Sen.Bong Revilla and Rep. Lani Mercado Renewed Their Vows
In commemoration of their 25th wedding anniversary, Senator Bong Revilla and Rep. Lani Mercado renewed their marriage vows on May 28, 2011 Saturday, 3 p.m. at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Villamor Airbase.
The couple first weds in a nonsectarian ceremony in 1986 at the Forest Lawn Memorial in Glendale, California, USA.
In 1996, they had their Catholic wedding in Bacoor, Cavite.
The wedding reception was held in Harbour Tent of Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
Among the principal sponsors who graced the event were former President Joseph Estrada, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon, former Speaker Jose de Venecia, PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, GMA-7 SVP for Entertainment Wilma Galvante, TV host German Moreno, Regal Films matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde and talent manager and talk show host Lolit Solis.
President Noynoy Aquino was unable to attend the wedding ceremony and reception. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was not able to make it either but she sent a message to the couple. Former President Fidel V. Ramos was also a no-show.
The couple’s sons Brian and Jolo Revilla were Best Men and daughter Inah del Rosario was the Matron of Honor.
Groomsmen are Ramon Vicente Bautista, Jorge Vicente del Rosario, and Luigi Santos.
Maria Viktoria Gianna Bautista and Ma. Franzel Loudette Bautista is the bridesmaids.
Secondary sponsors are Phillip Salvador and Lorna Tolentino (candle), Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Jinkee Pacquiao (veil), at Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Precy Ejercito (cord).
Confirming his commitment to his wife after 25 years of marriage, Bong told Lani:
“When I saw you 27 years ago, I knew I wanted to marry you and for you to become the mother of my children. You are the only soul meant on this earth for me. I will not change… I will be the same Bong that you fell in love with. Till death do us part.
“They say that behind every successful man is a strong woman, and they’re right. Thank you for being a pillar for me during my political career. I will choose you to be my wife and the mother of my children in the next life. May the Lord bless us for another 25 years.
“I love you. I love you. I’m yours alone forever.”
Lani was emotional as she said her piece: “Papa, we both know people have their own way of looking at our relationship. We proved them wrong.
“I never suffered from the intrigues, except the you-know-what. I never suffer. I just keep on loving and understanding you. I don’t expect any more hurts from the you-know-what department from this day forwards, Papa.”
As soon as Lani mentioned the “you-know-what” referring to intrigues that affected their marriage in the past, there was a low murmur in the crowd while Bong simply smiled.
She continued: “Thank you for being my greatest leading man. Kahit pitong beses lang tayo nagkasama, ikaw pa rin ang leading man sa araw-araw na shooting natin sa ‘The Life and Times of Bong and Lani.’
“Sana ay mahalin mo pa ako kahit lola na ako.”
Paolo Contis and Iza Calzado served as hosts of the program that started from 7 p.m. and lasted until 10 p.m.
La Diva, the singing trio of Jonalyn Viray, Maricris Garcia and Aicelle Santos, sang “The Prayer” at the start of the program.
Ogie Alcasid performed several songs that night, including a duet with his pregnant wife, Regine Velasquez.
