In windy Nayon, a whirlwind romance is sealed

IT was a whirlwind romance sparked by the proverbial love at

first sight, culminating in a beautiful wedding eight months later.

Ramon Jose "RJ" Borromeo, architect and son of former Bb.

Pilipinas titlist Myrna Panlilio-Borromeo and the late Dr. Ramon

N. Borromeo of Cebu, and porcelain beauty Trina Grimalt,

daughter of businessman Albert and Jesusa Grimalt, made their

vows as man and wife at simple and elegant rites solemnized at

the quaint little chapel in Nayong Pilipino, of which the groom's

mom is the executive director.

The rites were officiated by RJ's uncle, Fr. Rafael Borromeo,

S.J., and his retreat master and confidante, Fr. Bernie Taylor,

M.S. Ding Mercado of the former New Minstrels sang "Our

Father," while Jackie Arcega did a soulful rendition of the

romantic Tagalog ballad "Ikaw" to the accompaniment of a

string ensemble.

Capiz lamps lined the entrance to the Mindanao Pavilion inside

the park where the al fresco reception was held.

August entourage

The A-list entourage was led by President Estrada, who was

with his daughter-in-law Precy Ejercito (proxying for the First

Lady who was in San Francisco at the time), Duty Free Phils.

general manager Faustino Salud, society doyenne and

patroness of art Imelda Cojuangco, mall and coliseum magnate

Jorge Araneta, banker Anthony Dee, taipan Mariano Nocom,

the groom's uncle lawyer Jose Borromeo, radio station owner

Leonida Vera, former Cabinet man's wife Yolly Bacani,

businessman Joselito Mendiola, Ilocos Sur mayor's wife Perla

Figueras, "Plastics King" and presidential buddy William

Gatchalian and Myrna's youngest sister Teresita Fonacier and

her longtime pals Viol Delgado-Cojuangco and Josie

Padilla-Rufino.

Sparkling

RJ's popular sisters, model turned preschool teacher Trisha and

bubbly Mitzi (one of the reigning Manila's Five Loveliest) were

among the secondary sponsors, along with the newlyweds'

young pals, such as DJ Ariz Fuentes (he introduced RJ to Trina

on a blind date), Trina's only sister Stephanie Vergara, Michelle

Figueras and architect Manuel Jose Borromeo, the groom's

business partner, who was best man.

The pretty bride sparkled in a haltered white satin gown fully

beaded from bodice to hem with leaves and twigs design,

executed by Boysie Villavicencio. RJ wore an intricately

caladoed formal barong tagalog. The ladies in the entourage

wore identical midnight-blue satin gowns with touches of silver

beads.

RJ and Trina hied off to the fabled El Nido tropical resort in

Palawan for their honeymoon. The groom will resume his work

as one of our most in-demand young architects, while his new

bride, who has a degree in behavioral science from Miriam

College, will continue as lead singer of the popular pop group

Spindrift. Keep the glow, young lovers!