MANILA, Philippines — It wasn't just love that filled the air. It was glitz and glamour too.
After more than five years of being together and a year of being engaged, the son of Juan Ponce-Enrile and Ambassador Cristina C. Ponce-Enrile, Juan Rodrigo (JR), finally tied the knot with Danielle Anne Tabuena in a star-studded ceremony held at the groom's residence in Dasmariñas Village, Makati last January 5.
That night swelled with high-profile politicians and renowned celebrities who had managed to take time out from their busy schedules to join the ceremony.
Among the biggest names who attended were principal sponsors Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Charo Santos-Concio, Vice President Jejomar Binay, husband and wife Senator Francis Pangilinan and Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, esteemed director Bebeth Orteza and the groom’s aunt Armida Siguion-Reyna.
Music sensations Gary Valenciano (with wife Angeli Pangilinan and son Paolo), Martin Nievera, also a principal sponsor (with son Robin), Pops Fernandez, Kuh Ledesma and Nikki Gil also witnessed the event.
Heralds of Philippine football Anton del Rosario and Darren Hartmann also dropped by the star-studded night.
The wedding adapted a white and purple motif, radiating a classic theme.
The venue, meanwhile, looked stunning with pieces of cloth beautifully draped on the ceilings and walls.
Tabuena walked down the aisle carrying an all-white bouquet, and wearing a lace gown by famed designer Randy Ortiz. The dress, highlighted by a long veil, gave a vintage feel.
Enrile, on the other hand, looked dapper in a piña barong.
“I’m happy for the both of them. I’m sure they will make a wonderful couple,” said Ms. Katrina Ponce-Enrile, who was teary-eyed watching the couple say "I do".
“JR has grown to become a responsible man and I’ve always known Dani to be a beautiful, loving woman. We in the family wish them all the best,” she added.
An elegant reception immediately followed the ceremony, which turned out to be a merry night of music, singing and dancing. “Concert King” Nievera, also Tabuena’s cousin, even sang for the couple.
The couple jetted off to Napa Valley for their honeymoon.
Love that started out of friendship
Enrile finished a tourism management course at the University of the Philippines, while Tabuena got her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the De La Salle University.
The groom grew up in a political family, whose patriarch, Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, has been involved in the Philippine government since the '60s.
The bride, meanwhile, was brought up in the humble home of Luis Ramon Tabuena Jr., a pastor. She is the fourth child to five children.
The happy couple shares that their story started at the most random of chances.
Tabuena said they met through Raffy Garcia, the groom's best friend, who was also one of the wedding's escorts.
In 2004, Enrile joined Without Walls Ministries, and he and Tabuena were re-introduced.
They officially confirmed their blossoming romance, and became a couple in May 2006.
Enrile proposed to Tabuena March of last year.
source: mb.com.ph
