Twenty-five Years of Bliss

CEBU, Philippines - Bingen and Annette Mendezona have been married for 25 years and that is more than enough reason to celebrate.

Msgr. Achilles Dakay, a family friend, officiated in the Thanksgiving Mass held at the Archbishop's Palace.

Annette in a simple yet elegant silver cocktail dress walked arm-in-arm down the aisle with Bingen who looked dapper in a midnight blue sports jacket. A special place of honor was reserved for only child Marianne, a recent cum laude graduate of Journalism from the San Jose State University. She was joined by the closest of family and dear friends to witness the renewal of marriage vows.

 At exactly six in the evening, the guests slowly arrived at the Casino Español de Cebu for the cocktail reception. The Granada room was beautifully decorated with long-stemmed birds of paradise. Red roses from Lehn Jarque and Ana Climaco, from the latter's flower garden in Busay, made the critical difference.

Several exquisite rattan furniture pieces were strategically placed for invitees to lounge and watch the program.

For starters, Kathy Javellana accompanied on the piano by hubby Dennis, sang the couple's theme song while Marianne and Miren Jarque did a medley of dance styles from classic to modern. Annette together with Kathy, Joy Bernaldez and Ester Browning did a lively Hawaain number to the delight of the guests.

Annette and Bingen soon narrated their funny yet romantic courtship that eventually brought them to the altar over two decades ago.

They first met in Camalig, a favorite hang-out for party couples. Shortly after, Bingen moved to America. After seven long years, he realized that life would not be complete without his Annette. He came home for a brief visit and simply popped the question.

Annette soon joined him in San Francisco where they had a civil ceremony. However, due to work load and business commitments, they could not take time off. Thus, the church wedding was held six months later in Seattle where some relatives lived. They made San Francisco their home for 18 years before finally moving back to Cebu for good.

In closing, the fun-loving couple thanked special friends who made this joyous occasion one to be remembered for a long time. They included, Cara and James Bañes who flew in from Florida, Robbie and Amanda Vicente from Dumaguete, Marvi Sala and Louie Zabalhauregui from Bacolod, their weekly Saturday Casino group such as Alberto and Tere Rotaeche, Manoling and Ana Garcia, Tintoy and Maricar Perdices, Marisol Michael, Nora Lamata, and the Jarques – Ramon, Cisco and Marilen, to Monique Jarque who lovingly baked the Bada Bing cake which is a combination of coffee, chocolate, brandy and cream.

The celebration would have been incomplete without the heartwarming anniversary toast raised to the couple by their lovely daughter Marianne.

To Bingen and Annette, we wish you a lot of love and may your lives be interesting and full of happiness. (FREEMAN)