One enchanted wedding

One of my earliest memories in the 15-year friendship I have with Aischa Garcia is of her giving me a pair of brightly-colored shoelaces. It was the day of my 13th birthday. And along with the shoelaces came a card she had made that said something like she knew I was a "Great Person" (caps hers).

She had only known me four days when she made me that card, but that was Aischa for you. She sees the best in people and will go out of her way to let them know that’s what she thinks of you.

Since then, Aisch has remained one of my dearest friends. We’ve seen each other through some tough times, but a been a colorful 15 years, with more than a fair share of good times. We shared a lot of things – clothes, coffee, secrets.

And just like girlfriends are wont to do, we talked about boys and boyfriends and weddings and husbands, and had hours of talks that were, in turns, lighthearted and soul-baring. Seeing her find her true best friend, and then marrying him, is one of the things I was privileged to witness.

On the morning of November 18, the day Aischa was set to marry Bong Bangaoet, I awoke with a start as Aisch jumped out of bed to turn off her alarm. She confessed that she had not slept at all, that she was up all night thinking of so many things, one of which was the weather. It had been raining the night before and we were ready with a backup plan in case it rained in the morning. But outside the window, a cool, clear morning greeted us with the promise of beautiful weather. And there couldn’t have been a Baguio morning more perfect. I think that’s when we knew that it was going to be a beautiful day.

Aisch walked down the trail to the gazebo at the Secret Garden in John Hay’s Historical Core with arms linked to her mom, Pynky Magsino, and her pops, Benj Magsino. She was gorgeous. I had seen her get dressed that morning and I knew that she looked great, but as she approached her groom who was waiting for her with a smile on his face, she was radiant. I had never seen her look more beautiful than she did that morning. And I had never seen Bong look so happy.

It was tough to fight back tears as I witnessed two people so devoted to each other and to their son, Rafael, commit themselves to love each other for life. And also because I knew that Aisch would have wanted very much for her Papa Panchito, who passed away earlier this year, to have been there. (Aisch requested Richie Ortega, who did her lovely silk chiffon and charmeuse wedding gown, to sew one of her Papa’s golf tees into the hem of her dress.)

After Bong and Aischa were declared husband and wife with the lush Baguio mountains as the backdrop, they released a cage full of butterflies which added a natural touch to the already beautiful scenery. The 85 or so guests proceeded to the historic Bell House Verandah, where a lovely setup meticulously planned by the bride was prepared. From the cypress and orange centerpieces, to the unique "man, woman and child" wood carving from PNKY Collection as their giveaway, everything was perfect. The women received personalized white Belgian lace hankies, which Aischa’s sister Liana sent from Belgium. The Verandah was transformed into a happy and romantic setting for the beginning of Bong and Aischa’s married life. And can you believe what greeted Bong and Aisch as they sat down at their table? A yellow and black ladybug, no less!

As the guests had their fill of sweet strawberries and Belgian waffles courtesy of Mario’s, I hosted the program which had a few pleasant surprises, one of which was the non-traditional bouquet toss offered as a tribute to the longest-married couple present. Aisch and Bong presented the bouquet to Bong’s grandfather, Damaso Bangaoet Sr., who has been married 70 years and was just minutes earlier heard dispensing sound marriage advice.

Another highlight was the performance of Raymond Lauchengco, who serenaded the couple with Ngayon at Kailanman (sung in Filipino and Spanish) and Somos Novios, when Raymond asked the newlyweds to have their first dance. Though a first dance was not planned, Bong and Aisch gamely stood up and danced to the delight of their guests.

A sweet moment was when Katrina, Bong’s daughter, wished the newlyweds happiness and love. By that time, almost everybody present was teary-eyed.

Standing on the steps of the Bell House, we sent off Bong and Aisch along with our love and warm wishes as they set out to make memories of their own.