Newlyweds Sen. Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez-Roxas with their family

Politicians (among them presidential contenders) from various factions and showbiz celebrities mingled freely and joyfully during the wedding of Senator Mar A. Roxas and awarded broadcaster Korina Sanchez last Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Sto. Domingo Church.

Among the politicians and presidentiables present were former Pres. Joseph Estrada who was seen entering the church with Mayor Toby Tiangco, Vice President Noli de Castro, Sen. Noynoy Aquino, former NEDA head Ralph Recto, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, QC Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, Bro. Eddie Villanueva and many more.

Among the showbiz celebrities spotted were Kris Aquino (who wore a black terno and who together with husband-cager James Yap marched with their son Baby James who was ring-bearer), Richard Gomez, Cesar Montano and wife Sunshine Cruz, Gretchen Barretto, network bigwigs Charo Santos-Concio, Atty. Felipe Gozon, and film moguls Mother Lily Monteverde (who was also in a black terno) and Wilson Tieng among others.

Hereunder are their wishes for the newlyweds:

Erap: “I wish them a happy and fruitful married life.” He also said that Korina being a most popular broadcaster, she can do a lot to help her husband in his political bid.

Noli: “I hope they can push through life successfully… as to having a baby, bahala na sila…”

Charo: “My wish for them? To keep the fire burning!”

Mother Lily: “I wish them happiness and everlasting love…”

Wilson: “They’re a nice-looking couple, bagay na bagay sila. I wish them happiness…”

Kris: “I wish them much, much happiness, a healthy life together, a baby, and victory in 2010.”

Cesar: “Sana dumami pa ang angkan nila Mar at Korina… may their tribe increase!”

Gretchen: “For their marriage to last, they have to work on it. Ganun naman talaga. And I wish them happiness of course…”

Richard: “For them to have a baby…” (He said he felt sentimental every time he attends a wedding for it reminds him of his and Lucy Torres’ wedding 12 years ago.)

Wedding of the Year

The Mar-Korina nuptial was dubbed the “Wedding of the Year,” although the guests (more or less 3,000 of them) partook only of a simple merienda of Philippine delicacies. Because the couple thought it would be insensitive to have a lavish dinner reception when many are still suffering from the disasters wrought by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. But they and close relatives and friends had a private reception after the Sto. Domingo refreshments.

The newlyweds will spend their honeymoon in Japan but will plan to have a longer one in Europe in December.

The wedding was con-celebrated by seven bishops: Padre Pasciano Aniceto, archbishop of San Fernando; Fr. Onesimo Gordoncillo, archbishop of Capiz; Angel Lagdameo, archbishop of Jaro; Gabriel Reyes, bishop of Antipolo, Jesus Varela, bishop emeritus of Sorsogon; Raul Martinez, bishop of San Jose, Antique; Vicente Navarra, bishop of Bacolod; Fr. Antonio Libao, Jr. and Fr. Carmelo Caluag, S.J. who delivered the homily.

Korina, resplendent in a Pepito Albert off-shoulder gown, made a very dramatic entrance and marched to the aisle to the tune of Fr. Manoling Francisco’s “Umagang Kay Ganda,” played by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Before entering the church she was covered by curtains so the people outside couldn’t see her yet. Mar’s barong was by Randy Ortiz. Designer for the rest of the wedding entourage was Patrice Ramos.

Mar, who is known to be an emotional person, was teary-eyed when he kissed (for 10 seconds or more!) and hugged Korina. A few hours before the wedding, he went to the North Cemetery to visit the graves of his father, brother and other relatives. He said he knew they are happy for him and his bride.

Best man was Mar’s 15-year-old son Paolo Zaldarriaga, while maid of honor was Dang Cecilio-Palanca. Mar marched to the altar with mom Judy A. Roxas, while Korina was given away by her brothers Milano and Miguelito Sanchez since her parents Ramon and Celia had passed away.

Sponsors

Principal sponsors were Justice Reynato Puno and Rosa Rosal; Sen. Benigno Aquino III and Helen Costales; Jovito Salonga and Ruby Roxas; Eugenio Lopez III and Cecilia Lazaro; Jorge Araneta and Maria Fores.

Secondary sponsors were Maria Roxas Ojeda and Augusto Ojeda (cord); Victoria A. Fores and Manuel R. Roxas (veil); Juliana Valencia and Jorge Fores (candle).

Bride’s maids were Ana Ojeda, Pia Ojeda, Erica Marosa, Sony Ruiz, Celine Hanett, Ging Reyes, Jane Pajarillaga, Dindin Velasco, Mylene P. Arroyo, Rica Sto. Domingo, Pinky Webb and Divine Lee.

After the wedding rites and mass, Robert Sena and Jamie Rivera sang “The Prayer.” Basil Valdez sang his signature song “Ngayon at Kailanman,” which was very appropriate indeed for the couple promised to love one another now and forever.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Oct. 30 go to Mary Ann Sta. Ana, Benny Soliven, Manolet Legaspi, Oscar Clarino, Marissa Cecille Salonga, Marlen Bautista of LA, Glen Cuevo, Aila Marie Amoyo Reyes, Jayson Bactat, Axcel Ramos, Maribelle P. Tuazon, Lord Jay Christian Reyes, Ros Olgado, Pia Pilapil, Mrs. Roselyn Magsaysay, Carmela Anne B. Cordoba, Dr. Nemy Esguerra and Christine Bersola-Babao. Belated b-day greetings to MB’s Alexander Velasco (Oct. 29). Condolence to the family of MB’s Louie Perez who passed away on Oct. 28. Condolence too to the family of Cornelius Vicente Boyle, who died Oct. 27. He is the brother of actress Marissa Delgado. Wake is at Funeraria Paz Sucat.