Our Songbird is now REGINE VELASQUEZ-ALCASID (Thank you for "Saving this Date" 12.22.10 with us!!!)

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MANILA, Philippines— The bride wore a flaming red gown, her signature color, to her wedding.

Singer-actress Regine Velasquez, who tied the knot on Wednesday with longtime boyfriend, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, “derives power from that color,” her friend, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

The off-shoulder outfit was a creation of Monique Lhuiller, the US-based Filipino designer who has also designed gowns for Hollywood celebrities Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Kristen Stewart and Hillary Duff.

Alcasid’s gray suit was by Randy Ortiz. “I have nothing against the barong Tagalog. It’s just that parang mas pogi kasi ako (it appears I look better in a suit),” he told the Inquirer in a previous interview.

The ceremony was held at The Peak, Terrazas de Punta Fuego Resort, Nasugbu, Batangas.

The wedding rite was set in time for the sunset. “A thousand butterflies were released while Regine was walking down the aisle. They all clung to her. It was an amazing sight,” Laurel said. “Everyone cried when the couple exchanged their marriage vows.”

Velasquez sang the APO Hiking Society original “Awit ng Pag-ibig” as part of her wedding pledge. She ended it by saying: “I’ve never felt so happy all my life.”

Hyped as the “Wedding of the Decade,” the Christian ceremony began at 4 p.m., officiated by Pastor Clem Guillermo and Nasugbu Mayor Tony Barcelon.

President Aquino was one of the groomsmen.

“The swimming pool was covered with fiberglass. The couple crossed it and climbed a flight of stairs on their way to the altar. It was so romantic,” said Redgie Acuña-Magno, GMA 7 senior program manager.

The all-male vocal group Tux performed at the ceremony.

Actress Sharon Cuneta, one of the principal sponsors, failed to make it to the event. Cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo, who was also a ninang, chose not to join the march of the bridal entourage.

Alcasid’s former wife, 1994 Miss Universe-Australia Michelle van Eimeren, and her new husband Mark Morrow, were the couple’s candle bearers. Van Eimeren, who runs a flower shop business in Australia, also took care of the floral arrangements.

Alcasid’s daughter Leila was Velasquez’s maid of honor. Alcasid’s brother Antonio was his best man. His seven-year-old daughter Sarah served as the Bible bearer.

At 6:30 p.m. the newlyweds greeted their guests as Mr. and Mrs. Alcasid for the first time.

“The reception was just across the place where the ceremony was held,” Magno said.

The food was served by Juan Carlo catering.

Spotted at the party were Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., Ryan Cayabyab, Michael V., Gary Valenciano, Ruffa and Richard Gutierrez, Kuh Ledesma, Mitch Valdez, Randy and Rowell Santiago, John Prats, Ai Ai de las Alas, Noel Cabangon, Vernie Vargas, Richard Gomez and wife Rep. Lucy Torres, Erik Santos, Agot Isidro, Sarah Geronino, Gloria Diaz and singer-actress Leah Salonga, also an Inquirer entertainment columnist.

Also present were the couple’s co-hosts on the GMA 7 program “Party Pilipinas” — Jolina Magdangal, Jay-R, Kyla, Jaya Ramsey, Rachel Ann Go, Mark Bautista, Gian Magdangal, and Janno Gibbs, who was also one of the groomsmen.

Ramsey’s daughter Sabriya was one of the flower girls, while the vow sponsors were George and John, the couple’s pet dogs.

The couple had been tightlipped about the date and venue of the wedding.

“It’s one time that we’d like to experience a semblance of privacy,” Alcasid told the Inquirer in a previous chat.

But in a press conference in August, GMA 7 senior vice president for entertainment TV Wilma Galvante preempted Alcasid, breaking the news with details. She said it would be a “wedding concert,” as the best local performers would all be there. She added that the Kapuso network would air a TV special on the event on December 26.
By Marinel Cruz of Philippine Daily Inquirer


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