I am a romantic at heart. I go gaga over flowers. I respond to cheesy professions of love. And I long for unwavering dedication and devotion. And as we all know, men who provide and possess such traits are a dying breed these days.
At 23, I was beginning to be jaded with men. "They’re all alike," I always thought. So when my friends intended to set me up, I always refused because in my mind, I knew that if he were meant for me, he’d find me even if I hid on the highest floor of my office building, in the farthest corner, and even under my desk. He’d find me. And he did.
I met my soulmate in the most unlikely of situations. A girl’s night out, that was what I thought it was going to be with two of my closest friends, Margarita Locsin and Trina Goulbourn. When I got to the restaurant, I saw a long table with unfamiliar faces and wanted to go home instead. I was feeling so lousy to socialize. Margarita asked me to stay, and so I did since I had gone through traffic getting there anyway. "Might as well eat, right?" I thought.
The first five minutes of my night were dominated by this talkative young fellow who kept sharing his parlor adventures – foot scrub, manicure, and pedicure. "Oh cool, he’s gay!" I said. I love having gay friends. The dinner went by fast. It was fun nevertheless. After dinner, Margarita, Trina, and I went out while "Parlor Boy" carried on with his own schedule.
Over a couple of drinks, I casually started, "That guy’s so funny. He’s so cute and gay." Both looked at me with a bizarre stare, "Ginggay, he’s not gay!" "Yeah, right! Girls, in my field of work, I’ve met so many gays I can tell one a mile away," I replied. The two persisted violently, "He’s not gay!" "Whatever," I thought.
He started calling me after that night, inviting me to casual dinners, nights out, or movie dates. And I was cool with him. He’s a fun guy to be with…and besides, I thought he was gay. We were instant best friends. We spent long hours together every day chatting and laughing. We talked about every possible topic from politics, business, philosophy, sports, showbiz, to non-sense. We drank and danced endlessly whenever we could. We played pranks on one another. We burned phone lines for four or five hours like teenagers. We were having so much fun.
Little did I know that our fun was beginning to mean something to him. He professed interest through jokes…flirting, black mailing, and betting. Li’l clueless me thought it was simply all a joke. Until one day, the impatient joe decided to put matters in his own hands: "You’re my girlfriend. I’m your boyfriend. Tapos." He didn’t give me the chance to answer yes or no. I was dumbfounded. The next thing I knew he was letting me sign an MOA. I thought that was cute. I laughed endlessly. I guess he took that as a yes. So I had an instant boyfriend without actually knowing how I got one. Since then nevertheless, our relationship’s been a bed of roses. Yup, he wasn’t gay after all.
He and I were inseparable. He never let go of my hand wherever we went. He paid attention to my every need, whether it be a need for a drink, tissue, mint … name it. And if we had to be at opposite ends of a room, he’d keep a watchful eye on me just in case I needed anything from him. He changed his entire schedule to be with me. He drove to the farthest places to give in to my cravings. He never let me close my own car door. He boasted to his friends and family about my achievements. He was always proud of me, never envious or insecure. He always complimented me on the way I looked or how nice my clothes were on me. He always made me feel like I was the most beautiful girl on earth. He was too good to be true.
Fast forward a year and a half later. After casual talks of marriage, he tells me in such an arrogant tone, "I don’t mind getting married. If you want to get married, we can get married." What a bad proposal! The worst I have ever heard! Was he even proposing at all or was it just small talk? "You don’t mind, huh?" I answered. "Yeah, if that’s what you want." "What a jerk!" I screamed. "What do you need? You need a ring? I’ll buy you a ring," he continued. "You’re really being such an a_ _hole!" I sarcastically smiled. I was so furious, I brought my anger to bed. Moments later, he woke me up and he was down on his knees with a ring in his hand. "Will you marry me, please?" he asked with puppy eyes and a sweet voice. It was all a prank after all. I was so shocked I never got to give an answer. He said yes for me. I found myself engaged without even knowing it.
It wasn’t the ideal marriage proposal I had always dreamt of. He knew my dream proposal was for someone to put up a billboard on Edsa that says: "Ginggay, will you marry me?" I guess my dream would come true later on in a different form.
Our wedding preparations were quick and easy. He and I knew exactly what we wanted and who we wanted to be part of our wedding. Time went by so swiftly, and before we knew it, our wedding day was near. My mom was so tense. My dad was so chilled. Our friends were utterly excited. Me? I was sleepless. Him? He was very relaxed.
The day before the wedding, I was anxiously alone at my hotel room in Makati Shangri-La Hotel. It was kind of them to help me relax as they gave me a massage in the spa. I took a relaxing bubble bath after and laid in bed, intently watching the clock as the hours ticked by until the sun rose.
Finally, the Day. It was raining heavily that morning because of typhoon Juan. And so, our outdoor ceremony had to be moved. He knew I was going to be gravely disappointed and so he called and told me he’d take care of everything. He put up signs for the re-route. He texted everyone. He, with the help of our wedding coordinator Chiqui Samson and director Robbie Carmona, literally moved the entire production of the ceremony to Le Souffle, Fort Bonifacio where only the reception was originally meant to take place.
