An emcee for all seasons

ONE OF the notes I have received from friends whose wedding receptions I emceed said, “eNTeNG, you really are the emcee for all seasons.”  To me that’s one of the best compliments anybody has ever given me.

Tonight, over dinner of a couple of bowls of Master Sham Pork Ribs and Lotus Root Soup, a couple of bowls of piping hot steamed white rice, a couple of honey-glazed roasted chicken wings, and a couple of mugs of iced milk tea – all mine, I have to make clear – one of the closest friends I have made in the past 10 months I’ve been here in Singapore, asked of me what he said was a “huge favor.”

Of course I said yes.  And I sealed it with a gentleman’s handshake.  I’ll be emceeing his wedding reception here in Singapore, end of this year.  To be asked to do this is always such an honor.  And this being my first ever non-Filipino event, I feel so trusted.

He asked further, “Would you like to sing?”

Now there’s no turning back.  Hahaha!

Walking from the train station to my flat, I got reminded of the many wedding receptions I have emceed for friends, all the way back in the day when mobile communication was still a figment of my imagination.

I have managed to chronicle on this blog some of these memorable events.  I’d like to reminisce a little and share them with you as well.  (Click on the links below to read more)

Bom & Rizzie’s Wedding

Bom & Rizzie, 10 January 2009

 

Ian & Marie’s Wedding

Ian & Marie, 15 August 2009

 

Jossel & Vel’s Wedding

Jossel & Vel, 10 December 2010

 

Tom & Jen’s Wedding

Tom & Jen, 02 January 2012

Copyright © 2012 by eNTeNG  c”,)™©’s  MunchTime™©.  All rights reserved

One Love. One Lifetime.

And with these rings, bind them...

“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.”

PARTNER AND THE BOY WONDER – Jen and Tom, respectively, to everybody – brought me along to one of their appointments at Cartier at ION on Orchard.  This one time, they were having their wedding bands engraved.  They knew that just like a kid in a candy store, I would feel right at home in the midst of vitrines of Santoses, Tanks, Pashas, Calibres and Ballon Bleus while they attended to their official business.  And that that was all that was in store for me.  I thought so too.

But just like what that oft-quoted saying says, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans,” I witnessed, on that very moment, what love and lifelong commitment could mean and that it could happen, just when I was busy ogling at timepieces I couldn’t afford.  When asked to add a line (motto) to their initials and their big day’s date, I half-expected Partner and The Boy Wonder to struggle to come up with something witty or profound.  But in a minute, they motioned for me to approach and asked for my opinion.

“One Love.  One Lifetime.”

I was speechless.  I guess that when you meet that someone – the one – you just know.  And that you won’t have to struggle for words when asked on the spot to commit your feelings to be impressed into the back surface of 18K yellow gold.  Clearly, just how you feel for “the one” is something you carry in your heart always, all the time.  I knew right there and then that two of my closest and most important friends have found love in a hopeful place – in each other.

Last Monday, the 2^nd of January 2012, they chose to make this commitment official and blessed by God.

Within the hallowed walls of the Basilica Minore de San Sebastian, Asia’s only all-steel church and a fine example of Gothic architecture in the Philippines, my own faith in the sanctity of marriage got renewed as I witnessed two of my best friends take a chance on each other, in front of the most important people in their lives, the only ones they care about – their families and friends.  Perhaps some may say this to be a bit naïve, but to me it’s rather hopeful and magical.

The hallowed walls of Basilica Minore de San Sebastian

The Altar

The church still had the trimmings of Christmas.

Beautiful chandeliers lit up the church.

The part of the ceiling right above me.

And if I did indeed believe in magic, it all would be too easy to explain the sight of Partner, the very moment the basilica’s massive doors were swung open.  Famed for her beauty, brains, and breeding, my best friend was undeniably breathtaking on her special day, quite resplendent in her Joel Escober wedding gown of intricate beadwork and delicate lace appliqué that cascaded down to a billowing skirt of silk organza.  Ever the one to strike a balance between tradition and modernity, Partner later livened up the white-on-white during the reception by choosing to wear her color motif as a crystal-studded belt that cinched her already defined waist.  The seriously long train that she drew along the red-carpeted aisle left not only a trail of luxury, but the promise that this was going to be happily ever after.

