On June 7, 1997, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja exchanged “I dos” with business tycoon Fred Elizalde, capping a romance that began just eight months before. Their whirlwind courtship, engagement and wedding had a fairytale-like quality to it, becoming the stuff of headlines and capturing public imagination then. As the Elizaldes celebrate their silver anniversary, the Ballet Manila Archives shares the following report of the couple’s wedding day published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on June 11, 1997. It contains details of the events that transpired at the church and at the reception – memories of a love story that, 25 years later, still continues to blossom. 

By Susan A. De Guzman

President Ramos, a principal sponsor, made a “dramatic” entrance at the church. Later, at the reception, Dom Perignon flowed in several toasts to the newlyweds. A 10-member string ensemble rendered Broadway hymns. Blooms flown in from Holland suffused the hotel’s grand ballroom. A Hans Brumann charm was embedded in the apple and walnut cake. The bride and groom, in Auggie Cordero finery, did an improvised pas de deux on the dance floor.

These were among the sights, sounds and tastes as the wedding of business tycoon Fred Elizalde and top ballerina Lisa Macuja last Saturday, bound to be one of the most-talked about events in the social circuit.

The ceremony began a little past 6 at the Central United Methodist Church which was spruced up with white roses and foliage. Guests, who had already filed in as early as 5 p.m. and who knew that President Ramos was to be one of the sponsors, kept looking back to see if he already arrived.

After an organ prelude and some songs by the church choir, the procession began. Elizalde came in with son, Juan, who was his best man. They were followed by the bride’s mother, Susan Macuja, escorted by son Joly.

Principal sponsors

The principal sponsors, like the rest of the entourage, were mostly friends, associates and relatives of the bride and groom – including Jaime Laya, Felicito Payumo, Patrick Parsons, Henri Eteve (the French artist who lives in the Elizalde compound), Ruperto Nicdao Jr., Renato de Guzman, Gina de Venecia, Mary Ann Tinio, Jose Rufino, Rosario Atencio, Mila Markun, Allice Ll. Reyes and Aurora Bendana.

Maid of honor Gia Macuja, her hair swept up and framed by a glittering headband, was in a flowing Cordero gown. A well-known soprano, she later song “The Lord’s Prayer.”

The groomsmen were Santi Elizalde, Miguel Elizalde, Freddie Elizalde, Lisa’s ballet partner Osias Barroso Jr. and Joaquin Elizalde, while the bridesmaids were Thalassa “Sasha” Gatlin Elizalde, Caterina Patten (Fred’s London-based daughter), Lisa’s best friend Anjie Blardony Ureta, Carlen Castañeda and Kristle Hawkins.

The beaming bride – who was in a sleeveless, bareback Auggie Cordero gown – was given away by father Cesar Macuja (Lisa, unlike most brides, was reportedly very poised and calm as she dressed for the wedding at The Manila Hotel with Auggie himself fussing over her).

The ceremony was quite organized and flowed smoothly for the next hour. The homily was delivered by Bishop Emerito Nacpil, with Rev. Nonato Vengco assisting.

Kisses on camera

Fred and Lisa exchanged vows, after which came the blessing and exchange of rings, the coin, Bible, veil and cord ceremonies, the pronouncement of marriage and the Prayer of Consecration. Midway through the picture-taking session, the President finally arrived to pose with the couple and the rest of the principal sponsors, as well as to affix his signature to the marriage contract.

As the couple kissed, dozens of cameras clicked and the assembly erupted with cheers and applause.

There was a minor traffic jam outside as people streamed out and headed for the reception at the Shangri-La Hotel Manila in Makati. Curious onlookers craned their necks to see what all the fuss was about. At the reception, a table had been set up to receive guests’ donations to the Philippine Liver and Cander Foundation or to the Southeast Asian Institute for the Deaf (which the couple requested in lieu of wedding gifts).

An exhibit of Fred’s paintings, as well as those of his friend Eteve was set up at the foyer complete with lighting and floral accents. Among Fred’s works were portraits of Lisa in different poses.

A long line formed as guests waited for their turn to greet the newlyweds. The Rizal Ballroom had been transformed into a floral paradise by stylist Toni Parsons who only had about five hours to finish the entire place. Flowers were aplenty – roses, hydrangeas, peonies, lilies whose colors ranged from pink to lilac, Lisa’s favored colors. The circular presidential table was the center of attention, with its stunning floral-cum-candle arrangements bathed in pink lights.

Public figures

The wedding became a virtual mini political convention, with the presence of scores of government officials. You’d think a caucus of some sort had suddenly been convened.

At the church, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Sen. Orly Mercado were among the first ones to offer their best wishes to the couple. From Congress came Speaker Jose de Venecia (who sat beside wife Gina at the presidential table), Joker Arroyo, Miguel Romero, Raul Daza, Dondon Bagtsing. Among the senators seen were Freddie Webb, Heherson Alvarez, Raul Roco, Franciso Tatad (with wife Feny), Makati Mayor Jojo Binay and Quezon City Mayor Ismael Mathay were there, as were Gov. Tingting Cojuangco (with daughter Mai-Mai), Ombudsman Aniano Desierto, Budget Secretary Salvador Enriquez and former Manila Vice Mayor James Barbers.

