After the wedding

So much has been written about the grand wedding reception of mi amigo, Dingdong Dantes, and his bride Marian Rivera at the Mall of Asia Arena on Dec. 30. Instead of focusing on the cost, I’d would rather look at the cause. The amount of money spent is nothing compared to their priceless love.

‘Instagrammable’

Every corner of the venue was “Instagrammable.” I particularly liked the mural of the couple’s favorite things/TV shows/places.

Instead of an orchestra, there was a DJ spinning cool tracks—nothing dramatic, just like the bride and groom, who are both free-spirited.

It was a nice touch to include Sinigang na Hipon ni Marian in the menu.

My son IC Mendoza, my escort that night, jested: “Maybe Yan is still cooking; that’s why she’s not here yet.”

The couple’s wedding video was made by their good friend, director Joyce Bernal. I was moved by what Yan said in the video about Dong, who had her initials tattooed with his surname (MGD) long before they got hitched. “Sabi niya sa akin, sa tattoo kong ito dumaloy na ang pangalan mo sa dugo ko kaya di na kita pakakawalan. (He told me, with this tattoo, your name now flows in my blood. I can’t let you go.)”

While getting dolled up for the wedding, Yan sent Dong a gift (a watch), with a note that read: “Di kita iindyanin. Mahal na mahal kita. (I will show up. I love you very much.)”

Funny moment

In return, Dong composed a catchy song for Yan, which he sang at the reception.

A funny moment was when Dong introduced Yan as “Ang bago kong asawa. (My new wife.)” She retorted, “Sino ’yung luma (Who’s the old one)?”

Humor will definitely keep them together!

Cake controversy

Here’s the official statement of Pinky Yee,   Goldilocks owner, about DongYan’s controversial wedding cake.

“The wedding has certainly elicited various reactions. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, it is only fair that these comments be based on facts. It has been reported that the wedding cake cost P7 million. It would be in poor taste to reveal the cake’s exact price and, out of respect for the newlyweds, I would never disclose such a detail. Still, the cost is way below the P7-million mark.

A masterpiece

“Admittedly, I feel a certain amount of pride that the DongYan wedding cake has gained so much attention. Indeed, it is a masterpiece of both technology and art, with the latest techniques in video mapping applied to cake design and decoration.

“Once again, the ingenuity and creativity of the Filipino have been highlighted.

“I would like to thank Dingdong and Marian for giving me the honor of being involved in their wedding. Likewise, my deep gratitude to wedding planner Teena Barretto, who collaborated with me and whose staff coordinated with the Goldilocks team.”