IRIAM QUIAMBAO-CLAUDIO RONDINELLI
Same Direction
January 9, 2004, boracay island

Compared to her nerve-tacking stint in the 1999 Miss Universe pageant (where she was first runner-up) beauty queen-turned-television host and actress Miriam Quiambao's church wedding to a Hong Kong-based Italian businessman, Claudio Rondinelli last January 9 at the Holy Rosary Church in Boracay was a breeze.

(They were wed in civil rites on December 21-their first year anniversary as a couple-in the former British colony.)

"They say na kapag ikinasal ka daw, wala ka raw nakikita kundi 'yung asile at saka 'yung groom mo," she told SSM on the set of her lifestyle program, All About You, three days after her altar date. "Ako, hindi. Kita ko lahat. Gusto ko kasing ma-appreciate what's going on, liketinitignan ko 'yung damit ng mga bridesmaids. I really enjoyed the moment!"

Miriam, 28, found it heartwarming to see most of her guests shedding tears of joy, too, particularly when she was bout to recite her marital vows to Claudio, 34. "I paused for about a minute," she recalled. "Then I went on with a cracked voice. Naiyak na rin sila."

In her vows, Miriam called Claudio her "dearest love and best friend" and also emphasized each other's individuality. "Sabi nga ng isa naming ninang, the best relationship is not about two people looking at each other. Its'when they look at the same direction."

The son of Claudio's best man, on the other hand, cried because he realized that Claudio was finally going to have a family. "Ulila kasi siya," Miriam said of her husband. "The other guests were touched because of the sincerity and simplicity of the ceremony."

Wedding details

Color motif: Tropical colors Gown: Tube and shirt ensemble in white by Rhett Eala (with a see-through obi used during the ceremony). Groom's outfit: Linen long-sleeved shirt and pants in white by Claudio's personal tailor based in Hong Kong. Flowers: By Robert Blancaflor of 1816. Paphio for the bridal bouquet, Tropical flowers and Holland tulips for the reception. Styling: The bride's long black hair was tied into a neat bun by Jing Monis. She was made up by Lala Flores in earth tones (to imitate the hues in the beach and expose the natural skin tone when touched by sunlight) and lip gloss in deep rose. Lala also dusted terra cotta bronzing powder on Miriam's exposed skin. Wedding rings: Platinum curved in the middle from Bulgari. Necklace and anklet by Bon-Ace Cebu. Wedding coordinator: Olive Macayan of the Wedding Store. Photographer/Videographer: Patrick Uy

Roseanne Hugo, Miriam's road manager, agreed. She was one of the couple's 100 invited guests. "It was very solemn. And except for her entourage, everybody came in white, as she requested," she said. "And I liked her wedding because it was very intimate."

"We really wanted a small and simple wedding," Miriam pointed out, adding that she and Claudio both love the beach, that's why they chose Boracay. (The couple was to go honeymooing in the Maldives for a month, after which Miriam was to fly back to Manila to tape her last remaining episodes in All About You. She will then be based in Hong Kong.)

The ceremony was set at three in the afternoon, said Miriam, to catch the sunset at the reception in Fridays, where they were billeted. (Upon the female guest' arrival at the resort, they were given Bohol-made native bags with a sarong-in either orange, yellow, purple or fuchsia-inside.

Friends and family

Tropical Celebrant: Bishop Lucilo Quiambao, D.D. Principal sponsors: Angeliza and Antonio Miani, Imelda Redito and Kokoy Reonisto, and Tes Nievergelt and Alfredo Rondinelli Best Man: Gianandrea Pesci Maid of honor: Mildred Quiambao Candle: Dorothy Brown and Edoardo Podesta Veil: Claudine Mangasing and Corrado Riccio Cord: Paola Miani and Andrea Zini Ring bearer: Marco Miani Arrhae: Pierandrea Miani Flower Girl: Francesca Pesci Program hosts: Tim Yap and Suzi Entrata Guests: Paolo Bediones, Phoemela Baranda, Rico Gutierrez, Fiona Lucas, Rhett Eala, Lala Flores, Jing Monis, Claudine Mangasing of Carolina's and Marissa Andal Andamar

During the reception, all guests were given a set of little white candles in capiz containers.) The girls were strapped with a corsage on their right wrist, while the men wore leis around their neck.

And that was when the guests let their hair down. "Particularly the Italian guests," said Roseanne. "They were really happy and playful.

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