Aside from Ballet Manila and artistic director Eric V. Cruz (also a candle sponsor), guests from the dance world included choreographers Tony Fabella and Steve Villaruz, Shirley Halili-Cruz and Cora Iñigo.

Lisa had invited her former associates at both Ballet Philippines and Philippine Ballet Theater. Unfortunately, most of them couldn’t go because of their own pressing engagements. BP was on an Asian tour, while PBT had a performance at the CCP. Russian danseur Youri Vyskubenko, however, managed to make to go the reception after the PBT show. He came with wife Natasha.

Seen in a huddle were Repertory Philippines’ Zeneida “Bibot” Amador, Baby Barredo, Menchu Lauchengco and Liza Infante. Also from Repertory: Lourdes Faberes and Robbie Guevarra.

National Artist Lucrecia Kasilag, who came in black, was her usual jovial self. Among the culture officials who were there were Carmen Padilla, National Commission for Culture and the Arts executive director; Tata Poblador, Museum Foundation of the Philippines president; and Rita Ledesma, Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines president.

Also seen were pianist John-Em Cruz, artist Ivy Avellana-Cosio, the tandem behind Music Theater Philippines, Girlie Rodis and Celeste Legaspi, with their buddy, singer and OPM president Mitch Valdes, artist-gallery owner Arturo Luz with wife Tessie (a candle sponsor).

Diplomats and media

The Friends of CCP, an active supporter of Ballet Manila (of which Susan Macuja is also a member) came in full force: president Nellie Bengson, past president Cecilia Manalo, Fortune Ledesma, Chit Gohu, Celine Batungbacal, Alice Briones, Nenuca Blardony, Lulu Castañeda, Tess Choa, Myrna Borromeo, Lucille Villanueva, Nene Leonor, Edith Rabat, Mimi Valerio, Beng Puyat, Malou Unson and Remy de Vera.

Members of the diplomatic corps added an international flavor to the event. There were Russian Ambassador and Ms. Anatoly Khmelnitsky, Romanian Ambassador Lean Vasilieu, Japanese Ambassador and Ms. Hiroyuki Yushita, as well as Philippine Ambassador to Malta Enrique Syquia and wife Letty and former Ambassador to Japan and Ms. Benjamin Sanvictores.

Aside from veteran broadcaster Joe Taruc (a veil sponsor), DZRH personalities who attended were Rey Langit, “Tiya” Dely Magpayo and Deo Macalma.

The guest list also included people close to Lisa, including her personal orthopedic doctor, Antonio Rivera, and especially her yaya, Ricarda Piano whom she calls Manang Inta.

A gaggle of Sasha Elizalde’s classmates and friends represented the post-Gen X guests.

Dinner was served efficiently by the hotel’s waiters, who were quite a sight as they made an impressive entrance one after the other bearing the first course. The menu consisted of crabmeat sable-scented with mustard and sour cream appetizer, clear oxtail with wine sherry soup, seafood crepe gratinated with saffron lobster cream, yogurt and orange sherbet, tournedos of beef tenderloin with smoked goose liver on mandarin sauce dessert, and chocolate mirror with brandy sauce.

Gia Macuja and Juan Elizalde hosted the proceedings after dinner, starting off with a toast to the newlyweds. Single girls were enjoined to come forward for the bouquet toss. A teener named Alexandra caught it (to the disappointment of the other hopefuls). Meanwhile, the garter was caught by an Elizalde son. Afterward, the shy Alexandra refused to take part in the garter-placing, so her mother, Mary Ann Tinio, subbed for her.

No doves

Ladies were again called on to get favors from the towering cake created by Heny Sison. There was an excited rush when Gia announced that a Hans Brumann charm (aptly enough, a pointe shoe) was among the favors. A teener named Christine went home with the coveted booty.

Fred made a playful stab at the cake. Then he and Lisa fed cake to each other and sipped wine with their arms interlocked. They did away with the usual doves, a much welcome change.

Shortly afterward, they had their first dance. In a jocular mood, Fred twirled Lisa around as if in a ballet and even lifted her up at one point. They were soon joined by Cesar and Susan Macuja, who proved to be more adept in waltzing as they flitted about effortlessly. Other couples followed suit.

It was quite obvious that no amount was spared for this grand production, which wound up at about 11 p.m. Guests were given crystal candleholders from France, while the principal sponsors were handed Tiffany clocks.

According to Ms. Macuja, when the wedding was being planned, Lisa and Fred’s primary consideration was to conceptualize something that people would remember. In this they succeeded for all the special details and nice touches indeed made it an unforgettable occasion.

See also:

https://balletmanilaarchives.com/home/2017/6/7/celebrating-a-marriage-of-the-arts