Chiz to Heart: ‘Thank you for loving me and fighting for me’

By: 10 years ago

(Update)

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero and actress Heart Evangelista (Love Marie Ongpauco in real life) were married in the exclusive Balesin Island in Quezon province Sunday afternoon.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Bishop Arturo Vasquez and was concelebrated by Fr. Jerry Orbos and Fr. Roger Joseph Erestain. It was attended by celebrities, politicians and industry heavyweights. Some sponsors in the couple’s wedding include Senator Grace Poe, SM’s Hans Sy, Megaworld’s Andrew Tan, Ayala’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and Roberto Ongpin.

Singer Mark Bautista sang “How Did You Know” as Evangelista bravely walked the aisle alone in an Ezra Santos ensemble. This confirmed early reports that her parents, Reynaldo and Cecilia Ongpauco, will not attend their daughter’s wedding.

The gown was a nod to the wedding gown worn by Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco.

Meanwhile, Escudero wore a white suit by Paul Cabral and was escorted by his 7-year-old twins as he walked down the aisle.

During the exchange of vows, the couple shed tears as they professed their love for each other. For Evangelista, she promised the senator he would not walk alone.

“Thank you for loving me and fighting for me…I promise, you will never walk alone,” she said tearfully.

Meanwhile, Escudero thanked the actress for a second shot at love.

“Thank you for loving me and fighting for me…Naniniwala ako na mahal mo ako tuwing sinasabi mong mahal mo ako,” the senator said.

President Benigno Aquino III was supposed to be Escudero’s best man. However, the senator personally asked Aquino to skip the wedding amid the various issues facing the country. Instead of attending the wedding, Aquino could attend the reception in Manila on Feb. 18, the senator said.

Aquino drew flak when he attended the wedding of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes where he was the “witness of honor” as a typhoon lashed the country last December.

Instead of Aquino, Escudero’s brother, Philip served as the best man. Evangelista’s older sister, Camille Ongpauco, stood as the maid of honor.

Escudero and Evangelista have been in a relationship for almost three years prior to their wedding. AJH

Originally posted 5:28 PM

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