The blushing bride, on board her white Mercedes Benz bridal car. I was going to and fro between the church and the car (mine) when out of nowhere, she called out to me, "Partner!"

The detail of Partner's wedding gown. She kept gushing about how almost-perfect the fit was when she first tried it on.

Marching down the aisle...

As if on cue, I moved my gaze to the altar, at my other friend, The Boy Wonder, the groom, and just as I had suspected, he was in tears.  I knew it was inevitable for his lachrymal glands to be wrung dry as this moment was the very fulfillment of his life’s deepest longing and his heart’s most fervent desire.  As friend to both of them – to Partner first, then to The Boy Wonder second – I couldn’t be any happier that this time had finally come.  And that I was there to witness it.  I almost clapped when The Boy Wonder, himself very dashing and dapper in his custom-fitted Hugo Boss suit, took Partner’s hand from her mom.  I tell you, it was just magical.

Tom waiting at the altar.

"Shall we?"

All the male members of the entourage wore suits.

The Secondary Sponsors

The homily was short, sweet, and solemn, cracking me up only at that point when the priest told a story about a girl and her three suitors, playing around the line, “Leave her alone, she’s mine!”  But I would always be brought back to the solemnity of the occasion, much thanks to the music that was provided for the most part by The Sound Salad, who would later play at the reception.  When they sang “Lead Me, Lord,” I was tearing up, feeling that I was right where I wanted to be, spending one of the only four full-packed days I had back home with the other family I have made – those of Partner and The Boy Wonder’s.

The marriage rite

The vows

"TOM, wear this ring..."

 

"Brothers and Sisters, before us is the newly wedded couple, TOM and JEN."

"You may now kiss your bride..."

Sealed with a kiss

We all felt just how much love they have for each other.

I wanted to stay for the recessional and shower the newlyweds with bubbles, but one look at Ma’an, my co-emcee at the wedding reception, and I knew we had to take off to The Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel.

The very lovely and beautiful "Singapore Girl" Genie and my co-emcee Ma'an, at San Sebastian Church.

This is Genie's first time in the Philippines, and what better reason is there to come over than for the wedding of a dear friend?

Macon, Genie and Ma'an. Macon did Partner's make-up for their pre-nuptial photo shoot at IKEA and Marina Bay Sands.

Partner and The Boy Wonder’s wedding was a wedding of “non-negotiables”.  The wedding gown has to be by a top Filipino designer known for uncompromising professionalism, quality and artistry (Joel Escober).  The suit has to be Hugo Boss.  The shoes – his and hers – have to be Louis Vuitton.  The wedding bands can only be Cartier Love rings.  Favors are by Burberry.  And the wedding reception has to be at The Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

"TOM <3 JEN"... such a lovely touch. What a loving gesture.

Clearly, there was no doubt as to whose party we were all headed. This setup greeted guests at the Registration Table.

Favors were by Burberry, no less! This is my good friend Dennis's. He was Candle Sponsor.

And this one is mine! Until now, I haven't touched it. I took a peek. But I don't want to use it just yet.

But while that is true, theirs is also a wedding that is truly a labor of love; highlighted in the little details that bear the bride’s and the groom’s individuality and their melded tastes as a couple.  The tables were named after scents they love.  The dinner napkins were bound in handmade lace rings, with handmade dinner menus tucked in.  And scattered on each table were photo albums that chronicled the couple’s happy times together, albums that doubled up as guest books as well.

Dinner Menu Cards made by the couple themselves. They had them tucked in with the starched dinner napkins, and held in place by homemade napkin lace rings.

The place setting was simple, yet quite elegant. And I ended up using all the cutlery. There wer 26 dishes spread across six courses! Yes, I counted. Nothing comes between me and the food. Oh, a song number perhaps. Haha!

As a wedding reception emcee, I have always enjoyed the privilege of that “first look” of the venue.  While the others guests would mill about and enjoy the cocktails, I would be inside, taking in the soul, the spirit, and the importance of the reason for the celebration.  Among us friends, we would refer to Partner as the Disney Princess Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora.  And the look that The Sofitel put together, in partnership with the couple, was a silent homage to my friend’s relation to animated royalty.

