Fans watch Marian-Dingdong wedding in real time

The fans are as much a part of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes’ journey as the romance itself—from the time the two stars teamed up for their first television program to the much-talked about and very public second proposal five years later.

Thus, they made sure their numerous supporters got to see them exchange vows and seal their love story with a kiss, five seconds long, at the altar on December 30.

Only an exclusive group of relatives, friends and VIPs were allowed entry into the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City, but hundreds of spectators watched the ceremony in real time—from a giant screen mounted on Vancouver Street.

Most media men—even those from GMA 7—had to follow protocol, as the official team of photographers and videographers, and the Malacañang Photo Bureau (which documented President Benigno Aquino’s participation as witness of honor), were the only ones authorized to cover the event inside.

Fidgety groom

It wasn’t all that bad. Not only did we get a regular feed of close-up shots of the fidgety groom and his glowing bride; we also felt the star-struck audience’s crackling energy. Fans watched from behind metal barricades, cheering and squealing with every kilig moment. “Iiyak na!” they chorused when Dingdong was shown puffing his cheeks.

During intermittent lulls, the air was filled with endless chatter; some offered hilarious, if a bit biting, running commentary not unlike that of “Startalk’s” Tigbak Authority.

And, over and over, they gushed over how simple and beautiful the bride looked in her Swarovski crystal-studded Michael Cinco gown, which reportedly cost some P2 million. “Ang liit ng mukha niya—parang manika (Such a small face—she looks like a doll),” a woman said as Marian stood at the church’s main entrance. “Simple ang ayos niya, pero ang ganda-ganda (simple but beautiful),” said another.

Sweeping music

Inside, the guests had a similar reaction when at last they saw the radiant bride walk down the aisle as the 34-piece string band and 60-man vocal ensemble—composed of Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir and the Ateneo Boys Choir and—set the tone with sweet, sweeping music.

For singer-actress Roxanne Barcelo, one of Marian’s maids of honor, that moment was one of the wedding’s most unforgettable. “A highlight for me was Marian arriving, with the main doors opening dramatically,” she told the Inquirer via text message. “Her entrance was absolutely breathtaking. You could hear everyone gasp at the sight of her beauty.”

Roxanne, who goes by the screen name Roxee B, added that the wedding was “perfect.” “It was a very solemn ceremony,” she said. “Marian [wore] a beautiful dress and tiara, the choir’s singing was angelic and every guest was bright-eyed. And of course, there were the stunning bride and the handsome groom.”

Media-savvy guests

As seen on the giant screen, people inside the church whipped out their phones to start taking photos and recording videos of that moment. Soon enough, social media was abuzz with posts on Marian’s walk—and she had barely reached the altar.

The ceremony was officiated by Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco and seven concelebrating bishops. Retired Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr. delivered the homily, jesting that the assignment was an “answered prayer.”

He said, “This wedding has been called the ‘Royal Wedding,’ ‘Wedding of the Year’… But I’m sure that, after many years, what we’ll remember is that this Christmas season—a time of giving—you gave yourselves, all that you could give, to each other.”

Magic fountain

Stressed Bacani, who advised the two stars to love each other “fully” every day, “Don’t be afraid to give your 100 percent. Love is like a magic fountain: The more generous you are, the more love will flow.”

Bacani then told the couple that the ceremony was simply about three simple questions with three simple answers: “You’ll (Marian) be asked later if you accept him, if you (Dingdong) accept her, and if you two accept Him. And you’ll answer, ‘Yes.’”

They did, without much fanfare.

Most organized

Fr. Tito Caluag, former Ateneo High School principal and a close friend of Dingdong, related that in his 22 years as a priest, this wedding was the best-organized and best-executed that he had seen.

“Yes, the wedding had all the frills… but they planned it so well that it all came together as a solemn and grace-filled rite,” Caluag, who read the gospel during the wedding, told the Inquirer in an e-mail.

He pointed out that the missal was very clear and detailed. “It was the first time I saw an actual ‘book’ for a wedding missalette—and with big fonts at that!” said Caluag, who gave the couple a spiritual talk days before the wedding.

Subtly elegant

Caluag likewise commended the way the church was decorated—“subtly elegant.” “The flowers were not OA (over-acting),” Caluag recalled. “And you wouldn’t even notice that air conditioners were installed just for the wedding.”

“The choir was also well-chosen and the bishops were given personal vestments,” he added.

The ceremony ended a couple of minutes past 5 p.m., but it wasn’t until 6 p.m. that the new Mr. and Mrs. Dantes were able to emerge from the church, because of the obligatory photo-ops with sponsors and guests. When they finally walked through the main door, Marian and Dingdong were greeted with resounding cheers from fans. They kissed under a shower of white rose petals.

Hopping inside the bridal car, Marian and Dingdong, yet again, locked lips—this time while taking a selfie, too, which was then posted on the groom’s Instagram account. The caption simply read: “My wife.”

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