WISHES
MANILA, JANUARY 12, 2012
(STAR) By Delon Porcalla - President Aquino wishes only the best
for Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad, his former girlfriend, in her upcoming
wedding with Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo on Jan. 22.
In a chance interview at SM Mall of Asia, President Aquino said the family is
the most basic institution in any society, and expressed hope that the
Romulo-Soledad nuptial would be one that is strong.
"Our emphasis is always to strengthen family," he said. "We believe that a
lot of the solutions to the problems in the country will be best addressed by a
family that is strong, united and strengthening and caring for the children that
they bring into this world.
"We hope that this will be what the union of Roman and Shalani will be able
to achieve.
"They have found the right person in each other. They will be able to nurture
the children that they will be bringing into this world, more responsible,
productive citizens joining our society."
[PHOTO - Noynoy kisses Shalani in LP oathtaking, NOV 24,
2009]
Aquino could not yet say, however, if he could attend the wedding, because he
has to check his schedule for that day.
"Normally iyung schedule ko and my wishes are not synchronized," he said.
"In this particular case, I would have to provide the appointments committee
the reasons for attending that particular event. It's not my decision, there are
so many factors I have to weigh.
"I don't look at my schedule earlier than a day or two days before because it
really makes one exhausted, just reading all the engagements you have to go to.
So I don't know what Jan. 22 has in store for me.
"I have so many roles and all those roles consume all the time that I have
available.
"Normally, if I ask for personal time, the last trip that I had to Tarlac
took me four to five months to organize."
When asked what would be his gift to the couple, he said he has not yet had
time to attend to it.
"I haven't been to the bridal registry," he said.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda declared in a news briefing: "May the
road rise to meet you. May the wind always be at your back," reciting a portion
of the Irish blessing and prayer for couples.
He clarified, however, that a check with the office of Aquino showed that no
invitation to the wedding has yet been received by the Chief Executive.
"We just confirmed with the Private Office that the President has not yet
received an invitation and we will let you know what the response of the
President will be," the spokesman said.
Soledad was Aquino's girlfriend for almost two years until their separation
sometime in October 2010, or a few months after the President assumed office.
They were a couple before the 2010 presidential campaign started, or when
Aquino was still a senator.
Romulo belongs to the ruling Liberal Party where Aquino sits as
chairman. He belongs to the administration coalition in the House of
Representatives.
The lawmaker said he is hoping the President would attend their wedding.
"He (President Aquino) is invited. Although we understand that he is a very
busy person kasi presidente siya (because he is the president), hopeful kami na
makarating din siya ( we hope he will attend)," he told ABS-CBN News earlier.
Meanwhile, the couple shared that Soledad will be walking down the aisle
alone and not escorted by her parents.
"It's the bride's moment and she is old enough to stand on her own. I'm
looking forward to a long, long life with Shalani," Romulo said.
The couple is expecting more than 400 guests for the wedding.
Veteran fashion designer Inno Sotto has been tasked to design "a simple
wedding dress" for Soledad. This is in keeping with the couple's decision to
have a "simple and private" wedding ceremony to be held in St. Benedict Church
in Silang, Cavite.
Romulo also said they decided not to grant exclusive media coverage for the
wedding.
The couple is still deciding if they will spend their honeymoon in Amanpulo,
Palawan.
Last September, Romulo announced his engagement to Soledad. He proposed to
her at the Our Lady of Fatima church in Valenzuela.
Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE
NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved
PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS
ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE
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