PAG-IISANG DIBDIB
“The Lagman-Arrieta Wedding”
August 14, 2005
It was about this time almost two years ago that Manang Alice “Arceo” (if my memory serves me right), the wife of Manong Edsel Arrieta called. I heard rumors months before that Manong Edsel, my cousin and a long time companion at Project 8, Quezon City, where we lived for more than a decade at my Aunt’s house in Dexter Street during the 70’s, was not feeling good for months. It was a post at the Arrieta-Rodrigazo Group at Yahoo that caught my attention. The Rodrigazo-Arrieta clan were so close with each other that they knew what’s news from every member of the family. This is because three Arrieta brothers namely: Abundio “Abun” Sr., Artemio “Artem, Sr. and Napoleon “Poling” from Libacao, Aklan - married three Rodigazo sisters: “Lydia”, “Nelie and “Elpha”, from Murcia, Negros Occidental.
It was also during those moments (months before) when I fetched my mother, Zenaida Rodrigazo Luga, from the airport and brought her straight to the hospital where she was later on diagnosed as suffering from cancer in the 4th degree. We were lucky that Lenny De Jesus Cañizares now Fernandez, the head of the Pulmonary Division, UP-PGH, was our cousin in the father side. Lenny’s mother belongs to the “Luga” clan who were originally from Sagay, Negros Occidental. Lenny was Mamang’s doctor. Words can't express the good deeds she extended to us in those times of need. It is in Mamang’s memory that I am posting this page by reminiscing the events as it unfold prior her death. Comes July 20, 2007, she is supposedly celebrating her 75th Birthday and I was thankful that the people she loved most were, in one way or the other, at her bedside before she left this earthly world. It was her wish to see the members of Rodrigazo-Arrieta clan, her family. When I told her about the result of the medical examinations she told me: “Don’t tell it to them first. Gusto ko maganda ako pag nakita nila ako. Ayoko ko nang ganito. So, I gave all that she wanted out of what she entrusted me even if she did not ask for it.” Please say a prayer on her birthday this July.
Celine, the eldest daughter of Manong Edsel is about to get married on August 14, 2005! That’s why Manang Alice called me to ask if I could cover the event. Sure!
The year 2004-2005 was the most glamorous year for me. It was in those years that I covered about eight (8) weddings, more than four (4) debuts and more than four (4) birthday coverage a year. It was the year when I engaged in digital photography professionally as a photographer where only few has digital cameras unlike today where cellphones can document even the most heavenly affairs. Two years back, we were in video production and editing with my nephew Voltaire John Santillan, the eldest son of our eldest sister Manang Realyn, who passed away a year before. Voltaire is now a producer at the 700 Club. He was formerly a writer, director and editor at NBN Channel 4. He used to be the writer for Usec. Robert T. Rivera in his show Pilipinas Ngayon Na! Who later on became a friend and client.
Celine is about to get married to “Carlo” of the Lagman Clan from Pampanga, who were originally from Bicol, a cousin of Edcel Lagman. What a co-incidence - our cousin, Abundio Arrieta, Jr., now with the Laurel Law Office, was a former partner of Edcel Lagman at the Arrieta, Lagman and Romero Law Office and Miguel “Mike” Romero, is from Bais, Negros Oriental, where the roots of my grandmother Beatriz Villanueva Somoza Luga originally came.
It was a grand reunion for the Rodrigazo-Arrieta clan. Shirley Arrieta, whose husband Norberto Regalado who occupies influential stature in the Grand Mazonry Lodge (our brothers in darkness)in New York flew in to attend the affair. Atty. Abundio “Bunz” Arrieta Jr. with his brother Franklin and wife Manang Tensie with daughter Tweeny, now a lawyer at the Court of Appeals (descendants of Lydia and Abundio Sr.) were there. Manang Ingrid Del Mundo, their sister who takes care of their businesses in Bukidnon did not make it because of previous commitments. Manong Pete and wife with daughter (descendants of Tiya’y Elpha and Tiyo’y Poling) were there too. Manang Sharon Nessia, married to Edgar Guevarra (if my memory serves me right), was with her son. While, Mimi, Kay and my sister Pil, who was represented by her husband Kuya Jim Borja, MTC Judge in Lipa City, Batangas, and son Carlo, were in U.S.
The immediate family of the bride and her immediate relatives, New Yorkers Manang Shirley with her husband Manong Norbing; Manong Dante with wife and daughter, Sonny with wife and kids; and, of course, Manong Edsel and Manang Alice, the parents of the bride and their children were so delighted. Jones and Kent did not make it. While Manang Freya is in London.
Carlo on the Lagman clan is with his parents who invited in Eddie Garcia, whose wife is the cousin of Carlo's father. I met Eddie later during the FAMAS Awarding at Usec. Rivera’s show Pilipinas Ngayon Na!
Pardon me for those I have not mentioned, there were so many who attended the gathering. Aside from Eddie, I was told that there were other celebrities who attended the event. I was so busy with my passion. Richele, Manang Vic-Vic’s daughter served as my assistant. I’m proud that she is now with the ABS-CBN as talent coordinator enjoying her job. I hope to feature Manang Alice and her Catering Service, Manong Labing and his Photograhic Services in New York and those of you who wish to be included in my page in the future. Feel free to contact me. Here are the pictures long overdue:
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