New beginnings, sad endings balanced out

The year about to end has had its ups and downs even in the entertainment industry. “I Do’s” Many of our favorite celebrities paired off, found love, and are now spending their lives together. Moira dela Torre and Jason Marvin Hernandez exchanged “I Do’s” on Jan. 14 in an intimate garden wedding. The event became more special when the latter sing for the first time a song she wrote for her husband. Slater Young and Kryz Uy married on Feb. 16 in Cebu. Joey de Leon’s son, Jako, wed longtime girlfriend Gillian Salita last March 15 at the Arcbishop’s Palace in Pasig City. After being together for many years, Michelle Madrigal married American partner Troy Woolfolk on April 13 in Austin, Texas. On April 23, Dani Barretto tied the knot with Xavi Panlilio. On May 26, wedding bells rang for Quark Henares and Bianca Yuzon in Bali, Indonesia. Singer Gerphil Flores, who wowed Asia with her runner-up stint on “Asia’s Got Talent,” swore before God that she will spend the rest of her live with non-showbiz boyfriend Brad Libanan in ceremony held July 21 at the Manila Cathedral. Baron Geisler and girlfriend Jamie Marie Evangelista had a civil wedding last Sept. 12. Alyssa Gibbs and Anton Cruz tapped Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid as principal sponsors in their wedding last Nov. 5. Aicelle Santos became Mrs. Mark Zambrano on Nov. 16. The ceremony took place in El Jardin de Zaida in San Juan, Batangas. Vhong Navarro surprised fans when he flew to Japan to marry his writer girlfriend Tanya Bautista. The event held Nov. 28 was attended by his “It’s Showtime” co-hosts including Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda and Kuya Kim Atienza, among others. Actor and Cavite Vice Governor Jolo Revilla married his fiancee, Binibining Pilipinas 2016 1st runner-up Angelica Alita, in a garden wedding in Newport Beach, California, USA on Dec. 15. Long-time couple Rodjun Cruz and Dianne Medina exchanged “I Do’s” last Dec. 22 in a grand wedding held at the Manila Cathedral. Some celebs also got engaged this year. Couples Angel Locsin and Neil Arce; Rachel Peters and Migz Villafuerte; as well as Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli all expected to tie the knot in 2020. Newborn Let’s meet adorable 2019 babies! Congratulations poured on LJ Reyes last Jan. 15 when she gave birth to her first child with partner, Paolo Contis. Bianca Lapuz felt like a first time-mom when she delivered her fourth child the same month. Miriam Quiambo welcomed her first biological child, named Elijah, on Feb. 16. Rochelle Pangilinan and husband Arthur Solinap have Shilo on Feb. 26. On July 2, model Georgina Wilson revealed another baby boy in the family. On July 24, Andi Eigenmann welcomed a new bundle of joy, her first child with surfer boyfriend. Months after they tied the knot, Dani and Xavi welcomed their first child on Sept. 13. Chynna Ortaleza gave birth to her second child with Callalily frontman Kean Cipriano on Sept. 25. They have named the boy Salem. Mariel Rodriguez and Robin Padilla brought Maria Gabriella into the world on Nov. 16. Robin’s daughter, Kylie, had her second baby with husband Aljur Abrenica last Dec. 10. Sisters in law Anne Curtis and Solenn Heussaff are both pregnant. Phil Younghusband and Margaret Hall are expecting their first baby, while Jewel Mische and Cristalle Belo gear up for their second child. Not forgotten Showbiz said goodbye to several personalities this year. Brian Velasco, the 41-year-old drummer of popular rock band Razorback, died Jan. 16. Pepe Smith, considered a pioneer in the local music scene, passed away Jan. 28 at 71. Comedian Bentong went back to the Creator on Feb. 9 at the age of 55. Real name Jonathan Aguilar Garcia, Chokoleit met his demise after a performance in Ilocos, March 9. He was 48 years old. The industry mourned the death of veteran actor Eddie Garcia on June 20. He was 90. Comedian and TV host Gary Lising was found dead in his condo on May 31. He was 78. At 31, beauty queen and fashion model April Love Jordan succumbed to liver cancer on June 21. Sophia Corullo passed away Aug. 18 following a bout with dengue at the tender age of 6. Mona Lisa died at the age of 97, Aug. 25. The veteran stage actor and theater educator Tony Mabesa took his final bow on Oct. 4. He was 84. A day after, Amalia Fuentes, 79, said her final goodbye. Actor Mico Palanca died last Dec. 9 at 41 years old. Reporter and director Cesar Apolinario succumbed to lymphoma, Dec 13.