***
It was a tidy gathering of nearly 300 guests came together from near and far to celebrate the marriage of Joel “Jojo” Velmonte and Sandy Betonio on March 7. She, who is an erstwhile research manager of Community Economic Venture (CEV), is the daughter of Adriano V. Betonio and Virginia Dapar and; he, who is now based in New Zealand, is the son of Paulo and Florencia Velmonte of Leyte.
The St. Joseph Cathedral in Tagbilaran City became a meticulously set haven where anything more would have too much and anything less would have been amiss.
Principal sponsors were: Mr. and Mrs. Manuel and Fe De Erio, Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo and Remedios Madula, Mrs. Gloria Gabisan, Engr. Ernesto I. Macabenta, Ms. Veronica C. Visarra, Mr. Aquilino Cericos, Mr. and Mrs. Anecito and Catherine Fabular, Mrs. Magdalina Rapatan, Engr. Eulogio Signe, Mr. and Mrs. Asterio and Lorenza Dapar, Mr. and Mrs. Gerardo and Dorothea Pollenza, Mrs. Lilia Greaves, Dr. Michael Arman Manuta, Dr. and Mrs. Arturo and Elizabeth Castolo, Engr. and Mrs. Felix and Pianicita Castolo, Dr. Trinidad T. Castolo, Mr. Tito B. Castolo, Mrs. Hermenia M. Castolo, Mr. Jesus B. Castolo, Mrs. Florencia Abenido, Mr. Benedicto Abenido, Mrs. Edna C. Bernasor and Mrs. Norma Pateman.
Amy Tabaosares was maid of honor, Reuel Velmonte was best man.
Others in the wedding entourage were bridesmaids Alma Lurica, Shella Gumaod, Ruby Jane Alcantara, Jepsy Cajegas, Cleofe Gerona, Ariane Dapar, Venus Marichelle Aparicio, Maricel Rapatan, Mary Dale Castolo, Darl Castolo, Karen Mae Castolo and Ma. Paz Angela Castolo, groomsmen Manuel Ferdinand de Erio, Marvis Dellusa, Jan Mejkal Manalo, Jerry Cervantes, Mac Theodore Lurica, Venn Orlan Betonio, Aristeo Toroy, Marlo Lurica, Adriano A. Castolo, Jr., Arch. Tristan Chester Castolo, Rex Nino Castolo and Engr. Jessie Ian Castolo,
Attending Jojo and Sandy during their rites were Mr. and Mrs. Karl and Janice (nee
Saletrero) Martinez, veil; Atty. John Lemuel Nerves and Mrs. Bernadeth M. Nerves, candle; Mr. Florante Gabisan and Atty. Maria Lourdes M. Vilbar, cord. Emmanuel Ramos, ring bearer; Reyjie Rapatan, coin bearer; and Vinnie Scott B. Boyboy, Bible bearer. Flower Girls were Jeshaiah Camille B. Viterbo, Rica Mae Rapatan, Angel Mae C. Dapar, Cristine Kaye Barriga, Mica Jane De Erio, Farrah Mae Bianca, Steffani Carmel M. Vilbar, Claiza Mae Madula, Melita Del Mendoza, Marianne Mendoza, Rachel Ann Castolo, Emmanuelle Julienne Tantuan, Keara Mae Vallecera and Thea Nam Mnal Pollenza.
Maria B. Averilla did the first reading; Lionel Joseph R. Tantuan read the second
reading and Responsorial Psalm by Gamaliel A. Averilla.
The candle isle lighters were Hazel Cadampog-Barriga, John Ramon Fabio, Jaicon Lopez-Salig, Bon Ryan A. Bongato, Grace Dagangon-Macarayan, Roldan Rapatan, Jolzeccarr Uy-Fronteras, Almario Romanos, Yandy Grace Timogtimog, Jimmy Timogtimog, Cielo Viterbo, Arch. Jo melq Ceasar Viterbo, Ritchel Ladion, Joji Ladion, Maria Jesusa Dorado, Jonar Dorado, Dr. April Lumuthang, Junibe Froilan, Jr., Ma. Gina Castolo, Anastacio Castolo, Monica Boyboy and Norberto Jose Bacalso.
