Welcome to the Christian world, Zaid and Ziv!
The youngest sons of Afficionado founder Joel Cruz were baptized yesterday, March 31, at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati City.
Zaid, nine months, and Ziv, four months, had a total of 94 godparents at their baptism.
Personally chosen by Joel, the godparents were comprised of friends from various fields−politics, business, and showbiz.
Some of them were also schoolmates and classmates of Joel from elementary, high school, and college.
Speaking to the press before the start of the reception dinner at Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Joel was grateful to all the ninongs and ninangs for accepting his invitation.
He said, "Mukhang binyagan ng taon kasi kanina lang sa church nalula rin ako. Ang dami-daming ninong ang ninang.
"I'm so happy kasi hindi ko ini-expect na mag-sho-show up silang lahat, mag-a-attend sila ng church ceremony, ng baptism.
"I was so happy na nakaparaming ninang, ninong. Baka mapalagay ako sa Guinness Book of World Records na napakaraming ninang and ninong.
"But I'm so happy kasi dami talaga nagmamahal sa akin, sa family ko, and ang daming nagsu-support."
Among the celebrities spotted at the baptism was actress Jackie Lou Blanco.
Also actor-director Ricky Davao
Actress Gloria Diaz
Entertainment reporters Jobert Sucaldito and Ahwel Paz
Lifestyle hosts Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Johnny Litton
Among the politicians, there was former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson.
Former Laguna Governor ER Ejercito and Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano
Other names included on the list of ninongs and ninangs were actress Sunshine Cruz; actress Carmina Villaroel; actor Jason Abalos; beauty queen Vickie Rushton; former actress Ynez Veneracion; actress-hosts Camille Prats and Dianne Medina, and Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Sonny Angara, and Bam Aquino.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Singers provided the music for the ceremony.
Grand Baptismal Party
Joel booked the Rizal Ballroom for his sons' baptismal party.
The perfume magnate intially anticipated over 600 guests, but the confirmed number reached over 700.
Guests were treated to an eight-course meal, with the UST Singers and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. providing entertainment.
Singers Alisah Bonaobra and David Ezra also performed for the night.
Dulce and Martin Nievera, godparents to Baby Ziv, sang for Joel and his family as well.
Martin even did a duet with Joel, singing the Concert King's hit classic "Kahit Isang Saglit."
The party ended with a mini production of the Disney film-turned-broadway musical, Lion King.
