Adrian Lindayag Weds in New York Wearing Barongs by Bessie Besana

The actor and his husband held a romantic photoshoot in Grand Central Station.

Published on Jun 19, 2025

Adrian Lindayag and his husband Mico wed in New York

Grand Central Station in New York is in a perpetual state of buzz, with thousands of commuters passing through on a daily basis. On one summer day, time stood still at the historic landmark for Pinoy actor Adrian Lindayag and his beau Mico, who had just gotten married moments prior.

The two have always planned to get hitched in NYC, since that's where Mico is currently based, so it was imperative for them to don garments that reminded them of home. For such a special occasion, they enlisted the help of Filipino designer Bessie Besana, who dressed them in intricately-made versions of the barong tagalog.

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Adrian Lindayag on His Barong Wedding Look by Bessie Besana

Three weeks before their scheduled ceremony, Adrian had paid a visit to Bessie's studio in New York. There, he saw two barongs displayed side-by-side. "As in dalawang barong lang ang naka-display," he narrates to Preview. "And I thought, 'Wow, these would be perfect for us.” Lalo na the other one [had a] Chinese-style collar and Mico is Filipino-Chinese, so sakto talaga. I immediately fell in love with them."

Bessie adds that both barong iterations were different takes on the heritage attire. Adrian's had more of a classic cut, while Mico's was stylized like a suit. "Both pieces are made out of Piña fiber sourced from Aklan, with raya & calado detailing done in Lumban, Laguna. This ensemble is a testament to the intricate capabilities of Filipino artisans to create head-turning ensembles," the designer details.

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PHOTO: Kyo Kobayashie via Instagram/kyotolens.

Adrian and Bessie have been good friends ever since their days in college, with Adrian endearingly calling Bessie his "Mama." "He is one of my dearest and most trusted friends here in NYC, so it all made sense to have him be part of our special day," he shares. "Everyone, even random strangers, was gushing about the barongs we were wearing."

The day of their wedding was simple and intimate. Joined by their closest kin and an officiant, the two grooms exchanged vows at Wagner Cove, a small gazebo located within Central Park. Adrian admits to tearing up upon receiving their marriage certificate from city hall, describing it as a "symbol of defiance" and a "recognition and celebration of the love of two human beings."

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PHOTOS: Kyo Kobayashie via Instagram/kyotolens

"Growing up queer in the Philippines, I never imagined that this day would come," Adrian candidly states. He underscores that, as joyful as he is to see their names on their marriage certificate, it angers him that it won't be recognized back here in the Philippines. "But 13-year-old Adrian would be delighted to know that the fairytale he was dreaming about actually came true," he says.

While he and Mico plan to have a grander celebration back home, he hopes that their union inspires others to live and love fearlessly. "When younger queer Filipinos, especially people living with HIV, find out about our story, I hope that it inspires and empowers them to live an authentic life..."

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PHOTOS: Kyo Kobayashie via Instagram/kyotolens

Bessie Besana is a New York-based Filipino designer and holds office in the iconic Garment District in the Big Apple. His address is 325 West 38th St. Unit 1407, New York, NY, USA 10018, and can be emailed through hello@bessiebesana.com

Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.