My Version of IV-ISAIAH's Prophecy

♫ Grow Old with You ♫

By: Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco

Graduation really is not the end of our journey, it is indeed the start of a greater combat wherein we made utmost decisions in our life and that is choosing the course we are about to take in college and discerning on the way of life we have in the future. Join me as I read the next chapters of my life and unfold the hidden wonders of it.

Thinking that my profession as a Biology professor in University of the Philippines Diliman Campus would made my life complete, I am but wrong. Science really was my first love but I found the real and true love on someone. Someone who captivated my heart and if she would agree with me, I want her to be my wife for life.

A friend in need is a friend indeed. After high school I made sure that I can always keep in touch with my best friends so that in times of dilemma, I know the persons to call. Knowing my friends personally, I know that they can help me. First person to contact was a friend and a mother to me MS. ARRIANNE ENRIQUEZ who is now the foundress of a children foundation which cares for the less-fortunate children and orphans or should I say she is the reincarnation of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Next in line is ATTY. ROYZ YANGA, one of my close friends way back in high school and proudly an alumnus of Harvard College of Law. Two down, two to go. Search for MR. MIKHAEL PETITO wasn’t really a tough one since he is working as a management accountant in a company nearby Diliman. Last on my list but definitely not the least is a well-renowned photographer who recently received Nobel Piece Price, my friend and companion, MR. CHESTER DE GUZMAN. The reason why I asked for their help is to accompany me in my marriage proposal and soon-to-be-realized wedding with my high school sweetheart who is now a pharmacist and owner of chains of drugstores all over Philippines; she is none other than MS. LAURA DAY MANALANSAN – soon to be my wife.

Marriage really is not a noun but rather verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day so it took me long sleepless nights thinking of the best way to have her sweetest “I DO”. After months of courting her, it’s time for pay-off when my high school allies ATTY. LEIANNE MARIAM VITUG and ATTY. DAYANARA MAE VITUG which are now both professors of law in Ateneo de Manila University solved the dilemma which enervates my being. They asked the Bukas Palad choir to accompany me as I sing her a love song (Grow old with you) during a romantic date. At that very moment it feels like I’m in heaven when I heard her whisper the words “I DO”. I really couldn’t imagine that Laura would be my wife but there is no time to rejoice and I want the wedding to be materialized as soon as possible.

“I want to make you smile whenever you’re sad, carry you around when your arthritis is bad, all I want to do is grow old with you” the lyrics from the song which captivated my fiancé’s heart keeps on circulating in my mind.

