Tying the knot as tears go by

MANILA, Philippines - It was the happiest day in the lives of Mark Ngkaion and Cristina Henson when they recently tied the knot before family and friends in a beautiful Saturday afternoon wedding at the St. James The Great Parish Church in Alabang. And then they partied until midnight.

As Cristina’s father, holding back my tears was a tough proposition. She’s our only child, after all. Menchu and I knew that, someday, we would give her away. Now, at 27, independent and self-sufficient, Cristina was ready to start a new life with Mark. We weren’t quite ready to see her go but, as parents, we knew it was time. 

When the church doors opened to welcome Cristina walking down the aisle with a bouquet in her hands and the shimmering glow of the sun behind her, Menchu and I couldn’t believe it was our little girl. She was radiant, beautiful and, more than anything, happy. Cristina was in full bloom in her Randy Ortiz gown.

Halfway down the aisle, Menchu and I met Cristina. I hugged her tightly and walked with her the rest of the way, my hand in hers. Then I gave her away to Mark, looking handsome in his suit, as I told him, “Take care of her.” It was a scene that kept playing in my mind for months, weeks and days before the wedding.  Suddenly, the moment came and I could only think of Cristina living happily ever after.

The nuptial Mass was celebrated by Bishop Florentino Cinense who drove all the way from Tarlac to be with us. Bishop Cinense has been a friend for over 20 years. I remember he also drove from Tarlac to Alabang for my 40th birthday surprise party. Fr. Jess Gragasin of Tarlac con-celebrated the Mass with Fr. Francis Donnelly and Fr. Jeff Shannon, both of the Companions of the Cross.

Everything went without a hitch. Wedding organizer Marex Gaba did a wonderful job supervising the event like clockwork. Photographers Pilar Tuason and Eddie Boy Escudero were on top of every scene of consequence as was the camera crew from Megapixels. Menchu’s cousin Cocoy Cordoba, a highly-regarded designer, left his exquisite imprint on the floral arrangements and interiors in both the church and the Bellevue ballroom where the reception was held.  Renowned diva Pinky Marquez, who is related on Menchu’s side, sang during the Mass, accompanied by a string quartet. The invitations were printed by Right Impressions.

The principal sponsors were Ambassador Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr. and his wife Gretchen, lawyer Rudy Salud and Susie Ortigas, my brother Ramon and Menchu’s sister Vicky Picornell, Mark’s uncle Eli and his wife Amy, Mark’s aunt Tessie and her husband Dr. Nardo San Diego and Mark’s aunt Lil and her husband Alan Bunao.

The best man was Tony Gatdula and maid of honor, Mocs Maramag. The groomsmen were Nicolson Acosta, Kevin Ngkaion, Peter Quintana and Ricardo Ong while the bridesmaids were Aimee Hollaway, Mark’s sister Yummy, Gelyn So Seng and Maricar Picornell. 

The ceremony was solemn and when it was over, a loud applause greeted the newlyweds. Several relatives flew in from abroad to attend, including my brother Ramon and my sisters Vicki and Irene from the US and Mark’s brother Joel from Jakarta. Ramon came with his son Greg, daughter-in-law Lisa and grandson Gregory who was in the wedding entourage holding the Bible.  Irene flew in with husband Jordan. Joel arrived with wife Kat and sons Zach and Rafa. My cousin Gerry Marcial planed in with wife Becky from San Francisco.

At the church, friends and family gathered for the nuptial Mass. We appreciated the presence of San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang. Former Rep. Charlie Cojuangco, Carol Garcia and Marian Warns came. Atty. Salud’s wife Pampin, former PBA commissioner Noli Eala, George Alcantara and my microfinance associate Walter Alvarez were there. It was a heartwarming gathering of true friends and close relatives.

After the Mass, the couple received guests and well-wishers for cocktails at the Bellevue. Harpist Holly Paraiso performed while everyone got ready for the dinner and dancing that followed.

Cristina’s Bella Luce publications boss Nick Tuason and office-mate Madie Dinglasan were the emcees at the reception that started with dinner. Menchu’s cousin Danding recited a thanksgiving prayer. Later, Fr. Fernando Suarez gave a special blessing for the newlyweds.

Dancing and drinking went on until midnight.  The couple’s diving buddies came in full force and danced the night away. Menchu’s brother Pepito was a dervish on the dance floor. Also swinging to the music were Pepito’s daughter Ia, Vicky’s son Pedro, Mary Anne Gomez and TV actress Jeni Hernandez-Cruz, among many others.

Mark’s parents Ted and Verna hosted the dinner prepared by Bellevue’s chefs. My mother Marina, 94, and Menchu’s father Dr. Jose Genato, 84, proudly watched their granddaughter embrace her new status as a wife. Mark’s grandmother Ester Lee, 86, also witnessed the transformation. Sadly, she would pass away a month later.

My late father Gregorio’s surviving sisters Cely Basa, 87, Tessie Villanueva, 84, and Lulu Inocentes, 80, were accounted for as were my first cousin Betsy Tenchavez, her husband Bob and daughter Berry and another first cousin Marienne Pimentel with her husband Nando.

Menchu’s cousins from the Xerez-Burgos family — Freddie and wife Tina, Bibay Nolasco, Bilit and Tess Loanzon with husband Tommy — also came. So did her uncles Tony (with Nenita Matute) and Eddie Genato (with wife Lydia) and aunts Lily Genato (with daughter Margie), Jing-jing Puey (with daughters Charrie and her husband Mandy Reyes and Nathalie), and Editha Castillejo (with daughter Dyan and her husband Anton Garcia). Cousins included Cuquita with husband Joaquin Jordana, Marimil with husband Jun Reyes, Chelong with husband Joseton Laraurri, Vijun Genato with wife Debbie, and Lele with husband Walter Spakowski.

Our friends joined in the merry-making, too, including Mari and Christy Ojeda, Mon and Tweetie Gonzalez, Jun and Gail del Rosario, Dondi and J.J. Verano, Greg and Paz Monteclaro, Caloy and Joy Allado, Tonette Frizsche, Boy and Eboy Adorable, Mabee Unas, Hector and Ines Calma, Maria Ronson, O.V. and Marilen Espiritu, Chiqui Server, Maritess Pineda, Brenda Tanjutco, Bonnie and Virma Vergel de Dios, Maripi Menendez, Artie and Daidita Villaraza, Cheding Arroyo and Mari Borao. 

When it was time to go home, Menchu and I realized our daughter’s bedroom would now be empty. We went home that night a little sad that we had lost our little girl but extremely happy that she has turned out to be a wonderful woman ready to start a new chapter in her life with a wonderful man.