MANILA, Philippines - Whirlwind romances still happen. Yes, it happened to my best friend, Margarita ?Tats? Locsin, and Antonio ?Randy? Chan, whom she met in Australia in September 2006. She was then taking her Master?s in International Communications at Macquarie University.

Antonio, a corporate lawyer in Sydney, is an affable guy, but like all best friends, I was always very skeptical about the men in Margarita?s life. For some reason, no one was ever just right. Back in Sydney, Margarita and Antonio were introduced by their mutual friends, Rene and Cynthia Balboa.

Antonio was ready to rent his apartment out while Margarita was scouting for one. He was leaving for Moscow to work for top law firm Clifford Chance where, coincidentally, Bianca was connected to in New York. Bianca is Margarita?s younger and only sister.

Finding common ground, Margarita had hoped to introduce Antonio to her sister.

But like Bianca says, ?Ate just decided to have him for herself. Antonio and I would have been a disaster.?

Antonio lost no time in inviting Margarita to lunch. Then another, and then another. The couple remembers, ?We just knew. We got along perfectly. We had the same beliefs. Actually, neither of us is the whirlwind type.?

They were a couple in less than a month and, in January 2007, Antonio flew to Manila to ask for Margarita?s hand in marriage, from mom Vivian Yuchengco and dad Rep. Teodoro ?Teddyboy? Locsin Jr.

They were married in civil rites in April 2007. Last January they were wed at the Sacred Heart Church in Makati?a grand yet very cozy setting that drew a power crowd led by President Macapagal-Arroyo. First Gentleman Mike Arroyo was among the principal sponsors.

At the Manila Polo Club reception that followed, the bride?s aunt, Connie Yuchengco Gonzalez, designed a very simple yet unique table arrangement?fresh strawberries and cherries and leaves were strewn at the center of the table, instead of the usual flowers. This was a rare wedding where the guests could also nibble on the table decor.

The bride wore a well-sculpted gown by her good friend Katrina Goulbourn.