Paoay Church all set for Marcos-Manglapus wedding

St. Augustine Church, or more popularly known as Paoay church, is one of the oldest churches. Located in Ilocos Norte (north of Philippines) The church construction was started during the early 1700s and took a century to complete. It is globally and internationally acknowledged as one of the most unique and very historical examples of Filipino architecture from the Spanish period. (Photo by Wowieology – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

LAOAG CITY— The majestic St. Augustine Church, more popularly known as Paoay Church, is all set to welcome prominent figures in national government and business sector to witness the wedding of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos’ grandson and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos’ son, lawyer Michael Ferdinand Marcos Manotoc and Carina Amelia Gamboa Manglapus of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur on Saturday.

Entry to the Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be exclusive to wedding guests and visitors during the event.

“It’s a mixed emotion for us to host this big event,” said Paoay Mayor Jessie Galano on Friday as he appealed to all residents to take part in the celebration.

“It is an honor for us (people of Paoay) to host the wedding of the year. We know that their grandfathers were political enemies or have had opposite political views but both families are now united because of love,” said Galano.

Carina is a granddaughter of former Senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary Raul Manglapus who was exiled during the term of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Featuring a fusion of modern and traditional Ilocano weddings, the Manotoc-Manglapus union, will highlight the old cultural values of Ilocano wedding rites such as the traditional “mano” (kissing of the hand) to the principal sponsors, according to Provincial Tourism Officer Ianree Raquel.

The “ninongs” and “ninangs” (sponsors) will shell out money as a gift to the newlyweds.

But instead of taking the money to start their family, the couple decided to donate whatever funds to be raised from the wedding as a “gift of love” to the victims of war in Marawi City.

As of this posting, the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel and the Plaza Del Norte are ready to welcome the wedding guests and visitors from Metro Manila.

The Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) has also deployed at least 800 policemen to man checkpoints and the major thoroughfares leading to Paoay Church on Saturday.

Expected to attend the nuptials are Senator Cynthia Villar, Davao Mayor Sarah Duterte, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Communications Assistant Secretary for Social Media Mocha Uson, and Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida Rueda Acosta, according to the provincial communication and media office.