Sunday Lifestyle

Love conquers all

August 23, 2009 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - Their families were not on good terms politically. But love conquers all. Datu Amer Hussein “Jeng” Ampatuan-Macapendeg, 22, son of the late Datu Salih Nasution Pangilamen Macapendeg and Bai Shaydee Uy Ampatuan, was head over heels in love with Bai Donna Dilangalen, 22, only daughter of Rep. Datu Didagen Piang Dilangalen and Baisendig Guimba. Jeng is the grandson of political kingpin Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan and Bai Laila Uy.

“It started with Friendsters, I searched on her,” Jeng explains.

The wedding joining the two warring families became a symbol of unity in Maguindanao.

Donna is studying law at San Beda while Jeng is taking up international studies at the University of Santo Tomas.

The families of the couple belong to Maguindanao royalty.

The much-awaited Maguindanao Moslem wedding of the year took place last Sunday, Aug. 16 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, ORG compound. It was a testament to Maguindanao’s rich culture and history.

Despite the bad weather, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Rep. Bongbong Marcos, Senator Miguel Zubiri, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and Tingting Cojuangco flew to Cotabato for the wedding.

Guests included prominent personalities headed by ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan Sr.