and elegance, palanggas, marked the affair. Flower pillars of huge Easter lilies and baby’s breath were strategically placed along the white carpeted aisle and also adorned the altar.
At the strike of seven, dahlings, the lights dimmed to signal the start of the ceremonies. The groom’s best man and school pal Paul
Staelin preceded Clinton and his mother Jocelyn who looked wow in gold leaf gown. They were followed by Dr. James Douglas Hess who escorted Edna Lhuillier. Edna L. wore a chartreuse chiffon gown dripping in dazzling ice cube rocks (as in real diamonds, dahlings).
The principal sponsors were Jeffrey Campos and Ellen Staelin; Mr. and Mrs. Joselito Campos Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Ejercito; Antonio Gana; the stunningly gorgeous Marguerite "Margie" Lhuillier; renowned cosmetic surgeons Paul and Raquel Mathay; Dr. and Mrs. Louie Racelis; Dr. and Mrs. Claver Ramos; and Dr. and Mrs. Delfin Samson. Having all those doctors around, palanggas, made everyone feel real fine and secure that night.
The secondary sponsors were Simon Diago and Malca Villanueva (candle); Jean Henri and Bea Lhuillier (cord); and Lawrence Ong and Jeannette Campos (veil).
The handsome groom’s men were Philippe Andre Lhuillier; Michael Marc; Rafael Reyes; Duane Santos; and Luis Miguel Vaca.
The eye-catching bridesmaids were Veronica Laurel; Christina Marc; Raquel Papas; and Socorro Velasco. The ring, arrhae and Bible bearers were Javier Roman Campos and brothers two Enrique and Daniel Miranda. Flower girls were picture-pretty sisters two, Madeleine and Camille Lhuillier and pretty, pretty Ashley Limjoco.
Completing the bridal entourage were the matrons of honor, first to marry and sisters two Christine Limjoco and Angelique Miranda.
The lights dimmed a second time and the massive church doors opened to the sound of trumpets signaling the entrance of the radiant bride who wore a super elegant Inno Sotto gown of white Thai Silk. She walked in the arms of papa, Ambassador Philippe L. who looked dashing in a tuxedo.
The ladies of the entourage all wore Inno Sotto creations in soft pink and white. They had long-stemmed red and white roses for bouquets.
The nuptial ceremony, palanggas, was officiated by the author of many inspirational books, Fr. Agerico Orbos, SVD. Denise Raymond served as the lector, while Tyzia Mathay and Jose Benedicto Campos III read passages from the gospel. Royalty was the feel of the entire ceremony that lasted a flitting hour, during which music was provided by the New Minstrels.
Apres, a grand reception followed at the grand Rizal Ballroom of the colossal Shangri-La Hotel Makati. Here, the glittering, bejeweled, haute couture-clad and impeccably groomed invitees were treated to a regal sit-down dinner.
The menu was definitely gourmet heaven. For starters, there was Italian-marinated Salmon with Lettuce Chiffonade Fresh Bell Pepper and Mango Salsa, followed by Angel Hair Pasta with Smoked Sundried Tomatoes. Buko Lychee Sherbert was served to quench the chic invitees’ thirst.
The piece de resistance was the yummy, Roasted Australian Beef Tenderloin topped with Panseared Duck Liver on a Bed of Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus and Marinated Cherry Tomato with Red Wine Sauce. Dessert was sinfully calorific, Italian Chocolate Fudge with Caramel Sauce. As in all Lhuillier weddings the bar was stocked with only the very best of wines and hard booze, dahlings.
The ballroom was transformed into a virtual duplicate of the Golden Gate Park Flower Garden. It featured tall palms and long-stemmed rose beds of red, white, pink, yellow and lavender flown in from Colombia and Brazil. For accent, palanggas, there were lilies-of-the-valley, peonies and other flowers imported from France. The tables featured pink roses accented by dozens of scented candles of different sizes and pastel colors. Credit the doyenne of blossoms, Toni Parsons, no less, palanggas, who did it all. The wedding cake was baked and decorated by – who else? – Henry Sison, dahlings.