This photograph doesn't do justice to how breathtaking the ceiling treatment was! There were yards and yards of tulle, crystals, and chandeliers everywhere.

The crystal snowflakes that hung from the high ceiling gave the feel of winter, thawed by the lush blooms, ethereal lighting, and the warmth of the couple's love. I told you it was magical.

There was a section for the kids! Who knew?!... I found this to be quite thoughtful of Partner and The Boy Wonder. This was the first time that I saw such in a wedding reception venue.

Crystal snowflakes that hung from the ceiling from long strands bridged the holiday season, the most joyous of occasions to this one, yet another joyous occasion.  Flowers were in abundance, in tall elaborate centerpieces and in numerous little arrangements that ran the whole length of the VIP table.  Tiffany chairs have got to be the most elegant, sophisticated and stylish seating anyone can provide.  But the one element in their reception venue that made me chuckle and realize that we were celebrating a really thoughtful couple was the fact that they provided a seating section – almost a play area – for all the kids that were in attendance.  While it is any couple’s prerogative to restrict their most special day to be an “entirely adult affair,” Partner and The Boy Wonder welcomed their friends’ whole families to share the moment with them.  Tita Baby, Partner’s mom, hinted at wanting little ones running around the house.  I guess she just knows how much the couple does adore children.

This has got to be one of the more lavish VIP table settings I have ever seen. There were about four or five imposing gilded candelabras, an array of tall and short flower arrangements, lots of votives, and crystal in various shapes and sizes.

An instant hit for me were these arrangements of a couple of flowers weighed down by little decorative rocks and submerged in water, with a votive candle floating on the surface. I think this was the first time I ever saw this.

I have to say that there was a noticeable order in the seeming chaos of various colors, textures, and heights. I will go out on a limnb and say that the setting was understatedly ultra chic in its apparent shabby chicness.

The wedding cake

I chuckled when I saw the cake topper. To me it is an homage to Tom's persistence and to the test that he had to go through to really win Jen's heart. And those blue roses? Let's just say they played an important role in the blossoming of their relationship.

The cake topper awash in a sea of purple.

And this time in warm tones.

Truly, Partner and The Boy Wonder’s wedding reception was a celebration of families and friends coming together.  Loved ones flying in from as far as New Zealand and Singapore (this contingent including the very lovely “Singapore Girl” herself, Genie), among many other far places, underscored just how beloved the newlyweds are.  The Maid-of-Honor, Maan Miranda, a friend of the bride’s from when they were all of seven years old, had to fight back tears of joy at finally seeing her best friend happy.  When words failed her, she relied upon silent knowing glances, which between the two of them had been one language only tried and tested long-standing friends have.  The Best Man, Hennessy Portem, the groom’s best friend of 13 years, cracked jokes about the Tom he knew, only to choke up when the tone became serious, speaking about how his buddy has finally found the one.

It couldn’t be denied just how very happy all the people were, that even the country’s biggest stars – Judy Ann Santos, Sam Milby, Kim Atienza, and Anne Curtis, among others – from arguably the biggest TV network, ABS-CBN, had to send in their congratulations and best wishes by way of the video made by an artistic and creative genius, Paolo Emmanuel Ramos, director of all of the network’s station IDs.  (This one was such a treat!)

For our part, my co-emcee Ma’an, the bride’s close friend Eugene, and I decided to say how much we love the newlyweds by way of songs.  Trained in the rigorous world of musical theater, Ma’an effortlessly belted out Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You,” while Eugene sang about “The Promise.”  As for me, accompanied live by The Sound Salad’s keyboards and saxophone, I paid homage to the moment with “Got to Believe in Magic.”  All of our offerings would later pale in comparison to the bride’s niece Bea’s rendition of Shania Twain’s “From This Moment On,” complete with stomping of the feet and just the right amount of head and hand gestures.  She sang from the heart for her Tita Jen and Tito Tom.

My co-emcee Ma'an and I offered a song each for the newlyweds. She, "If I Ain't Got You." I, "Got To Believe In Magic." I loved how The Sound Salad's Keyboardist and Saxophonist got exactly my pitch and the arrangement I wanted.

