Basketball hotshot weds one of Manila’s loveliest

Angela Medalla was my daughter Monique’s best friend when we were back-to-back neighbors in a suburban subdivision south of Manila, where our young families really hit it off. Up to now we consider Angela’s parents Tarsi and Ibet Medalla as one of our dearest friends.

They moved to Makati and we did, too, to another village. Still, I became Angela’s godmother for her confirmation at Assumption. The friendship remained despite the distance although the occasions to see each other became increasingly infrequent.

Our children grew up and next thing I knew the formerly shy and soft-spoken Angela was named one of Manila’s Five Loveliest. We were not surprised, of course, since she was really a quiet beauty even as a child. Soon after that, she started dating Joseph Yeo, one of La Salle’s hot varsity players.

Angela told me she and Joseph met at the De La Salle University and became a couple after two years of being friends.

Recently the two exchanged vows at the Mary the Queen Parish.  Here are excerpts from their very intimate and touching vows, which left many guests teary-eyed.

Joseph said: “There are two things that matter most to me in this world — basketball and family.  Angela, I am so happy that you will now be a part of my family and I will now be a part of yours.  I promise to be your trainer when you get sick, your coach when you need my support, your teammate in raising our family, your number one fan every single day.  As much as I love basketball, in the end, it’s only a game.  Angela you are and will always be the most important person in my life.”

Angela said: “As I gaze into the dimples beneath your eyes when you laugh, feel the warmth of your gentle embrace, and sense your presence and concern for me every single day, I know right away that there isn’t any other man in this world  that I’d rather  be beside with right now. You have always been there to make me happy  and make me feel special. You have been my perfect companion, my comfort zone, my rock, my clown, and my everything. So today, I vow to be the best wife to you and the greatest mother  to our future kids. I promise to trust you, support you, and love you unconditionally.”

Some 500 guests later greeted the couple at the Blue Leaf Pavilion where Joseph pulled a surprise harana, singing Forevermore to his lovely bride. The couple also danced the foxtrot instead of the typical wedding dance, which guests loved.

What a beautiful couple. What a special wedding!  I know they will be raising a winning team with God’s blessing.