The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Before newly-weds Dranreb Belleza, simply known as Dranreb, and Valerie de la Riva spend a honeymoon in Japan next week, they still manage to host last Thursday an extended reception of their civil wedding which was held last month officiated by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. It seemed a series of parties for the overjoyed couple.
Although a bride and a groom couldn’t afford a multiple weddings traditionally and legally but Dranreb and Valerie were able to pull off at least three nuptials to date.
The first was a Christian rite in 2012 and on March 21 in a civil ceremony and a Christian affirmation immediately after with Pastor Arsenio G. Bonifacio II all in one sitting.
Those made only two separate receptions but last week was an additional, extended if not belated party.
Dranreb indeed was in cloud nine marrying the girl of his dreams—Valerie de la Riva, a socialite who’s a granddaughter of controversial veteran actress and TV host Maggie de la Riva, niece of actress Marianne de la Riva and first cousin of erstwhile “That’s Entertainment” mainstay Gigi de la Riva.
A star-studded affair happened again at Archivo 1984 2241 Chino Roces Avenue in La Fuerza Compound in Makati City where Reb, as he is endearingly addressed, stood again before his guests and family members in another Christian ceremony to unite him again and again with Valerie.
The couple once more was ecstatic about the event.
While the Iagos Restaurant’s civil rite had Filipino cuisine served particularly lugaw (porridge), okoy(deep-fried shrimps in cornstarch and some veggies) etc., last week’s menu was an assortment of continental and oriental food.
It was again a colorful event which made Reb one of the happiest persons on earth. As usual, his mom, the erstwhile bombshell Divina Valencia was the perfect hostess.
Other celebs were Gigi and hubby Marlon Bautista, elder brother of Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Kim Atienza, Marissa Delgado, 1987 Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism Avon Garcia, writers Dave Rojo, Danny Vibas, Mona Sabalones and many more.
It was a diverse party because it only declared once again the union of bodies and souls of the newlyweds as one but it was a gathering as well of artists where Reb’s fellow painters were feted to an art exhibit of their masterpieces in canvass.
Dranreb had his celebration of life in geometric touches while his artist-friends displayed their variety of themes in different materials.
It was indeed a unique way of expressing Reb and Vale’s love for each other—as immortal as art itself. Divina was proud anew of his son.