Jude Estrada marries his childhood sweetheart
Photography: Melo Balingit
Updated: 06/04/2008
Views: 462
Jude and Rowena Ocampo tied the knot last June 2, at Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City.

-
Jude was going to Aquinas School, Rowena was studying in Poveda Learning Center. They were childhood sweethearts.
Twenty years later, the puppy love culminates in a grand wedding.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
BEST MAN. Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the eldest son of former president Joseph Estrada, is very happy for his brother. Later that evening, he welcomes Weng (the bride's nickname) to the Ejercito clan.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
BEST MAN. Redmond Christopher Domingo, or Cogie to his fans, is a good friend to the senator and the groom.
In fact, he watched the recent fight of Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas with the sons of Erap.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
THE GROOM. At 40, Jude finds himself walking down the aisle of matrimony.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
THE GROOM'S PARENTS. The former president is very happy for his youngest son with Senator Loi Ejercito, who turned a year older that day.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
PRINCIPAL SPONSORS. Politics, showbiz, and business people gather at the wedding of Jude and Weng.
Ninong Sen. Serge Osmeña at Ninang Ma. Teresa Lopez during the march.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
PRINCIPAL SPONSORS. Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and Mercedes Pardo.
The former is a known ally of the former president, the latter is the wife of Finance Secretary Jose T. Pardo, who served during the term of the former president.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
-
CORD SPONSORS. Tonton Gutierrez marches with Sen. Jinggoy's charming wife, Precy.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
THE MATRON OF HONOR. Jackie Ejercito-Lopez is one of Weng's closest friends.
In fact, when Jackie got married in 1999, Weng was one of her bridesmaids.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
HERE COMES THE BRIDE. Looking radiant in her Paul Cabral gown, Rowena Ocampo meets her husband-to-be at the altar with her dad, Rodolfo Ocampo Sr.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
One of the few times the bride and groom get emotional is when Weng's dad gives her hand to Jude.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
No jitters for the childhood sweethearts about to be husband and wife before God's eyes.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
The much-awaited climax of the ceremony: Bishop Ted Bacani announces, "You may now kiss the bride."
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Rachelle Ann Go is the Ejercitos' favorite wedding singer.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Christian Bautista also performs at the wedding and reception.
The former singing sweethearts were accompanied by Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Maja Salvador arrives with John Ling, a US-based concert promoter.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Veteran character actor Eddie Garcia with Mowelfund Executive Director Boots Anson-Roa.
The two are close friends of the former president.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Erap and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, a known member of the opposition.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Erap's friendship has been tested by time. During EDSA 2, the two had a falling out, but they reconciled in 2003. Some political analysts say the former president was one of the main reasons Mayor Lim won in the May 2007 elections.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
The couple send invites to more than 700 people. Included in the VIP list are the names of Susan Roces (far left), widow of Erap's closest kumpare FPJ, and the Mayor Binay (far right) with wife Elenita.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Multi-awarded actor Yul Servo is spotted at the reception venue: Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-La.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Sheryl Cruz, niece of Susan Roces, graces the celebration, too.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Comedian-restaurant owner Bayani Agbayani with Ms. Shirley Kuan, manager of KC Concepcion and Joyce Jimenez, among others.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Action star turned politician Jorge Estregan (middle), cousin of the
groom, his wife, and Mandy Ochoa, who hosted the evening's affair.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Just before the wedding toast offered by the groom's dad, the newly-weds share a tender moment.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
The cutting of the cake, a wedding tradition which dates back to the medieval period.
Photography: Melo Balingit
-
Finally, Jude and Weng dance as husband and wife.
Photography: Melo Balingit
