Renewal of vows

CEBU, Philippines - Jason Tan Barcelon, son of businessman George and Irene Tan Barcelon, and Haidee Lu Benedicto, daughter of Ambassador Francisco Benedicto and Consul Leontina Lu Benedicto,   were friends while working in the same Stock Brokerage firm  long before they became a couple.  After two years of courtship they got married, and are blessed with two adorable children, four-year-old Annika and Gavin, two years old.

Five years into their  blissful marriage the couple decided to celebrate the milestone   with a renewal of vows officiated by Pastor Allan Critchett of New Life Church at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa.

Blushing wife and mom Haidee was dressed in a lovely bustier gown by Spanish designer/brand Rosa Clara, while Jason wore a perfectly tailored dark suit by Randy Ortiz.

The principal sponsors included senator Joseph Victor Ejercito with Rachel Marguerite del Mar, Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario Davide III and his wife Jobella Davide, Consul Enrique Benedicto,   Margarita Osmeña, Joseph Tan, Montserrat Romulo, Andrew Gotianun, Jr. and Amelia Go. 

Christine Denise Lim, Haidee’s best friend, was maid of honor; while John Edward Gobing, Jason’s best friend, was naturally the best man.   Bridesmaid was Charmaine Chioson, and Lance Derric Chan was the sole groomsman. The couple’s daughter Annika, Kristen Lara Huan and Sophia Alessandria Siy were the  flower girls, while  Gavin was the ring bearer.

The reception  was held at the imposing Mactan ballroom, which was illuminated with tiny lights and candles that lent an intimate and romantic feel to the space.   A sumptuous sit-down dinner immediately followed. Receiving warm felicitations were florist Pinky Chang who transformed the venue into a  dreamlike setting  and master baker Marissa Unchuan for her five-tiered fondant lighted cake.

Celebrity singer and stand-up comedienne  Giselle Sanchez provided fun amusement that brought much laughter to the invitees. Renowned DJ Karl Ty supplied the rest of the evening’s entertainment that had guests dancing until the wee hours of the morning, celebrating the union that began with friendship and blossomed with time.