At long last, love

"Most men pray for power, the strength to do things. Few people pray for love, the quality to be someone."– Robert Foster

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The happy union of Ayala Land assistant to the center manager Sam Ortiz and Philippine Children’s Medical Center second year medical resident Roselle Salud was an event that every guest would remember for a long time. They tied the knot six years to the day after they first met. They were wed at the Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, in the presence of ecstatic family and friends.

The principal sponsors for the illustrious wedding were National Security Adviser Roilo Golez and Gov. Nena Go; Rep. Jaime Lopez and Linda Fugoso; lawyer Bienvenido Laguesma and Concepcion Sarah Sales; lawyer Pedro Aquino and Agnes Ponce; Richard Palou and Irene Diomampo; Edwin Arcilla and Annie Magno; and Silvino Antonio Jr. and Narisa Garrucho. Bestman was Marlon Yabut and groomsmen were Ryan Salud, Carlo Ortiz and Allan Salud. The maid of honor was Roxanne Salud and bridesmaids were Abigail Ortiz, Maribeth Bayani and Anna Lissa Salud.

The groom’s father, former Presidential Adviser on Civic Affairs and former Lions Clubs International governor, Justo Ortiz, and his mother, All Nations Women’s Group president and Philippine National Red Cross Gov. Leonida "Baby" Bayani-Ortiz beamed with pride and joy at big day. The bride’s father, Philippine Labor Attaché to Southern Taiwan, lawyer Romulo de Villa Salud, and her mother, Roberta Salud, flew all the way from their residence in Taiwan for the event.

The groom was ruggedly handsome and was the picture of charm himself. The bride, meanwhile, was breathtakingly beautiful in her piña gown. Her entire entourage was clad in Thai silk with a turquoise motif, all created by Mila Santiago de Leon.

The reception at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La became unforgettable when the groom serenaded the bride with Ikaw Lamang as she entered the room.They did their first dance to music composed by the groom. Florist Beth Amat decorated the ballroom with luscious blooms. Pinky Marquez, Bimbo Cerrudo and Kadense entertained the guests with their musical performance. The guests went home with wooden gift boxes imported from Taiwan as giveaways.

It was a blessed wedding for two people in love. May your love continue to grow!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, to my colleague and columnist Chona Trinidad and lovely teener Fiona Young.

Belated happy birthday to Joy Villaluz Santos last Oct. 16.

Advance birthday greetings to comedienne Mitch Valdez, lifestyle editor Chelo Banal Formoso, Oct. 21; golfer Cora Suntay and superb diva Vernie Varga, Oct. 23; entertainment editor Crispina Belen, columnist Danny Cuevas and Flavors’ Raffy Zulueta, Oct. 24 and UNIFEM president Olga Severino-Martel, Oct. 25.

So, how was your week?

(For comments and inquiries, e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)