True Blessing for Martin and Dewi

Posted on September 25, 2022

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

I got a frantic call from an old friend, Martin Marvin Macalintal. Said he was hurriedly organizing a wedding and needed me to photograph it. As his fiancé Dewi Valientes was already pregnant and was due a couple of weeks after wedding date, September 15, 2022. We were all but a week away, but he was someone I couldn’t say ‘no’ to.

Martin works as Cultural and Audio Visual Attaché of the French Embassy here in the Philippines. He’s been on that job longer than I’ve been writing about film which is (let’s just say) in the decades. He’s been there so long, his actual function is so much more than his title suggests.

Changing envoys rely on his network of government officials, captains of industry and yes, artists, musicians, filmmakers even media. Especially for film fests Cine Europa, Silent Film Festival and French Film festival, which is how I met him.

I photographed the couple at the Manila Metropolitan Theater November 24, 2021, Silent Film Festival.

My reaction, I guess was similar to most people who knew him. I was bemused and genuinely happy as he is 53 summers young. His bride to be, considerably younger at 36. I just turned 50 myself this year. I was kidding that Dewi’s pregnancy was even a sign of his virility. Everyone in Martin’s family and friends saw the wedding as a true blessing for the committed bachelor.

Dewi Valientes is not only beauty but brains. She happens to be the Marketing Manager for Spanish retail giant ZARA. Before that she was in the Marketing division of Unilever PH.

She was the one who reminded me that we met in Shang Rila Plaza. That was during the Japanese Film Fest, before the pandemic. But I had only really spent time with the couple in the newly opened Metropolitan Theater. Which was the venue for the Silent film festival late 2021.

I photographed Dewi Valientes at the Manila Metropolitan Theater November 24, 2021, Silent Film Festival.

The two also met that way, during film fests several years ago. After seeing her in one event, Martin asked Malu Francisco if she could ‘invite’ Dewi to more fests. Malu is the Marketing and Communications Manager of SSI Group Inc.

SSI Group Mktg and Communications Manager Malu Francisco was matchmaker of the couple and ninang. Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Who knew Malu would help match the two, with Dewi marching in a resplendent Jojie Lloren gown? Which was designed and finished in record time as well.

That was how the couple got to know each other. Dewi was wondering why she had to go to the French Film fest when her brand was Spanish. Martin asked her out and dated more than a few times. The romance didn’t immediately bloom as they drifted apart after the early dating period. Work demands may have also pulled both of them away.

FB has a way of rekindling romance. They hadn’t seen each other in a while. And Dewi commented on one of Martin’s post which intrigued him. So he chatted her up. During the pandemic, they got to know each other even more online.

They began to rely on each other for emotional support. Martin related, “There’s an intimacy and closeness I’ve never had before with anyone else. Maalaga siya, I’ve never experienced that with anyone else.”

The pregnancy, accelerated the couple’s plans. It was Martin’s insistence that they get married before their child’s birth. All he wanted was the simplest possible church wedding in the parish he was named after St Martin De Porres.

But when word got out he was getting married the whole village (where he grew up) in United Paranaque was abuzz. Martin realized he had to invite his father’s closest friends as well.

His dad Atty. Apolinario Macalintal passed away 2020. Martin lost his mom Dolores in the 90s due to Diabetes complications. Aunt Marina Magnaye, cared for Martin became a second mother. Their photos, were displayed near the altar during the ceremony.

From right: Atty. Apolinario Macalintal, Dolores Macalintal and Aunt Marina Magnaye. Martin Macalintal and Diwi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Diwi’s mother Benilda Valientes, was in attendance along with aunt Agnetha Valientes and Mario Estan. Diwi’s father Cesar is undergoing chemotherapy.

Family of the bride from left: Mario and Agnetha Estanislao, the couple, Mother of the bride Mrs Benilda Valientes and aunt Eleonor Red.

There was also an advantage in holding the wedding in United Paranaque as there were volunteers who helped during the wedding. Childhood friend and neighbor Elvira Lorenzo became wedding coordinator. Her home also became a base for the couple as Martin moved out the village years ago. Flowers and plants from Elvira’s garden also decorated the church.

Bride Dewi Valientes with Elvira Lorenzo who became coordinator and church decorator as well.

Martin for years regularly volunteered as keyboardist in the parish. So the choir was more than happy to sing during the ceremony. Complete with violinist Denise Santos Huang and vocalist Miguel Doria.

Violinist Denise Santos Huang; Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ambassador Michéle Boccoz became a ninang to the couple. And whispered words of encouragement with a warm hug. Sponsors include: Atty. Efren Gutierrez, SSI Mktg Communications Mgr. Malu Francisco and Dr. Nazario A. Macalintal, Jr.

H.E. Ambassador Michèle Boccoz congratulates Martin– Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

You could feel the love in the music that day. Saxophonist Mike Guevara, performed when the couple marched out the church. Guevara performed for France entry during two Silent Film festivals.

Saxophonist Mike Guevara; Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outside the church grounds, there was festive mood. Lively accordion music greeted the couple and their guests. The accordionist is Eric Soulard, a French actor, composer, musician (also plays the bass and piano) who owns Coco Cabana Resort in Agpanabat, Romblon. It took Soulard 48 hours to get to the venue via ferry ride and cab. This was after Martin notified him of the wedding.

Left: Accordionist Eric Soulard, a French musician who owns Coco Cabana Resort in Romblon. Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Then there was the authentic French Crepes served by Chef Didier Derouet and wife Myrna. Martin paid for the ingredients but cooking and serving the delicious pâtisserie was a labor of love. Downed with sparkling wine Martin had bought days before.

French Crepes served by Chef Didier Derouet. Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, Palms Country Club, Alabang. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ninong Atty. Efren Gutierrez, sponsored an additional brunch / reception to an even smaller group of guests in the Palms Country Club.

Major Sponsors: (2nd from left) H.E. Amb Michèle Boccoz, from left: SSI Group Mktg and Communications Manager Malu Francisco, Dr Consuelo Macalintal-Azores, Atty Efren Gutierrez and Dr. Nazario A. Macalintal Jr. Martin — Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Everyone had a wonderful time. It wasn’t the most lavish or choreographed wedding. But you could hear the love in the music, taste it in the food and see it in all the guests’ faces, how happy they all were.

Martin confessed it was a very emotional day for him shedding tears of joy several times. Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

Martin and Dewi are a blessing to each other, blessed yet again with their child. That’s what made the wedding a joyous occasion.

Pierre Alexandre Emmanuel, was born to the newlyweds 9 days after the wedding, September 24, 2022. (29)

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

WordPress: (32)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

WordPress: (35)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

WordPress: (39)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress: (48)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress: (52)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

WordPress: (58)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress: (62)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

WordPress: (68)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Major Sponsors: from left: Dr Consuelo Macalintal-Azores, the couple and Atty Efren Gutierrez.

Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

WordPress:

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

H.E. Ambassador Michèle Boccoz with the couple. Martin Macalintal and Dewi Valientes Nuptials, September 15, 2022, St. Martin De Porres Parish, United Parañaque. Photo by Jude Bautista