It was, to those who witnessed this exceptional union, a triumph of fate and unwavering love.
Dr. Victor Lopez and Dr. Dominga "Minguita" Padilla, two extraordinarily accomplished people who have faced life’s many highs and lows, finally became husband and wife in a heartwarming, truly moving union at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park.
Fr. Antonio Rosales, O.F.M. concelebrated the Nuptial Mass with the Franciscan Community of San Antonio led by Reverends Bede Clancy, Antonio Lazaro, Sommerset Icalina, Eliakim Suela and Fr. Alfredo Sabado.
As the UP Singing Ambassadors conducted by Ed Manguiat rendered an a cappella version of the beautiful classic ballad Ikaw, Minguita – resplendent in her beaded piña gown – stood at the main doors of the church, a breathtaking vision to behold. In a poignant homage to her father, the late Justice Teodoro Padilla, whom everyone knew Minguita was utterly devoted to, she took to the aisle alone.
Minguita’s lyrical tribute moved everyone, with many friends unabashedly shedding tears as Vic finally took her hand at the altar. The bride’s brother Dr. Oscar Lopez was the best man while Ana Regina Guevara was the matron of honor. Charming nieces Ma. Isabel and Ma. Ines Padilla sprinkled the aisle with flowers, followed by tyro Teodoro Padilla III, who bore the coins and rings. Teodoro Padilla Jr., meanwhile, served as the affair’s commentator.
In his homily, Rev. Alfredo Sabado quoted from a letter included in the misallette. Every song and phrase was appropriately chosen for the ceremony. Maite Gallego Zaldarriaga, Bea and lawyer Eddie Lizares read from the Holy Scriptures while lawyer Binoy Padilla IV, Louise E. B. Padilla, Cecile Lopez and Dr. Mariano Lorenzo brought forth the offertory gifts.
Standing as principal sponsors were Jean Belling Lacerna, Prof. Araceli Baviera, lawyer Rosalinda Tablante, Ambassador Tomas Padilla, lawyer Sabino Padilla III and Dr. Raul Fores. Anna Marie Padilla, Dr. Vicki Belo, Dr. Carmela Ongsiako-Isabela, Dr. Bobby Magsino, Dr. Benny Santos and Dr. Alvin Santos, meanwhile, comprised the secondary sponsors.
As the choir rejoiced with Sing, Oh, Heavens, the couple emerged from the church as the joyous throng who showered them with fresh petals. Among those who celebrated with the couple were Dr. and Mrs. Ramon Ongsiako, chairman, Makati Medical Center/Ophthalmology Dept.; Dr. and Mrs. Ramon de Jesus; Dr. and Mrs. Tim Jimenez; Dr. and Mrs. Manuel Hechanova; Dr. and Mrs. Fil Felix; Dr. Angelita Reyes and most of the staff of the Department of Ophthalmology.
Also present were Philippine STAR publisher Max Soliven; Judy Roxas; Dr. Randy Francisco and his wife Irene Martel-F.; journalists Conrad de Quiros and Nelson Navarro; Minguita’s high school friends; Dr. Noel Chua, Dr. Rolly Aguilar, Dr. Tony and Dr. Pearl Tamesis-Villalon; lawyer Alex Padilla; Gigi Padilla; Josie and Ernest Rufino; Dr. Ike and Dr. Susan Campos; Dr. Dindo and Dr. Carmela Ongsiako-Isabela; Rody and Judith Pajaro; Mahmood Farasdaggi and so many more.
To Minguita and Vic, may I extend my very best wishes for all the happiness life has to offer. It was an honor for me to be invited to preside as your host during that truly memorable reception and to be part of an unforgettable moving union. Congratulations!
Advanced birthday greetings to Archie Lacson, Mark Dayrit and Alahli Bank of Kuwait CEO Eirvin Knox, May 28; TV and radio host Ali Sotto, Celia Diaz Laurel and fashion czar Inno Sotto, May 29; Helen Cu-Unjieng, Yvonne Hilario, Glenda Barretto, lawyer Jerry Barican and Angie Magbanua, May 30; furniture designer Budji Layug, May 31; and East Asia Capital Corp.’s Mandy Eduque, Eva Abesamis, Panfilo Domingo and former First Lady Dr. Loi Ejercito-Estrada, June 1.
So, how was your week?