A romance written in songs

It was all just a day’s work for cupid as Carlo Antonio instantly became smitten with Cat Arambulo during their first introduction. Immediately after meeting each other, Carlo sent a CD to Cat by local band, Up Dharma Down, titled “We Give in Sometimes,” which would end up being their wedding song less than a year and half later. After meeting over the December 2009 holidays, Carlo, the youngest son of Joey Antonio and Hilda Reyes, and Cat, the eldest daughter of Raul Arambulo and Patricia Yaptinchay, were inseparable.     

The couple, both educated in the US, he at Wharton and she at California State University, fell completely head over heels in love with each other. They share an intellectual connection and many varied interests ranging from traveling to wakeboarding and even transcendental meditation. Seeking spiritual perspective, they read up on Deepak Chopra and try to incorporate his teachings into their everyday lives, and affectionately call each other “Chops,” in tribute to Deepak Chopra, as a pet name.

All in the family: The newlyweds with Cat’s parents, Patty and Raul Arambulo and Hugs, the ring-bearing dog

The St. Regis in Bali was the site of Carlo’s meticulously planned proposal, which was a three-part process. Nothing less was expected from the director of strategic planning and operations for Century Properties. It began with Carlo giving Cat the series of her favorite books, Guess How Much I Love You. From their hotel room, a butler brought the couple to the Cloud Nine Chapel where Carlo had the words “I love you eternally” spelled out in white rose petals on the beach outside the chapel. A few steps into the chapel, teary eyed Carlo then got down on his knees and asked for Cat’s hand in marriage to which a surprised and elated Cat answered, yes, of course!

The despedida de soltera hosted by Cat’s parents was held at the Manila Polo Club’s Turf Room and could have served as the wedding proper, being the grand production that it was. Cat was clad in a dazzling Rosanna Ocampo frock and seemed relaxed and ready for the big day just a few weeks ahead. VJ Alvey Pulga hosted the lovely night produced by Robert Blancaflor. Cat addressed her guests with an endearing speech before the duo soprano and tenor vocalist, Ana and Glen entertained while guests feasted on dinner. Close pal and crooning sensation JM Rodriguez sang his rendition of Seasons of Love from the Broadway musical Rent, then Bea Tantoco stole the guests’ attention with her voice and style. 

Nestled in the heart of the Sibuyan Sea off of Marinduque is a little Greek-inspired island aptly called Bellarocca where the young couple decided to exchange their matrimonial vows.

All in the family: The newlyweds with Cat’s parents, Patty and Raul Arambulo and Hugs, the ring-bearing dog

Gorgeous and secluded, it was the site of their Valentine’s Day getaway when they began dating and where Carlo had decided that Cat was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. This made it an ideal venue for them to commit to marriage at the place where it all began.

The Antonio-Arambulo nuptials were a tight knit, weekend affair highly charged with love and emotion. From the moment the guests arrived, it was evident that the couple paid attention to every single detail. The vans, which brought guests from the airport to the port of Bellarocca had CDs playing the couple’s favorite songs. Once the guests landed on the island, the staff that was there to greet them was outfitted in shirts with the C&C logo for Carlo and Cat. Guests had a welcome kit waiting in their rooms complete with candles, cookies and handwritten notes from the couple, excitedly welcoming them to their magical wedding weekend. The night before the big day was a welcome dinner, which set the tone for the series of events that followed.

Officiated by celebrated priest, Fr. Fernando Suarez and assisted by Fr. Jeffrey Shannon, the ceremony was a solemn and intimate one. Personalized vows highlighting the pure love and tremendous devotion they have for one another were exchanged by the bride and groom. There was hardly a dry eye in the petite chapel, which was overflowing with love and joy.

Cat looked resplendent in her sublime Jun Escario creation, which highlighted her tanned, toned figure. She looked phenomenal as she was beaming with inner and outer beauty. Pong Niu of MAC cosmetics accentuated her beauty through flawless makeup and Felicity Son slicked Cat’s hair back into an elegant updo. Cat’s mini-me, her daughter Danielle, wore Jun Escario as her role as junior bridesmaid.

Cat, Channel V’s former fashion director, styled the wedding with the same creativity she yields at work, outfitting the wedding entourage in maxi dresses by Mimi Dinglasan, Hindy Tantoco’s Grecian gladiator flats, and accessories by Arnel Papa. Yuki of Make Up For Ever lent her touch to the girls in the entourage. Even the couple’s dog, Hugs (whose name stemmed from Carlo’s nickname for Cat), was groomed to the nines as the role of ring bearer.

The Robert Blancaflor Group orchestrated the Mamma Mia-inspired wedding with flair and grace. Penk Ching’s gold wedding cake confection was a sight to behold and the macaroons she ardously made and hand carried from Manila to Bellarocca were to die for.

At the splendid reception hosted by Channel V International VJ Cliff Cole, the guests were in for quite a few surprises. A short video produced by “it” videographer Jason Magbanua narrated the story of Cat and Carlo’s intense romance and a slideshow by Pat Dy of the weekend’s events and ceremony was aired. Warm speeches by family members and close friends provided for loads of laughs and a few tears before some memorable performances, which had been painstakingly planned came on the program. Cat and her dad Raul exhibited their dancing skills with a touching father-daughter dance bringing back memories of their first father-daughter dance almost 20 years ago. The charming father of the groom, Joey, belted out a medley of classic songs, which took him months to prepare and had the guests clamoring for an encore. The piece de resistance had to be the couple’s first dance with sweet daughter Danielle to the Black Eyed Peas’ song Dirty Bit, a remix of the anthem from the movie Dirty Dancing, The Time of My Life. The trio showcased their choreographed moves until the newlywed’s favorite band, Up Dharma Down showed up to give an outstanding performance. In particular, they sang the couple’s song, We Give in Sometimes, from the CD which Carlo gave Cat right after they met, a testament of the couple’s relationship coming full circle.