Echo’s turn to be happy

PHOTO BY CHUCK GOMEZ

It is Jericho Rosales’ time to focus on his own happiness, having helped others achieve their own.

This was the message from the speeches of Jericho’s brothers, Caloy and Jeremiah, during the wedding ceremony on Thursday.

PHOTO BY GAB VALENCIANO

Jericho, 34, tied the knot with British-Filipino model Kim Jones, 26, at the Shangri-La Resort and Spa on Boracay Island, Aklan. Both brothers thanked Jericho for taking care of their family and that it was time for him to make his own.

Touching speech

Jeremiah delivered a touching speech. He was crying as he said that Echo had played the role of father to him since he was 12. He asked his brother’s forgiveness for being troublesome and vowed to change his ways. He then welcomed Kim to the family and thanked her for loving his Kuya Jing (Jericho’s nickname).

Finally, he said he was glad that, for the first time in years, because of the wedding, the whole family was gathered together.

SURFBOARD marker welcomes guests to the beach-front rites. KHALIL KAIMO/INSTAGRAM PHOTO

Their long-estranged parents, Rose Vibar and Santiago Rosales, were present. Kim’s mother, Lolita Bienewitz-Chan, was there as well.

Caloy, who is based in Canada, said that, thanks to Jericho, he was about to become a Canadian citizen. He added that, though he and Echo are far apart, their bond will never be broken.

Exchange of vows

Friends described Jericho’s wedding vow as “both funny and dramatic.” There wasn’t a dry eye during the exchange of vows.

The event was divided into three parts. First was the ceremony, held at the Shangri-La Resort garden. The guests then transferred to the patio, where they were served cocktails and entertained by fire dancers, percussionists and the GMT Band. Last part was the formal dinner on the beach.

JERICHO and Kim made guests cry with their touching vows. PHOTO BY CHUCK GOMEZ

Kim’s sister Salome, the maid of honor, gave the guests a glimpse of what the bride was like growing up in Australia. Salome said Kim was a  “kind and generous” big sister who willingly shared her favorite Barbie doll.

Also present was Kim’s brother, Apollo, whom guests said was “so funny, he could be a stand-up comedian.”

Principal sponsors

Principal sponsors were: Gina Valenciano and Allan Critchett, Marines Elizalde and Paul Chase, Angeli and Gary Valenciano, Mylene and Jocel Evangelista, Coney Reyes and Johnny Manahan, Rico Ocampo, Joe Obordo and Lauren Dyogi.

Jericho’s best men were Ryan Manalo and Buji Libarnes; his groomsmen were Paolo Valenciano, Caloy Rivera, Dibs Trofeo, Gab Valenciano, Marvin Germo, Dohn Cerenado and Jeremiah Rosales. Kim’s bridesmaids were Michelle Swinstead, Nikki de la Paz, Tin Magsaysay, Nina Santamaria, Sam Valenciano, Arianna Colamonici and Mica Javier.

Vania Romoff designed Kim’s cream-colored strapless wedding gown with a sweetheart neckline, while Francis Libiran made Jericho’s suit. Ryan Madamba designed the gowns for the female entourage. The groomsmen were outfitted by Levinson Rodriguez.

THE NEWLWEDS, flanked by Gab Valenciano and girlfriend Tricia Centenera— who caught the bouquet. COURTESY OF GAB VALENCIANO

Dance with mom

Another highlight of the event was Jericho’s dance number with his mom to the Bruno Mars song, “Treasure.”

Gary Valenciano, whom Jericho considers his mentor, sang two songs for the couple; so did Gary’s son Paolo and daughter Kiana. Jericho’s best friend Buji Libarnes performed the Mexican folk song “La Bamba.”

Gab Valenciano was with girlfriend Tricia Centenera, who caught the bridal bouquet. While everyone was cheering, Gab’s mom (Angeli) exclaimed, “What’s happening?” The guests jested that her son would be the next to wed.” With a report from Chuck Gomez, Contributor