A second glory

THE THEME of the garden ceremony is storybook daydream.

MANILA, Philippines– After Drew Arellano-Iya Villania,  China Cojuangco-Gino Gonzalez,  Karylle-Yael Yuzon, the engagement of Bianca Gonzalez and JC Intal, the coming nuptials of Boots Anson-Roa and King Rodrigo, Miriam Quiambao is set to tie the knot with Ardy Roberto.

The beauty queen and the author had three concepts for their prenuptial shoot (executed by Nice Print Photography), all based on their love story.

The couple chose one of their fave places, Tagaytay Highlands, as the shoot’s location.

There’s a story behind the cupcake concept: When Ardy was still courting Miriam, he sent her cupcakes which declared, “I like you.”

The book concept represents their love for writing and reading. Since they love having relaxed conversations, one shoot had a picnic concept. But the best concept, they agree, is the one that celebrates their love for, and dedication to God as born-again Christians.

Miriam strutted her stuff on the catwalk as first runner-up in  the 1999 Miss Universe pageant, yet her second time to walk down the aisle will surely be the most beautiful one of all.

The bride-to-be shares her prenuptial thoughts:

What will your wedding be like?

We are planning a ceremony in a lush garden at Ville Sommet in Alfonso, Cavite, near Tagaytay. It will be held on March 25. The motif colors are  pink and coral; the theme is storybook daydreams.

I’ve always believed that, for  the past few years of my life as a single woman, God has been writing my love story. Ardy and I feel blessed that God has given us a love story that is one for the books!

He is an author and I am currently writing my first book, which will be launched this September at the Manila International Book Fair.

How’s your relationship with  Ardy’s son?

I feel so blessed to be Joshy’s new mom. He is six years old; young enough for me to raise him as my own. It’s as if I had a baby in my first marriage and now he has grown into childhood. He is adorable.

What are your honeymoon plans?

We have a number of trips planned during the year. A week after the wedding, we will go to Phuket, Thailand, for a much-needed relaxation.

ARDY and Miriam will spend the rest of the year “honeymooning” all
over the world. PHOTOS BY NICE PRINT

Towards the last week of April, we’ll fly to Europe—to France and Spain. I have always dreamed of French-kissing in the streets of Paris, and Ardy has always wanted to bring his wife to Madrid. Now, we have an opportunity to fulfill both dreams!

In June and July, we’ll go to the United States and Australia  for the Hillsong Conference.

Finally, we’ll spend a couple of weeks in Israel in November. I’ve always wanted to walk the streets where Jesus walked.

What preparations are you  making to be Ardy’s wife?

I’m learning to cook new dishes. Ardy’s mom is amazing and I asked for her recipes. She taught me how to make chicken adobo. After tasting my adobo, she declared: “Puwede ka nang mag-asawa!”

Are  you more excited or scared to give marriage another try?

I’m excited to be Ardy’s wife. He is sensitive and brilliant. I feel blessed to have been given another chance at marriage. No matter what happens, I feel that God will give us the grace to stay together and experience the joys of married life.

Twin sirens

GMA Network is making a splash as “Kambal Sirena” (weeknights after “24 Oras”) takes viewers along the breathtaking journey of twins Alona and Perlas.

The fantasy series is not just a captivating love story, it also aims to show how differences can bring people closer to each other. The show features Louise de los Reyes in her most challenging  (dual) role to date as the lovely twins (one human; the other a mermaid).

It’s her first team-up with Aljur Abrenica.  “Aljur is a total performer,” Louise said. “He sings a lot. He lightens the mood on the set with his jokes. I love how he smiles at everyone.” Their “Under the Sea” romance will surely  make waves.

Personal

Happy birthday to my darling “Kumareng Sweet Baby,” Liezl Martinez, whom I love like a sister!