Legacy and heritage

In the ever-evolving tapestry of Philippine society, some unions do more than just celebrate love — they redefine the language of modern heritage. The wedding of Maiki del Rosario and Santiago Elizalde is a narrative of patience and deep-rooted values.

Their introduction in December 2017 was a classic holiday serendipity — a Christmas party encounter where neither was looking, yet both found exactly what they didn’t know they needed.

For years, their paths were parallel lines: Maiki, a citizen of the world raised across Southeast Asia; and Santiago, anchored in Manila. It took nearly a year for those lines to converge into a long-distance courtship, a journey further tested by two years of pandemic-induced separation.

When the reunion finally came in Singapore, it wasn’t just a meeting of two people, but a merging of two legacies. Both products of close-knit clans where cousins are siblings and independence is a virtue, the couple found home in their shared ambitions. Maiki, following a matrilineal path as an educator at the Singapore American School; and Santiago, scoring his dream role at LALIGA, prove that a partnership is strongest when both individuals are flourishing in their own light.

The wedding took place at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Montecito Chapel. The bride wore a beautiful and captivating Rajo Laurel gown and stunning groom in a simple modern piña barong by Jor-El Espina. The celebration at Montecito Nuvali was a vibrant departure from the monochromatic formalities of yesteryears and leaned into a palette that felt like a love letter to the region: “Warm and Fun.” Inspired by the lush bounty of Southeast Asian markets, the motif was a kaleidoscopic feast of dragonfruit magenta, pomegranate reds, mango yellow, vibrant oranges and coconut greens.

A bespoke logo by Andrea Wild anchored the entire celebration, appearing on everything from custom paper goods to the signature cocktail menus — every detail served the greater purpose of hospitality.

In an era of fleeting connections, the Maiki and Santiago Filipino garden wedding reminds us that the most beautiful weddings go beyond the décor; they are about the warmth of a family gathered and the fun of a love that finally, beautifully, came home.

Ceremony Venue at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Montecito Chapel, Reception Venue at Pasa Tiempo Pavilion, Montecito Clubhouse, Afterparty Venue at Anya Resort Tagaytay.

Number of guests at reception: 350

Bridal Make Up by Anthea Bueno, Bridal Hair by Val Corpuz, Welcome Dinner Bridal Dress by Colena Studio, Wedding Planner: Brides Maids & Co. (Gia Bernardo), Stylist: Zenas Pineda, Photo/Video by Nice Print Photography & Margi Antonio, Wedding Content Creators by OTD Storytellers, Food by Cibo, String Quartet by String Fusion, Choir by Hangad, Band by The Plug and DJ by Luis Elizalde.