8 Years
“It’s a great love story because God wrote ours…”
Filipinos, in general, love anything about celebrities. Be it their favorite food, a new tv series, or even their pet. But there’s something else Filipinos love about celebrities, and it’s their fairytale-like love story. We dream of that special someone who will sweep us off our feet, take care of us, and love us unconditionally. Earlier this year, a long time showbiz couple got married and it took every Filipino’s heart by storm. Celestine ‘Toni’ Gonzaga and Director Paul Soriano tied the knot on June 12, 2015, their 8th year Anniversary as a couple. Let’s go back a little further in time and remember where their love story began.
It all started in 2006, when Gary Valenciano was having his concert and Paul Soriano was his director. According to Vicky Belo, Gary and Angeli (Valenciano) are the reason behind their meeting. “Gary asked Paul who he had a crush on in show buisness and answered Toni Gonzaga. So Angeli invited Toni to Gary’s show at the music museum which Paul was directing. That’s where they met and the rest is history.” It was indeed a great move by the Valencianos and I’m sure Toni and Paul are grateful.
Afterwards, Toni proved to herself that Paul is really caring and patient, through their joint projects. Toni was the talent and Paul was the director in Toni’s music video entitled “Catch me, I’m falling”. Other than being their first joint project, both of them thought of it as a special music video because it depicts Toni’s feelings for Paul.
“I’m the man in the relationship and I want to be the one to tell that we’re in love, that we’re together. And she’s definitely one of the best, if not, the best blessing I received ever.”
After eight months of courtship, Toni and Paul were featured in Boy and Kris on July 20, 2007 and answered yes when asked if they loved each other. Finally, the revealed that they were indeed a couple. When everyone in the show felt kilig, Paul then said “I am the man in the relationship and I want to be the one to tell that we’re in love, that we’re together. And she’s definitely one of the best, if not, the best blessing I received ever.”
Filled with romantic jitters, everyone on the show started smiling and screaming. Furthermore, Paul said he was courting the whole family because Toni came as a package. Toni’s mom, Ms. Pinty Gonzaga on the other hand, said the do’s and don’ts while courting her daughter. One of the rules is the 12MN curfew which Paul respected wholeheartedly. “Sinunod niya talaga iyon. Alam niyang 12 dapat pauwi na siya. 11 pm palang makikita mo na siyang nagpapack up para umalis. We really saw na he changed.” says Ms. Pinty. “I respect them, even though sometimes it’s hard to agree with them, I don’t argue, I just listen,” adds Paul.
In an interview by Toni’s sister, Alex Gonzaga, she asked her father, “Okay ka na raw ba, kunyari magpapakasal ang ate?” Vice Mayor Bonoy, Toni’s father, then answered “May magagawa ba ‘ko? Puwede bang pigilin? ‘di naman diba?… Ayoko naman ipagkait buhay niyo sa kinabukasan na kayo ay magkaroon ng sarili niyong pamilya.” From here on we see Toni has her father’s blessings.On January 21, after Toni’s birthday, Paul asked the question everyone was waiting for. Before everything else, Paul asked permission from Toni’s parents. “It’s about time!” said Pinty, Toni’s mother. “Why are you asking me? Ask her!” added Vice Mayor Bonoy Gonzaga. In front of Toni’s immediate family, he proposed to her and it was a very emotional moment for everyone. This moment was revealed to everyone during an interview on The Buzz on February 1.
After everything they have been through, they finally decided to tie the knot. What’s even more astonishing is that they got married exactly on their 8th anniversary! Growing up in the city of Taytay, Rizal, Toni and Paul got married in the Taytay United Methodist Church and held the reception at the Rockwell Tent in Makati city. Toni wanted her wedding to be simple so she went with all the different shades of white by Gideon Hermosa. Both were in tears when they said their personalized wedding vows and their heartfelt “Yes”. Metrophoto was their photographer to capture all the special moments and Bob Nicolas was also there to record the wedding so that everyone could relive the splendid moment. You can watch the video here.
www.trippix.net/profile/bobnicolas?vid=131879271
“Paul, as I look back I couldn’t help but wonder why you never left. Our relationship was never easy. For eight years you have fought for your position in my life and there are times when I would see you get tired but there was never time when you gave up. It has been long journey my love and now we are finally getting married and it’s a great love story because God wrote ours.”
Toni and Paul Soriano’s wedding has been dubbed the wedding of the year, and everyone loved their hashtag, #PerfectTogether. Their love story has proven that with time and a lot of effort, a relationship can really last a long time. And it was best captured by a portion of Toni’s wedding vow - “Paul, as I look back I couldn’t help but wonder why you never left. Our relationship was never easy. For eight years you have fought for your position in my life and there are times when I would would see you get tired but there was never time when you gave up. It has been long journey my love and now we are finally getting married and it’s a great love story because God wrote ours.” Let’s all hope for the best for the newlyweds. May they love each other more and more each day.
What do you think of Toni and Paul’s love story and wedding? Let us know by emailing info@trippix.net.