The Sound Salad Band provide the music. I loved them at the Church. And even more so at the reception! Amazing, powerful, yet soothing vocals!

Of course, anything food is never lost with me.  And while in previous hosting gigs I would fail to touch the buffet, at Partner and The Boy Wonder’s wedding reception, I found myself stuffing myself crazy with all the sumptuous creations on offer.  Not even the dread of singing on a full stomach prevented me from gorging at the Boneless Roast Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Jus from the carving station, which I had with a lot of the Greek Salad, Pasta Salad with Raw Ham and Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Tomato Salad with Onions in a Classic Vinaigrette.  A few more rounds acquainted me with the six-course meal, totaling to at least 26 dishes (I counted!).

The carving station featured Boneless Roast Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Jus. This was melt-in-your-mouth good meat! I came back again... and again... ang again! And I'm not a lamb lover!

Homemade Cookies

Black Forest Cake

Bread and Butter Pudding

Dark Chocolate Mousse

A wedding being steeped in tradition, the one that pulled the most at the heartstrings was the couple’s second dance, which was done in place of the bride’s dance with her father.  Knowing for a fact just how much Partner will always be Daddy’s Little Girl, I felt how bittersweet the moment was for her as she fought back sobs, her face at times buried in the arms of the man she loves.  I had to tell her that her daddy was looking down at her and Tom that very moment, happy that she is finally happy.

Happy that the two of them have finally found their One Love, in this One Lifetime, happily ever after.

Partner and The Boy Wonder. Jen and Tom. Tom and Jen.

Partner, The Boy Wonder,

I read somewhere that in this world, relationships – love, actually – have become so cheapened.  And in that kind of world, only friendship is the kind of love that refuses to be cheapened.  I’m not referring to my friendship with the both of you.  I’m talking about your friendship with each other.  And knowing just how you were as friends – where you and all of this started – I couldn’t be any happier seeing you finally together.  I will always be there wherever and whenever you need me.  While there may be no question where my absolute loyalty lies (Hahaha!), you can both count on me during the good times, and most especially on the not-so-good times.  That’s the very least I can do.  I hope and pray for you all the best.  I love you!

eNTeNG  c”,)™©

The newlyweds with their emcees.

The newlyweds with the Singapore contingent.

eNTeNG and Partner

Partner with two of her longest-standing best friends, Meryl and Janice.

All the pretty ladies. Partner gets a buss on the cheeks from Meryl while Janice beams.

Four of Partner's closest friends, Kevin, Eugene, Hope and Anna.

Macon, Ma'an, and Genie.

All of us who stayed behind and danced (haha!) got a piece of the wedding cake! Haha!

eNTeNG and Hope

Partner and Hope

Partner and Louis =)

The perfect Louis Vuitton shoes for her big day. The groom was also soled in LV =)

Eugene and Louis

The groom sported a brand new Tag Heuer Link Automatic, one of the bride's gifts to him. Sweet.

Genie, Miss Behavin'...

Genie and Partner

Eugene, Partner and eNTeNG

The newlyweds with Eugene and Anna.

My loot from the wedding – the invitation, menu cards, misalette, favors.

eNTeNG and two of his best friends, the newlyweds Tom and Jen.

Copyright © 2012 by eNTeNG  c”,)™©’s  MunchTime™©.  All rights reserved

Promises not made to be broken

Partner and The Boy Wonder. They make such a beautiful couple!

PARTNER AND I collaborate excellently.  And it was not something that developed over the course of several years.  It was instantaneous.  The chemistry – vital to a co-hosting job as it is essential in an intimate relationship – was there from the get-go.  We first met on the morning of our first event together, yet something told me she would be a friend for keeps.  That hunch was undeniable in the subtle gesture of her telling the hair stylist when we were getting made up, “Honey, put some of this on his hair.”

While I did recognize the apprehension as to how my hair, so used to being wash-and-wear with the occasional treat of a-few-pesos-a-pop “clay doh” wax, would acquaint with Kérastase, what I picked up more was the birth of an amazing friendship.  It has been over four years since.

