Showbiz meets politics in Willie-Liz wedding

Love is lovelier the second time around. 

That holds true for Willie Revillame, host of ABS-CBN’s daily noontime game show, Wowowee, who gets a second wind at married life following the annulment of his first marriage to Princess Punzalan several years ago. Yesterday, Willie tied the knot with model and one-time Binibining Pilipinas 2000 semi-finalist Floraliz Almoro, in a grand church wedding at Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati. The couple had a civil wedding last March, officiated by Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos, who stood as one of the principal sponsors in the church ceremony. 

The star-studded afternoon wedding saw prominent names in politics, showbiz, business and high society, who made up the list of principal and secondary sponsors, thus also causing a large throng of fans outside the church waiting to get a glimpse of the celebrities. 

As soon as the strains of the stirring Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring rendered by Jon Joven and played by a 12-piece orchestra filled the cavernous church, all eyes were riveted on the beautiful bride. Everyone stood up as Liz made an emotional march down the aisle. 

Contrary to earlier reports that the bride’s father, NBI executive director lawyer Roy Almoro, would not attend the wedding, Liz’s father gave her away at the altar. Liz’s mom is one-time film producer Clavel Bendaña, who bankrolled the Chavit Singson bio-pic with Golden Lions Films couple Donna Villa and Carlo J. Caparas. 

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, one of the principal sponsors, was represented by his brother Iggy Arroyo. Another principal sponsor, ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III, was represented by the network’s president, Luis Alejandro.

Rudy Fernandez went in behalf of principal sponsor Phillip Salvador.

Principal sponsor Vice President Noli de Castro arrived with wife Arlene (also Willie’s talent manager).

The other principal sponsors are ABS-CBN Executive Vice President Charo Santos-Concio, Sen. Richard Gordon, former Ilocos Norte Governor Chavit Singson, Sec. Alberto Romulo, Antipolo First District Rep. Ronaldo Puno, Sen. Bong Revilla Jr., former Caloocan City Mayor Macario Asistio, Dolphy, Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos, Golden Lions Films producer Donna Villa, ABS-CBN Senior Vice President for Talent Development Johnny Manahan, Eddie Garcia, Korina Sanchez, Baby Arenas, Sharon Cuneta, Gloria Romero, Coney Reyes and Daisy Romualdez, Al Quinn, lawyer Rodolfo Puno, Phillip Salvador, Douglas Quijano and Wyngard Tracy, ABS-CBN News Executive Myrna de la Torre, columnist Ramon Tulfo, businessman Antonio Cojuangco, socialite Amparito Lhuillier, Nova Villa, Dr. Vicki Belo, Cristy Fermin, Anita Muhlach and Serafin Pua. 

Willie’s groomsmen included Aga Muhlach, Cesar Montano, Edu Manzano, John Estrada and Richard Gomez, Randy Santiago and TV directors Bobet Vidanes and Edgar Mortiz. 

The bride wore a beaded strapless gown with Swarovski crystals made of Mikado silk created by Paul Cabral, who also did the gowns of the principal and secondary sponsors in fuchsia and yellow, as well the groom’s Barong Tagalog and that of the groomsmen. Liz’s wedding gown has a long, fully beaded train attached on the waist and split into two, with bows clasping the train together. 

Willie marched down the aisle with his mom, Myrna Buendia.

The ceremony took a comic turn when Willie, who was expected to kiss the bride when she stepped up to the altar, kissed her mother instead.

Midway through the ceremony, Liz passed out while kneeling at the altar and the Our Father was being rendered. Perhaps, it was due to the heat inside the church. But she regained consciousness after a few minutes.

Basil Valdez sang Tanging Yaman, Lead Me Lord and Ngayon at Kailanman during the ceremony. Diane dela Fuente and Jon Joven did the solemn and vocally-challenging The Prayer.

Lector in the church was Tirso Cruz III, while Anthony and Maricel Pangilinan did the first and second reading.

After officiating priest proclaimed Willie and Liz husband and wife, they kissed and locked each other in a long, tight embrace.

Earler, over at ABS-CBN, a huge tent was set up to feed over 7,000 fans who lined up for the Pera o Bayong segment on Wowowee. The lunch blowout was Willie’s way of making the fans part of his wedding. Giant screens were also installed to allow fans to watch the church proceedings live.

Liz, who earlier admitted that she is carrying Willie’s child, is four months pregnant. She is expected to give birth in November and basks in the joys of impending motherhood. 

Willie and Liz met through a common friend early this year and started their romance last February. It was love at first sight, according to someone close to Willie. The comedian-TV host was said to have told a friend after meeting Liz, "Ito na ang babaeng pakakasalan ko." 

However, Willie revealed it wasn’t really easy for him to end up with Liz. "Dumaan ako sa butas ng karayom para lang makuha ang pagmamahal niya — against all odds," he said in an earlier TV interview. "I have three kids with three different women. Three times din akong natanggal sa MTB at ngayon, may mga kaso pa ako. Pero siya lang ang nanindigan sa akin at mahalaga ‘yun para sa ‘kin." 

Willie’s teenage daughter, Meryl Soriano, stood as one of the bridesmaids. "I’m very happy for my dad because he finally found his angel," Meryl said. "I like Liz for him. I appreciate her for being truthful and supportive to my papa. I’m happy for them and I’m excited about their future together." 

Willie said he is now ready to start his own family with Liz. The couple is now staying in Willie’s house in Quezon City. 

Marrying Liz has proven to be a turning point in the life of Willie, who has been enjoying a resurrected showbiz career with the success of Wowowee on TV. Since he started hosting the game show early this year, Willie has been warmly received by viewers anew despite his long absence from the network. 

Reception was held at the NBC Tent at The Fort, which was beautifully spruced up for the occasion. Event organizer was The Bride’s Maids & Co. Albergus Restaurant catered the food during the reception at The NBC Tent. Menu consisted of mixed sushi, vegetable soup, grapefruit salad, Angus rib eye and prawns with scallops plus a dessert buffet.

Heny Sison did the four-layered cake made up of white flowers.

ABS-CBN clinched the exclusive TV rights to the wedding, which will be aired as a two-hour TV special entitled Para sa ‘Kin ay Ikaw on June 19 (Sunday).