Hidilyn Diaz and Julius Naranjo are married; honeymoon rocked by quake in Baguio
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST Hidilyn Diaz and husband Julius Naranjo with wedding participants and guests
The 31-year-old weightlifter from Zamboanga and her coach tied the knot on July 26, exactly a year after Hidilyn bagged the country’s first-ever Olympic gold at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
A Who’s Who in sports, business and government were the couple’s sponsors and wedding participants.
However, it was gathered that based on photos shown on social media, many of those invited like former Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao and Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo were unable to join the solemn rites and celebration.
Former senator Manny Pacquiao is currently in the United States with his family, it was learned.
Dr. Vicki Belo, another sponsor, is in New York City based on her latest posts on Instagram Stories.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Robredo is enjoying her vacation in Turkiye with her daughters.
Actress Angel Locsin was also invited to the wedding as one of Hidilyn’s Maids of Honor, but the Kapamilya actress was not able to make it as she celebrated her first wedding anniversary with husband Neil Arce that same day.
Another actrerss, Iza Calzado, who was one of the bridesmaids, is currently in the U.K. for a vacation. She sent her congratulatory messages to the couple online.
Apart from Robredo and Pacquiao, other wedding sponsors were First Pacific CEO Mr. Manuel Pangilinan; San Miguel President Ramon Ang; SM Investments Corporation Vice Chair Teresita Tan Sy-Coson, Judy Ann Santos and husband Ryan Agoncillo.
Among the celebrities spotted at the couple’s wedding was the stylist Liz Uy.
The couple’s athlete friends including 2018 Asian Games gold medalist Margielyn Didal, 2022 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Nesthy Petecio, and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial were there.
Retired basketball player Alvin Patrimonio, Hidilyn’s nutritionist Jeannette Aro, former Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella, and former cager Chris Tiu were also present.
Motivational speaker/preacher Bro. Bo Sanchez, who was among the principal sponsors, came with his wife Marowe Sanchez.
Malaysia-based Filipino singer Yazmin Asis was among Hidilyn’s bridesmaids. The friendship between Hidilyn and Yazmin blossomed during the pandemic
Malaysia-based Filipino singer Yazmin Asis was among Hidilyn’s bridesmaids. The friendship between Hidilyn and Yazmin blossomed during the pandemic.
In true Hidilyn Diaz and Julius Naranjo fashion, the newly married couple prepared the wittiest souvenir photo for the guests on their special day, GMA News reported.
Julius revealed in an interview with Manila Bulletin it was him who called the date to add more meaning to their wedding.
He said, “I told Hidi that we should make the anniversary of winning the first gold medal our wedding date.
“That was the time when she won, that was the time when she got the spotlight.
“Now that it’s a year later, it’s a way for us to celebrate.
“That’s what the wedding is all about, right? Celebrating us. It’s also a date we will remember forever.” (Jeanne Michael Penaranda)