She has always believed in my talent that whenever she would have her own gigs, she would never fail to recommend me or tag me along.  Most memorable was this beautiful December wedding we co-hosted.  One day, at some point after that, she looked straight into me and said, “Partner, when I do get married, I want you to host my wedding reception.”  I remember smiling not because I found it amusing – sometimes people blurt out spur-of-the-moment declarations not necessarily because they mean them but because they need to articulate an emotional build-up impossible to contain – I smiled because I knew she meant every word of it.

Little did I know that it would come sooner than I would have hoped.  Little did I know that it was to become one of her “non-negotiables.”

I did know, on her birthday this year.

We’ve constantly communicated.  She being in the Lion city for close to three years now and me being here at home has proven futile in making us lose track of each other.  And of course there’s my usual birthday greeting for her here on my blog – never the best gift she receives, but my best effort to make her feel special every single time.  Each one would be followed by a flurry of e-Mails, phone calls, or text messages.  What she revealed to me on this last one – her birthday falls in April – turned out to be the best birthday gift to trump all birthday gifts.

The promise to grow old with someone who loves her and actually loves her more (than she does him – which should be the case, if you ask me).  I couldn’t be happier that the guy happens to be one of my closest friends, The Boy Wonder.  Two of the best people in my life coming together in love?  What else is more beautiful?  And the surprise proposal, done way up The Marina Bay Sands, was nothing short of cinematic, yet deeply personal.  Just a moment between two people in love.  And a ring.  THE ring.  Of course after Partner and I had gone through the nuances of the proposal, talk shifted to the bling.

One ring to bind them both. Well, at least until they put on their wedding bands!

 

Both from The Boy Wonder... Partner's engagement ring and my red string bracelet bought in Korea.

So you could imagine how breathless in anticipation I was when I went to meet them up last Tuesday.  They took a short break to come back home and work on some of the details of their wedding.  Details being, as they unfold, a list of some of their own “non-negotiables”.  Again, at least from Partner’s end, my role happens to be one of those.  I’m so honored.

Fresh from their facials and couple’s massage, we met up at Town for dinner.  “You really have to wear from the same color palette?!”  And with that line, Partner knew I had already seen them.  And with shrieks of “Partnerrr,” hugs and kisses all around, off Partner, The Boy Wonder, and I went.  “Where do you want to eat?”  “Your call, Partner.”

From the many options on the second level of Corte Delas Palmas, I led the way to Cibo.  It actually just seemed I led, because Cibo happened to be the unanimous choice.

Listening intently to Partner's updates.

 

Finally, The Boy Wonder asked us to look his way.

 

Partner came toting her new Goyard which she bought online and had shipped to her hotel room during a recent trip to the States.

 

Partner and her Goyard!

 

Goyard!

 

Copyright © 2011 by eNTeNG  c”,)™©’s  MunchTime™©.  All rights reserved.

For as long as Jossel is with Vel

FOR A brief moment, I thought where I was was autumn in New York.  It was breezing and I could see the leaves falling from the tree, buoyed by the slight wind.  From my vantage point at the edge of a pew, I smiled as some of the leaves attempted to touch the delicate tulle that by then had covered the bride, extending meters behind and around her.  It was a dramatic sight – she, framed by the massive cathedral wooden doors, bathed in the little sunlight that managed to pierce through the thick afternoon clouds.  On cue, the live music played and it was as if an angel rejoiced at the most joyous occasion, singing, “Ikaw lamang ang pangakong mahalin…  (You alone I vow to love…)”  My hair, including that at the back of my head, stood on ends, defying the holding power of the matt-finish wax I had slathered onto it.

My good good friend, Vel, ready to take her walk down the aisle to meet Jossel at the altar.

 

The bride like I've never seen her before.

 

The imposing façade of the Imus Cathedral

Really unforgettable weddings are feasts for the five senses.  And when one does get touched – most likely when one least expects it, unable to pull back anymore a tear threatening to drop from bursting lachrymal glands – that’s when an unforgettable wedding truly does become magical.  My good good friends Jossel and Vel had one last Saturday, the tenth of December.  But it was not just a wedding.  It was the lovely couple’s very important plan together with God, coming to fruition.  Their union was solemnized at the Imus Cathedral which was where they would regularly hear mass, and where, more importantly, Jossel professed love for Vel, and where he proposed two years later.

