P-Noy prefers being ‘abay’ than ‘ninong’ in Ogie-Regine wedding
Here’s an excerpt from an article which appeared in Ricky Lo’s FUNFARE column in The Phil. Star:
Three weeks ago, the new set of officers of the OPM (Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit) of which Ogie Alcasid is president, took their oath of office before Pres. Noynoy for whom Ogie wrote two songs, one for the campaign plug and another (in collaboration with Noel Cabangon) for P-Noy’s inauguration as the 15th President of the Philippines last June 30 at the Quirino Grandstand. That was when Ogie invited P-Noy to be a member of the wedding entourage.
“I asked P-Noy to be one of our ninongs but he said mas bagay kung isa na lang siya sa mga abay.”
Reminded about a Filipino superstition (pamahiin) that an unmarried man or a woman who acts as principal sponsor runs the risk of delaying his/her own marriage or not marrying at all, Ogie was surprised. “I didn’t know that.”
The singer/songwriter cannot be entirely faulted for the faux pas. Afterall, our country’s first bachelor President, back when he was still a presidential candidate, stood as a Principal Sponsor (replacing his mother Cory who was the original choice before she passed away) during the wedding of his running-mate Mar Roxas to broadcaster Korina Sanchez. Noynoy reportedly felt awkward for the role, being single and younger than Roxas.[1] Prior to his inauguration, the President-elect (partnered with his sister, Pinky Aquino-Abellada) served as wedding sponsor to an LP partymate’s wedding.[2]
To avoid such sticky situations, Filipinos should be aware of the various superstitions we have to avoid offending the sensibilities of the people who may still believe them. We have listed some Pinoy wedding superstitions so that soon-to-weds will have a general idea.
Going back to the above quoted article: Ricky Lo further asked if the soon-to-weds would also invite P-Noy’s girlfriend, Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad, to be P-Noy’s partner. Ogie said, “We haven’t decided yet. It’s up to Regine to choose the lady secondary sponsors.” [read full article]
Although a Malacañang wedding is not a part of P-Noy’s priorities[3], he definitely doesn’t want to jinx it either.
In his keynote speech at the oathtaking, P-Noy’s took the chance to respond to Ogie’s wedding invitation, “Sa Disyembre, ako ang magiging abay nyo. Pagdating naman ng panahon, kayo ang magiging ninong at ninang ko.” [4]
December 22, 2010 is the rumored altar date for Ogie Alcasid & Regine Velasquez. The couple has not officially confirmed it.