Gerard Alcantara-Maita Florendo: When best friends say 'I do'
It all began some 17 years ago. Anton and Lili Florendo and their children — among whom is daughter Maita, then 11 — visited their longstanding friends, Gideon and Lorna Alcantara, in the US. The Alcantaras had a 14-year-old son, Gerard.
Maita and Gerard hit it off instantly and soon became the best of friends.
Maita followed her dream and became a teacher, while Gerard, trained as a chef in Australia, achieved his goal, and pursued further studies in food science in Virginia, USA.
Maita and Gerard nourished their friendship through e-mail, overseas calls and occasional home visits. What began as a friendship blossomed into romance.
Recently, Maita and Gerard exchanged marriage vows in simple yet elegant rites, officiated by Pastor Macky Sabayle of the Bradford Church at the Salon de Madrid of the Casino Español de Cebu.
The setting was awesome as it was filled with lilies and mums, while the background was lit with hundreds of Tivoli lights. The doting bride’s mom, Lili, outdid herself in the décor.
The bride was a picture of youthful loveliness in her Arcy Gayatin original creation, which was encrusted with pearls and crystals. The groom, alongside his best man, Roderick Jaurigue, looked dashing in a dark tailored suit.
The maid of honor was the bride’s sister, Leanne Florendo. The bridesmaids, Melissa Florendo, Charise Fruelda, Christina Lacaba, Nicole Herrera and Rhodalyn Wani, wore infinity dresses, which were designed by the bride. The groomsmen were Giovanni Teves, Duane Sy, Lorenz Florendo, Robert and Gideon Alcantara and Marc Sanidad.
The principal sponsors included Secretary Margarito Teves, Arnolfo Teves and Czarina Teves; uncles and aunt of the bride Pat Veloso, Raoul Viray and Evelyn Abad; family friends Russian Honorary Consul Armi Garcia, Marites Pamintuan, Isabel Garcia Salome Garcia, Susan Tenorio, Erlyn Campos, Janice Gaston, Rosauro Boromeo, Jaime Magbanua and Youman Uymatiao.
Guests were spellbound by the magical setting, which was also meticulously done by Lili. The walls were covered with rich-brown and wine-red flowing material that likewise reflected the wedding theme. The tables were adorned with tall glass cones surrounded by enchanting flower centerpieces of red budding roses. Four antique chandeliers illuminated the ballroom to perfection.
The biggest surprise of the evening was the duet of Anton and Lili, which was followed by a short musical number by junior bridesmaid Annika Florendo and adorable flower girls Laela and Andrea Garcia.
The newlyweds will make their residence in Concord, California.
