A Love Story: Mayor Duke Frasco & Atty. Christina Codilla

What could perhaps be called as Cebu’s wedding of the year takes place today, August 8, at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Two of the most high-profile personalities from Cebu’s younger set—Liloan Mayor Vincent “Duke” Frasco and Atty. Ma. Esperanza Christina Codilla, second child of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia—are going to exchange “I do’s,” with no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as wedding sponsor.

Adding glitz to the affair is the presence of the movie star-turned-politician, former president Joseph Estrada, who is also one of the sponsors. 

The vintage-themed reception will be held at the Cebu International Convention Center. The bride will wear a gown by designer Arcy Gayatin. 

In an interview with The FREEMAN Entertainment correspondent Rachelle Marie G. Dangin sometime last June as arranged by Ayala Center Cebu—their favorite dating place where their romance practically started and bloomed—the good-looking couple (the groom is oft-described as a dead-ringer for actor Jericho Rosales, while the bride, who endorsers a high-end jewelry line, is a regular in fashion glossies) revealed their love story that should be one for the books.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

The Freeman: How did you meet?

Duke Frasco: Should we tell them? Hahaha. Okay, it’s like this. The first time we met, it was on June 30, 2007. It was the Inauguration of the Governor. Christina was there. I saw her and she saw me. And we exchanged glances and eye-to-eye. She said ‘Hi’ and I couldn’t say anything. The following day, July 1, it was my inauguration. The Governor was there. So Christina tagged along also. But we didn’t get to talk much because I was busy with the event. But the third time we met, it was around 7-8pm here in Ayala Timezone. I happened to pass by and Christina and his nephew just finished playing at Timezone. They were on their way out and we kind of bumped into each other. It was that time where we got to exchange numbers. I also asked her to be my legal consultant.

Christina Codilla: Naa diay to’y laing plano. Hahaha.

Duke: But yeah, I have to credit Ayala Timezone for allowing us to meet there. I mean, if it weren’t for it, 0.5% lang siguro among chance. But I’d still try to find ways. Hahaha.

TF: So how did the proposal go?

Duke: It was my birthday. October 27, 2008. I asked her where she wanted to eat. She said in Manila. So I took her out to Red Restaurant. Upon going out, she asked if she looked okay. I said, yeah, you do… but you’re missing something. And it was there I showed her the ring and told her that, usually on birthdays, people give presents to me. This time, I’m giving you one. But if you want to give me the best gift on my birthday, just say yes and be my wife. And she looked so shocked.

Christina: I was really happy, though it was really unexpected. But it didn’t take me two seconds to say yes. Because right from the start, I knew that this man was the one. There’s this saying in the book ‘Alchemist’ that if there is something you desire, the universe will conspire so you can have it. Well, both of us desired to have a partner. And we were given to each other. We are both opinionated and fighters, but we seldom have arguments. We really get along as couple, and as friends.

Duke: There are times when I want to be alone. But when Christina came, I didn’t mind having her.

TF: What’s the best thing about each other?

Duke: Christina understands what I do. The schedule, the people around me. She completely understands, probably because she comes from a political family also. Night or day, there is someone to defend me to my last breath. I know Christina will do that. We both understand each other. Separately, we accomplish a lot. But when we are together, sobra pa. Things perhaps we wouldn’t be able to do as individuals. She’s gwapa pa jud.

Christina: It’s nice to actually meet a person I get to share the same direction and values. We were raised from different parts of the globe but with the same exposure: politics, public service. He’s not like everyone else. He was raised in the States yet he is here to serve the people. He is someone who has goodness in his heart. He left his beautiful life in America and came here to the Philippines to serve. It’s nice to find a person so young, brilliant and handsome. We do complement each other. And yes, we do accomplish many things together, like I help out in the legal concerns in his barangays and in the free legal aid he provides to the people.

Duke: Here’s one example. Christina always enhances or fine tunes the project we have in the municipality. For example, the program I have for the unemployment rate. She always finalizes the program so the wording will flow and everything will look good. She makes me a better mayor. And she loves to cook, which is a great thing, because I love to eat. Hahaha.

Christina: See, we do complement each other. I am really excited about the future we have and what we can do together. (Rachelle G. Dangin)