Who’s who in Mar-Korina wedding
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/28/2009 12:10 AM
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MANILA - A veritable who’s who of the Philippine society—from politics, entertainment, business, Supreme Court, the Catholic Church, and non-government organizations—graced the wedding of Senator Mar Roxas and television journalist Korina Sanchez, in a union that was impressive for its attendance.
Leading the who’s who was outgoing Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Angel Lagdameo, who was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass. Assisting him was Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes, retired bishops Jesus Varela and Raul Martirez and 9 other priests, including Fr. Tito Caluag.
Among the principal sponsors was Chief Justice Reynato Puno, with former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban as one of the offerors (wine and chalice).
Liberal Party stalwart and former Senate president Jovito Salonga was also a principal sponsor as Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, who was a stand in for President Aquino, whom the couple asked to be their godmother before her demise.
Other male principal sponsors were Sanchez’s boss in ABS-CBN, chief executive officer Eugenio Lopez III, and Roxas’s uncle and Araneta Group chairman, Jorge Araneta. 
Their female counterparts were philanthropist Rosal Rosal, Roxas’ aunts Ruby Roxas and Maria Fores, multi-awarded journalist Cecilia “Che Che” Lazaro, and Sanchez’s late mothe’s best friend Helen Costales.
Media friends, relatives
Among those spotted at the church were Sanchez’s peers in the media industry, such as Bernadette Sembrano, Ina Reformina, Willard Cheng, Alex Santos, Ted Failon, Joey Villarama, Julius and Christine Babao, Doris Bigornia, and Rey Langit.
Also there were Roxas’ relatives including cousins Margarita Fores and Greggy Araneta who was with Irene Marcos-Araneta. Another distant relative, real estate firm Ayala Land chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, also graced the wedding. Both Roxas and Ayala families were two of the original Spanish settlers in the Philippines over a century ago.
Family friend Ching de las Alas Montinola were also there. Oscar Lopez, the family patriarch and the chair of Lopezes’ holding firm Benpres, were also present. So were sociologist couple Randy and Karina David, political analyst Joel Rocamora, and Renato Constantino.
Other Aquino family members who attended were Jacqui Aquino and Viel Aquino. Also there were Sister Mary John Mananzan, and broadband scam whistle blower and 2010 senatorial candidate Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada.
Also spotted was Cesar Purisima who succeeded Roxas as trade secretary when Roxas quit the post to run for senator in the 2004 elections. Purisima, who eventually became finance secretary, is part of Roxas' inner circle who have been helping craft Roxas' political platform.
US Ambassador Kristie Anne Kenney graced the ceremony, too.
Politicians
Roxas’ peers in the Liberal Party did not miss the wedding. Spotted were former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Neptali Gonzales, Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco, and Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona III.
Other personalities from Philippine politics were Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III and wife; former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chair Joselito Payumo; former interior and local government secretary and Senator Joey Lina; Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo; former Senator Letty Ramos Shahani; and former senator and economic planning secretary Ralph Recto;
Secretary Ronnie Puno of the Department of Interior and Local Government; Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin, and Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri and his wife also attended the ceremony.
Former press secretary Ricardo ‘Dong’ Puno, Sanchez’s former media peer, told ABS-CBN, “I won't stay long because this is a yellow event but I wish them well.”
Even former President Joseph Estrada attended. “There are friends even in politics,” he said.
Vice President Noli de Castro was also spotted.
Entertainment, sports, social circles
Attendees from the entertainment world and social circles included singer Basil Valdez, actors Richard Gomez and Dennis Padilla, couple Anthony and Maricel Laxa Pangilinan, reality show director Lauren Dyogi, composer Vehnee Saturno, lifestyle columnist Maurice Arcache, world class bowler Paeng Nepomuceno, top designer Pitoy Moreno, and dermatology and cosmetic surgery entrepreneur Vicky Belo
ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio was also there.
Present, too, were Regal Films owner Lily Monteverde and Wilson Tieng of Solar Films.
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