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| A trubitastic congratulations to Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas and Atty. Angelica Austria Chua-Mandanas on their marriage!! (Image Source: PEP.ph/Instagram/Nice Print Photography) |
“..Mahal, I came here not only with own free will, but full of love. Love which I know is a blessing from our Lord. That we are allowed permitted, granted…to share and to participate. Because God is Love and Love is God.” This became the emotional part of the wedding vow made by Batangas Provincial Governor Hermilando Mandanas to his newly-wedded wife Atty. Angelica Austria Chua after the two exchanged their "I Do" in front of the altar of the Minor Basilica and Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Batangas City last May 8, 2024.
The eucharistic celebration on the special day was officiated by Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, the Archbishop of Lipa. Together with families, close friends, and work colleagues, thousands of Batangueños truly looked forward to so-called "much-awaited wedding of the year" in the province. His Excellency Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who are Principal Sponsors of the Mandanas couple, as well as former Philippine President and Pampanga 2nd District Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and San Migel Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang, serving as among the couple's godfathers, have personally attended the festivities. Also gracing the special day with their presence to witness the monumental occasion are members of the House of Representatives led by House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, Local Chief Executives from various towns and cities in the province, leaders of several government agencies, members of the judiciary, and other personalities in the field of public service.
The church was filled with joy when Atty. Chua started walking to the altar along with his parents Dr. Wilson Chua, who came from a family of public servants in the municipality of Ibaan, and Judge Maria Cecilia Austria Chua, who is a well-known Executive Judge in the Batangas City and one of the Governor's trusted first partners in promoting the Mandanas Ruling for local government units (LGUs). Everyone got emotional when Atty. Chua shared her wedding vow to the beloved governor. She said the father of the province made her feel that he deserves to be loved and respected, despite his earlier failures in love. “I’ve had my heart broken so many times that I guarded up and raised my standards so high, so high no one was supposed to reach it so I won’t get hurt again, until you came. You showed me that I deserved to be loved and respected, that with you, I can put my guard down,” said Atty. Chua. The 32-year-old lawyer also thanked the courage shown by Gov. Mandanas during times when they are still in the beginning of their relationship. Eventually choosing to be with him for life, Atty. Chua also promised that she will remain steadfast and in support of the governor at all times. “Thank you for having the courage to ask me to be your Valentine and for choosing to spend the rest of your life with me. Today, in front of God, our families, and friends, and of all the Batangueños, I promise to be strong for you, to support you, to always be by your side, and to take good care of you…and if there’s one thing I’d ask of you, it is for you to promise to stay for as long as you can so I can grow old with you.”
After the exchange of "I Do" and promises to each other, the Minor Basilica was filled again with cheers and joy when Most Rev. Garcera officially declared Governor Mandanas and Atty. Chua as husband and wife and their first kiss as newlyweds in front of the altar and guests which officially signals the beginning of the new chapter in their lives as an official married couple. A separate reception was then held at the church afterwards, attended by approximately 500 well-wishers, including about 200 priests from the Archdiocese of Lipa. From the time the wedding ceremony was performed until the reception was held on the marble terrace in front of the Batangas Capitol building itself, the special day was blessed with clear skies and a beautiful weather as symbols of grace and positivity. In accordance with the brightness of the beautiful lights and attractive flower arrangements at the reception venue, the couple was warmly welcomed by nearly 600 guests. The newlyweds made their grand entrance on the balcony of the provincial capitol building, a sign of their successful union. Both Gov. Mandanas and Atty. Chua delivered their messages to each other anew during the said reception. For Mandanas, their marriage will help in having a truly prosperous and happy life in the province. He also emphasized that, "In our relationship we should not be boring. You saw when Angelica is with you, we can assure you it will never be boring."
Meanwhile, Atty. Chua-Mandanas was given an opportunity to introduce herself publicly. She said she is a partner in the Platon-Martinez Law Office in Makati City while her siblings are all professionals in the fields of medicine and law. She also thanked the Mandanas family, especially the govenor's brothers, for accepting her wholeheartedly, replying, "I would like to thank the Mandanas family for welcoming me with open arms. Honestly, when we first met Gov.'s siblings, I was really scared...but they were very, very welcoming. Thank you very much." On the other hand, Batangueños and others were were able to watch and enjoy the special day through the live streaming of the church wedding ceremony and the first part of the reception program on the official Facebook page of the Batangas Province's Public Information Office.
(With words by Mark Jonathan S. Macaraig, Batangas Province Public Information Office)
