Polar Opposites Attract

Featuring Ralph Chong and Diane Gollon

Our journey began amidst the halls of Ateneo De Manila University in 2011, where fate orchestrated our encounter in a Chemistry class—a subtle hint of the chemistry that would flourish over time.

Throughout our college years, we remained steadfast friends. It wasn’t until an earthquake in Japan hit, which quite literally, shook us in May 2015, that the stars aligned, setting the stage for our love story.

Fast forward to June 2019, in the City of Love, Paris, we got engaged, just before the onset of a global pandemic. Despite the unforeseen challenges that followed, after a two-year engagement and a postponed wedding date, we finally exchanged vows on April 3, 2022.

To share more about our personalities, the perfect definition is that opposites attract. Ralph is bold and can light up a whole room while Diane is more meek and gentle. Ralph is the Ahia, the eldest sibling; while Diane is the youngest, the Shobe of the family. Truly, the defining factor of why our relationship works is that we are complete opposites, and opposites attract.

Our wedding mostly mirrored this idea. It was a juxtaposition of contrasting elements, all coming together and unifying into one memorable occasion. The church ceremony was held in Santuario De San Jose, East Greenhills.

We chose Santuario because we wanted to have the wedding someplace special, a place with personal meaning. We regularly visited Santuario as a couple, and as Ralph would say, it’s the church where he attended Simbang Gabi for 12 consecutive nights back in 2015, with his prayer being that Diane would agree to be his girlfriend. Truly, that wish came true- as revealed in our official hashtag, #DIANEsweredprayerofRalph.

The church ceremony was kept simple and timeless. The aisle was lined with clusters of gypsophila flowers and Ecuadorian roses in shades of white and blush pink. Diane’s bouquet was comprised of peonies, roses, and dahlias in soft colors to reflect her simplicity and grace.

Meanwhile, staying true to the theme of our relationship, the opposite was done for the reception venue. We were incredibly grateful to know that we had a strong head count of 400+ pax. To show our appreciation to our guests for showing up despite the pandemic, we created a reception program and venue that we hoped would entertain them.

The program was filled with performances from loved ones, including a special rendition of “From This Moment” from Ralph’s Shobe, Ria Cathrina, alongside dance numbers from the entourage, the couple, and even a surprise sultry Versace on the Floor after- party starter performance from the groom and his jolly entourage.

To compliment the colorful program, The Grand Ballroom of Shangri-la The Fort was adorned with jewel-toned blooms from Holland. A sea of red Ecuadorian roses, flowing purple orchids, fuchsia colored tulips, and burgundy dahlias were all nested in a 1,800sqm ballroom illuminated with Nova Chandeliers, Crystal Candelabras, and romantic fairy lights.

Meanwhile, the food selection were all hand-picked to reflect our favorites. To start off the reception, canapes and our all-time favorite snack, Quisine Kamote Chips, were served. Staying true to our Chinese roots, we chose to serve a full course meal by Canton Road. Part of the courses included dishes like Canton Road’s Signature Roasted Suckling Pig, Chashiu, and Roast Duck platter, accompanied by Wagyu Beef in Sichuan Pepper Sauce. We made sure to balance it out with healthier entrées like Seabass in XO Sauce, Prawn and Scallop E-Fu Noodles, and Seafood Conpoy Soup. To cap off the dinner were our favorite desserts- Classic Chocolate Mousse with Coconut Ice Cream, a hearty Black Sesame Walnut Soup, and their childhood favorite, Buchi.

The true highlights of the occasion were messages from our loved ones. We enjoyed going down memory lane, listening to speeches from our parents, siblings, and close friends; their messages all similar in theme.

Ralph’s best man Aldric described our dynamic perfectly: “Ralph and Diane are like Yin and Yang, and that’s why their relationship works.” Truly, the entire wedding planning wasn’t just done by us but both families were of great help during the planning process.

The wedding wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for Ralph’s mom Carol who guided us each step of the way. She gave us the complete freedom to choose all our preferences and motifs but she was the catalyst to what made the event truly outstanding and memorable, always improving every element of the wedding.

She allowed us to dream of what we wanted for our once-in-a-lifetime occasion and when challenges arose, most of which related to the pandemic, she taught us how to look back at what the essence of a wedding is all about- us being in harmony with each other.

If anything, the successful output is a result of how we both learned to focus on the internal, rising through all the external challenges brought about by the pandemic. We learned how to harness our strengths, Ralph’s boldness and Diane’s grace. We’re happy to say that all things fell into place, creating a solemn yet incredibly joyous celebration.