Content creator Zeinab Harake has denied social media claims that her wedding with basketball star Bobby Ray Parks Jr. cost a staggering ₱20 million, calling such estimates “OA” or over the top.
In their interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda aired Tuesday, June 17, the newlyweds opened up about the rumors surrounding their June 1 Tagaytay wedding, which had gone viral for its grand setup and some curious details like the use of paper plates.
“Actually, we initially planned for a simple, intimate wedding,” Harake shared. But plans shifted when their godfather, whom she did not name, surprised them by building the wedding venue from scratch over five months. “When we saw the venue, we were overwhelmed and we thought that we need to give back to our godfather by getting the best suppliers. That was why it looked like a big wedding.”
Harake was quick to clarify that the viral estimate of ₱20 million was far from accurate. “It was OA, because they exaggerated the expenses. They even claimed that the cake was ₱2 million, when it was not,” she emphasized.
She added that while the venue and setup were generously provided by their godfather, the couple paid for the rest of the wedding expenses themselves.
As for the widely discussed use of paper plates, the couple explained that they were only used for the pre-reception finger food or “pika-pika,” and not for the main meals served during the reception.
Reflecting on her early days of married life, Harake described it as a blessing. “I was overwhelmed because I didn’t expect that I would be blessed with someone like him. But at the same time, I am very happy and grateful to God for giving me a good father and partner.”
Harake and Parks made their relationship public in 2023 before tying the knot earlier this month.
