you are cordially invited TO THE WEDDING OF

Gats and Ems

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Listen to our wedding song

Welcome to our wedding website


We are so excited to share this special day with you! Here, you’ll find all the details about our wedding day, including venue locations, event schedules, and more.

Please explore the site, RSVP, and learn a little more about our journey together. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and create memories that will last a lifetime.


Please use our wedding hashtag:

#GatsToBeWithEms

Our Love Story

Every love story has a beginning, and ours started in the most unexpected place—a hospital.


Gats first noticed Ems during her days as a nurse orientee. She was a cute, petite, short-haired lady wearing
distinctive purple glasses. There was something about her that immediately caught his attention, though he
couldn’t quite explain why.


One day, while Gats was attending to one of his patients, Ems entered the room to check the patient’s blood
sugar. As he watched her work, he was struck by how gentle, compassionate, and confident she was. He
couldn’t help but smile as he noticed her tiny hands carefully holding the hand of their patient, whose hand
seemed almost twice the size of hers.


Later that day, Gats went to the nurses’ station to write his progress notes. There sat Ems, quietly having her
late lunch. In a simple act of kindness, she invited him to share her meal. Slightly caught off guard, all he could
say was, “Thank you, Ma’am.”


That brief encounter stayed with him.


The only problem? He didn’t even know her name.


Weeks passed, and Gats regularly played basketball with his colleagues after work. During that time, he
became friends with one of the newly hired nurses, who happened to be Ems’ batchmate during orientation.
Trying not to sound too obvious, he casually asked, “Bro… do you know the name of that petite nurse with the
purple glasses?”


Armed with her name, Gats searched for Ems on Facebook and immediately sent her a friend request. Then
came the hardest part—waiting.


Forty-eight hours later, she accepted. 😅


Even then, he still couldn’t bring himself to send the first message.


So he asked his friend, “Bro, what do you think? I don’t really have the courage to message her.” 😂


His friend laughed and replied, “You were brave enough to add her on Facebook, but you can’t even say
hello?”


That little push was all he needed.


On September 4, 2018, Gats sent Ems a simple Facebook wave. The following day, she waved back.


A tiny gesture.


A simple hello.


A conversation that neither of them knew would one day become the beginning of a lifetime together. ❤️

The Entourage

Officiating Priest

Rev. Fr. Marcel Emmanuel DP. Real

Parents of the Groom

Edgar Pedro C. Surtida VI

Sonia S. Surtida

Parents of the Bride

Benigno O. Asido Sr.

Maria Jena P. Asido

Principal Sponsors
To stand as witnesses to our vows

Hon. James Paul A. Ranin

Atty. Hector L. Laganson

PBGen. Gil Francis G. Tria

Dr. John Leo B. Guazon

Engr. Mario R. Aclan

Mr. Bobby C. Bustamante

Mr. Danish A. Arcilla

Dr. Greg A. Diaz

Mr. Edgar Jose C. Surtida IV

Mr. Joey P. Vibar

Mr. Almer B. Cano

Mr. Edison D. Baydal

Mr. Joey A. Abordo

Mr. Samuel P. Laguerta

Mr. Alan C. Vidallo

Mr. Welson C. Moralde

Engr. Kenneth D. Vancoughnett

Mr. Andrew J. Christian

Mr. Sam A. Bustamante

Mrs. Maria Corazon B. Ranin

Hon. Rubilyn C. Euste

Mrs. Iolanthe Perpetua T. Salcedo

Mrs. Ana Lorena S. Oliva

Mrs. Joy H. Angeles

Mrs. Nester Q. Lim

SFO4 Crisanta T. Arcilla (Ret)

Ms. Irma C. Surtida

Mrs. Aida P. Regalario

Mrs. Gladys R. Bañadera

Mrs. Elma P. Cano

Mrs. Regina P. Baydal

Mrs. Jessica S. Abordo

Mrs. Jona Joy A. Amparo

SFO3 Angelita M. Celebrado (Ret)

Mrs. Oliva C. Moralde

Mrs. Ruby R. Vancoughnett

Mrs. April C. Christian

Mrs. Allen A. Bustamante

Best Man

Edgar Paolo S. Surtida

Maid of Honor

Jane A. Bustamante

Secondary Sponsors

Candle

To Light Our Path

Jose Oscar B. Tejada

Elizabeth P. Paz

Veil

To Clothe Us as One
Emilio Epifanio B. Terbio

Jedda Mariane F. Surtida

Cord

To Bind Us Together
Ramon Bryan R. Velasco

Kimberly Clariz Z. Asido

Ribbon
Christian B. Perua

Abegail Roanne R. Abrigo

Groomsmen

Benigno P. Asido Jr.

