PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE — “MAHAL ko siya, kahit hindi niya ako pakasalan.”
Sen. Mar Roxas said of TV journalist Korina Sanchez Friday in a dinner get-together with Senate reporters.
Asked if he is already contented with Korina, he said:”Ang pagkakakuntento never dumarating. Ang tanging magagawa mo lang ay magsumikap.”
The couple scrapped earlier plans to hold a reception for up to 10,000 guests at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. However, today’s wedding at Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City is expected to draw the Who’s Who in Philippine society.
Organizers issued guidelines for media outfits covering the event. Only accredited media groups have been invited to the 3 p.m. rites. and photographers would have designated positions. Members of the press are also strictly advised to wear Filipiniana costume and to be at the venue an hour before the service. News teams will also be issued passes.
The couple said there will be no grand reception after the wedding rites. Instead, they donated the money to various relief operations for flood victims.
“We can sacrifice our dream wedding. What’s important is that we’re finally getting married,” Sanchez said in a statement.
To stand as principal sponsors are Chief Justice Reynato Puno, former Senate President Jovito Salonga, Eugenio Lopez III, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, Jorge Araneta, Ms. Rosa Rosal, Helen Costales, Ruby Roxas, Cecilia Lazaro, and Maria Fores.
Roxas’ 16-year old son Paolo Zaldarriaga will be the senator’s bestman while Dang Cecilio-Palance will be the matron of honor. The ring bearer will be actress Kris Aquino’s son, James Yap Jr., while Miguel Sanchez and Matthew Garcia are the coin and Bible bearers.
President Macapagal-Arroyo is not among the invited guests, but extended her best wishes to the couple.
“May their union be blessed with love, peace, harmony, success and beautiful children,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said in a statement.
The President will be in Pampanga today for a Cabinet meeting during which the issue of climate change, the progress of relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by recent typhoons top the agenda.