Wedding PartyWedding Party
Pauline Anne GrazianoPauline Anne Graziano
Matron of Honor
Pau is a Senior Master Sergeant in the US Air Force. Serving the country and her countrymen for almost 24 years now. (Thank you for your service babes!!) She is smart, sociable and outgoing. She is a loving wife to Frank and the most wonderful mom to my God son Jered. She is supportive and caring to her 5 younger siblings! She stepped up and helped her single Mom in raising her siblings and helped them get their degrees. A selfless love from their super Ate! She has the purest love for the people who are dear to her heart. I met Pau 29 years ago. I never thought we’d be best of friends. No time difference nor thousands of miles hinder the friendship we have. We’ve shared tons of memories together, adventure, laughters, and tears. This is the longest relationship I will ever had. Even if we don’t talk everyday, we are still connected by heart. My soul sister!
Karen EchinKaren Echin
Bridesmaid
I met Karen when I went back to school to take up my BSN. We were both irregular students so we usually waited for the same class and shared those breaks together. We both love eating noodles in 711 during our breaks so we started calling each other “Oodles”. Never thought we’d clicked but here we are after 19 years, treasuring each other’s soul for being present in each other’s lifetime. She’s one of my best-test friend! We’d argue like cats and dogs but we’d shake it off and be a sweety sweetsweet again after a few minutes. I feel blessed to have her as my soul sister!
Ma. Bethelda DarasMa. Bethelda Daras
Bridesmaid
I met Beth halfway in our BSN days. We were together all the time, she’s always in my apartment. She’s my little sister. It was a coincidence that her elder sister Berna was once a close friend in Elementary. (How God works in mysterious ways!) My son, Mitchell even knows that Beth’s 3 kids are his cousins and they all love each other. I consider her my family that’s how much I love this little sister of mine.
Christina VistroChristina Vistro
Bridesmaid
Christina’s family and friends call her Gay and she has an older brother called Happy and their youngest called Glad, she has one big cheerful family. I met Gay 26 years ago, we went in the same University and were in the same circle of friends. It was a blessing having her as one of my best test friends. We are each other’s prayer warrior. We’ve worked in the same company together, not once but twice! She is very smart, talented, has a good heart and has a hell of humor in that petite body of hers no wonder she met her match, Jerome. We might not talk or see each other that often but our hearts and souls are intertwined to be friends for this lifetime.
Anna Niña Fe YuAnna Niña Fe Yu
Bridesmaid
I met Niña in my Senior high school and we instantly became close, together with Ghilda (my wedding planner) and Denise! We became soul sisters ever since, 28 years and I think for the rest of this lifetime.The four of us hit it like no other. Probably because we all understand, and shared the same experiences in life during that time. We all enjoyed and cherished that last year in high school. Whenever we see each other and hang out (when time permits) it just seems like it was just yesterday when we last saw each other.
Grace PaduaGrace Padua
Bridesmaid
Ate Grace, is my cousin. She was the miniature Barbie of the family. Beautiful and petite 4’11”. I remember as I was growing up my grandma would always gather us around every occasion that’s why we grew up close to each and every one of us. I remember we always spend time together, every day for a whole year when my Mom passed. We had to stay with my grandma for a year. For the whole year we would visit my Mom’s grave every day with my cousins. I was a teenager that time so we spent a lot of time together, listening to music and sharing each other’s hopes and dreams. I remember she has lots of suitors back then trying to woo her but my Tito was strict, and the winner stood still by her side, Kuya Max! I’m glad that up till now we are still close and that she is one of my bridesmaids!
Jeralaine LariosJeralaine Larios
Bridesmaid
Jeluve is what I started calling her, when she came to this world. I would help out my brother and sister-in-law in taking care of her. I would bring her to my apartment and stayed with me during the weekends just us 2, so my Dad can have a breather coz he’s the one looking after her when her parents were working. I loved taking care of her and taking her out when I was not busy in school, and I loved spending time with my family. Those were the days! I remember when she was little she would always tell me I want to grow up just like you. She would always tell me I’m beautiful and sexy and want to be like me! (Right?! Who would not love that?!!) LOL!! She would put on my uniform and would say that she wants to be a nurse like tita! Sniff!! Now she’ all grown up and has a love life already! I’m glad that she’s studying hard and doing very well in school. I always pray that she would be whatever she wants to be when she grows up! She’s my not so little pumpkin anymore, but will forever be my pumpkin!
Windell MollenidoWindell Mollenido
Best Man
My little brother is married to his loving wife Erin. He has a cute Corgi, McCormick. When we were kids, we shared the same bedroom until we reached high school. I remembered our father had a strict bed time for us at 8 pm. It was difficult to fall asleep that early, so my brother and I would talk about favorite action movie stars, NBA players, videos games, etc. When dad checks up on us, we would fake sleep until he leaves then we resumed our conversations. Our conversations lessened throughout high school and even more when I left for college. I did not expect to miss my little brother so much when I was overseas. I miss having somebody back me up when I was in trouble. I miss the innocent conversations. I miss having somebody to keep me company when I was down. I appreciate my brother doing his best to catch up with all the lost time.
