From the badminton court to the altar

They are friends who fell in love and the whole thing blossomed on the badminton court.

“We have known each other for four years,” said Angelu de Leon of her ex-boyfriend and now-husband Lorenzo “Wowie” Rivera whose name should ring a bell among showbiz-watchers because his past includes an actress who was married twice and the lovely daughter (of an actress), his ex-wife, who herself has found a new love whom she married in a sunset wedding on a romantic island south of the Philippines.

“We were badminton friends,” continued Angelu, “and our relationship started growing beyond mere friendship three years ago. That was when we became Born-Again Christian and we began going to the same church.”

It was an answered prayer for Angelu whose previous relationships left her with a broken heart — and two kids (one by actor Joko Diaz and the other by a controversial politician).

“It wouldn’t have happened if it’s not God’s will,” she said.

They got engaged last June 22 during a trip to Bangkok with friends.

“Then came the planning for the wedding. We thought it would be easy. Ang dami palang aasikasuhin! But with God’s help, everything went smoothly, including following up the necessary papers.”

The Christian wedding, officiated by the couple’s head pastor, Bishop Chito Sanchez, was solemnized at a “very, very intimate

Happy for the couple is Angelu’s mom Flora de Leon who was behind and beside Angelu in all the trials she has been through — and survived beautifully

family affair” last Sept. 17 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Not more than 30 were invited (with Angelu’s soulmate Sherilyn Reyes as the only one from showbiz) and they occupied three tables.

“I was nervous pa rin,” laughed Angelu. “Sobra ‘yung kaba ko kaya naging purple ang kulay ng mukha ko.”

Angelu’s daughters Louise Nicole and Louise Margaret were there, and so was Wowie’s son Lorenzo Jr. from his failed marriage.

It was easy for Angelu’s daughters to like Wowie who comes from a good family involved in the garment business.

“Wowie is really a simple guy,” volunteered Angelu. “He’s very nice.”

They are both survivors of all sorts of trials.

“Basta,” said Angelu, “marami kaming pinagdaanan. We’ve been through a lot.”

Their original plan was to get married in Europe in November.

“Kaya lang napabilis ang pangyayari.”

They’re still going to Europe, this time for the honeymoon.

“We wanted our relationship to be right in God’s eyes before we go there.”

And how soon do they plan to have a baby (so that the family can be completely “his, hers and theirs”)?

“Not so soon,” smiled Angelu, her cheeks not purple anymore but pinkish with a newly-wed excitement. “We want to enjoy first our time together as husband and wife.”

But before leaving for Europe, the newly-weds are hosting what Angelu calls an “after-party” for friends who were not at the Sept. 17 affair.

“For sure, it will be a bigger affair,” promised Angelu.

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