Maritoni and Hans set altar date

Although he is seldom seen on the boob tube these days, TV host Hans Montenegro has managed to keep himself busy since leaving the morning show Unang Hirit.

Indeed, he has several pots steaming on the stove. Hans has more than his hands full–juggling his hosting chores for different corporate events, as well as his two booming restaurant businesses in Makati, Azzurro and Spargo.

He is also the image model of the office wear apparel, Wall Street. Moreover, he is considering joining the news and public affairs department of a leading network as a newscaster and hopefully the PBA as a sportscaster.

On top of all these, Hans is also preoccupied with his wedding plans to Maritoni Fernandez. Hans and Maritoni’s altar date is set on Dec. 28, 2004.

Quite understandably, Hans is on an all-time high these days.

"We both wanted a one-year engagement," Hans explains. "One year of preparation. I will also formally ask for her hand in marriage from her parents this November. We want to do everything right. We want to follow the Filipino tradition of pamamanhikan."

November is a special month for the couple.

"Why November?" Hans volunteers: "It’s because we first got together November last year. It marks our first year together. In fact, we wanted to get married in November 2004 in England, but we decided to hold it here in December next year so that our friends and relatives can all attend."

As early as now, Hans has already asked his closest showbiz friends to mark the date on their perennially fully-booked calendars. "I’ve already informed such good pals as Edu Manzano, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, and Paolo Bediones."

Helping Hans and Maritoni are their respective moms Rose (his) and Luth (hers) – who have agreed to be their official wedding coordinators.

"At the rate they’re going, we wouldn’t have to lift a finger," Hans beams. "They are on top of everything. Imagine, it’s a year and a few months away pa, but as early as now, everything is in place already."

The flowers will also be in-house, so to speak, as the blooms will be provided by Maritoni’s own flower shop, Simple Thoughts. Maritoni’s Italian-American "foster mother," Milda Oleverio, will be flying straight from the United States to make the floral arrangements.

"She took care of Maritoni when she had her (cancer) treatments in the US," Hans relates.

Everyone nearest and dearest to their hearts will play a part in the grand wedding. For example, Hans’ daughter Ashley and Maritoni’s daughter Alexi will be the flower girls.

The bride, he reports, will wear a Nono Palmos original. "Nono is Maritoni’s ninang (godmother)."

As for the equally gorgeous groom?

"I want Randy Ortiz to design my suit," Hans pipes up. "It’s because he’s the first designer I’ve ever modeled for. And we have remained good friends through the years. I also fondly call him my ninang. Between Randy Ortiz and Nono Palmos, we’ve got the clothes department covered already."

As for the design of his wedding outfit, Hans, being a self-confessed fashion plate, has very definite ideas already.

"I don’t think I would wear a tux," he professes. "Since we originally wanted to do it in England, I thought of wearing a traditional English wedding outfit. Maybe just like what Maritoni’s late father (Lord Moynihan) wore. Or I might even go a bit further back and wear a buccaneer coat."

It is quite evident that Hans is very particular about sartorial matters.

"When I was in the US (where he finished his masters degree in Counseling Psychology at the Santa Clara University), there were nights when I got dressed to the nines, even if there was no special occasion," Hans recalls. "I’d hang out in San Francisco in a suit. I liked it. I’ve always felt great in a suit. I’d always be the little boy who loved to play dress me up."

That’s why endorsing Wall Street is effortless for Hans.

"When Wall Street first approached me, I asked them what was their collection like," he looks back. "They told me that Wall Street is all about office wear."

Needless to say, he got excited.

"I’m a sucker for polos, neckties and suits," Hans enthuses. "I love getting all dressed up. Let the MTV veejays do sports wear. I am more than happy to do office apparel. I am perfectly comfortable with that!"

Pardon the pun, but Wall Street "suits" to a T his lifestyle and his career plans.

"It’s in sync with my image," he asserts. "Especially now that I want to break into the more serious field of broadcast news."

All signs point to the fact that he is "mellowing" considerably –preferring golf and family togetherness over the city’s night life.

Hans is indeed embarking on a new adventure in his exhilarating life story. He is leaving his days as a bachelor behind, entering the world of a mature, responsible, and impeccably dressed Wall Street man.