MANILA, Philippines?Because it?s not real? before you get all misty-eyed.

But fact and fiction collided in San Agustin Church, in Intramuros, Manila, when Marimar tied the knot with Sergio.

After eight months of vertiginous plot twists, ?Marimar? concludes Friday night.

At the finale?s taping on Monday, some of the guests actually shed tears, according to GMA Films head Annette Gozon-Abrogar, a secondary sponsor.

Abrogar was one of the real people in the entourage of the telenovela couple portrayed by Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes.

Among the principal sponsors were Censors chief Marissa Laguardia, Regal Films producer Lily Monteverde, GMA 7 exec Wilma Galvante, hair salon chain owner Ricky Reyes, talent manager Douglas Quijano and TV host German Moreno. (The show?s writers say Imelda Marcos, Jinggoy Estrada, Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta were also considered.)

?I?ve been a ninong in many showbiz weddings but I never thought I?d be part of Marimar?s,? quipped Kuya Germs.

The groom himself has lost count of his onscreen weddings. ?At least seven,? Dingdong surmised. ?To [real-life girlfriend] Karylle once, to [actress] Iza Calzado twice...? It was his first with Marian.

And the new Bench guy couldn?t remember how many kisses he shared with Marian at the altar.

?At least four,? an observer volunteered.

As expected, there was a commotion in and out of the church. Director Joyce Bernal was constantly in a rush, trying to finish by 5 p.m. because of a scheduled Mass. ?A [real] priest is arriving soon,? she told the cast and crew.

A huge delay was caused by a tardy guest, who proceeded to further hold up the taping by taking photos in the middle of the march.

?Stop taking pictures,? Direk Joyce barked at the errant one with the authority of a drill sergeant.

Unlike that unrepentant guest, whom a tabloid lambasted the next day, star dogs Fulgoso and Fifi were perfectly behaved.

Wedding singers

The wedding singers? real-life sweethearts Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez? had to rush out after because the former had a ?Bubble Gang? taping.

All the fuss and frenzy didn?t ruffle the bride, who was a portrait of radiant bliss.

Make that barefoot bliss.

After one take, Marian kicked away her shoes and padded her bejeweled straps with tissue paper. ?My shoulders are bruised because of these straps,? she told Inquirer Entertainment.

?In real life,? she said, ?I would like a simple church wedding.?