A persistent drizzle that would later intensify did not dampen the spirit of celebration and merrymaking at what was undeniably the wedding of the year, held on Jan. 13 at Maribago Bluewater.
That is a luxury resort owned by the prominent Alegrado family in Mactan Island. Its white beach front fringes a shallow lagoon which has access to a white-sand island—the site chosen for the marriage of the beautiful Evangeline Hayco to Domiku Ugarte. She is the daughter of Edward and Eleanor Hayco, while he is the son of David Ugarte and June Alegrado.
Evangeline rode on a barge decked with flowers as guests on both shores cheered and applauded. The same barge brought her and Domiku after the rites to the beach front where the grand party was held, amid a sea of umbrellas and good cheer.
Principal sponsors
Principal sponsors were Justice Andres Reyes Jr. with Mariquita Yeung, Johnlu Koa with Andrea Domingo, Jon Ramon Aboitiz with honorary Consul of Austria Julie Alegrado Vergara, Stephen Paradies with Rosalind Rodriguez, Louis Ugarte with Maria Iris Arcenas, Justin Sy Uy with Emily Uy.
Evangeline’s sister Evonne Hayco was maid of honor, while Andres Antigua stood as Domuku’s best man.
Bridesmaids were Izzara Ugarte, Edalaine Hayco, Erika Hayco, Dalia Dy, Danica Holaysan, Katrina Sy, Bera Gallego, Irene Byriel and Heana Garcia.
The groomsmen were Jarred Gullas, Kerbasi Ugarte, Iñego Ugarte, Jokin Aboitiz, James Ugarte, Eduardo Aboitiz, Justin Quisumbing, Lee Lozada and Wilson Ong.
Secondary sponsors
Attending the bridal couple during the nuptial Mass were the secondary sponsors: Elaiza Ong and Anton Fonacier for the candle; Haney Uytengsu and Ilian Javellana, the cord; Alicia Moreno and Apollo Noel, the veil.
Flower girls were Veronica and Juliana Vergara, and Ella Ang. The pages were Luc Lhuillier, Odyson Ong and Diego Peña, bearing the rings, the bible and the coins, respectively.
Very visible and holding court were the bride’s grandmother Martina “Beling” Go Ching Hai, and Domiku’s grandmother Evelyn Graham Ugarte, beautiful as ever.
To protect it from the rain, the buffet spread was served under a large tent, which also served as refuge for those who did not want to hold an umbrella.
The Maribago chefs outdid themselves on this occasion with an array of their culinary masterpieces and tempting Cebuano desserts. There were heaps of homemade chocolate truffles, too.
Erratum: In our column of Sunday, Jan. 28, we wrote about the birthday dinner of Virgie Reyes. Listed among the guests was Diana Belaunzaran. She was not there, but Vilma Ouano was present. Our apologies. After writing society columns for 55 years, I have gone through numerous errata. Again, sorry for the inadvertent boo-boo. Diana and Vilma are among our dearest friends, for over 55 years now.