Describing a wedding reception as “noteworthy” takes on a special double meaning when the two people getting married are the wonderful soprano Lara Maigue and musical theater’s Gian Magdangal. It is, quite literally, two pitch-perfect, noteworthy voices being joined in wedded harmony—and a heavenly chorus joining in to sing their hallelujahs.

From the wedding ceremony in Alabang to the dinner reception at The Conservatory, The Peninsula Manila, on Oct. 8, 2025, the likes of Martin Nievera, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Arman Ferrer, Sheila Valderrama, and a host of other Philippine theater luminaries were on hand to lend their voices and join the celebration. The UP Jazz Ensemble provided the evening’s main music, conducted by the bride’s father, as the ensemble is a special musical project of his.

If I were to pick my favorite moments from this intimate wedding, the top three would begin with the moving duet that had Lara joining her 68-year-old mother in a plaintive number. Second would be Gian taking his mother to the dance floor for a short spin, with Gian’s father keeping a close “bantay.” Third was when the guests from the local musical theater scene trooped to the stage for a medley of tunes led by musical director Rony Fortich.

The Manila Bulletin (MB) extends its warmest wishes to the expecting couple (baby Mario is on the way!), who have both graced the stage with their accomplished singing at several MB-mounted events.