Offerers were Juvilyn Tabaosares, Jenalyn Tabaosares, Jienlene Tabaosares and Aida Velmonte. High school friend Analyn Pollenza was the mass commentator.
SFC/CEV Leyte rendered beautiful songs at the wedding rites.
A sumptuous reception followed at dusk at the posh Bohol Tropics Resort.
The most heartfelt message came from the newlyweds. Sandy clearly elated by everyone’s kindness, repeatedly expressed her gratitude to all as Jojo steadied her with the first of woman’s reassuring embraces.
The couple was toasted with a warm welcome into both families.
The event also served as “reunion” among Sandy’s classmates in high school.
The evening ended in overflow of Filipino conviviality as tempered by a deep sense of love and sincerity.
***
Well, the Bb. Pilipinas 2009 came to an end on March 7 at the Big Dome and our very own Rich Asuncion, the 2007 StarStruck: The Next Level Second Princess failed in her quest to get one of the crowns in the Binibining Pilipinas 2009 pageant. Instead, she settled for the first runner up position when her name was announced, after second runner up winner Regina Hahn’s name was called. Rich is the third Boholana who made it to the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant. Other Boholana winners were Perla Fernando Salig (now Mrs. Teves) from Loboc who was Bb. Pilipinas 1979 first runner-up and Anna Maris Igpit from Panglao who was Bb. Pilipinas-World 2006.
Rich’s inclusion in the dossier of beauty queens from Bohol in the Bb. Pilipinas is a manifestation that Boholanas are truly beautiful and gifted.
Had she answered well, Rich might just have one of the crowns. She seemed to fumble at the question and answer portion as she struggled to give a clear and composed answer of one of the pageant's judges visual artist Betsy Westerndorp's: "What is your lucky number and what is its significance to you?"
She said her lucky number is 11 because it was the month of the year when she first fell in love.
Her answer was a little bit “disappointing” though other candidates and winners seemed to fumble at the question and answer portion. And internet forums like missosology.com got flooded comments from beauty fanatics. Her fans came to the rescue while other people are criticizing Rich’s performance.
“I understand your sentiments...that's where your " I actually think " was derived from......we have to be objective my dear...based on their performance Rich did shine...more than the others, she may not be ready for a crown yet....but her efforts deserved her placemen,” wrote “Guybeauty.”
“Ambivalent_203” said, “from all appearances, rich is pageant-ready. Mantakin mong ala Elisa Najera of Mexico ang rampa nya. She can fill any vacancy anytime. The girl is angel-looking but with a very fierce attitude and a good communicator too.”
The fate of Rich--- joining the pageant using her real name, Richelle Angalot---was a lot better than those of co-Kapuso artist Abegail Lesley Cruz and PBB Teen Edition Plus alumna Priscilla Navidad. Both did not even make it to the Top 10 roster.
Abegail did much better in 2007 when she won the second runner-up title, while Priscilla failed on her first attempt for a crown in the country’s most popular beauty pageant.
Ynell Lumantao who is based in Korea commented: “Not so bad. Her pronunciation is good maybe because she was tensed.”
“I’m happy for rich because I was her handler during the Miss Bohol International and I told her bigger things are in store for her and it came true,” said Bohol’s seasoned host and lifestyle guru Raul Gatal.
Rich successfully earned the nods of the judges and some the event's sponsors bagging several special awards, such as Miss Natasha Beauty, Miss Talent, and Araneta Center Shoppers' Choice Award.
