Singer-songwriter Nica del Rosario, who is known for her popular hits “Tala” and “Rosas,” has wed her partner, actor Justine Peña, in an al-fresco ceremony in Sydney, Australia, recently.
They shared photographs, taken by Mark Paulson and James Day, of their wedding in their social media accounts on 23 August. The ceremony was held by Sydney Harbour with the picturesque backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
The couple wore all-white ensembles — Del Rosario in blazer over a dress, flowing skirt, baseball cap and sneakers and Peña in bustier top with sheer sleeves, wide-leg pants and tiara.
They flew out of the Philippines on 18 August, sharing photos of the trip and hinting on their wedding. Before they exchanged vows, they went around Luna Park Sydney, a heritage amusement park in Milsons Point, where they tried several rides.
“Right before our wedding, we ran around Luna Park to play some games (I won a toy basketball court!), eat hot dogs, and ride some rides (hilong-hilo ako!),” Del Rosario wrote on Facebook. “The park reminded us of Coney Island, one of our favorite places ever, and made us feel like kids again (although we feel like kids naman all the time huehue).”
Several celebrities and notable persons sent their congratulations to the newlyweds including directors Samantha Lee and Dan Villegas, actors Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Kerwin King, Cherry Pie Picache and Adrian Lindayag, and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno.
Aside from “Tala,” a hit for singer Sarah Geronimo, Del Rosario penned a popular campaign song for former Vice President Leni Robredo for her presidential bid, “Kay Leni Tayo,” with Peña and Jeli Mateo.
They were among the many artists and creatives who volunteered and contributed their time and talents to the campaign, an unprecedented gesture from the creative and cultural sector. “Rosas” was also for the campaign, written through the perspective of Robredo.
On the other hand, Peña is also an assistant director and has appeared in the 2018 film Abomination and the acclaimed Boys’ Love series Gaya sa Pelikula.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 2017 and visitors with tourist visa can marry in the country. LGBTQ+ marriages are not recognized in the Philippines, which still lacks a national law to protect the LGBTQ+ community.