Best friends’ wedding - FUNFARE by Ricardo F. Lo

"She’s the girl I’d love to spend the rest of my life with!"

That was what Franco Laurel told himself when he first met Ayen Munji three years ago while he was auditioning for one of the major roles in the multi-million peso musical Rama at Sita, produced by Ayen.

"I fell in love with her at first sight," added Franco who, luckily, met Ayen at the right time – that is, after she just (legally) ended a previous relationship and was ready to start a new one.

They became friends before they became lovers, with Franco winning the heart not only of Ayen but also that of Ayen’s child. As friends, they hit off well, spending time in each other’s pads located within a stone’s throw of each other, travelling around the world or simply burning the lines until the crack of dawn.

The best of friends turn into the best of lifetime partners. Franco and Ayen believe so.

And so last March 18 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City, Franco and Ayen sealed their friendship with a kiss at a very private and very solemn wedding witnessed by no more than 200 people (guests, close friends and selected relatives).

Ayen, who was once a singer (she’s the daughter of musician Emy Munji), was radiant in a gown by Rajo Laurel (Franco’s cousin) while Franco was dapper in a barong Tagalog by JC Buendia. The styling was done by Jing Morris and Juan Sarte, with Tony Parsons transforming the Rizal Ballroom into a floral paradise.

The giant cake was made by Henry Sison.

During the program (with Danny Tan as musical director), the newly-weds sang a duet of With You, their eyes fixed on each other as if they were alone in that ballroom. Franco’s cousin Cocoy Laurel sang, and so did Bert Nievera, Pops Fernandez and Edward Granadosin.

For their honeymoon, Franco and Ayen spent two weeks in San Francisco.

And there they are, the best of friends living happily ever after as husband and wife, promising to play music together the rest of their days.

(Note: Sharon Cuneta’s self-titled ABS-CBN show will feature Franco and Ayen in one exclusive episode on Sunday, April 22, 6 to 7 p.m.)