Donita Rose’s bridal shower held last May 4 at the New World Renaissance Hotel was not your usual fare. Instead of just having women guests, men were also welcome. For a change, the affair was not hosted by the maid of honor, but by Genesis Entertainment, which manages Donita’s career. As that night’s emcee, I could honestly say that the shower turned out to be a downpour. A hundred people (all very dear to Donita) came in full force to send off Donita to this new phase in her life. Sighted in their best pink outfits were Donita’s bestfriend, Stephanie Chong, MTV VJs G Toengi, (who came straight from the airport), VJ Belinda Panelo, church mates, relatives and childhood friends from Pampanga and Pangasinan, Gary with wife Angeli and Kiana Valenciano, Gina Martinez, fellow artist Jinky Oda, party man Tim Yap, Donita fan and buddy KC Concepcion, producer Mother Lily, Congressman Joel Villanueva, Anthony and Ella Pangilinan, friends from Fila, to name some. After signing the guest book, the guests were given sheets of paper (to be placed in an envelope) where they could put their wishes or words of wisdom for the couple to be. These pieces of paper were then hung in a tree and underneath it, the gifts were placed. Only a few gifts were unwrapped as the program focused on fun games, prayers and an intimate moment with the couple giving the guests a chance to peek into what made this union a dream come true.
Most of us were eager to meet in person Eric Villarama, the one guy who finally swept Donita off her feet. Donita glowed everytime she talked about him. Apparently, Eric’s love for Donita started in 1988, when he was 11 and she, 13 years old. He was a childhood friend of Donita’s younger brother Paul. She never really paid any special attention to him then. When they met again in August 2001, sparks were rekindled in Eric’s heart. But Donita was not about to jump into a serious relationship without getting a clear sign from God and from the people dearest to her. She made a commitment to have a deeper relationship with Him. She knew that He would bring her the "right" man when the right time comes. She had definitely learned from her past mistakes. Back then, she would follow her heart, get hurt and hurt others in return. This time, she knew better than to trust her own understanding. Eventually, she began having special feelings for Eric. She followed her heart alright, but this time a heart made ripe by God through intimate encounters with Him. She didn’t hesitate in sharing with Eric her love for Him when he admitted his feelings to Donita. She knew that Eric had a hunger for God and sought Him as well. It was a prerequisite so important to her.
Eric proposed to Donita last December 27, 2001 at the Golden Gate bridge while kneeling on one knee. He took out a white handkerchief, waved it high, surrendering his heart to her. He held her hand and asked her to marry him. Donita was in awe but couldn’t help being so anti-climactic and inquired first if Eric asked if he had the blessings of people concerned. When he said that they have given their approval to their union, she finally said yes. They said the most meaningful prayer (which took about 20 minutes) and dedicated to God their love for each other. There were many things to consider: a valuable career; mentors and friends they turn to for advice; a family who depended greatly on Donita for financial support, etc. Knowing how she greatly values these things, Eric carefully considered everything before asking for Donita’s hand. Because of that, she had no reason to say no. And that, folks, is just the beginning of another chapter in these two people’s lives.
Donita thinks he’s perfect, even liking those things Eric considers as flaws. She is in love with his expressive eyes and full lips. He is God-fearing and is able to stand his ground especially when Donita tries to get her way, qualities that attracted Donita all the more. Donita is drawn to Eric when he rebukes her in a non-domineering way. Donita shares that, in the beginning of their relationship, Eric was
matampuhin. He used to keep his hurts inside until he’s about to burst but he has improved a lot. He’s very affectionate and thoughtful, and likes to write her love letters. Although they don’t live together, he cleans her house when she’s at work, cooks her food, irons her clothes without being told. He knows it’s what Donita needs after a tiring day at work. He’s also very
kenkoy, always laughing and joking and that hasn’t changed since the day they met. He loved everything about her – her catlike eyes, slightly bent ears, the thin upper lip, her slightly off centered nose, and her simple smile.
As in a fairy tale, Eric refers to himself as the peasant and Donita as the princess; he being a simple person and the latter being a big star that she is. The pressure is always so much higher for a simple man who is set to marry a big star. People tend to expect that the man should continue to provide their "idol" the same comfortable life and stature she used to enjoy when she was still single. Although Donita is willing to set aside her career to become a full-time wife to Eric, he assured us during the shower that she will still be very visible in showbiz. Eric may still be in awe because Donita has chosen him to be her knight. It’s not hard to see why. Eric is humble, confident, gentle, funny in his own sort of way and most of all, firm in his desire to honor God in his life with Donita. She must equally feel awed to have a man like Eric for he is definitely special and as precious.
Donita has this message for her loved ones, "I’m gonna be in real good hands and I couldn’t ask for a better life." Their wedding is set on June 9 in Sta. Barbara, California. Their respective families live the States that’s why they chose to have the wedding there. Donita has always dreamed of getting married in a magical place. They chose to wed in a garden lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Let’s keep the couple in our prayers and wish them the best.