Crowned Binibining Pilipinas 2009 winners were: Melody Gersbach, Binibining Pilipinas-International; Pamela Bianca Manalo, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe and Marie-Ann Umali, Bb. Pilipinas World. Regina is the daughter of the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1975 and Miss Universe 4th runner up Chiqui BrosasThe other judges for the pageant that night were Columbian businessman Arturo Marquez, PBA MVP Mark Cardona, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila General Manager Bernd Schneider, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, Brazilian Ambassador Alcides Prates, Pakistan Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan, and former Ms. Universe Gloria Diaz.
Sitting as chairman of the Board of Judges was Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban.
Legendary fashion designer Jose "Pitoy" Moreno, Gloria Diaz (Miss Universe 1969), Margie Moran (Miss Universe 1973) and Aurora Pijuan were honored with recognition by the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc., for their achievements that have made the Philippines proud.
Special guests that evening were Aljur Abrenica, JC Tiuseco, Dingdong Dantes and the PMA Choir. The event was hosted by Paolo Bediones and Iza Calzado.
“Will,” on the other hand, commented saying “As for Rich, way to go! You deserve your placement. Not just a handful saw how you prepared and competed. Smile sweetie, you should be on top of the world.”
To those who criticize Rich, here’s her message: “Let us have to look at the brighter side…at least I got it to the semi-final.”
Meanwhile, here’s a feedback from a “beauty expert” who attended the pageant search:
Comments:
[*]The stage resembles the Miss World Stage in China( the uglier version).
[*] The production number was great though some look really heavy on their outfit.(all the single ladies!)
[*]Of the Last year's winners, I only find Patricia Francisco the deserving one, in terms of facial beauty. I don't like the chin of Barrientos,very obvious on TV. Castaño is chubby!
[*] I was really right of Cai's Exclusion(She's hot though! Perfect Catwalk in the
swimsuit video and during evening gown competition!)
[*]Maybe Jaysel faltered in the Preliminary Interview...
[*] All of our queens are BEAUTIFUL!
[*] Manalo actually DESERVED her win, rigged or not(very tall and flawless and not fat contrary to what most say, she just have chubby face nevertheless gorgeous body!).But if SEIFERT and KUJPERS were there, I don't think she stands a chance on their stage presence.Manalo is the mahinhin type of winner.
[*]Umali is so funny in the way she answers the question but she is super pretty!hahaha!I'm glad she won after her was snobbed last 2006.
[*] I'm pretty sure MELODY will ROCK CHINA and JAPAN. Her beauty stands out from afar.Great porcelain skin and stage presence.
[*]Rich Asuncion is pretty but I hate her eyebags! She messed up with the interview! A very simple question but her nerves caught her.(Great Catwalk too!)
[*]About the awards, I smell something BANGUS.
[*]Regina Hahn's skin imperfections can be seen on TV!God! (She's very articulate though.)
[*]Another candidate who sounds really funny was BARBIE( PERFECT BODY!MORENA BEAUTY!). Her question is"What makes her angry?" and when she answers the question she seemed angry too. hahaha.
[*] Diana Arevalo is a GODDESS! She's very spontaneous or maybe she's just really familiar with the question. hehehe(She should join again!)
[*]Rivamonte won MISS FRIENDSHIP deservingly!( love her look)
I somehow expected ABBY's exclusion(Paolo Bediones was sad after her non-inclusion), because her beauty really fades when standing next to Manalo, Gerbasch,Umali, and Arevalo.
[*] I saw Isabelle Daza,she's not that pretty on tv. She's transformable though. Georgina Wilson is gorgeous. Hope she joins!
[*] Again, predictable set of judges. Ambassadors and celebrities!
Obviously, they exaggerate the prizes of the winners (copying the tactics of TURISMO PILIPINA.hehehe.)
[*] Over-all, I'm happy with the results because our WINNERS are TRULY BEAUTIFUL, though some favorites were shortlisted in the TOUGH TEN.HEHEHE. Until Next Year.
LET'S SUPPORT ALL OUR DELEGATES in their RESPECTIVE INTERNATIONAL PAGEANTS! Stop the HYPING and the BASHING!
1 comment:
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