Arvin L. Sibulo

Keith Daryl P. Olarve

John James F. Surtida

Bridesmaids
Charlotte O. Asido

Alysa Kristel R. Asido

Alyzza Chariz Z. Asido

Gerlyn Mae L. Meliton

Ring Bearer

To Carry Our Symbol of Love

Lance Aizen D. Abordo

Coin Bearer

To Carry Our Symbol of Treasure

Remuel R. Laguerta

Bible Bearer

To Carry Our Symbol of Faith
Kean Rae M. Capitan

Junior Ushers
Lucas C. Leal

Jae Adrien B. Abordo

Leonard C. Leal Jr.

Xian Clarence P. Barquilla

Flower Girls

To Shower Our Aisle with Flowers
Aletheia Serene S. Baylon

Amity Felize S. Baylon

Celestine Dominique S. Zantua

Denise Nicole S. Zantua

Offerers
Candle: Hon. Randy O. Asido

Egg: Mrs. Alma A. Castilla

Flower: Mrs. Salve S. Milañez

Host: Ms. Jovie A. Mayores

Bread: Mrs. June Janine S. Baylon

Wine: Mr. Edgar M. Baylon Jr.

Dress Code

principal sponsors

Black suit or champagne Barong Tagalog

Formal dress (navy blue, champagne, soft gold, taupe or beige tones).

GUESTS

We kindly request that all guests honor the dress code by avoiding overly casual attire such as polo shirts, slippers, denim, and jeans. Please avoid mini dresses.


Please adhere to the specified dress code and color motif provided. Dressing accordingly is deeply appreciated, as it will contribute to the elegance and harmony of our celebration.


We look forward to seeing you in your finest that complements our chosen theme!

Gift  Guide

Having you celebrate with us is the greatest gift of all.

Since we are currently living abroad and will be returning after our celebration,

transporting traditional gifts would be challenging.

Should you wish to honor us with a gift,

a monetary blessing would be sincerely appreciated

as we begin this beautiful new chapter together.

The Venue

CEREMONY

Our Lady of Peñafrancia Basilica Minore

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RECEPTION

Royale Emelina

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CEREMONY

Our Lady of Peñafrancia Basilica Minore

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Your Questions Answered

  • RSVP

    We are so excited to celebrate our wedding day with you! To ensure an intimate and enjoyable experience for everyone, we have reserved seating for each guest individually. We kindly ask that each invitation is for ONE (1) PERSON ONLY.


    Please RSVP by August 5, 2026 to confirm your attendance.


    We can’t wait to share this unforgettable day with you!

  • Is there parking space available for my car?

    Yes, there is parking available for everyone at the venue. However, please take note that it is first come, first served basis, so you might not want to be late.

  • I said "NO" to the RSVP but I had a change of plans-I can attend now! What should I do?

    • Please check with us first. Unfortunately, we have a strict guest list.



    • Kindly inform us if your schedule clears up, so we can try to accommodate you.



    • If seats become available, we will let you know as soon as possible.



    • Please do not attend unannounced, as we may not have any available seats for you.

  • When is the appropriate time to leave?

    This event took us months to plan, and we want to celebrate it with the people that are very dear to our hearts. We want you to have fun! Celebrate with us until the end of the program!

  • How can I help the couple have a great time during their wedding?

    • Pray with us for favorable weather and the continuous blessings of our Lord as we enter this new chapter of our lives as husband and wife.
    • RSVP as soon as your schedule is cleared.
    • Dress appropriately and follow our wedding motif.
    • Be on time.
    • Follow the seating arrangement in the reception.
    • Stay until the end of the program.
    • Join the activities and enjoy!
  • May I invite a "PLUS ONE" to the event?

    As much as we would love to accommodate all our friends and family, we have a

    limited number of guests.


    If you wish to bring a PLUS ONE, please contact us beforehand, and we’ll gladly

    accomodate your request if space permits.

  • What if I RSVP'd but cannot attend?

    We would love to have you at our wedding, but we understand that there are circumstances beyond our control. However, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reallocate your seat/s.

  • Can I sit anywhere at the reception?

    Please don't. It took us a lot of effort and discussion to finish the seating arrangement, which is planned for everyone's convenience and preference, but there is no need to worry! You'll surely be seated with your friends or people that you have same interest with.



    Our coordinators will gladly assist you in finding your designated seat after registration. Feel free to ask them for assistance and they will gladly help you.

  • Am I allowed to take pictures and/or videos during the ceremony?

    We request everyone to keep the ceremony camera-free. While our I Do’s are unplugged, our reception is not and definitely as a couple who loves pictures, you’ll get tons of options to take your pictures. We prepared for this event wholeheartedly.


    Please use our official hashtag: 

    #GatsToBeWithEms

  • Do we really need to RSVP? We already said "YES" to the couple.

    Yes, please. We will be needing your formal RSVP to consolidate guest details and finalize the headcount for catering and seating purposes.

RSVP

We are excited to celebrate our Wedding with our closest families and friends!


The favor of a response is requested before

August 5, 2026. Thank you!

GATS AND EMS | RSVP