The altar

 

The light breeze was kind of dramatic! (All photos are courtesy of Omeng, a.k.a. Chax, unless otherwise specified.)

Like some of the many people around them, I would lay claim to witnessing how Jossel’s and Vel’s love for each other was born, blossomed, was nurtured, and was planned to be given its fullest expression.  They’re two of the nicest, most hardworking and smartest people in the office and undoubtedly, two people I really really like.  Theirs is a love story that started with a simple crush on first sight, pursued through text messages that said someone cares, and after a year, made official by a declaration of love that merited acceptance.

And oh, in the course of all that time, a lot of food helped conveyed Jossel’s brewing admiration that just couldn’t be held back – suman (sweet, sticky rice roll) from Antipolo, Mrs. Field’s cookies, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  See, as I would always say, be careful who you feed – or cook for – they just might not want to ever let you go.  From the looks of it during the priest’s homily and sermon, Jossel and Vel just ever won’t.

The bride and groom

 

The bride and groom both wore creations by Paul Haute Couture.

 

The bride and groom with the veil sponsors.

 

Jossel and Vel couldn't help but smile at one point during the mass.

 

This was a really heartfelt, touching sight to behold.

 

Mabuhay ang bagong kasal!!!

I would’ve stayed for the couple’s recessional, where I would most likely elbow my way to be able to shower the couple with flower petals or confetti.  But duty called, and together with my wedding reception co-emcee, Alfie Madriaga, off I headed to Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park where the reception was to be held at the Tejeros Grand Ballroom.

Entrance to the reception venue, the Tejeros Grand Ballroom of the Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park.

 

Tejeros Grand Ballroom

The afternoon being overcast, and one of the color motif being blue, I took the irony tongue-in-cheek as I reached out my hand to shake that of Ms. Bleu, owner and head of The Bleu Team, the couple’s on-the-day wedding coordinator.  Alfie and I introduced ourselves as the co-emcees and like clockwork, one of The Bleu Team’s coordinators handed us our cue cards, tastefully done by Vel in her blue and bronze brown theme.  I actually lightly chuckled to myself as I recalled what Vel told me at the church just over an hour ago when I just had to catch a glimpse of her inside her white Jaguar bridal car, “eNTeNG, your cue cards are with the coordinator.  Get them at the reception venue.”  I smiled back at her as a thought formed above my head.  Vel was ever the hands-on bride – to the last minute – worrying more about my needs as her emcee than her most important moment.  Though I bet she was bracing for her walk down the aisle.  She probably just didn’t show it.

I flung the massive wooden doors open, and I marveled at the sight before me.  Everything was awashed in shades of blue!  I originally planned to rehearse my lines – no matter how many times I have done this (emceeing), I can’t do away with the nerves – but I realized it would be a waste not to admire just how tastefully done the ballroom was.

I loved their table arrangement / setting!

 

The table on the foreground is "Teal", right next to "Powder Blue" where guests are shown busy with the crossword puzzle!

 

Working on the crossword puzzles! That's Vel's manager Loradel, Jossel's former manager Rez, together with Alfie, eNTeNG, Lyndon and Melo.

 

These name cards / tags that direct guests to their tables were such a nice touch. Very Vel.

 

The place setting was exquisite... and quite thoughtful. This was the first time I saw a crossword puzzle left to help entertain guests. (Photo taken with eNTeNG's Canon IXUS860IS.)

 

All the AVPs were projected on to this screen. The onsite video made by FreshMinds was wonderful too. (Photo taken with eNTeNG's Canon IXUS860IS.)

