Czarina Ablaza-Syquia and Dr. Jose Fernando (Jofe) Syquia mark their Silver Wedding anniversary with a grand celebration.
A 25th wedding anniversary is nothing short of remarkable, especially in this age of instant gratification. It is a testament to true love and commitment. Loving couple Czarina Ablaza-Syquia and her husband, the orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jose Fernando (Jofe) Syquia, celebrated this wonderful milestone last October 23rd, exactly a quarter of a century to the day that they first tied the knot, at the very same church in Santuario de San Antonio.
Czarina and Jofe Syquia with their children Amanu, Azi, Agu, Azia, and Alfonso Syquia
A Family Affair
The milestone celebration commenced with a solemn mass officiated by Jofe’s younger brother, the Reverend Father Jocis Syquia. “It was especially meaningful to have our renewal of vows with close family and friends to witness it,” shared Czarina.
Czarina Ablaza-Syquia with youngest child and only daughter Azia. Both are wearing cameo-encrusted tiaras designed by Jun Jun Ablaza.
Dr. Jofe Syquia with sons Amanu, Azi, Agu and Alfonso
Twenty-five years ago, the then-young bride wore a traditional white gown with embroidery and lace by Ben Farrales who had also designed the groom’s elegant Barong Tagalog for the wedding. Fast forward to their silver wedding anniversary when Czarina donned a blush pink creation by Steve de Leon, paired with a cameo encrusted tiara designed by her brother, Jun Jun Ablaza. The couple was joined by their five children: Azia, Alfonso, Agu, Azi, and Amanu.
Original wedding photo of Czarina and Jofe, both wearing Ben Farrales
Immediately after the intimate church service, the celebration continued at the ballroom of the Manila Polo Club, again the very same venue where the Syquias’ original wedding reception took place back in 1999. This time around, a playful twist was added to the reception with a Bridgerton-themed dinner party, “inspired by my favorite Netflix series at the moment,” said Czarina with a smile.
The Syquia children at church: Amanu, Azi, Azia, Agu, and Alfonso
In honor of their 25 happy years of togetherness, the couple invited exactly 250 guests, among them members of the diplomatic core such as HE Ambassador Constance See of Singapore and HE Ambassador Tull Traisorat of Thailand. Also in attendance were some of Czarina’s closest friends from childhood and high school: Peggy de Villa, Marita Pe Benito, and Governor Nina Ynares.
Tess Syquia, Beth Syquia, and Angeli Ong; Letty Syquia; Minnie Mamuric and Rizal Governor Nina Ynares
Bridgerton Vibes
As they stepped into the ballroom, they were welcomed by enchanting melodies played by a string quartet that set the tone for a romantic and festive evening. Twenty-five formal dining tables were spread across the reception hall which Jun Jun Ablaza had transformed by embellishing the space with candlelight, swathes of silk, feathers, and strings of pearls, alluding to the fantasy and romance of Bridgerton.
The ballroom all set for the celebration
Adhering to the theme, several guests wore frothy tulle or lace numbers, foremost being Czarina’s mother, the fun-loving Consul Mellie Ablaza in a beautiful layered ivory tulle gown by Jo-Ann Bitagcol and Jofe’s mother, Letty Syquia in a beige-toned lace gown and pearl strands. Meanwhile, some were dressed in empire-cut gowns reminiscent of Bridgerton’s Regency era. Spotted among them were lovely ladies Marivíc Vazquez, Suzette Hahn Lopez, and Mimi Tan who went the extra mile to follow the evening’s motif.
Jun Jun Ablaza; Mimi Tan; Cónsul Mellie Ablaza in Jo Ann Bitagcol
The wonderful dinner was conceptualized by multi-awarded chef, Margarita Fores. It commenced with a delightful chestnut passato, followed by pan-seared Chilean seabass topped with champagne cream and salmon roe; grilled US Angus short rib with porcini nuggets and asparagus spears; and capped by an elegant white chocolate tiramisú croccante adorned with grappa-infused poached strawberries and silver leaf shavings.
Multi-awarded Chef Margarita Fores
A four-tiered cake with delicate fondant icing was accompanied by flutes of champagne. The towering all-white confection certainly brought back memories of the Syquia’s wedding celebration 25 years prior.
The towering anniversary cake
As the evening unfolded, guests were invited to dance to the music of a powerhouse band that permeated the ballroom with an uplifting energy befitting the silver anniversary festivities. Czarina and Jofe were overjoyed with the camaraderie of cherished friends and family who gathered together to commemorate their important milestone.
Carlo Rojas; Michele Sison; Cónsul Helen Ong and Marian Ong; Charisse Chuidian and Connie Haw; Kyla, Sheila, and Teddy Kingsu; Nini Licaros, Marivic Vazquez, Dean Decker, and Glecy Mojares
Mags Cue and Carlo Rojas; Alice Samson and Fortune Ledesma; Noel and Duday Tuason, Carolyn TanYu
Mme. Eva Fischer Mellbin, Marian Ong, Helen Ong, Maru Go
Silver Anniversary
Reflecting on their 25-year journey as a married couple, Czarina fondly paid tribute to her husband, “Papa Doc is a perfect husband. He loves me very much and is a very good provider. He [makes] time for the family even if he is a very busy orthopedic surgeon. And I love him for that… We make God the center of our family and our children have solidified our marriage,” she said. Jofe was all praises for his wife as he responded, “Czarina is very thoughtful. I am the serious type and she is the one who puts balance in my life and in our family life…She is always concerned about my welfare and the welfare of our kids. I love her very much.”
Dr. Jofe and Czarina Syquia share an affectionate toast
Adding to the celebration’s excitement, the couple surprised their guests with a special raffle before the night drew to a close. Twenty-five lucky names were drawn, each of whom was gifted with a piece of jewelry, a meaningful keepsake of the Syquia’s shared joy and gratitude to loved ones who marked this unforgettable moment in their life journey.
Cheers to Czarina and Jofe and to another 25 years of enduring love!
All photos by JC Tee and Kristian Marquez.
