IT was magical. A moment so surreal and poignant that it brought memories of both pain and redemption; of love that’s found after the heart has been broken one too many times. Walking down the aisle on her off-shoulder princess cut ball gown that featured intricate beading on the bodice and accentuated by a unique, hand painted veil edge, Ai-Ai delas Alas is the blushing bride who proved that this love is “riper” this time around, and the “right one” for her.
The pastel-themed wedding of Ai Ai delas and Gerald Sibayan was held at Christ the King Parish in Green Meadows, Quezon City on Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Some of the industry’s brightest stars and personalities graced the highly anticipated wedding, along with family and close friends of the couple who all wanted to witness the special moment that marked the start of Ai AI and Gerald’s happily ever after.
It’s no secret that Ai Ai had two failed marriages: first to Miguel Vera, and the second to Jed Salang, which lasted only a few months. But Ai-Ai said she is now sure that she’s marrying for the right reasons, admitting that the first marriages were stained with wrong intentions.
In an interview she said: “At that time I had hidden agenda because third parties were involved at gusto kong mang-inis. Nakarma tuloy ako. You know, kapag sinimulan mo ng mali, matatapos na mali. This time, I have my life in order, it’s my first real and right marriage, and I’m marrying all out of love. Gusto kong makasama si Gerald habang buhay. This time, there’s forever.”
I watched the video of Ai Ai tearing up as she walked down the aisle. She wore a simple tiara, and a silver drop necklace. She looked stunning and very happy. According to pre-wedding reports, her gown is by designer Frederick Peralta, and was a gift to to Ai-Ai by friend Marian Rivera.
The entire ceremony was well-attended by celebrity guests such as Alden Richards, Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Randy Santiago, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, and Barbie Forteza. Vic Sotto, Pauleen Luna, Piolo Pascual, and Pops Fernandez were also at the wedding. Megastar Sharon Cuneta also attended the wedding as matron of honor.
The principal sponsors were Mr. Eugenio R. Abunda Jr. and Ms. Cory Vidanes; Atty. Jejomar “Jojo” Binay and Mrs. Analita del Mundo-Ramos; Mr. Henry Chua and Ms. Susan Co; Mr. Bobby Co and Ms. Lolit Solis; Mr. Delfin De Dios Jr. and Ms. Nancy Yang; Mr. Butch Espino and Ms. Maribel Espino; Sen. Richard Gordon and Ms. Fely Dela Cruz; Mr. Felipe Gozon and Mother Lily Monteverde; Mr. Alex Lim and Ms. Susan Lim; Mr. Robert Ogie Mendoza and Ms. Melissa Rubio-Mendoza; Sen. Ralph Recto and Cong. Vilma Santos-Recto; Mr. Willie Revillame and Ms. Cristy Fermin; Gov. Chavit Singson and Ms. Julita B. Cayanan; Mr. Antonio P. Tuviera and Ms. Avin Arayata; and Bro. Mariano “Mike” Velarde and Ms. Geraldine Desiderio-Garcia; and Bro. Bo Sanchez. Ms. Ana Puno, who is a friend of mine, was also one of them and was accompanied by Bong Prada Lim.
The entourage consisted of the following: Sophia Andrea Delas Alas (Maid of Honor), Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan (Matron of Honor), John Kenneth Monterubio, Richard “Alden” Faulkerson Jr. and Sancho Vito Delas Alas (Best Men), Arolas Amahit, Bayani Agbayani, Ogie Alcasid, Lito Alejandria, Gerry Catama, Carlos Antonie Cayanan, Kevin Dalisay, Heildenberg Dimarukot, Ariel Manalo, Jerald Guillen Napoles, Piolo Jose (Groomsmen), Socorro Adam, Lenlen Rogacion, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Lovely Abella, Malou De Guzman, Barbara Ambas Forteza, Bianca Carlos, Abby Bañares-Co, Rufa Mae Magallanes, Valeen Margarita Montenegro, Cielito Fernandez, Shanna May Retuya, Marilou Santiago, Eugene Domingo, Joan Fagara-Delas Alas and Rechie Del Carmen (Bridesmaids), Mr. Marvic Sotto and Ms. Pauleen Luna-Sotto, Candle; Mr. Dingdong Dantes and Ms. Marian Rivera-Dantes, Veil; and Mr. Joseph Calata and Ms. Marnely S. Calata, Cord (Secondary Sponsors), Stephen Sibayan (Bible Bearer), Gabriel Sibayan (Coin Bearer), Seth Andrei Delas Alas (Ring Bearer) and Ambella Sibayan and Angela Sibayan (Flower Girls).
It was a beautiful wedding but more importantly, it’s a beautiful story. It’s about losing and finding hope. It’s one that is not exempt from pain and doubts (especially from the naysayers who think a May-December affair will never work). But that’s where the “sickness” and “poorer” part of marriage will be tested. I wish Ai Ai and Gerald will stand the test of time and remain in love with each other no matter the circumstances.
To Gerald and Ai Ai, the start of your “forever” has begun. May you continue to live for each other’s happiness for the rest of your lives..
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Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
