One hand, one heart

Christian Bautista (right) and his gorgeous bride
Kat Ramnani

Who doesn’t love a wedding?

Last Sunday evening, a most beautiful celebration took place at the Champagne Room of the Manila Hotel. Christian Bautista and his gorgeous bride, Kat Ramnani, heralded their new union with ethereal atmosphere, delicious food and wine, and plenty of music. Beginning with cocktails and a grazing table, the guests in all their finery (including Nyoy Volante and wife Mikkie Bradshaw, Jed Madela, Tim Pavino, Markki Stroem, Morrisette, Tippy dos Santos, Audie Gemora, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Ogie Alcasid, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, and The CompanY) loudly and very joyfully cheered the newly married couple.

Christian and Kat actually got married in Bali, Indonesia, on Nov. 17, attended only by their closest friends and family, so the dinner in Manila last Sunday was a grand reception for their Manila-based loved ones. The Champagne Room was a vision of flowers and gold, as if all the guests were looking at it through rose-colored glasses. The bride, in gowns by Francis Libiran, was the picture of perfection.

Once all of us guests were seated and the bride and groom were announced, we were treated to sumptuous smoked fish and steak accompanied by glasses of red wine. The night’s entertainment then began. The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra provided the music, and then one by one, the singers began to serenade the happy couple. Tim Pavino kicked things off, followed by Jed Madela, both singing impeccably. Then Audie Gemora, one of the powers-that-be at Stages, gave a funny and heartfelt speech about Christian as a man of great principle, and how because he came from a family that had no drama, portraying drama as a performer might prove difficult (thankfully, it didn’t, and he’s wonderful in everything he does). Next up was a speech from Luigi Tabuena, Kat’s best friend who, recalling a conversation with Kat when they were younger, uttered a line I will not soon forget: “I want you to find someone that loves you the way God does, and for you to find someone you’ll love the way God does.” Cue the waterworks.

Next up was Nyoy Volante, who played Frankie Valli to Christian’s Bob Gaudio in “Jersey Boys,” succeeded by the lovely Tippy dos Santos. And finally, Morissette gave a rousing rendition of “Halo,” which is Kat’s favorite song.

At the end of the live music portion of the evening, the MPO started the intro to “Seasons of Love” from “Rent,” which then prompted every single musical theater-loving human in that room to start belting the song at the top of their lungs. The cell phones were all then brought out to take video of this wonderful sing-along. We could say everyone was bolstered by all that red wine, but I just honestly believe it was the spirit of love in the air that buoyed everyone.

We all headed home with jars of pink salt, personally handed to us by the bride and groom, in the hope that all the guests season their lives. As I was leaving, Christian said, “This will sound cliché, but I’ve found my partner.” Yes, dear man, you have.

To Christian and Kat, congratulations! Thank you for extending the invitation for us to be a part of this glorious occasion!