Jude Estrada, the youngest child of former president Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada and Sen. Luisa "Loi" Ejercito Estrada, married his San Juan neighbor and childhood sweetheart Ma. Rowena Ocampo yesterday, June 2, at seven in the evening, at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City.

Among the principal sponsors were Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Sergio Osmeña Jr; Jude's uncle Jessie Ejercito, and former Guimaras congresswoman Emily Lopez.

The guests, who came in the hundreds, filled the reception venue, the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati. Most of them are political allies and family friends: Senate President Manny Villar, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, actors Susan Roces, Boots Anson-Roa, and Eddie Garcia.

"Well, of course I'm very happy that finally he's settled down," said proud father Joseph Estrada. "Wedding like this is unlike the stock market, stock market have gainers and losers, in wedding celebrations, everybody are gainers."

Jude's brother Jinggoy Estrada added: "We would like to welcome Weng as part of our family also. Nakikita ko naman na matagal na silang nagmamahalan. Ang aking fervent hope and fervent wish sa kanila ay to remain faithful and loyal with one another."

"Masayang-masaya!" said the somewhat speechless groom when asked how he was feeling now that he's finally married.

The newly-weds will go on a Mediterranean cruise for their honeymoon next month.

June 2 also marks the 78th birthday of the groom's mom, Senator Loi, so it was a double celebration for the Estrada clan. Erap said to Loi: "Happy birthday, to my one and only wife. May you have many more. Don't worry, I promise not to talk about our age."