Two successful moms I know of in this regard are Virgie Barbers and Norma Baja, the wives of Sen. Robert Barbers and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Lauro Baja Jr., respectively. In December 1998, Norma insisted that she and her son Lauro III, a New York-based investment banker, attend the Christmas party hosted by the Barbers. Lauro reluctantly acceded and accompanied his mom. His reward–being introduced to the Barbers’ daughter Grace, a classic beauty who was an honor student of Marketing at De La Salle University.
Since then, Lauro kept in touch with Grace. When he returned to New York, he burned the phone lines every day. When the Barbers family headed for a vacation in Sweden, Lauro surprised Grace by joining them there. And because a few days with her simply wasn’t enough, Lauro relocated his company’s regional office in Hong Kong in September 1999. Revealing how hard he was hit by Cupid, Lauro would take the last flight to Manila every Friday, spend the weekend with Grace, and then catch the first flight to Hong Kong on Mondays! Never did he miss a weekend in the two years that he courted Grace.
On Oct. 15, 2001, Grace accepted Lauro’s proposal in Tagaytay Highlands, against a dreamy backdrop of rolling hills and picture-perfect sunset. He presented her with a beautiful solitaire diamond set on a platinum ring.
The couple’s wedding was meticulously planned by Grace and wedding planner Rita Neri. Grace was breathtaking in a Joe Salazar silk-and-satin creation embedded with Swarovski crystals and pearls. Lauro was suave in a custom-made Ermenegildo Zegna tux.
The majestic St. James the Great church in Ayala Alabang was filled with movers and shakers in politics and business. The impressive lineup of godparents included President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; former President Fidel Ramos; Vice President Teofisto Guingona; Sen. Loren Legarda; Sen. Manny Villar; Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo; Senate spouses Mila Drilon and Susan Ople; the charismatic Gina de Venecia; Manila Bulletin’s Don Emilio Yap; Metrobank’s George S.K. Ty; PLDT’s Manny Pangilinan; and Olongapo Mayor Kate Gordon.
Msgr. Chito Bernardo, a long-time family friend of the Barbers, led the concelebrated Mass. The String Minstrels played solemn orchestra music as the prize-wining Ateneo Glee Club seemed to invoke the blessing of heaven with their glorious voices.
For the cocktails and dinner reception, the NBC Tent in Makati was transformed into a pink dome with a cloud-like setup courtesy of Robert Blancaflor of 1816 Flowers. Members of the entourage, from the "conniving" mothers to Grace’s three politician brothers, entertained the audience with their witty remarks. Lauro’s heartfelt speech, which included a written poem titled Amazing Grace, highlighted the event.
As the sun set on The Fort, fireworks lit the sky for 15 minutes, as if to signal to the world the realization of another perfect match! Truly, mothers do know best!
Belated happy birthday to What’s On & Expat GM Butch Bonsol and Leona Jilliane Lindo-Carbajal, the daughter of Jun and Noila Carbajal, yesterday.
Advanced birthday greetings to Georgina Lopez, Tito Tesoro, Aga Muhlach and Ramon Zaragoza, Aug. 12; architect Lui Jo Nakpil, Marilou Soriano, Aug. 13; Auggie Cordero and former Rep. Joe Zubiri, Aug. 14; Asunta Bilbao and Pinky de Leon, Aug. 15; Baby Almendras, Quinito Heras, STAR columnist Rod Nepomuceno and Aurelio "Gigi" Montinola III, Aug. 16; Freddie Elizalde and Jimmy Alanis of GMA 7, Aug. 17.
So, how was your week?
(E-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)