Preparations in full swing for Mikey’s wedding

LUBAO, Pampanga — Who would be among the lucky 770 people who would be invited to witness the June 24 wedding of presidential son Vice Gov. Mikey Arroyo and Angela Montenegro in the 372-year-old San Agustin church here?

While Mikey likes to accommodate as many of his cabalens to his wedding, the San Agustin Church can accommodate only 770 people, wedding coordinator Rita Neri told The STAR.

Wedding planners were here the other day to iron out all preparations for the wedding of President Arroyo’s eldest child. "I want all things finished by the first week of June," Neri said.

Carpenters are rushing a 50-square-meter wooden platform extending the church altar, probably to accommodate wedding sponsors who would include former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos.

Neri and Bettina Aboitiz, who is also helping in the wedding preparations, said they were impressed by the Lubao church which was built from 1614 to 1630.

Under the supervision of architect priest Fr. Antonio Herrera, villagers helped in the construction, using bricks made from a mixture of sand and albumen.

"I am very excited," Angela quipped as she inspected construction work in the church and at the patio where large television monitors will be installed for those who won’t make it to the list of 770 guests.

"(The wedding) will be a very solemn ceremony with a modern Filipiniana motif," Neri said. The Mass will probably last 15 minutes, with 20 to 30 more minutes for picture-taking, she added.

Even the food to be served either at the church patio or in the Lubao gymnasium near the town hall would be Filipino. "There could be some eggplant with a different sauce," Neri said.

Angela’s gown was designed by Joe Salazar, and Mikey’s barong, by Pitoy Moreno. The color motif would be peach and celadon green, Neri added.

The wedding planners have yet to decide on other matters, such as whether the entire church should be air-conditioned or whether the banquet would be held at the church patio or in the gymnasium.

Two additional toilets are being built at the Holy Rosary Academy on the left side of the church and facing the patio.

Police are still problematic on where to find space for some 500 vehicles expected during the wedding.

Neri said another reception will be held at Malacañang after the wedding.