Antolin Oreta III & Melissa Sison: Love made in food heaven

She’s an accomplished chef who has traveled the world and savored the best of cuisines. He is a mayor of a city known for its food and culinary heritage. Both may come from different worlds, but they are bound by love and, yes, good food.

On May 30 at 5 p.m., chef Melissa Sison, program director of the country’s top culinary school, the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA, Manila), and Malabon Mayor Antolin “Len-Len” Oreta III will exchange vows at the historic San Bartolome Church of Malabon, which is commemorating its 400th anniversary this year.

“We chose May 30 to wed because I want to get married in the same month as my parents — Antolin Oreta Jr. and former Senator Tessie Oreta. They got married on May 3,” explains Mayor Oreta.

“Feng shui-wise, the date is also auspicious,” adds chef Melissa.

As for the choice of the church, Mayor Oreta explains, “It’s a historic church and is the pride of Malabon.”

Considered as the city’s first stone church, the San Bartolome de Malabon Parish was founded by Augustinian friars in 1614. It underwent a major renovation in 2004.

“It was completed this year in time for — not our wedding but — the parish’s 400th anniversary. Fr. Ric Torrifiel, the parish priest, is so excited about the wedding because I’m actually the first local official of Malabon to wed there after its renovation. The event could also help create awareness about the San Bartolome de Malabon Parish,” notes Mayor Oreta.

Wearing a Michelle Sison creation, the radiant bride will march down the aisle to the music of George Canseco’s Ikaw to be performed by the Malabon Symphonic Band led by Dr. Sonny Yangco.

The wedding rites will be officiated by Fr. Ruben Tanseco, SJ, with co-celebrants Fr. Manoling Francisco and Fr. Rick Torrifiel.

HOW FOOD PLAYED CUPID

Chef Melissa first met the unassuming politician — when he was still a stock broker — at her now defunct Salumeria restaurant in Makati in the early ‘90s.

“He and his epicure friends would dine in the restaurant at least twice a month. Len knows his food, but what I noticed about him is that he was quiet and medyo masungit,” relates chef Melissa.

“I’m not masungit. I just tried to get out of trouble because I had a girlfriend when we were first introduced. Besides, isn’t it enough that I’ve already fallen for your food?” replies Mayor Oreta with a laugh.

For Mayor Oreta, it was more of love at first bite, not at first sight.

And since there was no spark on their first meeting, can love actually bloom?

“Definitely,” the couple cries in unison.

Chef Melissa and Mayor Oreta met again on a double date in 2010.

“I was actually going out with Len’s friend at that time. In one of our date nights, he asked me if I could find a date for Len which I did. The four of us enjoyed dinner, but that was it,” relates Melissa.

A week after, she got a call from Mayor Oreta inviting her for coffee. That coffee date became more frequent. Soon, they just found themselves in different parts of the country enjoying the delectable cuisines and each other’s company.

“I enjoy every moment with her. We have so many things in common and share the same work ethics and values in life,” says Mayor Ortega.

For someone as clueless as chef Melissa, these dates, travels and other escapades amount to nothing because there wasn’t a formal courtship. “We were not officially an item. I thought he just enjoyed my company. When it comes to guys, I’m the last to assume that they like me or are interested in me. I had my fair share of heartaches. So medyo careful ako in that aspect,” shares Melissa.

So you can just imagine how shocked Melissa was when Mayor Oreta popped the question last January while having dinner at Busuanga Bay Lodge in Palawan.

“I thought he was just kidding when he asked me if I wanted to grow old with him,” she says. “But when he said he already talked to my parents — Atty. Antero and Mila Sison — that’s when it hit me. The man of my dreams finally proposed. I’m still on Cloud 9!”

“I’m not the showy type. For me, making ligaw is just a formality. I’m sure about my feelings for her and that’s what matters most,” enthuses Mayor Oreta.

In lieu of a ring, Mayor Oreta gave her a fuchsia key tied on a rope.

“It sounds corny, but she now holds the key to my heart. The rope signifies how strong our bond is. Why fuchsia? That’s my political color,” explains Mayor Oreta.

Chef Melissa finally got her diamond engagement ring a week later.

“It was actually my mom’s. It took time because I had it altered to fit Melissa’s tiny finger,” shares Mayor Oreta.

Since the couple’s love story revolves around food, wedding guests can expect nothing but the best as chef Melissa, the first Filipina ACF Certified Executive Chef, personally designed the six-course menu.

“The menu will be executed by CCA faculty and graduates who all volunteered — some are already executive chefs of Earth Kitchen, Green Pastures and ADB — led by Epicurious chef Mira Cruz,” adds chef Melissa.

The city’s sports complex, where the dinner reception for VIP guests will be held, will be transformed into a Tuscan garden by floral designer Robert  Blancaflor.

The couple will host another reception on May 31 for Mayor Oreta’s constituents where the city’s culinary delights will be highlighted.

Asked what dish best symbolizes Mayor Oreta, the blushing bride gamely replies: “We both love breakfast. So Len would be a really good eggs benedict. It looks simple, but tedious to prepare. Once you bite into it, it will definitely make your day. Just like eggs benedict, Len always puts me in a better mood and brings out the best in me.”