It's a Filipiniana-themed wedding for Mar and Korina

Broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez and Senator Manuel “Mar" Roxas II finally exchanged their vows in a solemn mass at the historic Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City on Tuesday afternoon, witnessed by political figures, media personalities, social luminaries and thousands of common folk.

Wearing a serpentina-style gown in a Filipiniana motif, a teary-eyed Sanchez walked down the aisle with her brothers taking turns in escorting her to the altar, where a beaming Roxas awaited her. Eschewing tradition, the bride did not wear a veil with her Pepito Albert gown.

The members of the entourage wore native Filipino attire, with men in embroidered barong Tagalog and women in long Maria Clara gowns.

More than 10 bishops and priests led by Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Sorsogon Bishop Angel Valera and Bishop Raul Martin of Quezon City, officiated the wedding mass.

An estimated 3,000 people witnessed the wedding ceremony inside the church, while an additional crowd of about 2,000 milled outside.

In an interview with reporters right before the wedding, the 52-year-old Roxas said he last talked with his bride on Monday morning.

Roxas said Sanchez sent him this text message on Tuesday morning: “Pray for me so I will not trip (during the wedding)."

Seen in attendance were prominent political leaders including Vice President Noli de Castro, former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Batangas vice governor Mark Leviste, former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney.

Media personalities including television host Kris Aquino-Yap and GMA Network President Felipe L. Gozon were also spotted in the church.

Well-wishers

Aquino-Yap, who arrived with husband basketball player James Yap and son Baby James, wished the couple “much happiness and a baby right away."

Some people in the crowd outside the Sto. Domingo Church arrived as early as 7 a.m. to witness what they called “the wedding of the year." Those who were unable to get inside the viewed the ceremony through four giant television screens set up in the churchyard.

Joey Bongolan, 47, said he just wanted to see the groom. Bongolan said he was able to interact with Roxas two years ago, when the senator went to Divisoria mall in Manila.

“Nandito ako para makita siyang ikasal. Natutuwa ako kahit andito ako sa labas (I’m here to see him get married. I’m happy even if I’m here outside)," he said.

After the wedding ceremony, the newly-wed couple came out of the church amid wild cheers of the crowd. They entertained guests in the churchyard, milling with well-wishers in an informal reception that featured a flower-decked pedicab decorated with the words “Bagong Kasal" (Newly weds).

Senator Roxas earlier said that his next goal with wife Korina, 45, is to have a child “at the soonest possible time."

Asked how many children they want, Roxas, who has a 16-year-old son from a previous relationship, said in jest, “Hanggang sa kakayanin ng tuhod ko (As many as my knees can take)." [See: Baby in the offing for future couple Mar, Korina]

The UP Madrigal Singers sang an a capella rendition of “Ave Maria" and “Umagang Kay Ganda" while the bride walked down the aisle.

Roxas’ 16-year old son Paolo Zaldarriaga served as best man while Dang Cecilio-Palance was the matron of honor. Baby James, Kris Aquino's son, served as ring bearer.

Principal sponsors of the wedding included Senator Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III, Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, former Senate President Jovito Salonga, ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III, Roxas’ uncle Jorge Araneta, broadcast journalist Cecilia “Cheche" Lazaro, Philippine National Red Cross governor Rosa Rosal, Helen Costales, Ruby Roxas, and Maria Fores.

The couple decided to forego what would have been a grand reception at the Araneta Coliseum, donating instead part of their P3-million budget to various charities taking care of victims of recent calamities that hit the Philippines. [See: Mar-Korina wedding to push through sans grand reception]

The beneficiaries include Caritas Manila, the Philippine National Red Cross, Sagip Kapamilya of ABS-CBN, and Kapuso Foundation of GMA Network. – GMANews.TV
Source gmanews.tv