At the John Estrada-Priscilla Meirelles wedding reception held February 26 at the Thunderbird Poro Point Resorts in San Fernando, La Union, guests enjoyed partaking food from 12 buffet tables.
There were salad and pasta dishes, a Churrascaria or Brazilian steakhouse, Pinoy dishes, a dumpling nook, sushi bar and a dessert corner. Of course, it was open bar.
Josiah's Catering took charge of the food. One of the matrons of honor, Mrs. Marvie Young-Lim, said the bride "meticulously and painstakingly" supervised the preparations, which included the food selection.
"Lahat ito, galing sa Manila. Imagine mo yung layo ng biyahe. Pero marami rin kasing pinagpilian... until this one, pumasa sa kanya."
Flags of the Philippines, Brazil, and other countries were placed around the venue. Each table had a marker bearing the names of local and international places.
Entertainment was not hard to find that evening. On stage, hosts Richard Gomez and Randy Santiago kept the crowd awake with their witty repartee.
John Estrada's interjections gave the program a feel of Palibhasa Lalake sans Joey Marquez. Yes, Chong (Joey's nickname) wasn't around and not one of his close friends could offer an explanation.
In the background, the music of 92 AD, Version 4.0, and South Border created a fun and laid-back mood.
John's children with Janice de Belen—Inah, Moira, Kayla, and Juan—sang "Rainbow" for their dad and stepmom during the couple's first dance, which was spiced up by a fireworks display.
At the traditional throwing of the bow tie and bouquet, Filipino-American Sam Milby and Brazilian Tatiana Amorim were declared winners. The two danced to Mariah Carey's "Thank God I Found You."
Priscilla introduced Brazil's version of the Money Dance, which required her husband John to do a "strip" dance. He also donned a scarf on which the guests pinned money.
John gamely followed his wife's instructions and danced from one table to the next. "It's for a good cause," he said. Pledges and donations will be given to the Brave Foundation, which helps kids with cancer.
The night ended with drinking and dancing like there's no tomorrow.
THE QUOTABLE QUOTES. The guests went home with lots of good memories and interesting stories.
Priscilla's mom, Marcia Regina Meirelles, delivered her message like a beauty queen. Yes, she asked her daughter to be her interpreter. "I don't speak English," she began.
