Phantom Maelstrom

Shalani Soledad, President Aquino's ex-girlfriend was wedded to Congressman Roman Romulo yesterday (January 22).

The wedding was held in Westgrove, Sta. Rosa Laguna.

Shalani Soledad is a Councilor and a co-host in Willie Revillame's Willing Willie show.

In the wedding, the groom, Congressman Romulo, told his bride, "I waited 44 years before God gave me this favor..."

And with some 500 guests as witnesses, Shalani Soledad was officially pronounced wife of Congressman Romulo at around 6:45 p.m. says sources.

One of the highlights of the ceremony, which began a little past 5:30 p.m., was the homily of His Eminence Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.

Cardinal Rosales stressed that it was love that brought the couple together, and not "economic welfare" or "political status."

He also advised the couple to be "kind", "patient", "understanding", not to be jealous, and "do what God calls you to do".

The wedding was the first time Shalani saw her father, Adolfo Aguirre, and her mother Evelyn Soledad-Yumol, together.

But the bride walked down the aisle alone.

The background music, "If It's Love", "Fields of Gold", and "Just The Way You Are", was sang by Gail Blanco.

Celebrities in attendance were Senator Bong Revilla and wife Lani Mercado, Richard Gomez and wife Lucy Torres, Mariel Rodriguez, Migz Zubiri and wife Audrey, Valerie Concepcion, Marco Alcaraz and girlfriend Lara Quigaman.

Reception was held at the Evoliving Center Dockside in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Aquino's message

An online news report earlier said President Aquino would not attend the wedding but would send a gift "bought by his staff." He had wished the couple a happy life together.

"What is the message?" the President said recently. "The emphasis has always been to strengthen the family. We believe that a lot of the situations to the problems of the country will be best addressed by a family that is strong, united and caring to the children that they bring."

Actress-TV host Kris Aquino, who was not at the ceremony either, wished the couple "good health ... and all of God's blessings in the years to come."

She also said: "I'll echo what P-Noy (Pres. Aquino) said, may both of them continue to be instruments of true public service."

"We thought Roman would not be able to find that person he can be with all his life," said actress Dawn Zulueta. "He finally did and I think Shalani is perfect for him."