Terrence Cham - Peggy Ty Nuptials: My best friend’s wedding

I cried at my best friend’s wedding. I couldn’t help it. I was so happy I cried. I was so sad, too, I cried.

Let me explain.

When Peggy Ty walked down the aisle of Santuario de San Antonio to marry Terrence Cham last May 3, she gracefully floated next to her father George Ty who walked tall and beaming with pride. I could sense the excitement and joy that my friend was experiencing. As Peggy walked past me, she gave me a glance that seemed to say, "Whew, finally!" Her mischievous sense of humor leaped at me from her smile, telling me, "Oh, Josie, don’t cry, huh."

And that was exactly what I ended up doing at that tear-jerking moment when Peggy gave her dad and mom a kiss and a hug that lasted a few seconds. I could see the pride in her parents’ eyes for having raised a beautiful young woman so blessed with intelligence, charm, wit, a healthy outlook in life, and faith in God.

And boy, did Peggy look beautiful in her exquisite Maria Clara-inspired wedding gown of pina and silk organza, hand-embroidered and accentuated with Swarovski stones and bead pearls. Needless to say, Joe Salazar created a masterpiece.

I was happy because this was a dream wedding – one that had touches of both Chinese and Filipino traditions – that was simply filled with love. I felt happy for Peggy who was marrying the man she dreamed of.

I remember some five years ago when Peggy and I were classmates in the photography class at TLRC under Manny Ang, and later under Mandy Navasero, she was fond of photographing landscapes. And while mounting our works at Ayala Center and at Le Souffle, she would talk about her dreamscapes. One of her dreams was to marry a doctor.

In January 2002, on a group date with friends at Raj, there was this Philadelphia-born medical graduate of the University of Santo Tomas who had eyes only for Peggy. He was introduced by my friend Edison Cham, his cousin. Terrence Cham had spent four years of medicine proper in Manila, and planned to go back to New Jersey to rejoin his family and pursue his residency in New York.

In May 2002, Terrence proposed to Peggy. By December 2002, they were engaged.

And now, here I was, shedding tears because I knew I would miss the good old days when I would walk beside her in every chapter of her life. And this time I would be behind her as her matron of honor, and next to her was Terrence. I have no doubt that they click as a couple. Both are simple and low-key. Both enjoy going out of town, heading for the beaches and eating out. And both want to have many children.

The entire wedding ceremony flowed solemnly. But with a trickle of humor from Fr. Tony Rosales, OFM, Peggy’s confidante. In his sermon, Fr. Tony said, "I’m glad for this occasion because this is what Peggy and I have prayed for many years." To those who know Peggy, this was true, and to paraphrase their theme song, "Terrence is the answer to her prayer and she is thankful everyday for the gift."

Dr. Terrence Cham is a good man who lights up Peggy’s life and inspires her to be an even better person. His is the love she has been longing for all these years. His kind, caring and winning ways have won not only her heart, but her parents’ as well.

The exchange of vows was heartfelt. The meaning of the words uttered by the couple emanated from within, and this made us, the listeners, want to marry again and experience the same passion. When Fr. Tony made his conclusion and said, "You may kiss the bride," a brief, funny moment filled the church as the two looked at each other, chuckled and seemed to wonder what to do next. Terrence then scooped Peggy’s face between his hands and he set his eyes on hers then slowly inched forward and gave the kiss – that was the sweetest thing. The hmmm from the guests was audible, replaced shortly by an applause.

I could see the smile on Tita Lulu Ty, my best friend’s mom who tirelessly took care of the details of this wedding, together with Dr. George Ty who gave his full support, he was there all the time. And likewise supportive were Terrence’s parents, Dr. William Cham, an oncologist, and Dr. Anita Cham, a dermatologist.

While the guests were having cocktails at Le Pavillon, a photo shoot of the couple with their entourage and close friends was held at the Manila Bay’s breakwater. There, with the sun setting and the wind blowing, they made a picture-perfect couple.

The union was a blast as fireworks heralded the reception, lighting up the sky accompanied by the vibrant sounds of the string ensemble. When guests entered the ballroom, whispers of "Wow!" filled the room. They were welcomed by an extraordinary cake done by Penk Cheng in the form of piled high white pillows with floral arrangements in pink, prepared by Robert of 1816. Peggy’s wedding dream was creatively transformed into reality by The Wedding Store.

The reception was full of surprises. A jazz number from Eddie Katindig and a surprise dance by my daughter Coco, a nostalgic song rendition by the president of Toyota Manila Bay, Leo Ferreria, opened the fun-filled night of singing and dancing with the Hyperbeat band. As I watched the whole scene of all her friends enjoying themselves, I smiled at the thought of the new journey for Peggy and Terrence.

I could visualize Terrence and Peggy gently walking into the sunset, hand in hand.

And then I cried again.