It was a much-talked-about same-sex marriage, all right, and it was clear who was the bride and who was the groom.
Like all brides, Liza Diño, 32, was radiant in white gown; and, like all grooms, Aiza Seguerra, 31, was dapper in bow-tied dark suit.
Early on, Liza, 2001 Mutya Ng Pilipinas Tourism International-turned-actress (Best Actress winner for Compound at 2011 and for In Nomine Matris this year both at the International Filmfest Manhattan), had made it clear who between them is the “he” and the “she.”
“He is the man,” admitted Liza without batting an eyelash, “and I am the woman,” adding for emphasis, “I am straight.” In fact, she has an eight-year-old daughter (from a past relationship) from whom Liza said she has never hidden anything. “Young as she is,” assured Liza in a previous interview with Funfare, “she understands.”
The wedding was held last Monday, Dec. 8, at the Stones and Flowers Retreat House, Sunny Patch Lane, San Francisco, California. It capped a romance that started back in 1999 when Aiza was in high school, and that survived rough sailing before they got back together in 2007. Somewhere along the way, Liza went steady with a man (who sired her daughter) and Aiza with another girl.
Both were free again when they crossed paths a few years later and they never parted since then.
“The couple became so emotional during the exchange of vows,” Funfare’s New York-based “beauty expert” Felix Manuel quoted a friend who was at the event. “Holding back tears, Aiza told Liza, ‘I will support you forever…I will love you forever,’ and Liza replied, ‘Forever just got better…I love you so much’.”
The rites were officiated by Minister Joe Stasi. Principal Sponsors: Mildred Deang, Rufina Tecon, Teresita Diño-Llamas and Arturo Tayde. Best Man: Gino Tecson. Maid of Honor: Regina Powers. Bridesmaids: Criselle Jimenez, April Dalman-Davi, Clarissa Espinosa, Krista Tuckell and Kim Ocampo. Groomsgang: Grazel Garcia, Varick Tecson, Ana Jamora, Ginger Nepomuceno and Flordeliza Versoza. Mini Bride: Amara Espinosa. Flower Girl: Mikayla Tecson. Ring Bearer: Gavin Powers.
The wedding was kept so private that only about 50 guests were invited, with Sylvia Sanchez as the only showbiz guest spotted. Sylvia was mum about the event, earlier reminded by Aiza and Liza to keep things under wraps.
According to an eyewitness. Liza’s daughter helped prepare the giveaways, a piece of wood on which were these words: LOVE KNOWS NO GENDER.
According to a report, Aiza and Liza are planning to marry in civil rites back home sometime in January. It might not be valid because same-sex-marriage is not (yet) recognized in the Philippines.
The couple plans to have a child through artificial insemination. With the advances in science, said Liza, “Nothing is impossible.”
“The newlyweds expressed their thanks via a message on the program,” said Felix.
It read:
We are so awed by the amount of love we have been shown today. We can’t put into words how much it means that you are celebrating with us today. You have been a huge part of our story and we can’t wait to share the next chapter with you! Let’s all make some MEMORIES. — All our love, Aiza and Liza.
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