I went to a lovely wedding—no, not the grand one on that idyllic island. This one was small, intimate, informal but solemn.
The civil rites, officiated by Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, were brief, wonderfully Christ-centered and rich with quotes and passages from the Bible. The vows were spontaneous and sincere.
The bride is arts director for Bonifacio Global City, in charge of developing and producing their art activities. The groom is a successful entrepreneur for high-end retail products here and in Europe.
I loved how the couple happily mixed with their guests, posed for pictures, made announcements and totally enjoyed their own party. No pricey wedding planner here. Refreshing.
Both, by the way, are billboard material. She has a smile that “knocks your socks off” and he is what today they call “eye candy.”
Their church wedding will be on April 29 at the Abbazia di San Galgano, Chiusdino in Italy.
All our good wishes go to Andrew and Monica (Llamas) Garcia. Such a beautiful couple!
Etiquette
This isn’t about knowing which fork to use or what to do at a formal dinner. I don’t go to too many sit-down affairs anymore. I find them quite boring, and besides, there’s always too long a wait between courses.
My father was a stickler for table manners and firmly believed that it didn’t matter whether you were dining with dignitaries in a palace or in the intimacy of your own home. There are rules. I am sure he would do some major eye rolling if he saw some of his herederos at table today.
Seriously, even in the most informal setting, and that includes picnics, we must remind the kids (and some grownups) that it is not proper to speak with mouths full or heap food on our plates as if there was no tomorrow; that meat should be cut with a knife; and that burping is totally gross.
By the way, is there a “protocol person” or a “Miss Manners” to consult when doing commercials? A popular fast food product shows the star holding his spoon like a shovel. Not nice.
More etiquette
Do we need a code of conduct for theater, movie or concert audiences? How should we behave at the ballet, or watching a play? How respectful are we during a performance?
I have been a show-biz creature all my life and have spent the better part of my years backstage. It started when I was just a little girl. My mother was a classical singer, and when she did “her thing” I was either quiet as a mouse behind the scenery or all made up and singing in the chorus. But most of the time, I was backstage guarding Mama’s tall thermos of salabat.
I liked it there.
The air was charged with a strange kind of electricity. There were intrigues conceived and hatched by the prima donnas. It was exciting and also nerve-wracking.
Still, through the years, I have returned to my not-so-quiet corner backstage, lured I guess by “the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd.” Or something.
And I have learned that a performer, whatever his talent and no matter how big or small his star may be, always gives his all, and then some. My mother used to say: “Never mind the money. Just to know they are listening is magical, and the sound of their applause is reward enough.”
They say that no two audiences are the same. I think there always are a few people in every show who perhaps should have stayed home.
It seems to make no difference to them if the person on that stage is a super star, or if he is hanging from the rafters for their amusement. They continue to chat as if they were in a café, or walk around like in a park, take selfies, pose for pictures, even share a little gossip. I have seen political figures in the front rows schmooze and exchange jokes. Above the music, you hear their boisterous laughter.
Through it all, the artist must perform. No wonder some of them close their eyes.
And then we have the “heaven-sent,” the people who patiently fall in line; who bought tickets with their hard-earned money, and who sing and dance, laugh and cry with the performers, making it all so worthwhile. God bless them.
I remember Bobby Enriquez, “the Wild Man from Mindanao,” documented as one of the best jazz pianists of all time. Like Frank Sinatra, he refused to play unless his audience was quiet. Once he stopped in mid-arpeggio and told a couple: “If you came to talk, please don’t do it here.” They stayed and they loved him.
One night he shushed a rowdy party in the back of the room. One of them was a bigwig in the hotel. Of course, he lost the gig. But Bobby stood his ground.
I miss my friend.
Last call: Jammin’ for help!
“Brave” is a fundraiser for the families of the “Brave 44,” an all-star concert at The Theater at Solaire tomorrow, February 23 at 7:30 p.m. Donating their time and talent are Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Aiza Seguerra, Dulce, Fitri Cerado, Jett Pangan, Ryan Gallagher, Angeline Quinto, Ryan Cayabyab, Gerard Salonga, and many more. Tickets are at P8,000, P5,000, P4,000, P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000.
Call 8919999; visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.