Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas wed lawyer Angelica Chua on Wednesday at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Batangas City. The event was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and a host of political dignitaries.
Governor Mandanas, 80, expressed his commitment during the ceremony, stating, “I came here not only of my own free will, but full of love. We are both ready to raise as good Christians the children who God will give us. That is really the essence of our union, of our marriage.”
His bride, Angelica Chua, nearly 50 years his junior, shared her gratitude for the governor’s proposal and her commitment to their future. “I thank you for having the courage to ask me to be your valentine and for choosing to spend the rest of your life with me,” Chua said. She added humorously in her vows, “I promise to listen to you and your suggestions, but not necessarily follow you. It’s only part of due process.”
Chua, a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University and a partner at the Platon-Martinez Law office, openly discussed the challenges she faced in past relationships and her hopes for their future together. “You showed me that I deserved to be loved and respected, that with you, I can put my guard down,” she explained tearfully.
The reception, held in front of the provincial capitol, was live streamed for public viewing. During the reception, Governor Mandanas described his new wife as vibrant and engaging, emphasizing that life with her “will never be boring.”
Angelica Chua-Mandanas also expressed her excitement about their union and the impact they hope to have not just in Batangas but across the Philippines. “Harinawa ay makatulong kaming dalawa sa pagkakaroon ng tunay na masagana at happy life dito sa atin hindi lang sa lalawigan ng Batangas kung hindi sa buong Pilipinas,” she declared.
The new Mrs. Mandanas comes from a politically active family, enhancing the union’s public interest. She spoke warmly of the welcome she received from the Mandanas family and her intentions to make a significant contribution to her new role.