By Carlo Rojas

Society darling Czarina Ablaza-Syquia and her husband, renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr Jofe Syquia, celebrated their silver anniversary on Oct. 23, the exact day they tied the knot 25 years ago at the same church, Santuario de San Antonio in Makati City, when the bride wore a Ben Farrales gown.

For this silver wedding anniversary, Czarina wore a Steve de Leon creation topped with a diamond and cameo tiara set in 18k gold. The jewelry was designed by her brother, avant-garde designer and jewelry specialist Jun Jun Ablaza. Jofe and Sarina were joined by their five lovely children—Alfonso, Agu, Azi, Amanu, and Azia. The Catholic church service was done by the groom’s brother, Father Jocis Syquia.

Reception for the silver wedding anniversary was held in the exact location they held their reception 25 years earlier—the ballroom of the Manila Polo Club. This time around they invited 250 guests to mark 25 years of their blissful marriage. The décor was done by the team of Jun Jun Ablaza, who transformed the ballroom into an affair of candles, pearls, feathers, and flowing silk. Attendees were dressed to the nines in their best gowns and suits. 2016’s Asia’s Best Female Chef, Margarita Fores, was tasked to whip up a menu worthy of this personal milestone.

The celebrants added a surprise at the reception and 25 lucky guests were given a piece of jewelry for sharing in the joy of their happy, lasting marriage.