ISABEL Oli and John Prats on their “special day” Nice Print Photo
It was a true test of character,” said actor-TV host John Prats of the four-month preparation for his wedding to actress Isabel Oli.
John and Isabel were wed in Catholic rites at the Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Parish in Tanauan, Batangas, on the morning of May 16. A Christian garden ceremony followed at 5 p.m. at the Nayomi Sanctuary Resort, owned by the Prats family, also in Batangas.
“It had been really tough for us as a couple,” said John. “We often argued about the preparations because we had different visions of our special day…I kept reminding her, ‘This is for us.’”
John and Isabel join colleagues, like Dingdong Dantes-Marian Rivera and Paul Soriano-Toni Gonzaga, who have tied the knot in this hectic season of celebrity weddings.
John proposed with a flash mob last year. He recalled: “Liv (Isabel’s nickname) had received a proposal before mine, but she eventually broke up with the guy. I wanted mine to be so different that she’d forget about the past. I hope she will tell our children about it someday.”
How does it feel now that you’re married?
The first morning we woke up beside each other, we were very emotional. We congratulated each other. It was funny. Then we had breakfast with the family.
Angelica Panganiban said your past girlfriends were all jealous of her, but not Isabel?
Angelica is like my sister. When we quarrel, we always fix things. I know that she’s there for me. She also knows that with just one phone call from her, I’d drop everything for her. People interpret our closeness differently. Our love for each other is platonic. Liv saw that in us, without me having to explain things to her.
Was this one of the signs that made you choose Isabel?
I already knew this the first time I saw her. We clicked. She’s crazy, although it’s not obvious because she’s very lady-like. There’s never a dull moment with her.
We both have simple joys. We don’t party. We don’t drink. We enjoy sharing coffee and dinner dates, as well as watching movies.
She supports me in my other interests, like golf and basketball. She gives me space and isn’t demanding. She’s very confident and secure in our relationship. She trusts me.
How soon will you return to work?
As soon as possible. The expense for the wedding was really big (laughs)! Luckily, my godfathers (ABS-CBN business unit heads) Ruel Bayani and Lauren Dyogi told me to focus first on the wedding.
Will Isabel eventually quit show business?
We want babies right away. If we get blessed with one soon, then Liv would have to slow down. Right now, if she has offers, it’s still OK. When it comes, the baby will be her first priority. We’ve discussed this many times. She loves her work and I support her. Also, we have our family business—she handles the marketing side while I do the managing.
We both come from big families. Liv is 33. We both want to enjoy our kids as they grow up. We’re really looking forward to that.
Where will you set up your house?
We’re temporarily living in Cainta. Our focus is our farm in Batangas. We still have to save and hopefully build our own house next year.
What are your dreams as a couple?
I guess every couple wishes for a successful marriage. I also want to be a cool dad. I hope for a stable business, a beautiful house and a simple yet happy family. One thing I realized about myself is that, after the wedding, I’m no longer interested in material things…I used to have a sports car, but I sold it and bought a car that can fit my future family.
(mcruz@inquirer.com.ph)