ULA VALDES-RICHARD LITONJUA
Swept Away
December 27, 2003, boracay island

The island paradise of Boracay was the setting for the sunset wedding of actress Eula Valdes and Australian-based electrical expert Richard Litonjua two days after Christmas. They first met on December 5, 2002. Eula (Julia Amorsolo Valdes in real life) was manning a bazaar store at the World Trade Center in Pasay City when actress-friend Sharmaine Suarez dropped by with cousin Richard to do some shopping.

"When I first met him, there was nothing. I didn't feel anything," the bride recalls. "My impression of him was parang si Tom Babauta [the Hawaiian actor who did the movie Strangers in Paradise with Snooky Serna in the 1980s], ganu'n lang!"

Richard, on the other hand, was instantly attracted to her-he fell for her eyes. After he first met Eula, he told his cousin Sharmaine: "Eula is cool." At first, Sharmaine discouraged her cousin, on grounds that Eula had a partner (former love Ronnie Quizon) and a son.

Eula and Ronnie's controversial split eventually hit the headlines, and the paths of Eula and Richard eventually crossed again.

Wedding details

Color motif: Yellow, fuschia and violet Gown: Fully beaded with Swarovsky inlays, designed by Pepsi Herrera Groom's suit: Pepsi Herrera Flowers: Ecuador roses, tulips and polypodium orchids styled by Robert Blancaflor of 1816. Pink tulips for the bride's bouquet. Styling: The bride's hair was tied in a French twist and accessorized with rhinestones. She was made up in natural colors that emphasized her deep-set eyes and cheekbones. Hair and makeup by Varda Ghoul. Wedding rings: Platinum with baguetter-shaped diamonds from Mid-East Jewels; other pieces of jewelry were provided by Wilson Chua. Wedding coordinators: Nenita Zagala, Ruby Ines, and Ana Marco of Celebrations and Events Specialists. Photographer/videographer: Jorge's Portrait Studio.

There was no traditional garter not bouquet tossing during the wedding. Instead, a lei was passed among the single ladies while music played. The one left holding the lei when the music stopped was going to be the next to walk down the aisle. Beth Tamayo was that lucky gal!

The groom's garter, on the other hand, was placed around a bamboo pole under which the bachelors had to limbo-rock their way. The guy who accidentally touches the garter will be the next to marry, and this turned out to be Direk Joey Sineneng. While slipping the garter up Beth's leg, Direk Jerry joked: "Beth, walang malisya ito, ha?"

The groom's mother, Kathering Strahan, dedicated a song to the newlyweds, accompanied by saxophonist Vince Lahorra. Miguel Eula's son, danced for the couple.

The wedding festivities climaxed with a spectacular fireworks display.

Friends and family

Celebrant: Malay Mayor Ceciron S. Cawaling Principal Sponsors: Rory Quintos, Jerry Lopez Sineneng, Katrina Dayrit, Wesy Quisumbing, Audie Bucoy and Frankie Evangelista, Jr. Best man: Ian Veneracion Maids of honor: Sylvia Sanchez and Mymy Davao Bridesmaids: Beth Tamayo, Sharmaine Suarez, and Louise Valdes Figueras Candle: Kookoo Gonzales Veil: Agnes Torres Cord: Tracy Valdes Nieves Ring bearer: Miguel Valdes (Eula's son) Program host: Smokey Manaloto and Mymy Davao Guest of honor: Miss Cornelia Lee (a.k.a. Tita Anggel) Guests: Vina Morales, Evangeline Pascual, Patrick Garcia, Maribeth Bichara, Sarji Ruiz, and Arjo Atayde

The only problem happened when Eula's mom, Gracia Amorsolo Valdes, suffered a stroke during the picture-taking right after the wedding. She was rushed to the nearest clinic by the newlyweds themselves. But, after an hour or so, the new Mr. and Mrs. Litonjua returned to the reception, assuring everyone that Eula's mom was already in stable condition.

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