Batangas Governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas has tied the knot with his partner, lawyer Angelica Chua, in a grand church wedding held in Batangas City.
The ceremony took place at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Batangas last Wednesday, May 8.
It was reportedly attended by prominent figures, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos, former president Gloria Arroyo, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Batangas Vice-Governor Mark Leviste.
In their exchange of vows, the 80-year-old governor expressed his love and commitment to the 32-year-old Chua, who is nearly 50 years his junior, according to PEP’s report.
Mandanas spoke of their shared faith and the desire to raise a family rooted in Christian values.
Chua, in turn, reminisced about Mandanas asking her out on Valentine’s Day and pledged to stand by his side, offering strength and support throughout their lives together.
During the reception, Mandanas described his new wife as someone who is “never boring,” as she brings excitement and vitality to their relationship.
“Harinawa ay makatulong kaming dalawa sa pagkakaroon ng tunay na masagana at happy life dito sa atin hindi lang sa lalawigan ng Batangas kung hindi sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.
He added, “In our relationship we should not be boring. Nakita naman ninyo kapag si Angelica ang kasama, we can assure you it will never be boring.”
Now Mrs. Mandanas, a member of a prominent political family from Ibaan, Batangas, highlighted her background in law and expressed her belief in the “law of attraction”, stating that she always envisioned marrying a politician.
“I’ve always wanted and I knew I’d marry a politician because I know I’d be a great partner,” the Batangas First Lady remarked.
“I know that my wedding will be the wedding of the year,” she described her dream nuptials.
Their wedding was made possible with the support of the governor’s siblings and principal sponsors, some of whom generously contributed to the reception expenses, according to ABS-CBN News.
The entire ceremony, from the church proceedings to the reception, was live-streamed on social media platforms of the Batangas Public Information Office.’
Mandanas previously announced his upcoming wedding during a flag ceremony event last April.
“Ang governor ay ikakasal na,” Mandanas declared on the stage, eliciting cheers from the crowd, as seen in a video shared by Lian vice mayor Ronin Leviste.
In another video uploaded by Batangas-based content creator Aileen Arriola-Montalbo, Mandanas expressed his happiness for his marriage, saying, “Dahil sa pagkakataon na ito ay hiling ko dahil nakita natin na talagang kailangan ng katulong sa buhay.”
The couple reportedly began their relationship earlier this year, less than two years after the passing of Mandanas’ late wife, former Marinduque solon, and Anakalusugan nominee Regina Reyes, who died at the age of 57 in May 2022.
