A golden love

To celebrate their golden year of marriage, respected top lawyer and a firm believer that it never rains on the golf course, Julius Neri and his ever-dedicated wife Nelia Neri, the grand dame of lifestyle editors, simply wished for an intimate celebration with just family members before departing for their second honeymoon in Hong Kong. But their four sons, together with their respective wives, JJ and Lotlot, Justin and Candice, Jedboy, Jovi and Crystal would not hear of it.

They organized a surprise party — giving the couple no hints at all whatsoever — that would include not only family, but the dearest of friends who have played significant roles in their lives.

Allow me to backtrack as the popular song goes, “Let’s start from the very beginning.” Just how did they meet? Like most relationships, Julius and Nelia got in touch through a common friend, Chinggay Utzurrum, while still in college.

Julius graduated  AB Economics  from  the University of San Carlos Cebu, and then continued  at the Ateneo de Manila University for his law degree.

Nelia studied at the Saint Theresa’s College, Cebu, for AB English and later proceeded to the College of the Holy Spirit where she took up BSHE Foods and Nutrition. She moved to Chicago, Illinois for her dietetic internship.

A long distance courtship followed, but Julius persisted and pursued. Not long after, Nelia came home and soon preparations began for the much anticipated wedding  held at the Sacred Heart Church in Cebu. The year was 1966.

Both their parents, Jesus Neri and Paz Neri, and Jesus Garcia and Severiana Garcia, were more than elated to see their children finally tie the knot.

Fast forward to 2016. On the day of the affair, Nelia fell ill with the flu. It took the children much loving persuasion coupled with prayers to convince the couple to supposedly attend a company party they were hosting. 

The honorees were genuinely surprised to see their family and friends at the Grand Ballroom of Montebello Villa Resort, the chosen venue for the celebration.

In attendance were Nelia’s sisters, Elma and her husband Nop Muangkroot who flew in from Bangkok,  Joyce Dizon from Manila, Gina and Caesar Atienza, together with brothers  Sonny and Armi, and Dale and Doreen.

Another unexpected  surprise was the video presentation that featured president-elect Rody Duterte with his greetings. Nelia’s sister Zenda and her husband Iman Lat, long-time residents of New Jersey, likewise sent their own good wishes. As the clip rolled on, several  guests marveled at the pair’s many accomplishments, from several successful  business endeavors, plus their varied experiences  from their  extensive travels both here and abroad.

Elma took to the stage and literally surprised everyone as she began to read Nelia’s letter to their mom, Paz, which the former wrote over 50 years ago, expressing her feelings towards Julius. And in true Filipina custom, asked permission to come home to follow her heart’s desire. Several invitees were moved to tears.

In response Julius gave a touching brief speech in which he recalled the day he met his future wife — he was more than smitten, just absolutely and totally in love. He declared Nelia has been his unfailing and guiding inspiration and ever so supportive partner all these years.

Their six gifted grandchildren entertained the guests with their many talents. Julian was the lead singer, Isabel played the piano, Pio the guitar, and  Nessi the violin. Hosts for the evening were Nini and Mikkel.