Senator Koko Pimentel marries chef Kathryna Yu

To end her vows, Kathryna stated, “I promise to be patient for the course of our marriage, be the constant pillar for our family wherever our lifelong voyage takes us. I will be there for you and I promise you will never have to be alone in facing your challenges.” (File Photo: @teampatd/Instagram)

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III married chef Kathryna Yu with a civil wedding ceremony that happened last Thursday, October 18 at The Coconut Palace in Manila.

The bride was dressed in a Paul Cabral wedding gown, while Senator Koko wore a traditional Barong Tagalog.

During the ceremony, which started in the evening, Kathryna walked down the aisle to the song “The First Time I Loved Forever” by Lisa Angelle. The bride was in tears as she was accompanied by her parents.

Senator Koko’s wedding vows brought the couple’s guests to tears, as he told his wife, “I have never told you this but in my heart and in my mind and in my soul I have married you a long time ago. I felt that you are the one, the only one for me, and I will never leave you.” He even referenced Kathryna as “the soulmate [he’s] been searching for and the Mama [his children] Martin and Akio have been yearning for.”

Kathryna answered saying, “You have made me realize that there is still so much I can achieve, not for myself, but for you and most important for our family.” To end her vows, Kathryna stated, “I promise to be patient for the course of our marriage, be the constant pillar for our family wherever our lifelong voyage takes us. I will be there for you and I promise you will never have to be alone in facing your challenges.”

Politicians President Rodrigo Duterte, Senate President Tito Sotto and wife Helen Gamboa, Senator Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee sponsored the wedding, while Chief Justice Antonio Carpio wedded the couple. Senators Cynthia Villar, Joel Villanueva, Gringo Honasan, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, Solicitor General Jose Calida, Representatives Johnny Pimentel, Celso Lobregat and Mauyag Papandayan, former Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Bacoor City Mayor Lani Revilla, Bureau of Corrections Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque were part of the guest list as well.