Newlyweds Zeinab Harake and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. have broken their silence to address rumors about her pregnancy, claims that their wedding cost millions, and the now-viral use of paper plates at their reception.
In an exclusive interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on Tuesday, the couple clarified several “issues” surrounding their much-talked-about wedding, which took place on June 1.
“Kaya may paper plate dahil sa cocktail area, may pica pica kasi,” Zeinab explained.
“After the wedding ceremony, before mag-fireworks… para hindi mainip ang bisita at magutom, nag-ready kami ng pica pica. So that’s before the reception.”
The issue stemmed from photos and videos showing celebrity couple Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano, who were principal sponsors at the wedding, eating off paper plates.
@lizlantingan paper plate sa kasal nina Zeinab umani ng reaksyon sa netizen #followers #fypシ #fypシ゚viralシfypシ゚viralシalシ #highlights #fypviralシ ♬ original sound – Liz Lantingan
“Actually, lahat na lang pinapansin. Ako talaga nag-comment ‘OA’ kasi masyado nilang pinapalaki,” she reacted to the rumors.
“Even the cake, naging P2 million daw — hindi naman po talaga. And hindi po umabot ng P20 million yung wedding namin.”
A local baker previously clarified that the pair’s wedding cake did not cost as much as the rumored amount, calling the circulating claims as “false” and “inaccurate.”
Harake revealed that a generous “ninong” offered to elevate their initially planned “intimate and simple” wedding into a grand event.
“Binless kami ni God na may ipinadala siyang tao na ginawa po ‘yung wedding na ‘yan. ‘Yung venue, from the ground up, five months ginawa. And nung nakita namin yung wedding venue, parang sobrang na-overwhelm kami,” she said.
“Sabi namin, kailangan namin i-give back dun sa nag-bless sa amin na ninong namin na, ‘Okay, we need to get the best suppliers and everything.’ That’s why mukha siyang naging big wedding,” she added.
Though she did not name the godfather, Zeinab expressed gratitude, saying the design and location of the venue were his gift to them.
“Blessed din po kami sa aming location and set design because of our ninong. And the rest po, talagang kami na po ‘yun, kasi we want to honor him lang.”
When asked directly if she is pregnant, Zeinab firmly denied the allegation, saying, “No! Nooo! Saan galing ‘yan?”
The couple went on to exchange heartfelt promises after responding to the question.
“Forever akong magiging great wife and mom sa aming mga future kids at sa aming dalawang anak,” Zeinab said.
Bobby Ray, for his part, vowed: “Mamahalin kita through the ups and the downs… I will remain faithful. At parati kitang susuportahan and will always have your back at hinding-hindi ka matatakot na may gawin akong kalokohan. I will remain faithful.”
