Zanjoe Marudo and Ria Atayde are now officially a married couple!

 

The two surprised everyone last weekend when they shared that they tied the knot in a civil wedding ceremony on March 23, the same day Ria turned 32 years old.

One of those who were ecstatic with the news of their wedding was Ria’s youngest sister Gela.

In her Instagram post on March 25, Gela penned a heartfelt letter to Zanjoe, whom she fondly calls Kuya Z.

She wrote, “Kuya Z @onlyzanjoemarudo, you’re finally officially my kuya. Thank you for being the most genuine, supportive, and caring kuya to me, and now, ex-boyfriend to my ate.”

Gela added, “Your strong family values have always been a source of comfort, knowing that you would take care of not just my sister, but us siblings and your future family as well. Congratulations to the both of you. My heart is at peace in knowing that my sister is being entrusted to someone as loving and lovable as her. I am right behind the both of you, sasalo at sasalo always in all ways.”

In the same post, Gela wished her Ate Ria a happy birthday and described her sibling as a “second mom” and “mentor” in her life.

She wrote, “Happy birthday and congratulations, ate! I know that when you first learned you would have a baby sister, you were apprehensive.

“But you have since transformed from being my first critic to becoming my unwavering champion, supporting me through all joys, challenges and obstacles. I couldn’t thank you enough for being my ate, my second mom, my mentor, and my closest confidante all in one. I am eternally grateful for the role you played in shaping me into the person I am today. I am the happiest seeing you this happy.”

Aside from Ria, Gela has two other siblings: Xavi and Arjo, who is married to former Daddy’s Gurl star Maine Mendoza.