Meanwhile, there I was in my hotel room, beautifying for the big night. Manila’s top and most in-demand makeup artist Patrick Rosas worked his wonders and made me look like the fresh and blushing bride I had wished to look like. My parents were both there, and they kept laughing at my constant giggling and making faces. Mom said, "You don’t look like you’re going to get married. You’re still a kid!"
We left the hotel and drove across Ayala to get to Fort Bonifacio. It was pretty interesting to enter the venue by the kitchen back door and climb up the very steep stairs in a wedding gown and high heels. When I got there, the first thing I noticed was how beautiful the setup was. Our florist Tony Rodriguez had done a magnificent job totally altering the European look of Le Souffle into something more Asian. The 40-inch high centerpieces adorned with green and white calla lilies were so elegant. Gauze cloth embraced the entire venue, making it look so different and sophisticated. He even transformed the very European center fountain into a Zen-inspired one. The wedding cake was equally fabulous. Manila’s best Heny Sison designed a minimalist yet elegant fondant adorned with cabbage roses and huge leaves.
It was time. As I heard Cris Villonco’s angelic voice utter the first words of Jim Brickman’s Your Love, I knew this was it. With butterflies in my stomach and goose bumps all over, I watched as the principal sponsors and entourage walked before me.
Our sponsors are all very special to our hearts. Millet Mananquil is more than just a loving ninang. She’s also my second mother, mentor, and friend. Virgie Ramos has been our inspiration for success and happy living. Nelia Dee has given us nothing but motherly love and care. Ching Cruz has been a supportive and loyal friend to our parents. And Gina Rodriguez has become a role model because of her kindness and compassion.
Once again, my favorite ninong Inno Sotto left me breathless that night as I saw my finished wedding gown and the gowns of my entourage which were all very lovely, elegant, and dainty. Raymond Moreno has been a mentor and idol in business in his years in Liberty Telecoms. Ramon Cojuangco, Jr. has been a supportive publisher of Young Star Magazine. Francisco Colayco has provided the most inspiring words of wisdom. And Ricky Silverio has encouraged fun and laughter in the relationship as a word of advice.
Our entourage followed. Raymond John Moreno, his best friend, also gave a much applauded speech and toast. In it, he mentioned how much he’s cared for both of us and expressed best wishes for a relationship filled with trust, respect, understanding, and humor. Our maid of honor, Margarita Locsin, spoke of how she’s now realized that one of her missions in life was to bring us together. Also in the entourage are our closest friends Rhoda Campos, Pinky Sinfuego, Trisha Chua, Trina Goulbourn, Jaco Yupangco, Raffy Florencio, Lloyd Joven, and Raymond Gonzales.
As I went down the steps with my parents, my tension eased a little. By this time, I had seen my husband-to-be as Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tinga gave his opening remarks and marital advice. He said, "Marriage isn’t easy. But as long as you have the right ingredients, it should work. It must work." The ceremony went by so fast the next thing I knew we were being pronounced man and wife.
My heart felt full as we went to meet the guests one by one. I had never felt more love and happiness in one room than I had that night from family and friends. As we settled, the groom’s brother, Richie dela Merced, shared a few words about his brother and how he viewed our getting together as the merging of sun and moon. Our good friend Ricci Chan rendered a song of an original composition. Agot Isidro also provided beautiful music with her original love songs that have been our personal favorites, Everyday and Beginning Today.
Then came my husband’s speech, which brought tears to my eyes. To this day, I don’t know of any guy more open and expressive of his feelings, willing to pronounce it to all of our 300 guests. His opening would have been enough: "I did so many wrong things in my life, but I must have done something right to deserve to be here with you tonight." That statement alone made my night. But he continued: "I love you and I have loved you from the very first time I saw you smile at me. You are my life, my love, my everything. And I vow to serve you, care for you, and try to understand you," as he broke his wine glass. Everyone laughed and applauded. Cut and wounded, he continued: "I will be the best husband, father, friend, and person to you. Tonight, I profess you love…the same love I promise to nurture in our life together." Flattery after flattery, he ended: "Business and school has taught me that the only constant thing is uncertainty of the future. But I’m comfortable with this thought knowing I will be facing the future with you."
I felt 10 feet tall. I didn’t know how to react – on whether to cry, smile or laugh. I didn’t know whether to kiss or hug him. I was overwhelmed. But nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming surprise he had in store for me.
The day after the wedding, he insisted we drove by EDSA to load gas. I wasn’t feeling so well but I agreed just the same. As we went up the underpass, he smiled, "Lovey, I have a surprise for you." Then I saw it…a huge billboard on EDSA that read "Ginggay, I love you." I don’t remember what happened next. I kept crying like a baby. That must have been the single most original, sweetest, and most romantic thing anyone can do for a loved one. At that moment, he didn’t only make me feel like I was the prettiest girl on earth. He also made me feel like I was the most envied, as hundreds of cars passed us while I was dumbfounded staring at the billboard sign. No, I didn’t get my billboard proposal, but like I said…if it’s meant to be, it’ll be.
This is my fate, my destiny. Noel Dela Merced is his name. He is who I was meant to spend the rest of my life with. His arms are where I belong. And I am comforted knowing I was right. Somewhere, somehow, if something is meant to be, it’ll be.