Jigger Antonio-May Muñoz: The wedding of the Century

When John Victor R. Antonio, who goes by the nickname  “Jigger,” embarks on a mission, nothing gets in the way of him achieving his goal. Five years ago, his path crossed with that of May Muñoz, and within an instant he knew that she was the one for him. From that moment on, he was determined to win her heart. Fast-forward: the romance blossomed naturally as it turned out they were perfect for each other, two peas in a pod, sparking an engagement and a glorious life together.

The eldest son of Ambassador Joey and Hilda R. Antonio, Jigger works diligently as the COO at Century Properties. He planned his wedding with the same zest he has for his career and life in general, reaching for the stars, thinking of the big picture while sparing no detail. As both the bride and groom came armed with MBAs — Jigger from Wharton and May from Ateneo — the couple prepared for their wedding as if it were a grand business plan: they honed their foresight, organizational and mathematical skills in creating the vision they had in mind to honor the tremendous love they have for each other.

The Antonio-Muñoz nuptials were a three-day affair that promised no rest but immense entertainment for their guests who flew to the magical island of Boracay. The vivacious spirit felt throughout the weekend was jump-started with a delightful rehearsal dinner and joint birthday bash. As fate would have it, the bride and groom coincidentally share the same birthday, proof that their stars have been and will always be in alignment. Friends and family poured into the party which was so splendid, it could have been the wedding celebration itself. An overflowing buffet of Greek, Indian and Filipino cuisines satiated guests’ bellies and libations were in abundance, stirring conversations and motivating booties to sashay on the dance floor. Without a doubt, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves as the jovial spirit was in the air. It was a precursor of the celebration of love to follow the next day as Jigger and May were to unite in marriage. Warm speeches were delivered by friends via endearing poems and Jigger’s beautiful mom Hilda effervescently spoke of her firstborn with pride and love. The finest speech that night was delivered by Jigger’s youngest brother Carlo who brought the house down during his affectionate roast that left people in stitches.

On the wedding day proper, guests convened at the jampacked Holy Rosary Parish eagerly anticipating the marriage rites of Jigger and May. The refurbished church was completely adorned with white flowers and gracefully draped in white fabric setting an enchanting tone for the earnest and heartfelt service, officiated by the prominent healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez and co-celebrated by Fr. Jeffrey Shannon. The delightful music chosen for the ceremony was painstakingly orchestrated by Jigger, who selected the couple’s favorite songs and had them rewritten to be played in the church by a string section. The music was memorably unique and sounded nothing like your typical wedding. After everyone assembled and took their seats, the dashing groom and his parents walked towards the altar and the stunning entourage marched in — a vision in silver, turquoise and coral that was picture perfect.   

May looked like a radiant doll in her intricate Jun Escario gown as she was walked down the aisle by her doting father, Samson Muñoz, while her beaming mother, Violeta N. Muñoz, looked on. Family, friends and the Century Properties family witnessed the lovely, solemn ceremony and I caught quite a few tears being shed as I canvassed the audience. It was a personal ceremony as Fr. Suarez is a close friend of Joey and Hilda, and had also become a guiding factor in Jigger and May’s lives. The exchanging of vows was a total declaration of the unadulterated love and devotion the bride and groom have for each other and Jigger was so keen on kissing the bride, he did so before the priest pronounced them bride and groom, triggering laughter from the guests seated in the pews.

After the church gradually emptied out, the festivities continued on the beachfront of Discovery Shores. Pre-prandial sunset cocktails were served on the gorgeous white sand beach while photo ops kept some merrymakers occupied. Most guests were seen soaking up the breathtaking ambiance followed by Jigger and May being presented as a married couple under a sky of spectacular fireworks. Their celebration of pure love continued over a program hosted by JM Rodriguez and Bianca Valerio while guests feasted on a sumptuous dinner. 

A distinctive surprise that caught everyone’s attention was specially prepared videos honoring the bride and groom’s parents and also paying tribute to their families. They were emotional and moving. On a humorous note, they played a truly inimitable, hilarious video recounting how Jigger scored May’s heart, Ocean’s Eleven-style, which was videotaped with the help of good friends who now have careers calling in acting. It was so amazing to see the lengths the couple went to just to ensure their guests were entertained. Tender speeches were delivered, encapsulating all of the couple’s wonderful qualities and singing their praises. May’s mother Violeta recalled loving memories and Jigger’s debonair father Joey spoke of the colossal importance of family. There was so much love in the air, copious embracing all around and beaming looks splashed everywhere. It was a marvelous, elegant night that saw family and friends enjoying themselves in an exquisitely executed celebration of love. A special treat was when Grammy-winning international DJ David Morales played a stellar set that had guests moving to his beats ‘til the wee hours. He flew in exclusively for Jigger and May’s wedding and became so tight with them, their family and friends, as he was moved by the sheer volume of love present. There wasn’t a soul in attendance that wanted the party to end. Guests cherished ever minute of this legendary, fantastic wedding that was, no doubt, one for the books. 

As if there wasn’t enough merriment from the night before, a luau was planned complete with music and more dancing. It was a relaxed environment where friends got to reminisce about the wedding and got a chance to chat. A highlight of the evening was when Rachel Lobangco, a good friend of the couple, performed an astounding fire dance that had onlookers ogling in awe. The live band created an atmosphere of pulsating fun and shortly afterwards, convivial guests took turns at the microphone dedicating songs to the newlywed couple. Friends got down on thedance floor, bitten by the dance bug once again. Truly, this was another flawless night among many for Jigger and May.

As the weekend in Boracay came to a close, guests were so sad to see the celebration end. There was a reunion upon arrival in Manila as DJ David Morales decided to spin for another two nights at special encores in Manila to salute the newly married couple, keeping their elated wedding vibe going on for almost a whole week.

David’s parting words were touching; he mentioned that he loves the Philippines and that he felt like he was part of the family, promising that he would return next year for Jigger and May’s first anniversary.