Sizzling hot, hot diplomats, political lords, true-blue taipans and social luminaries comprised the chi-chi invitees. Among them were Ambassador Umberto Colesanti; Sen. Franklin and Mila Drilon; Sen. John "Sonny" Osmeña; brilliant Speaker Joe de Venecia and Gina Vera Perez-de V.; Southern heavyweights Gary and Nini Teves; Francy Pascual; Celia Andre and Jean Teves; Mike and Menchu Romero; Cirio and Annabelle Santiago; Bert and Lucille Villanueva; Ditos and Entang Carballo; Mila Wales; and 500 more like them.
Jetting in from Cebu and adding ultra glamour and style to the affair were grand matriarch, the ageless Angelita Lhuillier and her daughter Angie; beautiful couple, tycoon Michel Lhuillier and Amparito Llamas-L. who wore a dynamite figure-hugging gown; renowned pianist Ingrid Sala-Santamaria; and Queen of Good Taste, la simpaticissimo Teresin Mendezona.
Other hotshots included Wendy and Andy Strong; Mercy Goñi with her sons Gilles, Jed, Luigi and Andoni; Charito Bruno; Brunico and Eva Vicente; Eduardo and Cecille Villanueva; and naturellement, palanggas, the royal Diago clan. Three bands played dance music, and a fabi buffet was served for the all-night alta sociedad partying personas, palanggas.
It was a gorgeous wedding that came straight out of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. To Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Hess, here’s to the best!
The crowd milled around the Western American-style interiors with yellow lights that helped create a cozy ambiance. It was so perfect, palanggas, that personas continued to come in until the wee hours of the morning.
Proud owners King Dayrit and Gregg Galang were ecstatic. "It has been a great, great night, and what else can I say? I’m happy!" Gregg C. exclaimed. King D. said, "I’m very pleased that our guests loved the feast that we prepared for them. Everyone should expect more delicious and no-nonsense food in the weeks to come!"
The sumptuous spread consisted of delectable nachos, chicken fingers, the house specialty, Carolina Pig Picker, and Texas Brisket plate, just to name a few, palanggas. Wine flowed and American biker music wafted from the place’s excellent sound system. What made the night even more pleasant, palanggas, was the bar that was never without its attentive staff.
Located at the newly opened Fuente Circle in sprawling Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, the two-level restaurant overlooks the fountain at the center, and has a great view at night.
The thin line between showbiz, politics and high society again became non-existent when their members converged to celebrate the opening of the only authentic barbeque place that side of uptown.
Moi zoomed in on the Laurels, including celebrity couple Franco and Ayen Laurel, who whispered sweet nothings to each other throughout the night. Our palanggas, "Mareng" Winnie Monsod and Justice Secretary Nani Perez were among those who helped snip the ceremonial ribbon.
Mare’s hubby, Christian Monsod exchanged banter with former Rep. Bobby Tañada. Pia Guanio, on the other hand, looked smashing in a fatigue top which showed off her great figure. She chatted with dedicated PR man Philip Abadicio.
Mike Jacob couldn’t get enough of the yummy, delectable fare. FLY Magazine’s Mico del Rosario and Cats Sipin enjoyed the concert within the circle as Alen Air’s Jun Amante checked out the entire restaurant.
Culture Club’s Joey and Mel Lerma chilled out from their usual busy night to dig in the steaks and ribs set out for them. Well-loved couple Nini and Abe Licaros had a great time with their usual pals who were tres visible, dahlings, at the second floor. Ritratto’s Queen and Gregg’s one and only love Rowena busily circulated to entertain the invitees. Hardcourt star Noli Locsin and his wife Maita were hunched together over dinner, as if they were planning the next basketball move.
Marlyn Pardo, Trina Avila and Barbie Pardo had a ball with the chicken fingers. Nora Corres and Alen Air’s royal beautiful couple Jun and Elma Lagman, together with Marlyn Pardo, Trina Avila and Barbie Pardo were among the hundreds who enjoyed the grand, fun opening, palanggas.
Among the specialties of Chicago Roadhouse are Skirt Steak, the Calamares Al Ajillo and the onion Gratinee Soup and, naturellement, the Chocolate Pecan Pie. The mouth-watering food comes in prices guaranteed not to make your wallets weep.
One thing is for sure – many will return over and over for the great food and ambiance of Chicago Roadhouse. The real star of the night was the food, palanggas.
What a wedding and what a resto! See you.