Comedian Jose Manalo and his partner, former EB Babes member Mergene or Gene Maranan, got married at a beach resort in Boracay on Tuesday, December 17.
As seen in photos and videos posted by some celebrities who attended their wedding, Jose and Gene had an intimate wedding celebration, almost two weeks after revealing their engagement.
Actress Liza Diño shared photos from the wedding, congratulating the couple with the caption: “Beautiful couple. Congratulations and best wishes kuya Jose and Mergene. 🎊🥳.”
Liza also posted a selfie with her partner, Ice Seguerra, and Jose, expressing excitement for the groom
“With our poging groom kuya Jose Manalo. Lab yu Kuya. Excited for you! Walang kasing saya pag nahanap mo na ang iyong forever. Let's goooooo!!! 😍,” Liza wrote.
In an Instagram story, Ice was also seen performing for the couple, along with actor and host Ryan Agoncillo, who was part of the entourage.
Jose’s co-host Pauleen Luna shared highlights from the dreamy wedding, which was attended by several celebrities, including her husband Vic Sotto, Oyo Boy Sotto and Kristine Hermosa with their newborn son, Ciara Sotto, and Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde. Pauleen's daughter Tali was one of the flower girls.
Also spotted at the event were Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa, Judy Ann Santos, and Paolo Ballesteros, who was one of Jose’s groomsmen, along with co-hosts Wally Bayola and Allan K. Alden Richards and Joey de Leon and his wife also attended.
Meanwhile, Gene’s fellow EB Babes members, including Lian Paz, Rose Ann "Hopia" Boleche, and Joyce Burgos, were there to support her.
“Finally! Your dream wedding mars! My heart is full watching you both. Congratulations Mars ko! God made your love victorious in the end. I love you both!!” Lian said in a post.
She also shared behind-the-scenes moments from the bride's photoshoot with the caption: “Finally My Mars! ♥️ I’m so happy for you. You’re the prettiest bride i’ve ever seen! 🥹 #joseandmergenemanalo 🙏🏻.”
A prenup video was also shared, offering a glimpse of Jose and Gene’s love story.
“Natatandaan niyo pa ba noong una kayong nagkita? Nagumpisa sa sungitan. Si babae, nayabangan, si lalaki, tinamaan, hanggang sa tuluyang nagkakilala, nagkaintindihan at nauwi sa pagmamahalan,” said in a voice over posted by film production Films by Jayar.
“Mula noon hanggang sa darating pa na panahon, ipapakita sa buong mundo na ang pagmamahal ay ipaglalaban at hindi tatalikuran,” they added, showing a video from the couple’s fun prenup shoot.
Earlier in December, Jose and Gene revealed their engagement, which took place last February on Jose’s birthday.
“The easiest YES I’ve ever said. 💍 02/12/24 @therealjosemanalo,” Gene captioned the post.
In the video, Jose sang Yeng Constantino’s song "Ikaw," then walked toward a proposal setup near the pool, surprising Gene. He knelt and proposed, and Gene gladly accepted, captioning her post: “It’s you. It’s always been you.. 💍❤️02/12/24 @therealjosemanalo..”
READ: Jose Manalo, fiancée Mergene Maranan share prenup photos