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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Food devider My son's unforgettable wedding

My son's unforgettable wedding

Published Sep 15, 2022 02:00 pm
NEWLY WEDS The bride Jovannah and groom Franco

San Remigio, a beach town three and a half hours from Cebu City, was the perfect match for this beautiful, memorable occasion

Blurb: Each and every dish was superb at Café des Amis! My brother-in-law, top architect and interior designer (and Reeses addict) Tonichi Mendoza, who frequents Paris, was impressed. That’s quite an achievement.

On Friday, Sept. 2, my eldest boy Franco married a pretty, sweet, kind, gentle, and Christian follower of Jesus, Jovannah “Ban” Yu from Cebu. It was the first marriage in our family and of course it was a huge deal for us all. I never imagined I would cry so much out of appreciation and joy. Allow me to use the most overused line in weddings. “I didn’t lose a son, I gained a daughter!” It had to be the most beautiful experience since my kids were born.

We arrived in Cebu on a Wednesday, Aug. 31. Way before I even arrived, my eyes were set on where I was going straight from the airport—Café des Amis of Chef Philippe! As it happened, I was seated with my in-laws on the plane and we decided to go to this authentic French bistro/ bakery. We had Caesar salad, salade Nicoise, paté de campagne, tarragon chicken, kouign-amann, tarte tatin, and a few others. Each and every dish was superb! My brother-in-law, top architect and interior designer (and Reeses addict) Tonichi Mendoza, who frequents Paris, was impressed. That’s quite an achievement.

DREAM LUNCH Clockwise from top left: fish fillet, prosciutto de Parma pizza, and chocolate panna cotta from Tavolata, Cebu; and the wedding reception service by Café Laguna catering

The next day, we all drove to San Remigio, a beach town/resort outside Cebu. A three-and-a-half-hour drive on pretty roads, it was such a beautiful location for this memorable occasion. We were welcomed by Ban’s parents, Joe and Maryann Yu. The caterer Café Laguna of Tita Lita Urbina was busy setting up. Guest started arriving and filling up the town. Some were booked at nice resorts while others had funny stories about their quarters. from no water to broken toilet seats to people falling off beds from too much fun. The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Joby Soriano of CCF (Christ Commission Fellowship- Alabang) and it started simple and solemn. When the pastor asked the couple to honor the parents with something to say, that was when it became “iyakan” galore. It was touching and sweet, the most beautiful wedding I have been blessed to attend. Am I being biased? Of course! I never cried so much in my entire life. You see your loved ones cry, you cry. You see the bride’s father cry, it’s contagious. I’d find myself crying alone in the bathroom. It was tears of joy, feeling the presence of God’s hand throughout this whole event, especially in the wedding ceremony.

THE GROOM'S FAMILY The author (middle) with his children (from left) Turo, Danielle, Franco, and Ali

The after-party was just as memorable. More crying. All tears of joy and happiness for the couple so in love. The reception from the cocktails was so beautiful, it would beat any hotel setup in Manila. The food was something else. It was not good, it was exceptional. From the cocktail appetizers to the main dishes, all were perfectly presented with matching outstanding flavors to go with. For mains, we had of course newly roasted Cebu lechon, pan-seared pugapo fish on a bed of spicy laing wrapped in banana leaves, tender and tasty lengua, a well-done chicken galantine, and lechon baka. There was also rock lobster, king prawns, and scallops. The rice had the aroma of pandan. The desserts were sugar-glazed turon and a halo halo bar. There was also dirty ice cream. Everything was simply perfect. Catering was done by the largest catering in Cebu, Café Laguna of Tita Lita Urbina, and her daughters. Food was perfect!

MORE LOVE Clockwise from top: lengua, galantina and fish over spicy laing, and grilled tiger prawns

The next day, I drove back to Cebu alone in a Hiace all to myself. I went straight to Sunburst and took out an order of steamed rice and crispy “pwet ng manok” or chicken ass that I ate kamayan in my room alone. Sarap!

Before leaving for the airport, I was picked up my friends Mike Jo and his wife and taken to Tavolata, a restaurant run by the Abaca group of Cebu. We had Caesar salad, the best crispy calamares, delicious pizza, and creamy panacotta, the best I have ever tried.

PARENTS OF THE GROOM From left: Mother Tessa Mandoza Daza, the groom, and the father Sandy Daza

I still had trickles of tears alone from this memorable, touching and joyous occasion. This will forever be in my memory!

I love Cebu! I’ll be back!

Thank you, Lord!

PS: The Japan Food Tour I conduct is coming up. Sign up for Hokkaido (Sept. 21 to 28), Fukuoka/ Hiroshima/ Osaka (Oct. 20 to 25), Fukuoka/ Hiroshima/ Osaka (Nov. 9 to 14), Fukuoka Hiroshima/ Osaka (Nov. 20 to 25), and Hokkaido again (Dec. 8 to 14). If interested, email: [email protected].

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