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Union of Royalties

Union of Royalties

Ampatuan-Biruar Kalilang


We have always been amazed by beautiful weddings. From the lavish presentations of the flower arrangements, meticulously detailed wedding gowns and outfits to the beautiful love story of the bride and the groom. And of course, to the total package of the wedding itself; how colorful and unique the setup are.

All roads led to the Davao Convention and Trade Center along Torres Street, Davao City last November 9, 2008, Sunday. The Hon. Datu Anwar “Ipi” Upam Ampatuan Al-Hadj, son of Mayor Datu Anwar Uy Ampatuan Sr. and Bai Zahara Upam Ampatuan Al-Hadja, finally wedded Bai Syrah Fatima Mendoza Biruar, daughter of Engr. Datu Apan Biruar Al-Hadj and Bai Zainab “Marlene” Mendoza Biruar. The Kalilang (Muslim Wedding) was officiated by Judge Montano Kalimpo along with the Ustadzes, Shiek Taha Edza, Al-Hadj, Ustadz Ali Esmail, Al-Hadj and Mohammad Parid Solaiman, Al-Hadj.  

Datu Ipi was also escorted by his siblings Datu Anwar Sajid Upam Ampatuan Al-Hadj, Datu Jaafar Nor-Hazan Upam Ampatuan Al-Hadj, Datu Andal Upam Ampatuan IV Al-Hadj, Prince Anwar Andalabi Upam Ampatuan, Bai Rowella Upam Ampatuan Al-Hadja, Bai Anhara Upam Ampatuan Al-Hadja and Bai Farisha Imam Ampatuan Al-Hadja. Bai Syrah on the other hand, was sent of by her grandparents, Mrs. Juanito Baylon-Mendoza and Mr. Estanislao C. Baylon; and her siblings, Datu Omar Gashiya Mendoza Biruar and Bai Alyssa Mendoza Biruar.

The two lovebirds actually sighted each other since they were attending High School at Ateneo, not until Bai Syrah’s bestfriend, Janine, formally introduced them to each other when they were high school seniors. Datu Ipi pursued her through college, still at Ateneo University, and the two were inseparable, since then. With Datu Ipi’s persistence, he asked the love of his life’s hand from her parents and grandparents most especially, as this was customary to Muslims. Finally, the humble, respectful, cute and formal Ipi and the hopeless-romantic Syrah received their folks and elders’ blessings which led them to an altar date through the Muslim Rites.

The approximately 1,200 guests enjoyed the sights and sounds of the traditional muslim percussions upon entrance of the ballroom which was transformed into a very regal palace with red and gold accents through the décor creatively presented by Golden Touch Florists and Coordinators headed by Noel Tanza. The wedding gown and the groom’s suit were skillfully created by Edgar Buyan and the rest of the couturiers of Chardin. The bride and the rest of the entourage looked even queenly with the haid and make-up by Sarsi Dizon. Quintet, Fivibe provided wonderful contemporary songs throughout the affair. Nurodin Mamaluba and Davao’s witty and energetic MC, Don Gonzales hosted the affair.  Audio-visual presentations including the coverage of the royal event was manned by the men of Lito Sy Studio.

Another, kalilang with all its grandeur and majesty came by which could pass as the south’s most living culture and tradition.