Dabawenya Dr. Tricia Andrea R. Morada, the beautiful daughter of Chito and Nora Morada, first met Manilan Mario "MJ" G. Madrid Jr. in December last year.
Her first cousin, Sylvia Lorenzo Stolk, needed advice on her taxes and so arranged a meeting with MJ whose accounting firm handles her books.
Tricia, an ophthalmologist like her father, was in Manila then, attending a convention.
Sylvia, who was consulting with MJ on her tax problems, had other plan. She set up a date for Tricia and MJ.
It wasn't long before MJ was a frequent flier to Davao City pursuing the very eligible doctora.
Both found they have a lot in common -- their large close-knit families, their sense of fun, and their spirituality.
Four months after the blind date, MJ played golf with Tricia's father as a prelude to asking for his blessing to marry Tricia. After he got Chito's blessing, he then proposed to Tricia.
On September 20, 2008, MJ and Tricia were married at the St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Sasa. The wedding ceremony was officiated by Fr. Eli Ubag of the Missionaries of Jesus.
Her cousin Sylvia, who started it all, was the matron of honor and Dr. Martin Luna was the best man.
Led by MJ's parents, Mario and Lindy Madrid, almost a hundred relatives and close friends flew in from Manila to celebrate with the new couple.
The following stood as principal sponsors: Mayor Sonia R. Lorenzo and Dr. Jorge M. Garcia, Celina Tionko Los Banos and Atty. Edgardo L. Mendoza, Iluminada S. Ramoso and Constantino Y. Belizario, Irene Morada Santiago and Gilbert Ruste, Socorro Medina Estanislao and Rogelio M. Sarmiento.
Cocktails preceded the reception at the elegantly decorated Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Hotel.
Tricia and MJ left for their honeymoon in Europe and will make their home initially in Davao City before moving to Ayala Alabang.
