Loved ones, family, and friends old and new stepped into a magic carpet ride at the 30th pearl wedding anniversary of Jimmy and Jenny Napoles.
The garden was transformed into an Indian summer oasis decorated with painted silk, authentic hooka pipes purchased abroad, splashes of jewel tones of turquoise, magenta and topaz. Some guests came in saris or Indian-inspired attires adorned with bindhis.
It was the couple’s children—Christine, James, Christian and Jean (currently based in LA studying fashion design)—who insisted on a grand celebration for their parents’ wedding anniversary.
“Thirty years is a long time,” said eldest child Christine, addressing Jimmy and Jenny. “It sets an inspiration for us to find people for ourselves who love each other like you both do.”
The party was catered by no less than Kashmir Restaurant, Manila’s go-to place for the most exquisite Indian cuisine. The extensive buffet excited our palates with Lamb Chops, Beef Vindaloo, Palak Paneer; chicken, beef and vegetarian Samosa, and an ice cream bar to cap off the gastronomic fare.
Guests were entertained with belly dancing and Bollywood dancing numbers by the Snake Charmers, who interacted with members of the crowd for impromptu dance lessons.
Gracing the event to give their heartfelt wishes to the couple were also young friends of the Napoles children: Borgy Manotoc, Bryan Revilla, Joey Marquez, Mark Ramilo and, the youngest guest of them all, baby Jan Elizabeth Lim at 4 months old.
I got to steal a few minutes with Jimmy, who shared his tips for a long-lasting marriage.
“Although we are different in some ways, as you see in the party I like to dance more than she does. Jenny and I are very hardworking; we have the same goals in life, but above all we are very much with God.
“What’s more, we very much respect each other. We love our children as much as we love each other. We prioritize and respect each other’s feelings when one of us is not having a good day. Because when you don’t, you end up saying things that are hurtful, and most couples don’t realize that. That’s all there is to it.”