Dr. Rey MollenidoDr. Rey Mollenido
Groomsman
The older brother who set the bar so high. My Manong Rey is my first cousin, but we can actually be brothers. His mom is sisters with mother and his father is brothers with my father. My parents always told me to strive to be just like my Manong Rey who is smart,respectful and responsible. So they told me to follow his follow steps. I went to college in Iloilo, took a pre med course, but I did not follow through the with the last step of going into medicine. All throughout my life, I looked up to him. He helped me adjust to life in the Philippines when I started college. He guided me to the correct path in life.
Earl MollenidoEarl Mollenido
Groomsman
My Manong Earl is another brother of mine. He is Rey's younger brother. . He is a US Air Force and US Navy veteran. Married to his loving wife Berry, with 3 children.He is the cool and easy going cousin of mine who always wants to have fun. When I was younger, I remembered him having dance parties all the time at his house in Molo. He took my brother and I to the arcades whenever we visited him. I was always at awe in his abilities to draw. I admire his piece on an X-Men drawing. I cannot draw if my life depended on it. So I remembered distinctively him helping me on 3 separate drawing projects for middle school. He went out of his way for me which I will never forget.
Rudolph GanzonRudolph Ganzon
Groomsman
We met during my college years in University of San Agustin. He was trying to recruit me for a basketball team at that time during the intramurals. Then we started to hang out more. We had the same interests like basketball, drinking, and girls. I actually believe I introduced him to his wife, Diana. No wonder he was missing in action after they met. We always started pregaming at the compound in Molo and ending the night closing the bars in Smallville. He was always a people person. It is fitting to see him as Iloilo City Counselor with bigger aspirations in the future.
Alain DabanAlain Daban
Groomsman
Met Alain at a baketball tournament. He was very outgoing and friendly. He kept calling plays for me from the sidelines. I had no idea who he was or if he was betting on the game. Found out he was Rudolph's cousin and from there we started being drinking buddies. He told me that if ever I needed somebody to talk to or just have drinks, hit him up. Well, I practically called him everyday. All the enjoyable parties, basketball games on Sundays, hanging out at Butchie's place, cock fighting events at the coliseum, and family gatherings. Alain is the jack of all trades. Countless of times Alain got me out of trouble. I always relied on him. No matter what, he was there for me when I needed him. He is true friend that cannot be replaced.
Dr. Patrick PalmaresDr. Patrick Palmares
Groomsman
When I arrived to Iloilo for college, Patrick became one of my closest friend. He helped me transition to college life in the Philippines. I didn't know about photocopying books and notes for class. Or how to obtain supplies for lab. I remembered that I needed a live frog for anatomy class. I thought I can just buy one from a pet store. I was wrong and he caught one for me. It was a learning process to adjust to the way things are in the Philippines. He noticed I was lonely and showed me around Iloilo. We bonded over drinks in Barracks, the countless times we played billiards after class, playing Warcraft in the internet cafe, and our study groups at my apartment or at Uncle Tom's. Patrick was always smart, dependable, and helpful. He was truly there for me when I needed a friend.
Jered Lester HoylaJered Lester Hoyla
Groomsman
Jered is Michelle’s godson. He is a football player in Navarre Raiders and a sweet and loving son to his mom Pau. He was 3 when I first met him. He was our first baby boy, now all grown up as a fine young man. I remember Michelle and I calls each other babe and he started calling me babe as well, it was hilarious. He will tell me that his Ninang Mitch is his Sweetie and I knew that he will grow up to be a sweet boy. We would play games before when he was little. I would buy hims toys so we can play and I would download movies for him, so he can be busy watching and I will be busy with his Ninang but he would ask us both to watch the movies with him, so plan failed. Michelle and I are both happy whenever we’ll get to see him every now and then, we are both proud of the man that he is becoming.
Florian Dhanna PalacayFlorian Dhanna Palacay
Flower Girl
Dhanna is my niece from my cousin, Don-don. She’s probably a future pop star with her graceful dance moves with matching sing-a-long to tune of the music. Mitchell’s 2nd cousin whom he adores. He even wanted to take her with him back in LA just so he will have a playmate. My son loves all of his cousins and value the time he gets to spend with them when we visit the mother land.
Jenaira Becca LariosJenaira Becca Larios
Flower Girl
Becca is my little pumpkin, Jeluve’s little sister. She is probably a future artist because she has a bright talent in sketching. She’s like an art work in the making! Mitchell loves spending time with her too. If we are out shopping, my son would think of his cousins too like “Oh Ate Becca likes that one, can I buy it for her”. That’s how Mitchell loves his cousins even if they are apart he never stops thinking about them. Always looking forward to the days that he will see them and get to hang out with them again.
