Raymond Madamba & Cecile Duyongco: A match made in the Nation’s Capital

By Cristina DC Pastor

Theirs is a story that blends the best elements of romance, politics and history. That it spanned across New York City and Washington D.C. makes the chain of events heartwarming as it is “When Harry Met Sally” iconic.

Cecile Duyongco and Raymond Madamba met in the summer of 2021 on the urging of close friends Jiji Shapiro and Mae Sanchez. First a photo, followed by a phone call and finally a date in Washington D.C. Amid a raging coronavirus pandemic, they instantly liked each other. Some goofy reservations hung in the back of their minds but nothing that could shake down a budding romance.

“Really? Leather jacket during the summer?” Cecile privately said to herself on seeing him dressed in black. “And he did not plan where to take me for dinner!” Cecile ended up suggesting Jefferson Hotel Restaurant known for its top-dollar menu.

As for Ray, he thought she was “cute” but wondered about her obsession with “taking too many photos (including) taking photos of the food.”

Unexpected love, as they wrote in their ‘wedding site’ “captured our hearts.”  In a short time, San Diegan-turned-New Yorker Cecile and Ray, who served 24 years in the Air Force and lives in the Washington D.C. area, began a long-distance relationship. They spent alternate weekends between D.C. and New York.

“Though very different from each other, we could not deny the instant chemistry,” they noted. “We are total polar opposites. Ray is a serious straight-forward, no-nonsense, military man, a bit serious with a few words, and Cecile is fun, expressive, and extremely ‘Kikay’ with a knack for discovering new food places and venues.”

Ray proposed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City with the help of Juliet Payabyab.

The two got engaged within 11 months with Ray coming home to the Philippines to formally seek her mom, Caroline Duyongco’s blessing, in their pared-down version of the “Pamanhikan.” Ray said he may be All-American but remains old-fashioned Filipino at heart. Cecile said her mother “felt comfortable” with him.

The two wed three years later on October 12 at the President Lincoln’s Cottage, a venue rich in history. This is where Abraham Lincoln drafted the Emancipation Proclamation. The cottage is located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement home, this retreat house-and-museum is 21 minutes from the White House.

“We have always admired the first president and given I am a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, we thought it would be fitting to have the venue at President Lincoln’s Cottage,” explained Ray in an interview with The FilAm.

The wedding was marked by a series of events starting at the Alexandria Bier Garden for October Fest and their welcome the happy hour on October 11. Ray, who has grown fond of German beer from being stationed in Europe for 11 years. Guests enjoyed the German beers and an assortment of sausages.

On Sunday, October 13, the day after the wedding, the newlyweds and their guests had brunch at this funky art restaurant Palette 22 by Union Market District. Cecile loved the arts, Ray remarked.

The main event was a private military wedding with about a hundred guests. Few friends attended from New York. Cecile’s family traveled from San Diego, San Francisco, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, and Ray’s family from Queens and Long Island, New York and North Carolina showed up closing ranks.

There were no sponsors and no entourage, just a flower girl (Summer Contis) and a ring bearer (Brady Smyth). The traditional wedding saber arch ceremony in honor of Ray’s service to the nation was the highlight. 

During the wedding reception, a speech, wishes, and a toast were shared by Rhezabel Duyongco, Bellamy Madamba, Fernando Miller, and Vicente Gesmundo. Cecile’s gown was made by her designer friend from Davao, Windel Mira. 

“We both want to keep it private, solemn, and personal,” said Cecile.

Cecile’s friend Kirby Asunto sang “Two Words” by Lea Salonga during the ceremony procession.  Another close friend, Angel Ram, sang “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” by Angela Bofill during the couple’s first dance. Kirby and Angel performed a duet during the reception.

It was a poignant moment for Ray: “This whole wedding event was my dream come true, and the entire event was very emotional for me and for both of us. Seeing our family and few close friends with us is something we ever wanted.”

Ray, who hails from Quezon City, came to the U.S. with his family when he was 13 years old. After retiring from the Air Force in 2014, he worked as the Presidential Communications Officer and Budget Analyst for the White House serving a succession of presidents and their vice presidents from Barack Obama, Donald Trump to Joe Biden. He is currently a Senior Budget Analyst at the Pentagon.

Cecile, who first lived in San Diego before moving to New York for work, graduated from Silliman University with a degree in Computer Science. She now works as a Senior Planning Manager at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank.

Marriage is a covenant, stated Cecile reflecting on the journey she and Ray are about to embark on. “As long as you fear the Lord the couple will keep returning to the covenant through thick and thin. You do not just give up.”    

Photos by Sarah Sharaf-Eldien of https://www.1144studios.com/