Dressed in an off-shoulder Francis Libiran creation, Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, weds coach Julius Naranjo in Catholic rites in the “City of Pines.”
By Alex Y. Vergara
Photos from Nice Photography & Exige Weddings, Francis Libiran and Arsi Baltazar
Exactly one year after winning for the country its first-ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, weightlifter and one of PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year 2022” awardees Hidilyn Diaz married fellow weightlifter and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo yesterday at the Philippine Military Academy’s St. Ignatius Chapel in Baguio.
To the lyrics of the classic OPM love song Ikaw, which was sung by actor-singer Arman Ferrer, the diminutive but powerfully built bride, dressed in an off-shoulder Francis Libiran gown, marched towards the altar and into the waiting arms of her eager groom, a Guamanian of Filipino and Japanese descent, who also wore a Libiran creation consisting of a barong-and-pants ensemble.
Fr. Dennis Paez, a personal friend of the couple, officiated at their wedding. Not even the continuous downpour outside the venue could dampen the couple’s spirits, as they savored the culmination of their courtship, which became official when Julius proposed to Hidilyn last October.
Adding a touch of glitz and glamor to their special day was Libiran’s fitted and semi-beaded gown with a voluminous train designed to make Hidilyn look taller and slimmer, says the designer.
“For her gown, I made sure that it’s Hidilyn’s personality that comes out while she’s wearing it [while] walking down the aisle,” said Libiran. “I got the inspiration from her. We made sure that the lines are very simple—linear, to make her [look] taller and slimmer. The piece is intricately embroidered with beads from the bodice down to the train.”
For Julius’ barong, Libiran fused traditional Guamanian and Philippine patterns with his signature Art Deco design. Adding a cute but symbolic touch to the groom’s barong were a pair of custom-made cufflinks shaped like mini barbells.
Event stylist Gideon Hermosa also partly drew inspiration from Hidilyn’s chosen sport by fashioning a bouquet consisting of a pair of cascading orchids, which, said Hermosa in his Instagram account, is “reminiscent of the weights that she carries with all her strength on the Olympic stage to win the country’s first Olympic gold.”
What was deemed by many as the “wedding of the year” lived up to the hype. Apart from the charming and very visible couple, the event became more special with the inclusion of 38 principal sponsors, including former senator Manny Pacquiao, Manny Pangilinan, Ramon Ang, Teresita Sy-Coson, Dr. Vicki Belo, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo and Ryan Agoncillo, and former vice president Leni Robredo.
Robredo, who was unable to attend the event, sent a video message to the couple. “I’m so honored to be your ninang…,” she said. “Bilang one of your godmothers, I wish you a long and happy and peaceful married life. Nandito lang ako para sa inyo. I love you both.”
Apart from Santos, actresses Angel Locsin and Iza Calzado, and journalist Atom Araullo graced the event as secondary sponsors.
An early evening reception followed at the Baguio Country Club, which, said Libiran in one of his Instagram stories, “was nothing short of magical, as the whole place bloomed with flowers and thrived with cheers as they welcomed the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Naranjo.” With reports from Angelica Demegillo
