Edward Onglatco, a young understudy for a top executive position but all too serious for his age, had one more business trip to make to Cebu before the holidays. As expected during the holiday rush, somehow most flights were delayed for as long as eight hours? Unthinkable, I agree, unbelievable but true. Together with other passengers, they were whisked to the airline’s waiting lounge till further notice. One of them was Danessa Sarea Lim, a recent Hotel and Restaurant graduate who was extremely eager to go home to be with family and friends. Introductions followed and pleasantries exchanged and as the cliché goes, the rest is history.
The marriage proposal came four years later, which culminated in a meaningful wedding ceremony at the breathtaking neo-gothic Basilica of San Sebastian. Reverend Father Danny Montaña, RCJ officiated the touching nuptial rites while the UP Singing Ambassadors, conducted by musical director maestro Ed Maguiot, provided the moving inspirational hymns and favorite songs of love.
Danessa, in an exquisitely designed strapless white Mikado silk empire-cut bridal gown by the country’s celebrated couturier Inno Sotto, was ravishingly radiant as she dreamingly floated down the aisle in her father’s supportive arm towards the altar where the groom, equally distinguished in hand-embroidered piña barong, proudly stood.
At the beautiful church, an unusual never-seen-before floral arrangements of lilies, carnations, amaryllis and Sarah Bernhardt peonies impressively lined the aisle and were matched by similar arrangements on the altar, all masterfully created by Manila’s foremost florist Antonio Garcia of Mabolo.
The principal sponsors were led by the groom’s baptismal parents Carlos and Helen Go, the bride’s uncles and aunts, Lam Po Kian with Dulce Chen and Francis Dy with Donna Lim; the groom’s relatives Andrew Gotianun Jr., Marie Constance Gonzalez and Lily Ngochua. Business associate Ramon Goh and dear family friends Ruben and Linda Almendras, Augusto Go and his demure wife Elizabeth joined them.
Always around from way back when were best of friends Ryan Raymund Yu and Levie Lim who both stood as best men while close friend Genevieve Coling was maid of honor.
Elegant in eye-catching slim-line pleated satin gowns were bridesmaids Shieney Co, Nichole Reyes, Christina Padilla, Katherine Aguirre and Fe Rebueno. They were escorted by groomsmen Dexter So, Anthony Young, Christian Chua, Kenneth Hing and Raul Austria.
A fabulous dinner reception immediately followed at the Quezon ballroom of the Shangri-La Makati Hotel where violinist Dino Decena and pianist Ephraim Gutierrez serenaded the couple and their guests who were not, to say the least, a few.
As my dear mom lovingly reminds me – remember how they met? No hay mal que por bien no venga.It was truly a magical, unforgettable affair.