Nine years to always

Featuring Martin Tan and Gail Ong

Martin and Gail’s love story started quietly, in the hallways of Senior High back in 2016. They were classmates first, friends second, and eventually two hearts unknowingly moving toward each other. “We started as friends who loved teasing and annoying each other,” Gail shares.

“Somewhere between the laughter and the banter, we were already falling in love.”

Their first date, a secret one at Nihonbashitei —became the spark.

From then on, their bond deepened through simple joys: discovering restaurants, exploring cafés, people-watching, and wandering through cities that felt like home as long as they had each other.

“Martin made me feel seen,” she says softly. “He listens not just to my words, but to my heart… he became my calm in every chaos.”

In 2023, amidst the breathtaking mountains of Sichuan, China, Martin proposed in a scene straight out of a dream. Surrounded by snow and dramatic views, Gail had no idea that the “tour guides” in their group were actually a hired photo and video team.

“I always joked that I wanted to be proposed to somewhere with a breathtaking view, and that’s exactly what happened,” she recalls. “The thought, the effort, the love… it was everything I ever envisioned.”

Their wedding day carried that same magic. Gail walked down the aisle at Sanctuario de San Jose wearing a Viktor & Rolf gown styled by her own brand, Styled By Gail Ong.

At the end of her veil was a delicate embroidery of their beagle — a quiet, precious tribute to their little family. “It felt like he was walking with us,” Gail smiles.

The celebration continued at the Manila Marriott Hotel, transformed by the artistry of Gideon Hermosa, with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra filling the space with sweeping emotion. Metrophoto captured every moment, while ProjectMayo7 and With Us Content Creator brought the day to life on film and social media. COTE Events orchestrated the seamless flow of the ceremony and reception.

“If I could sum up our wedding day in one word, it would be timeless,” Gail reflects.

“Seeing the reception for the first time felt like stepping into a dream… but what made it unforgettable was having everyone we love there with us. It felt like time stood still — just for us.”, adds Gail.