Why Hidilyn Diaz chose showbiz personalities for her wedding entourage

Hidilyn Diaz and Julius Naranjo in their prenup shoot (Photo courtesy of Mayad Studios)

“We want the people present in our wedding to be those who will serve as our inspirations as we go through our marriage,” said Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz as the reason for picking show biz personalities Angel Locsin, Judy Ann Santos, and Iza Calzado to be part of her entourage.

Hidilyn will tie the knot with coach and longtime boyfriend Julius Naranjo on July 26 at the St. Ignatius Church inside the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City. The reception will follow at the Baguio Country Club.

Broadcaster Atom Araulio is part of the entourage, too, while theater stalwart Arman Ferrer will be singing in their wedding ceremony.

“These are our life pegs, people we hope to be able to consult if ever Julius and I encounter problems as a married couple,” Hidilyn told Inquirer Entertainment during the Friday episode of the digital talk show “Level Up Exclusives with Noel Ferrer.”

Hidilyn Diaz and Julius Naranjo (Photo courtesy of Mayad Studios)

We then asked the bride about how she imagined her overall look would be on her wedding day. To this, Hidilyn replied: “I was told that everything will be a surprise. I really wanted to say, ‘Pwede bang silipin?’ but I know it’s not allowed. I just want my makeup to look fresh but beautiful. As for my hair, I want it simple. I want it with a particular design, a sample of which I already sent to Miss Celeste as peg. I want it to look really beautiful to match my beautiful gown (by Francis Libiran),” Hidilyn said.

The Olympian was referring to Celeste Tuviera, who is commissioned to do her hair. Juan Sarte will do her makeup while overall wedding styling will be by Gideon Hermosa. Photos will be by Mayad Studios and Nice Print, with wedding planning by Patricia Ramos.

Judy Ann Santos (Photo courtesy of Mayad Studios)

Noel, who is also Hidilyn’s talent manager, read the message sent by Celeste, who described Hidilyn’s look: “Her hair will be a visual expression of her personality. It will be a simple romantic bun with casual and gentle waves, slightly undone giving a classic and timely feel. It will be adorned with the finest fresh blooms which I will personally pick and have custom-made. In preparation for the big day, we will be reshaping her hair with a haircut and refreshing her color, which will complement her skin tone. We will also add shine to her hair.”

The couple drove up to Baguio City on July 16 to pay a visit to National Artist for Visual Arts Ben Cabrera, who did a sketch of Hidilyn.

Angel Locsin (Photo courtesy of Mayad Studios)

Noel said the couple has yet to finalize their wedding vows. “Julius didn’t want to write down his vows. He said it would just come from the heart,” said Noel. Hidilyn interjected: “We really need guidance in writing our vows. I’m afraid of what would come out of our mouths if we’re unprepared.”

When Noel said the couple’s supporters would surely be expecting a surprise, Hidilyn quipped: “We will make all the guests lift weights — that will be their surprise.”

Iza Calzado (Photo courtesy of Mayad Studios)

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