Cover Vernon Huibonhoa and Christina Cruz tie the knot in their dream wedding
Vernon Huibonhoa and Christina Cruz tie the knot in their dream wedding
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After years of missed chances, Vernon Huibonhoa and Christina Cruz celebrate their love with a wedding full of joy
Vernon Agnelli Huibonhoa had carried a crush on Christina Ysabel Cruz since college, but never really had the chance to act on it. Though they went to the same university, they moved in different circles. One day, a friend invited Vernon to a post-graduation trip to Bali and mentioned, almost in passing, that Christina would be there. Vernon knew he had to make his move now. By the end of the trip, the smitten beau discovered that Christina felt the same way. “Things just started to feel easy and comfortable,” he says. Eight years later, with her family watching from a hidden gazebo, he surprised her at sunset near the Bow Bridge in Central Park and asked her to marry him.
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The wedding reception was held at the National Museum of Natural History
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Finding the right venue for their wedding took some time. After visiting several churches around Manila, they finally stepped into San Agustin Church. For Christina, the Unesco World Heritage Site held deeper meaning. “Learning about how the church endured several earthquakes, wars and the test of time felt symbolic of the kind of marriage we hope to build together,” she says. She hopes for a marriage that is “grounded in faith, resilience and unwavering commitment through life’s ups and downs.” There was a practical consideration too: San Agustin boasts a famously long aisle, which was exactly what her father, Manuel Lopez Cruz, had hoped for so that he and his daughter could savour every step of their walk together.
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The couple with Joji Ty, Senator Loren Legarda, Betty Chua, Karen Santos, Carla Tengco, Tessie Sy, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Fr Ricky Villar, Ramon Ang, Archbishop Charles John Brown, Amb Francis Chua, Stanley Ng, Enrico Dee, Alejandro Tengco, Felix Ang
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They married on April 25, 2026, with cocktails at the National Museum of Natural History—a nod to their shared love of museums and architecture. They chose to complement the museum’s beauty with centrepieces of local produce and greenery. Throughout the planning, Vernon’s mother, Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, offered her expertise as a gracious host, guiding the couple through every detail.
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Principal sponsors Ramon Ang and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos
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Three years in the making, the bridal gown was a true family collaboration between Christina’s mother, Mailyn Cruz (who minored in fashion design in college and made many of her dresses growing up) and her mother-in-law who brought in her dear friend, designer Michael Leyva, to help bring the design to life. Christina had always wanted lace—classic, romantic—and had even tried on gowns in New York; but nothing felt right, until this collaboration. “It became a meaningful creation by the two women who have shaped and supported me.” She paired it with a bouquet of sampaguita, a tribute to the garden her late grandfather tended. “Holding those blossoms in my hands as I walked down the aisle felt as though he was walking right there with me.”
Vernon wore a Mark Bumgarner suit with a piña fabric bow tie. For the after-party, he switched to a navy double-breasted Commonsuits suit—Christina’s suggestion. “She’s always been my fashion consultant,” he jokes.
Agnes Huibonhoa, Cecil Ang, Steven Tan, Ricco Ocampo, Anton San Diego, Sharmila Hiranand, Dos Quong
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But the most memorable part of the ceremony was completely unscripted. When the officiant asked Vernon if he would take Christina as his wife, he blurted out “I do” before the question was even finished. The church burst out in laughter. Not only was it a light moment that broke the solemnity of the ceremony, but it was as if the couple had just bared their love to all and sundry.
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At the reception, their nearest and dearest took turns delivering heartfelt speeches. It was perfect, for Vernon and Christina wanted their newer friends to learn about their story through the eyes of the people who had been there from the start, from those who knew and loved them most. “It was so special to laugh, cry and reminisce alongside everyone,” Christina says.
The couple enjoying their time together outside the National Museum of Natural History
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The couple wanted a wedding where love flowed outward across the room. Days later, guests sent grateful messages, including the fun they had sampling even the local ingredients in the centrepiece. Of the dishes served, the couple recall the crowd favourite to be ginataan na puso ng saging (heart of banana in coconut milk).
With all the details executed to perfection, it was not surprise that the celebration lingered long after the last dance.
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About
Lauren’s love for food came much later in life than one would expect— an obsession awakened in the streets of Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene. Armed with this newfound passion, she returned to the Philippines determined to discover the best eats in her home country, with a personal advocacy to champion local cuisines and homegrown talent. Nothing is off-limits; if it’s delicious, it’s worth celebrating.
Work
As Tatler Dining associate editor, Lauren covers all things food and drink, from listing the latest openings in our monthly Dining Radar to interviewing chefs and bartenders about the biggest obstacles crippling the industry today. Beyond the digital space, she also organises Tatler Dining’s tentpole events, including Off Menu and Tatler Dining Kitchen, as well as the annual Tatler Best Philippines awards night and guide launch, detailing the best restaurants in the country.
For leads and event invites, contact her via lauren@tatlerphilippines.com or follow her on Instagram at @laurengolangco.
Photo: Ralph Mendo
