Let’s be real—we’ve all dreamt of, or prayed for, a serenade from our celebrity crushes at least once. In fact, most fangirls at heart still secretly wait around for that lucky day. But these newlyweds from Cavite didn’t need manifestations or wishes on shooting stars to experience that precious moment firsthand, and they have the one and only James Reid to thank.
Photo: Careless Music
Love and luck were in the air this month for Dariz Kho and Emman Pelayo, whose wedding went from a momentous celebration to a “2026 plot twist” in the blink of an eye. The couple tied the knot on September 21, 2026, and just when they thought their special day couldn’t get any better, James himself set the scene with a serenade no one saw coming.
The multi-hyphenate star’s swoon-worthy performance, though unexpected, was everything Dariz and Emman could’ve imagined and more. It was the cherry on top of a wonderful day for the couple, their loved ones, and their rom-com-worthy love story, which they’ll definitely recall in vivid detail to their kids and grandkids.
Even James himself couldn’t help but smile at how his thoughtful gesture made Dariz and Emman’s day. Here’s how the actor, singer-songwriter, and total heartthrob welcomed the couple’s first night as husband and wife:
A Simple Yet Unforgettable Gift
Photo: Careless Music
James’s surprise set was a gift that Dariz and Emman fully embraced. Sure enough, the Ad Meliora Countryside Garden lit up with smiles, laughter, and cheer as soon as James took the mic and kicked off his set with his new single, “Attention,” which he performed live for the first time.
It wasn’t long before the whole crowd got up on their feet, while the upbeat song captured their hearts. With lyrics that portray the intimate, heart-fluttering moments of an ideal relationship, James was more than happy to soundtrack Dariz and Emman’s new chapter the best he could.
“It’s not something I usually get to do, but the timing just lined up this time,” James shared. It was the least he could do for the two lovebirds, whose journey together opened many new perspectives to James’s latest creative undertaking.
A Match Made in Heaven
Photo: Careless Music
Every colorful romance starts somewhere. For Dariz and Emman, it was on the Camp Aguinaldo Tennis Court, where they met as players under the same coach. One rally led to another, and the rest was history. They became a couple in 2024 and got engaged last year. Now, they can proudly say that James Reid, of all people, serenaded them at their wedding.
“[We’re] really grateful to James for doing this,” Dariz beamed. “Our guests truly loved the experience. They can’t stop talking about it!”
The couple’s Wimbledon-themed celebration, teeming with wistful breezes and crisp overlooking views, couldn’t have been a better stage for James to perform more tracks from his latest album, Honey, I’m Home. Following the smooth, groovy vibes of “Attention,” he made Dariz, Emman, and every close friend and family member feel right at home with warm, soulful, and laid-back vocals that bring the record to life.
James added, “Hearing Dariz and Emman’s story, I was glad I could be a small part of their day. Seeing how happy they were honestly made my night too. I wish them nothing but the best in this next chapter together.”
The surprise performance was a huge success, drawing in toasts and ear-to-ear grins all night long. Just like the songs on James’s new album, Dariz and Emman’s wedding day painted a heartfelt picture of what it’s like to find home—not just in a place, but in your chosen family and life partner, too.
More From James Reid
If you’ve been yearning to take your romantic explorations to the next level, then Honey, I’m Home is right up your alley. With enough listening, manifesting, and growth, you, too, might meet the Emman to your Dariz (and vice versa) one day, and have James serenade you the moment you say “I do.”
You can even check out the feel-good music video for “Attention,” which stars none other than BINI’s Aiah Arceta.
ALSO READ: Safe and Sound: James Reid Embraces Vulnerability and Maturity on “Honey, I’m Home”
What’s your favorite track on James Reid’s new album, “Honey, I’m Home?” Sound off and share your picks with us in the comments below!
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message on WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team, join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated on the latest from the Philippines and beyond!
