Mar–Korina Wedding Is A Go Cancels Reception

"The wedding will proceed as announced, but the reception is cancelled." Revealed broadcast journalist and bride-to-be, Korina Sanchez last week in a press statement issued to the media. Sanchez is to be married to Liberal Party Vice Presidential bet Sen. Mar Roxas on October 27 at the Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City.

"Instead of spending for the reception at Araneta Coliseum as planned, Mar and I agreed to donate the amount set aside for it, to various charity organizations taking care of evacuees and victims of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng," Sanchez added. These charity organizations are Caritas Manila, the Philippine National Red Cross, Sagip Kapamilya of ABS-CBN and Kapuso Foundation of GMA-7, among others.

"Wedding invitations have already been sent out," according to Sanchez. "We are hoping that our guests will understand why we are doing this. It really does not feel right to be celebrating - no matter how important this date is for Mar and I - at a time of calamity and difficulty for a large number of our kababayans" (country-men), she said.

In the same statement, Senator Roxas said: "Matagal nga naming pinlano ni Korina at pinaghandaan ang espesyal na araw na ito. Gusto sana namin na marami ang kasalo sa saya. Pero parang hindi tama na malaki ang gagastusin sa selebrasyon sa panahon ng kalamidad. Napakarami nating kababayan ang naghihirap ngayon – lubog sa tubig-baha. Pakikiramay at pagtulong na rin namin ito sa kanila." (We have planned a long time with Korina and prepared for it specially this day. We like that more people can enjoy with us. But it is not fitting to spend more in the celebration in times of calamity. More of our countrymen is now suffering – submerged in flood water. This is our assistance to them.)

The much talked about wedding is the stuff of celebrity talk shows and entertainment columnists. Originally, a show and reception had been planned at the Araneta Coliseum after the Sto. Domingo rites.

Political and show business personalities as well as representatives from various POs, NGOs and communities that are close to the couple were invited to attend. /MP