Richard R.T. Amurao & Karen Singson: A love that began in the halls of power

MANILA, Philippines - The EDSA weekend brought together, quite propitiously, two officials of the Aquino administration in the sacrament of matrimony, PCGG Commissioner Richard R.T. Amurao and DOF chief privatization officer Karen Singson.  The wedding ceremony was held at  Our Lady of Pillar Church in Bataan on Feb. 23, followed by a spectacular old-world-themed reception at nearby Heritage Resort Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. 

Richard is the son of engineer Rogelio Amurao and Noemi Tecson-Amurao from Candaba, Pampanga; Karen is the daughter of Rep. Eric D. Singson and Grace Singson from Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, SJ, officiated the Mass. Referring to the couple’s marriage in his homily as something that began in the “halls of power,” he pointed out that it is the all-abiding love and happiness of the bride and groom in each other that resonates. The wedding entourage was led by principal sponsors — Senate President Juan C. Ponce-Enrile and Secretary Leila De Lima, Senator Manuel B. Villar and Congresswoman Amelita Villarosa, Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and Atty. Cynthia Roxas-Del Castillo, Andres D. Bautista and  Michaelina Antonio,  Eduardo Ermita and  Ma. Theresa Acuzar,  Michael Tan and  Evelyn Singson, STAR head of editorial board Isaac Belmonte and Chalie Valencia, Ernest Yu and Daisy Payumo, Jose Aguilar and Tessie Ablan,  Rodolfo Naguit and  Rita Crisologo, and  Renato Tecson and Racquel Foz. The bridesmaids and flower girls were radiant in flowing nude-peach and coral Jun Escario chiffon gowns. 

Karen was luminously beautiful in her Lea Ann Belter wedding gown, a delicate white alencon lace sweetheart overlaid on champagne. How the dress reached the Philippines from New York is deserving of a separate tale.  Halfway through the march, Karen paused to greet an elegant old woman in wheelchair,  the nearly 100-year-old grandmother of the bride: Dr. Luz Gacula, wife of Ricardo Gacula, former Congressman of Ilocos Sur. 

Richard, wearing a piña barong designed by Joey Samson drew chuckles from the crowd as he attempted to kiss his bride midway through the ceremony. Both beamed with happiness as they faced a church overflowing with guests, some from their graduate schools Ateneo Law, Harvard and London School of Economics, government officials and colleagues of the bride’s parents, relatives and friends from afar. It was truly a reunion of sorts and a warm celebration filled with gratitude.

After a 30-minute drive through the scenic countryside, guests entered the nostalgic Las Casas Filipinas Heritage Resort, set against a backdrop of fertile rice fields, mountains turning wheat-yellow as the dry summer crept in, and the dark blue expanse of the West Philippine Sea lapping at its doorstep. Walking tours, horse-drawn carriages and gondola rides were in play as guests registered. Historic Filipino houses on cobblestone roads, sculptures and fountains that dotted Las Casas were a treat for photographers, especially as dusk drew near.

A stone bridge spans the width of a moat emptying into the open arms of the sea, and connects one side of Las Casas to a beach where the opening of Casa Lemery was about to be unveiled.  The resort is an exemplary display of craftsmanship, artistry and masterful planning led by visionary Jerry Acuzar, who has given the public a timeless gift of our Filipino heritage through the skillful restoration of historical homes in a truly breathtaking landscape.

Guests were generously treated to a Japanese-themed cocktail party at Casa Binan, the old UP Manila building. Delectable sushi, sashimi and fusion maki rolls by Jozu Kin were served at the buffet and additional canapés were passed around with cheese and croquettes. Out on the lawn, a traditional Filipino tinikling and singkil dance kicked off in a sunset-lit setting. Truly, wedding coordinator Jojit Dy of 3rd Party and Las Casas GM TK Solvason organized a spectacular cultural showcase seamlessly.

As dinner drew near, the crowd walked to the main plaza where a regal chandelier and candle-lit dinner reception was prepared for 500.  Richard and Karen welcomed guests with an unforgettable first dance, an Ipanema beach samba cut short by Billie Jean. The crowd went wild as the couple rocked through the Michael Jackson hit with fedora hats and white gloves, in awe at the groom’s perfect moonwalk.  Thinking it was all over, guests were surprised again as the couple tossed hats and gloves to the audience as they shifted to the steps of more contemporary Boom Boom Pow!

Wedding guests enjoyed a veritable wedding feast at the buffet.  Cuillere’s Arlene Arce showcased an extraordinary Spanish menu including favorite dishes lengua sevillana, callos ala Madrilena,  quezo de bola pasta, and seafood paella.  Sommelier’s wine selection was likewise commended by guests, as they sipped through the breezy night.

After listening to entertaining speeches by family and friends of the couple, guests were again moved to emotion upon viewing Lito Sy’s dramatic slideshow of the day’s festivities. The photographs captured every significant moment exquisitely, and one would be amiss to forget the captivating sunset in which a newly married couple stood on top of a rock looking out to the mystic sea with charming old houses whispering in the background once upon a time.  A sensational fireworks display sealed the evening and the Powerhouse band spiritedly kicked off the dancing and drinking until after midnight.  Several guests, young and old, commented this may have been the most beautiful wedding they had ever attended.