Whitespace is transformed into a garden for the “despedida de soltera.” —PHOTOS BY JAM STA. ROSA

The monsoon is a tricky time to celebrate one’s despedida de soltera (ritual farewell to the single life). And yet there we had it. The die was cast, the date set.

Crickette Yu-Tantoco, mother of the bride, wife of Donnie Tantoco, painstakingly worked to create a beautiful Martha Stewart-inspired cocktail party.

Maritess Tantoco Enriquez and Crickette Tantoco (standing) with guests: (seated) the author, Tessa Mendoza, Frank and Candy Oreña, Benjie Toda

And 24 hours before that Sunday, the rain had been pouring, leaving the roads wet and unbearable for travel. Deciding not to let my longtime friend down, I struggled to get there.

Some years ago, Crickette and I spent a good part of the 1980s in New York City; we were still single then.

Palladium and Area hopping aside, we used to work across each other—she was with Ann Taylor and I with Seventeen Magazine, both on 53rd Street.

We enjoyed lazy lunches in the nearby park. I always enjoyed that about Crickette—her focus, her speed, her independence to travel to Long Island and back, a true-blooded New Yorker.

I am sure many of the guests will agree with me that the trek to Whitespace in Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati, was well worth it. All the hard work and preparations showed how hard the families and friends worked to honor the bride and groom, Nicole Tantoco and Miko de los Reyes.

Michael and Kathy Huang, Nina and Anton Huang with daughter Isabel

Maritess and Renato Enriquez flank Cary de Venecia and Melissa Jison.

Miko is the son of our family friends and neighbors Timmy and Pinky de los Reyes. One might remember Miko as the grandson of Flower Farm founder Ging and Gene de los Reyes.

The good-looking couple received relatives from both sides. The garden setting was glorious enough to make one forget the dreary weather. The buffet by Margarita Forés was, of course, set with her signature dishes. You could see everyone standing up and moving around the stations for seconds and more.

Touching scene

At some point Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., great-grandfather of the bride, graced the event, even for a while. It is always a touching scene when he shows up in the clan’s gatherings.

As the wine kicked in, we all had a treat from a show prepared by Donnie called Broadchella. His dance number, accompanied by Dina Arroyo-Tantoco, left us in awe.

Donnie Tantoco does a dance number for his daughter.

But the most moving part was a solo song he dedicated to his daughter, which left us all in tears as Donnie, himself in tears, embraced Nicole.

As in most marriages, parents go through mixed feelings of joy and nostalgia. I am certain that Nicole and Miko, in their ups and downs, will remember their family that will always be there for them.

Best blessed wishes to Nicole and Miko de los Reyes! —CONTRIBUTED