ONE of the grandest places to seal your forever hands down would be the Manila Cathedral at Plaza de Roma in Intramuros, Manila. Not only does it boast of a compelling historical past, but much so, its magnificent architecture would surely realize the fairy tale wedding of anyone’s dream. Convenience also became a factor for couples since it has air-conditioning.
Called the Mother of all Churches, Cathedrals, and Basilicas of the Philippines, Manila Cathedral is nestled right at the center of Philippine history. First built in 1571, it has undergone repeated reconstructions due to damages caused by war, typhoons, and earthquakes. Having its last complete restoration in 1958, the structure that stands tall today has seen some of the most lavish marriages of recent years and decades.
Let’s take a run down at some of the most prominent showbiz weddings held at the Manila Cathedral in this gallery:
Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion
Perhaps the most prominent wedding at the Manila Cathedral remembered was that of A-list actors Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion on September 24, 1984. Before this, the two had already married each other via civil rites on July 23, 1984.
It was then tagged as the wedding of the century as thousands of frenzied fans lined up to see two of the biggest stars of the ’80s unite under matrimony.
The wedding was so star-studded it even had then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos as its principal sponsor.
A year later, in 1985, the young couple welcomed their daughter, now actress-singer KC Concepcion.
Sadly, Sharon and Gabby seemed to prove that marriages at the Manila Cathedral don’t last, as only after three years they separated.
To this day, clips of their grand wedding still rake in thousands of views online.
Mikee Cojuanco and Dodot Jaworski
It was a match made in heaven, certainly. Mikee was the ’90s sweetheart and a former equestrian, while Dodot was the son of a basketball legend. The two were in a relationship for two years before they tied the knot. It was a lavish wedding at the Manila Cathedral in 1999 that 800 guests attended.
Dianne Medina and Rodjun Cruz
via Nice Print Photography & Exige Weddings Facebook
The long-time Kapuso couple finally sealed their 12-year romance on December 21, 2019. It was yet another fairytale wedding at the Manila Cathedral with a star-studded entourage. Dianne looked no less than queenly in her princess-like embroidered off-shoulder ball gown by designer Mak Tumang.
The couple got engaged in 2017.
Nyoy Volante and Mikkie Bradshaw
Another beautiful couples who made their matrimony vows are singer Nyoy Volante and Mikkie Bradshaw on February 24, 2016.
Among the celebrity guests were Karla Estrada, Jay-R, Rommel Padilla, Edgar Allan Guzman, and Tutti Caringal.
Roselle Nava and Allen Tan
After a nine-year engagement, ’90s siren Roselle Nava married her partner Allen Ford Lee at the Manila Cathedral on January 18, 2010.
It was attended by her showbiz batchmates Lindsay Custodio, Rica Peralejo, and Jolina Magdangal. Power belter Bituin Escalante sang Savage Garden’s “I Knew I Loved You” when she walked down the aisle.
Roselle Nava and Allen Tan
After a nine-year engagement, ‘90s siren Roselle Nava married her partner Allen Ford Lee at the Manila Cathedral on January 18, 2010.
It was attended by her showbiz batchmates Lindsay Custodio, Rica Peralejo and Jolina Magdangal. Power belter Bituin Escalante sang Savage Garden’s “I Knew I Loved You” when she walked down the aisle.
