#JABOrn4MAYCE: Best friends’ wedding
He enjoys playing basketball and PS4 (NBA) while she is passionate in cooking.
She graduated from Davao Christian High School as a Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Leadership Awardee while he was bestowed the title, “Athlete of the Year”, from the University of Immaculate Conception upon his graduation.
In God’s perfect time, the two achievers Jan Vincent “Jabo” Abellera and Maycelle Billanes’ paths finally crossed when they were both nursing students at the Ateneo de Davao University.
“We started out as classmates and later on, became friends. Although we only talked inside the classroom when Jabo needed answers during our Anatomy and Filipino quizzes, we got along really well. It took a few more years for us to realize that we were meant to be more than just friends”, recalls Maycelle.
Eventually, Jabo had to move to another school. Losing communication and breaking up were inevitable because of the situation.
“Until one Christmas eve, I received a telephone call from Jabo. From there, we started to be civil with each other again. While I had been slowly moving on, Jabo came back and asked if we could be together again”, smiles Maycelle.
“True enough, as the saying goes, ‘Love is sweeter the second time around’. From being childish, we slowly became mature; exploring and experiencing God’s goodness. A lot of trials went our way but we just learned to love each other more as time passed by. We both patiently waited for what He really planned for us”, narrates Maycelle.
Jabo went into business and started his own construction supply. On the other hand, Maycelle, a registered nurse, decided to serve at her high school alma mater by being the Office of the Student Affairs’ officer-in-charge while pursuing her master’s degree.
Last month, with the blessings of their loving parents Johnny and Yolanda Abellera, and Romeo and Genoveva Billanes, the young couple tied the knot on a glorious sunny day at the St. Joseph The Worker Parish in a lovely ceremony officiated by Fr. Danny Montana.
As the be dimpled bride walked down the aisle wearing an off-shoulder serpentina-creation, Maycelle’s model-like height gave the bridal gown the attention it justly deserved. Upon seeing the bride with her
cheerful smile and radiant glow, Jabo donning an Edgar Buyan barong, shed tears of joy, grateful that their more than 6 years as sweethearts and best friends led to this most awaited day.
Veejay Salonga of Decoratives by Janna and Hercs created the rustic shabby chic feel at the church with wood stands and white flowers filling up the lighted aisle.
Meanwhile, at the reception held at the Grand Regal Hotel, the all-white stage had a fireplace in the middle decorated with delightful flowers arrangements and vintagelooking lamps, mirrors, chairs and console tables.
The principal sponsors’ special area was festooned with lighted trees and mason jars as well as decorative containers adorned with blooms.
“We wanted our wedding to have a homey atmosphere, simple and pretty with a touch of pink everywhere”, describes Maycelle.
Thanks to their trusted suppliers, family, friends and DIY creativity, Jabo and Maycelle’s dream wedding turned out the way they always envisioned it to be --- and so much more!
My sincerest appreciation to Marlon Advincula for the wedding photos. To view more snaps of the wedding, search #JABOrn4MAYCE on Facebook and Instagram.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.