Totally doing away with traditional table numbers, Jossel and Vel named each of their tables with – yes, you guess it right – shades of blue.  I espied tables named “teal,” “midnight blue,” “sapphire,” and “tiffany blue.”  I soon found where I was assigned, “baby blue.”  I took a feel of what appeared to me as “Tiffany” chairs and that was when I had a full appreciation of the meticulousness of the place setting, a reflection of the couple’s refined taste and strict attention to details – and needs.  The silverware was a given – a soup spoon, a dinner fork, a dinner knife, a dessert spoon, and a dessert fork – but what lay beneath the impeccably starched and folded pristine white table napkin were pleasant surprises.  This was the only time I found a crossword puzzle for each guest (a test on how well guests know the couple!) and for kids, a coloring book.  Everything came with a blue pen and a set of crayons.  How thoughtful!  No wonder that the ballroom managed to keep a semblance of order as everybody awaited the newlyweds’ grand entrance.

The three-tier blue wedding cake.

 

So lovin' the cake topper!

A red carpet rolled from the entrance, framed on either side by beautiful arrangements of calla lilies, all the way to the stage where the couple’s table was set.  Cloaked generously in a richly embellished off-white fabric, it was set against a backdrop of a couple of screen dividers that created a checkered blue-and-white pattern against the lush blue draperies that framed the illusion of a waterfall right behind the couple.  To one side stood the beautiful three-tier blue fondant wedding cake ensconcing a moist chocolate confection inside.  The cake topper was an amusing touch.

Guests could have their photos taken at the FreshMinds Photo Booth. We lined up again... and again! That's me with my good friends Jing, Betchie, Glendz, and co-emcee Alfie.

 

One of our FreshMinds Photo Booth shots!

 

...and another!

As Alfie and I waited for the cue from Ms. Bleu to start the program, we helped ourselves with the pretzels and the cookies – for me a silent homage to the little treats Jossel would give to woo Vel – before proceeding outside to get our snaps taken by the FreshMinds Photo Booth.

Just married!... Jossel and Vel moments before their grand entrance to the reception venue.

 

Jossel and Vel's grand entrance! Look at Jossel, he's making the moves!

 

One part of a multi-genre dance number!

To the opening lines of Taylor Swift’s Love Story, Jossel and Vel made their grand entrance amidst thunderous applause, cheers, a shower of confetti and blasts of party poppers.  Taking their rightful place at the dance floor right in front of the stage, the newlyweds launched into a full-on production number.  I thought they’d first do a tango the moment Jossel picked up the lone stem of red rose and bit it.  Hahaha!  The couple came rehearsed, gliding through a personal selection of songs.  The special treat ended quite dramatically, with what Sex & The City fans could arguably call a “Hollywood kiss”.

Jossel sings, "Basta't Kasama Kita"...

But that was not the end of the evening’s surprises.  Once Vel had settled beautifully on the French sofa the “propsmen” set up, Jossel proceeded to serenade his lovely bride with their theme song, Dingdong Avanzado’s classic “Basta’t Kasama Kita (As Long As You’re With Me)”, with the Red Thread Band (these guys and gals are AMAZING!) accompanying him live.  Soon enough, the solo became a duet as Vel shared the microphone and sang with him, looking deep into his eyes, I suppose not even blinking to break the stare.  From where I stood, it felt as if Jossel and Vel were looking into the eyes of their heart’s deepest longing and their soul’s most fervent desire.

As a wedding is a union of families as well, I was moved by the presence of Jossel’s and Vel’s relatives who literally had to cross oceans and traverse hundreds – if not thousands – of miles just to share in the couple’s joy.  Jossel’s parents flew in from Italy just a couple of days before and were scheduled to fly back the following day.  A lot of his relatives also came in from as far as Oriental Mindoro and Catanduanes.  Vel’s 93-year old paternal grandmother came all the way from Australia, together with Vel’s sister’s family, just so she could witness her granddaughter’s most special day.  There were also people who traveled halfway around the world from the States.  In this fast-changing, digitally connected world, finding the time to be physically “there” for someone is a huge deal.  Even more so, if one has to make the time.  I felt a lump forming in my throat just thinking about these gestures of love and affection.

This love was apparent as well from the families that Jossel and Vel have made with the people they’ve met at work.  Vel put it simply when she said, referring to her Industrial Engineering department, “You have made this wedding your own.”  I choked on that one too, even more when she said a line that started, “No matter where the coming months take us…”  For a brief moment, I had to step away from the podium and turn around.