Instantaneously, we conceptualized and planned for the wedding ceremony. Our wedding could not be realized without these persons whom selflessly offered their self in order to make this event an unforgettable one. So I want to extend to them our fervent thanks. Choosing bridal gown is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when you and your fiancé decide to tie the knot so first on our list is the wedding gown, dresses and barong. Thank God we found MS. FLORENCIA RICA QUITO, one of the best designers in town offered her talent to do the job. She made a serpentina-style wedding dress made of hand-embroidered piña fabric. Every wedding calls for a perfect reception and exquisite ambiance that will give you a memorable experience. MS. DONITA ANNE PATIAG and MS. MA. LUCILLA PAULA EVANGELISTA offered their 7-star hotel located right in the heart of the city. It is a sanctuary of refined taste and charming service – every detail has been thoughtfully arranged to ensure a memorable celebration. . Next to the reception, flowers are the most expensed item in a bridal couple's budget since my fiancé wanted the motif to be blue; hyacinth was chosen to be the bridal flower for it signifies constancy of relationship. MS. ERIKA GUEVARRA and MS. GRACIELLE LAGATAO who are now businesswomen and the owners of “Wedding Floral Garden”, one of the most exuberant flower gardens in Philippines extend their helping hand to us. Every girl who has always wanted to be a bride must have already envisioned the glittering diamond ring her fiancé would give as he asks for her hand in marriage. Good thing MR. LOUIE LESTER NATE and MR. MAR LOUIS SABINO who are the owners of the largest jewelry business in Asia offered the famous blood diamond to be our wedding ring. Wedding cakes are more than just a sweet finale to the ceremony and reception; they’re also a major style statement. MS. JANIE MAE SANTOS, now a field auditor gave the wedding cake made with a tropical theme and aquamarine as base color, and complemented with silver, lilac, and white. Hair, make-up and our over all looks were a masterpiece of Grandeur Salon which is very famous in Europe, it was owned by MS. CHRISTINE PANGANIBAN, an eminent Filipino entrepreneur. Sumptuous and delectable food such as Shark's Fin Soup, Stir-Fried Sea Cucumber with Pork Tendon and Dried Mushrooms, Steamed Sea Asparagus, and Royal Sizzler was prepared by a world-class chef, MR DALE AUDI VIBAR. The famed Quiapo Church which is home to the centuries-old, miraculous image of the Black Nazarene was chosen as the wedding church. It was recently reconstructed by ENGR. FRENZIE RENSAELLER FRANCISCO and ENGR. LEOMAR PECSON with the connivance of ARCHITECT LOUISA MAE CASTRO and ARCHITECT MARIA PAULA SULIT. Mercedes Benz E Class Limousine 6-door limo was chosen as the bridal car which was designed and made by ENGR. ALDRIN SANTOS, who is now the chief engineer of Mercedes Benz. MS. HELEN JOY NUCUM, CEO of Nickelodeon Company offered a gift or keepsake for the people we had invited to attend our wedding, it’s a rosary blessed by Pope Bennedict XVI. She really visited the Vatican City just to bring the rosary there and to be blessed by the Pope (she’s really a religious one). MR. KENNETH GLOBIO and MS. MISHYLE BAGUIO, both an accountant of a printing press company worked hard for our wedding invitation which is a shimmering aqua invitation which features a mocha pocket and a sea mist ribbon, making it a charming choice for our big event. Our honeymoon in the city of lights – Paris was sponsored by MS. HAZEL RIA DE LEON and MS. JUSTINE DIMAILIG both prominent accountant in Europe. The place was named La Tremoille which associates the brilliant architecture of the Hausmann era with a contemporary elegant style. On our way to Paris we are assisted by MS. GEREMIA VICTORIA NOCON and MS. MARY GRACE SALINAS both flight stewardess. They made our trip very comfortable when we are in the plane. Dr. Maria Leonora Tolentino and Dr. Ilyka Ines Reyes, both resident doctors of St. Luke’s Medical Center, promised to accompany us when my wife became pregnant (but pregnancy was about to happen maybe 2 or 3 years from now because we want to enjoy life being with one another first). Among the guests were MS. AUDREY MENDOZA, MS. JOVELYN OCAMPO and MS. SHIRLEY ANNE LAXAMANA, they are all excellent in field of accountancy and MS. ABIGAIL BONGALOS, now a nurse in Philippine General Hospital. Although her schedule was very hectic, I’m very happy to see in the crowd MS. EDLYN MALANG, now an international model in Japan.

The moment from entourage where I got Laura’s hand from her parents up to the time when we exchanged vows in front of Jesus Christ and the crowd I really couldn’t help but to cry. I really couldn’t imagine that season is rapidly changing and now I am already married. I feel very grateful and blessed because our wedding wasn’t just a ceremony that tied up the newlyweds, it is also became a simple way of reuniting my high school classmates, a moment where we see each other once again, a time where we can reminisce days of old in our alma mater where we were first molded as a better individuals. I really missed this day wherein we’re altogether, happy just like a family. I know they are all busy in their respective career but I’m really thankful that they left their work just to attend our wedding, their presence was already a present. Million thanks to my friends and classmates for this wondrous event wouldn’t be possible without their support.

The ceremony was ended by bouquet and garter toss and dancing and fun. The night would also not end without a toast. The event really was a joyous scenario and I don’t even want this event to end.

“I want to make you smile whenever you’re sad, carry you around when your arthritis is bad, all I want to do is grow old with you” the wedding ceremony really ended.

But the celebration hasn’t ended yet for MR. JORBY ALEXIS SORIANO who is now the captain of his ships offered a cruise around Asia. So, ISAIAH ’09-’10, pack up your things and basic necessities cause we are about to circumnavigate Asia. Asia! Here we come.
A picture taking inside the ship as if we are the casts of “Titanic” ended this journey for a while. Join me again as I reminisce the days of old and discover what our life would be when we all became old.