My brother's wedding
After almost six years of steady dating, my Kuya Joe and Trisha Chua did the inevitable — sealed the deal and, well, got married
It was on her birthday in December that he proposed. What better gift to offer than a proposal to spend the rest of his life with her?
As far as I can remember, my brother has always been the “marrying type.” He was different from other men who suffered from gamophobia — that is, the fear of marriage and commitment.
The initial venue was in Manila to accommodate their friends and, more importantly, their parents’ friends and relatives. The plan fell through, though, due to several factors, so the wedding was finally set in Tagaytay. Kuya and Trish fell in love with the Madre de Dios Chapel in Midlands.
The eve of the wedding found the Juico siblings bonding as they relished each other’s company before another addition to the family. The family prayers led by our Papa were dedicated to the wedding and the future married life of Joseph and Trisha.
The next day started with an unforgettable scene — the four Juico siblings in our pajamas lounging lazily on our parents’ bed and horsing around. It was a Kodak moment — good thing I was alert enough to pull out my camera. Soon after, the Juico ladies were scurrying around under the quick hands of beautician/makeup artist Eric Maningat. But despite being harried, we managed to look “presentably pretty.”
The Madre de Dios Chapel was tastefully adorned with flowers. The choir, the Performing Arts of QC, came with their angelic voices. They set the tone for what was to be a heavenly celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Like “seraphim and cherubim,” family friends Erica Concepcion and Marga Penson’s captivating voices made the ceremony more magical. Bernie Pasamba and his strings provided background music.
The entourage looked amazing in the plum/deep purple Patrice Ramos-Diaz creations, which were just so beautiful. The aisle was short and this was a blessing in disguise because my mom did not have the time to emote as she walked down the aisle to give away her “seven-year bunso” (until I came along). Being the loving and thoughtful son that he is, I knew that it wouldn’t be easy for my mom to give her baby away. To distract her, I would kid my mom (who was stunning that night) that she looked like a debutante in yellow orange. Tita Lani Chua, Trisha’s mom, looked exquisite as always.
Bishop Soc Villegas’ homily was personally tailored to the couple, although some newlyweds, mostly the men, felt the message hit home in their hearts as well.
The Midlands veranda was a revelation! Anton Barretto, a miracle worker, transformed the place into a fairy-tale reception. The guests were in awe of the prowess of Chef Robert Bolanos, the couple’s friend, who outdid himself.
The program started with a prayer led by best man Kuya Vince Juico. Emcees for the program were LSGH high school friend and sportscaster Dominic Uy and maid of honor Pam Gonzales, who gave a heartwarming speech for her best friend, Trisha. Matron of honor Karina Madridejos, Trish’s cousin, gave an equally touching speech, which allowed us a peek into Trisha’s childhood in Bacolod.
Junior best man Rafael Villanueva, my seven-year-old nephew, stated his wish that the couple “have good children, as we are, and may they make you proud as we have made our Mama and Papa proud of us” — much to the delight of the guests, especially my Ate Dinggay (who was brought to tears) and my brother-in-law, Bryan Villanueva.
My cousin Andrei Aquino, the other best man, came next and the crowd could not stop laughing at his lines.
My Mama came next (and I had to remind her not to cry), speaking about marital commitment and fidelity. She ended by saying to Trish — which brought many to tears — “He was my baby; he is now your man.”
Tito Clarence Chua, Trish’s dad, admonished Kuya Joe to be a “good lover,” an offshoot from a joke cracked at a dinner hosted by Mike and Menchu Romero.
A principal sponsor, Joseph’s boss, Mayor Sonny Belmonte, narrated the groom’s defining moment when he first ran for councilor. He also gave some tips to the couple, reliving moments from his life with the late Betty Go-Belmonte.
The “jig” started with the band, Brass Munkeys, who got the young and young-once grooving to their music.
We thank some friends and relatives who, in their desire to be there for our family, attended the Mass and left for Manila for some other appointment, like Senator Noynoy Aquino, Frank and Mila Drilon, Adolf and Mariasun Azcuna, Cench and Bogie Manotok and Emilie Tanchuling. Also, special thanks to Martin, Rachel and Gracie Penson, who flew in from New Jersey for the wedding, and Australia-based Dick and Caroline Penson. Likewise, two of Trish’s aunts, Ligaya with spouse Joel Simpkins and Lolet Tom from the US: We know it was a sacrifice going the distance and we appreciate their being here with us.
