An enduring union of 25 years
It is not un-common that in these days of broken marriages and divorce, an enduring union between a gentleman and a lady that has reached 25 years of being so much in love is worth commemorating with a grand celebration.
Bingen and Annette Mendezona did just that and how!
The festivities began with a solemn thanksgiving mass officiated by family friend, Msgr. Achilles Dakay at the Archbishop’s Palace.
Their only child, Marianne, a recent cum-laude graduate with a degree in journalism from San Jose State University, together with the closest of family and friends, were present to witness the couple’s renewal of marriage vows.
Annette was attired in a simple yet elegant silver dress while Bingen donned his iconic outfit of khaki pants with midnight blue sports jacket.
At exactly six in the evening, guests slowly arrived at Casino Español de Cebu for the reception. The Granada Room was beautifully decorated with long-stemmed birds of paradise. Red, red roses from Lehn Jarque and Ana Climaco from the latter’s flower garden in the mountains of Busay made the critical difference.
Several exquisite pieces of rattan furniture were strategically placed for invitees to lounge on and watch the program.
For starters, Kathy Javellana, accompanied on the piano by hubby Dennis, sang the couple’s theme song, while Marianne and Miren Jarque did a medley of dance styles from classic to pop. Annette together with Kathy, Joy Bernaldez and Ester Browning, did a lively Hawaiian number to the delight of the guests.
Annette and Bingen soon narrated their funny yet romantic courtship that eventually brought them to the altar over two decades ago.
They first met in Camalig, a favorite hangout for party couples. Shortly after, Bingen moved to the United States of America. After seven long years he realized that life would not be complete without Annette. He came home for a brief visit and simply popped the question.
Annette soon joined him in San Francisco where they had a civil ceremony. However, due to their work load and business commitments, they could not take time off, thus the church wedding was held six months later in the city of Seattle, where some relatives resided. For 18 years San Francisco was their home before they finally moved back to Cebu for good.
In closing, the fun-loving couple thanked special friends who made this joyous occasion one to remember for a long time. They included Cara and James Bañes, who flew in from Florida; Robbie and Amanda Vicente from Dumaguete; Marvi Sala and Louie Zabaljauregui from Bacolod; their weekly Saturday Casino Español de Cebu group, such as Alberto and Tere Rotaeche, Manoling and Ana Garcia, Tintoy and Maricar Perdices, Marisol Michael, Nora Lamata, and the Jarques — Ramon, Cisco and Marilen — and Monique Jarque, who lovingly baked the Bada Bing cake, a combination of coffee, chocolate, brandy and cream.
Cheers to the Mendezonas, who have a unique zest for life.