As tributes would go, I have to say that I have gained a whole level of respect and admiration for Ricci De Leon–Bejarin for the two videos she made for the couple – one tracing their story back from their childhoods, and another that captured the highlights of their pre-nuptial photo shoot.  The videos were thoughtful and really captured the essence of Jossel and Vel as individuals, and as a couple, and allowed us a short but meaningful glimpse into a love among equals… a love between two people who help nurture the best things that they like about themselves.  Ricci was ever so modest to try to evade my compliments.  But if I would have my way, I’d hand her the Oscar for Best Editing.

The fitting close to this wedding reception were the messages, both from the couple’s parents and the couple themselves.  Oftentimes, as an experienced wedding reception emcee, a standard spiel would be to say from whom the bride or the groom got their looks.  But beyond that, listening to Jossel’s and Vel’s parents showed me from whom my good good friends got their strength of character, fear of God, belief in the basic goodness of people, and capacity to offer themselves selflessly to someone else.  They happen to be someone’s good siblings too.  Jossel’s and Vel’s sisters words pulled at the heartstrings without even trying.  I couldn’t look at the couple because I too might cry.

With hugs so tight and thank-yous going to-and-fro, I knew I wasn’t in New York at autumn time.  I was at home, part of a huge family two good friends were kind enough to include me in.

Jossel and Vel, thank you for the honor of inviting me to your wedding and for allowing me to be one of your hosts.  Congratulations and best wishes.

Jossel and Vel listen intently to the special messages given by their families and friends.

 

Finally, it was my turn to give my message!

 

Jossel's younger sisiter, herself set to wed in January 2011, gave the couple a sincere, touching, grateful message.

 

The couple was all ears.

 

Vel was moved to tears towards the end of her father's message.

 

My good good friends were profuse with thanks towards the reception's end.

 

eNTeNG, the newlyweds, and Alfie.

 

Vel & eNTeNG

About the food:

I L–O–V–E–D everything!  The Farmer’s Soup, a bright orange concoction, was hot, chunky and creamy.  I especially liked the Chicken Au Gratin, quite a revelation as it is something I wouldn’t pick out ever on a menu.  But Island Cove’s rendition was a welcome melange of succulent white chicken meat chunks and fresh cut vergetables in a bechamel made more creamy by a topping of browned cheese.  It’s very tricky to cook white meat, as undercooking is a sin, while overcooking is an offense.  I wouldn’t enjoy fighting with stringy chicken meat.  But the one I had at Jossel and Vel’s reception was amazing!  I could tell that the chicken meat’s center was warmed to perfection – at 168ºF perhaps? – and then cooked no longer than 25 minutes!

After devouring all the chicken I could, I moved on to the Stewed Pork Knuckle with Black Sea Moss, something someone unceremoniously named as Pata Tim, though it was not quite.  It was something else.  I loved the black moss that swam all through the sauce.  For those who would rather not have meat, this was taken care of by the availability of the Pan-Fried King Fish with Tomato Cucumber Chili Salsa.  Besides chicken, fish is another one that needs special care in cooking, especially when made ahead of time.  But the cut I was served was tender and moist.  I scooped on top of each bite a lot of the fresh salsa and it proved to be quite a new taste sensation I could get used to.  I didn’t go crazy over the buttered corn, carrots and peas, though I saw some who did.

But wherever there is rice, there I am too!!!

Stewed Pork Knuckle with Black Sea Moss

 

Chicken Au Gratin

 

Pan-Fried King Fish with Tomato Cucumber Chili Salsa

 

Buttered Corn, Carrots and Peas

 

The co-emcees, with one of their great friends, Mabelle.

 

Shine and Janine, the amazing vocalists of Red Thread Band!

 

eNTeNG with Red Thread Band!

 

Co-emcees Alfie and eNTeNG. Alfie is the master when it comes to wedding reception games! eNTeNG not worthy!

 

So lovin' the ensemble – Barong Tagalog borrowed from brother a couple of days before (mine turned up with a tear on the left shoulder from the dry cleaners), charcoal gray pants, Italian leather shoes, and Philip Stein wristwatch.

 

Moments before the reception, eNTeNG going over his spiels.

 

The requisite solo shot in front of a mirror.

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