In celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary, Senator Bong Revilla and Congresswoman Lani Mercado renewed their marriage vows yesterday, May 28, at the The Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Villamor Airbase.
The couple first wed in a nonsectarian ceremony in 1986 at the Forest Lawn Memorial in Glendale, California, USA.
In 1996, they had their Catholic wedding in Bacoor, Cavite.
THE WEDDING MASS
The lovely couple renewed their vows in a grand ceremony officiated by Cavite Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle with Rev. Fr. Sharon Brown and Fr. Romeo Ner.
Mark Bautista and Rachel Anne Go sang at the Mass, which started at half past 3 in the afternoon and ended at around 5 p.m.
BRIDE AND GROOM WEDDING DRESSES
Lani wore an off-white beaded wedding gown designed by Paul Cabral while Bong wore a gray tuxedo. The secondary sponsors also wore silver-gray gowns while the principal sponsors were dressed in Filipiniana and barong Tagalog.
PRINCIPAL SPONSORS
Among the principal sponsors in attendance were former President Joseph Estrada, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon, former Speaker Jose de Venecia, PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, GMA-7 SVP for Entertainment Wilma Galvante, TV Host German Moreno, Regal Entertainment matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde and Talent Manager Lolit Solis.
President Noynoy Aquino was unable to attend the wedding ceremony and reception. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was not able to make it either although she sent a message to the couple. Former President Fidel V. Ramos was also a no-show.
SECONDARY SPONSORS
Secondary sponsors were Phillip Salvador and Lorna Tolentino (candle), Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao (veil), Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and wife Precy Ejercito (cord), Jose Gabriel Bautista (ring bearer) and Alexa Daniela del Rosario (flower girl).
The couple’s sons Brian and Jolo were Best Men and daughter Inah del Rosario was the Matron of Honor.
RENEWAL OF VOWS
Bong Revilla to Lani Mercado: "When I saw you 27 years ago, I knew I wanted to marry you and for you to become the mother of my children. You are the only soul meant on this earth for me. I will not change... I will be the same Bong that you fell in love with. Till death do us part.
"They say that behind every successful man is a strong woman and they're right. Thank you for being a pillar for me during my political career. I will choose you to be my wife and the mother of my children in the next life. May the Lord bless us for another 25 years.
"I love you, I love you. I'm yours alone forever."
Lani Mercado to Bong Revilla: "Papa, we both know people have their own way of looking at our relationship. We proved them wrong.
"I never suffered from the intrigues, except the you-know-what. I never suffer. I just keep on loving and understanding you. I don't expect any more hurts from the you-know-what department from now on, Papa.
"Thank you for being my greatest leading man. Kahit pitong beses lang tayo nagkasama, ikaw pa rin ang leading man sa araw-araw na shooting natin sa 'The Life and Times of Bong and Lani.'
"Sana ay mahalin mo pa ako kahit lola na ako."
RECEPTION
Paolo Contis and Iza Calzado served as hosts of the program in the dinner reception held at the Harbor Tent of the Sofitel Hotel that started from 7 p.m. and lasted till 10 p.m.
La Diva, the singing trio of Jonalyn Viray, Maricris Garcia and Aicelle Santos, sang "The Prayer" at the start of the program.
Ogie Alcasid performed several songs that night, including a duet with his very pregnant wife, Regine Velasquez.
Seen at the wedding were Sharon Cuneta and daughter KC Concepcion, Lorna Tolentino, Assunta de Rossi, Tirso Cruz III and wife, Congressman Jayvee Ejercito and Teddy Casino, Gretchen Fullido, Richard Gomez, among others.
Photos courtesy of Cong. Teddy Casino and Gretchen Fullido
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