Edwin Mitchell Mollenido IIIEdwin Mitchell Mollenido III
Ring Bearer
The little man of the family, our sweet son, the wonderful grandson to his grandparents, the comical nephew to his Aunts and Uncles, and the boss of his cousins. In his young age he shows interest in everything. He never runs out of questions and how everything started. The story of the world, our God and Jesus. He shows compassion to others at his young age. His curiosity to everything just flourish, and his kind heart will just amaze you how wonderful God had made him.
Jayce Geoff LariosJayce Geoff Larios
Bible Bearer
Geoff is my little pumpkin, Jeff’s only son. He is smart, he started to read at 4 and he has a gift in music that he can play the chords on the piano even just by listening to the song. He said he wants to be a pilot so he can travel the world and enjoy the hotel life, because he enjoys riding the plane when they visit Mitchell in Iloilo and he loves staying in the hotel with us. Mitchell’s Kuya Geoff, how he calls him. He loves playing with him too! If Mitchell can bring all his cousins with him wherever he goes he will do it.
Susan MollenidoSusan Mollenido
Mother of the Groom
The groom’s favorite person in the whole wide world that is how a little boy see their moms. She was the one who taught him the values and culture of the Filipinos. She looks beautiful for her age, all my friends and cousins adore her. I’m always thankful that God blessed me a loving mother-in-law that loves me like her own daughter. Mom is very hospitable and adores her children, they are her pride and joy. “She was the one who spoiled the boys”, as my father-in-law would put it, and spoiling the family’s little man. I’d say she is the Mom what every child would wish to have. The caring one, supportive, thoughtful, loving, sweet, finesse and funny too! I would say all in one package! My father-in-law is such a lucky lad to have a wife and private nurse all at the same time. For those who truly know me, I am a terse individual. So when I do express myself, it will be deep and meaningful. I remembered writing letters to my mother during college and opening up to her. As the years go by, I hardly have these open conversations with her. My wife made me realize how lucky I am to have a mother like her. My wife reminds me about the little things I need to do. I need to hug and kiss my mom. I need to thank her when she prepares food for me. I need to tell her I love her and be grateful for everything she does. My son knows better and behaves this way to his mom all the time. I need to learn from him. Even though I am older, I should not stop showing my gratitude towards her.
Edwin Mollenido SrEdwin Mollenido Sr
Father of the Groom
My father-in-law is a retired US Air Force. He served his country and countrymen for 25 years, and now living his life to the fullest. Looking and feeling good for a septuagenarian. He’s sweet, funny, loving, thoughtful and a good provider. His children look up to him and so is his little Edwin. My son said, “I want to be rich like Papa and Mama”. I’m lucky that my son gets to spend time with him. I love watching them when they play together, and the laughters that burst out of this tiny being. Dad might look tough but he has this soft spot to people who are in need. He has a big heart and always ready to help. I feel like I’m the luckiest daughter-in-law to call him Dad. My father is strict, disciplined, and is straight to the point. Values I thought he learned through the military, but it was from my Grandfather Ramon who was a police captain of Miagao. He made sure we were studying hard. He made up math problems for my brother and I to do when we had no school. My brother and I had to go to the library every week to check out books to read. Afterschool, we had to exercise and run laps around the block. At the time, I was frustrated becuase all I wanted to do was play when I had no school. Thought I was being punished, but school was easy for my brother and I. I was one of the fastest runners during PE. I realized my father was just creating the foundation for my brother and I to succeed in life. Even with his tough exterior, my father truly has a kind heart.
The Late Rebecca LariosThe Late Rebecca Larios
Mother of the Bride
In loving memory of the my late Mom that made a big impact to the woman I am today. We recognize her presence in spirit. I believe that Mom is happy with our Creator as she watches over me and my husband as we reiterate our wedding vows in front of the sacred sacrament. I am forever grateful for all the sacrifices she made when she was still alive. The woman that the groom fell in love with and the mother that Mitchell look up to and admire (every tiny bits of my being) exist because of the examples shown by my Mom, as I was growing up. My Mom lived her life for our family. A loving and loyal wife to my dad and the unparalleled love she bestowed upon us. That love we will carry in our hearts for the rest of this lifetime.
Alfredo Larios JrAlfredo Larios Jr
Father of the Bride
The father a little girl would have wished for, that is how I recall my childhood. He’s the playmate that taught me how to accept the loses and how to win the game, the strategies I needed to do to succeed. The man who taught me how to play the sports. He was my basketball playmate together with my brother, Jeff. Dad was the hero who taught me how to defend myself, fight for my dignity and even fight with my own demons. The very first friend I had that I would tell on about everything even my very first kiss, no secrets that’s how close we were as I was growing up. The person that I would always wished to talk to when i was unwell or feeling down because my Dad was always there ready to listen even the call cards were piling and expensive. He just listens as I was ranting on what was going on with my life. I reached adulthood, with him being away. He sacrificed his time working away to provide for our family. My father was a good provider and had done a lot of sacrifices even the ones I did not witness but now that I have my own child I realized all the sacrifices that parents do for their love for their family.