A Very Long Engagement

New Year, New Site!

2008-01-31T10:26:00.000+08:00

Yes, I have moved so please visit me at www.obiasadventure.blogspot.com.

After sharing with you my wedding preparations, allow me now to share my life as a "new" mom to 3-month old son "Enzo," a dutiful wife to Lawrence, daughter, sister, cousin, friend and the many roles I play at age 28 going 29.

See you all there!

Are you looking for a photographer??

2007-01-24T11:12:00.000+08:00

Please visit us at www.lecuadro.multiply.com. See you ALL there! mwah!

Hoodies

2007-01-19T09:37:00.000+08:00

I'm here... http://runwaybride.multiply.com/ thanks sis Ade... sayang nga na I was unable to wear my white hoodie during the reception but promise you that I'll wear it soon and send you some pics of it.

Thanks for being a part of our wedding! mwah =)

Supplier's Ratings

2007-01-10T15:04:00.000+08:00

As our way of thanking the w@w community for the ideas & inspirations and for the help we got from the group, we are now sharing with you our Supplier’s Ratings… hoping it might be useful to future brides & grooms.

The ratings are based solely on our first-hand experience in dealing with them as well as feedback from our family, relatives and friends who have witnessed our union. So for the brides & grooms out there, please keep in mind that our experience is OUR OWN and it does not guarantee how the suppliers will deliver on your own wedding (if you do decide to book any of them).

We are just sooo happy that all of our suppliers delivered well on our big day. There might have been glitches but we just let it go and enjoyed the moment. I suggest you do too!

We will rate our Suppliers as follows:

5 – Highly Recommended!! Exceeded our expectations.
4 – Recommended. It was a pleasure dealing with them.
3 – They delivered as expected.
2 – They could have done better.
1 – Check your options if you think you don’t need the stress harharhar! =)

Our ratings will be one supplier per entry so please bear with us since I'm doing this in between loads of work from the office hehehe!! =p

On The Day Coordination

2007-01-10T15:03:00.000+08:00

waaahh... I can't seem to upload the photos... yikes!! what's wrong kaya? nuninuni... so please bear with us... pictures to follow as soon as I'm able to upload them... kainis... =(

anyway, here goes....

Teddy Manuel (of Flowers & Events)
Rating: 5++++
Cost: It was such a steal… maybe because we also got him to do my bouquet & entourage flowers and provide the chocolate fountain.

I personally love this guy!! He and his staff literally took care of everything. We only found out about the glitches after he already had a solution. There might have been other glitches that we never even found out about hehehe!

Ogie, my hairstylist, texted me at 6am to advise that they were running late for their call time which is 6am. Medyo nag-panic ang sis niyo na baka ma-late kami since 10:30am ang wedding and they have to do me, my mom, my sis-in-law, my mother-in-law & cousin pa (5 heads). So I forwarded the text to Teddy and he replied to me to eat my breakfast na and have the others ready para pagdating nina Angie & Ogie, they can start already. I ate little lang since I'm not really a morning person. I only ate tasty na cheese ang palaman and I was not even able to finish yung 1 slice of bread. While my family went down to have breakfast muna. I was left alone in the room with my nephew who was still fast asleep.

Teddy's team were the first to arrive at Discovery Suites and they were at work agad pagkadating nila. And siguro the fact na I don’t see them panic, hindi na rin ako nag-panic. They knew exactly what they were doing. Although, I kept asking Teddy about the time since I don’t want to be late for my own wedding. Super pa naman ang traffic the day before (December 15) going from Quezon City to Ortigas maybe because it was a Friday and a payday and Christmas rush. But we got to Mount Carmel naman early, around 9:30am.

Another incident… during the dove release which is right after the recession, he handed to us the 2 doves only to find out from him that 1 of our doves was stolen so we will only be able to release 1 dove and for photo ops, we will be holding the 2 doves. ANO?? Talaga naman at pati doves ngayon eh ninanakaw na?! I wasn’t able to find out where he got the other dove but I was thankful to him for coming up with a solution without even bothering us.

Teddy also became an instant mananahi. My veil kasi has embroidery and he has to take out one which is literally in the middle of my face since it would not look good in the pictures. Even our photographer, Raymond (of Newtrend Photography) was helping out too hehehe!

I was even told by one of our Ninongs that when our Commentator needed a shawl because she was wearing a sleeveless dress, it was one of Teddy’s staff who gave her scarf which she was wearing.

It was a last minute decision to get a coordinator. I had to convince Lawrence that we needed one since he was insisting that he has enough cousins to help us out. But in the end, getting Teddy is the best decision we ever made. Even Lawrence was very impressed with how they work. The money we spent for his coordination is worth it! Tip: I guess even if you are hands-on (like me), it is still advisable for you to get someone to help you even for that day. If you have the budget, why not. Kasi on the day of your wedding, you will not even be able to think straight kasi pihado nasa cloud nine ka na.

Flowers

2007-01-10T15:02:00.000+08:00

Teddy Manuel (of Flowers & Events)
Rating: 5++++

I love my bouquet!! I have always wanted an all-tulips bouquet and I initially thought that it will be quite expensive so my alternative would have been a round bouquet of roses. But with Teddy, you can let him know how much is your budget for the flowers and he will work miracles for you hehehe!

I also love how the floral balls (for my Bridesmaids), the hand-tied bouquets (for our moms and my Maid of Honor), the floral wand (for my one & only Flower Girl) and the wristlets or whatever you call it (for our Secondary Sponsors) turned out. I hope these pictures give justice to how beautiful they were on that day.

And the fact that I only have to deal with one supplier (coordination + flowers) was a plus. And a good (oooppss... GREAT) one too!

Chocolate Fountain

2007-01-10T15:01:00.000+08:00

Roland Manuel (of Flowers & Events)
Rating: 5++++

It was really Roland (Teddy’s brother) who I met first late last, last year (2005) when I was looking for a chocolate fountain supplier. In fact, he was the 4th supplier we booked (by December 2005)… after we booked the church, the reception hall & the caterer. Honestly, it is quite expensive since you can now avail a small chocolate fountain for more or less 5K diba? What we got naman is the tall fountain and during the bridal fair at the NBC Tent last March 2006 when I met again with Roland to see his brother, Teddy and inquire about the flowers, he told me that he will give me a small chocolate fountain for free and I can have them in two different flavors: dark & milk. Or you can opt for white chocolate. I have always wanted a chocolate fountain and we never regretted getting one.

It was such a big hit to our guests. Although, it took a while for the guests to dip in but when Lawrence’s friends tried it, all the other guests followed suit. Saya nga kasi I saw most of the guests kept coming back for more. Sayang na I was only able to enjoy one serving during the reception since we were not able to eat well… jitters siguro!

There were supposed to be only 5 or 7 dipping goodies included in the package. But I was surprised to see that there were more… really, really more goodies. Hindi talaga nila tinipid and we were even able to bring home the left-overs… ang dami kaya lang matigas na yung chocolates eh we don’t have a fountain at home… huhuhu! pero promise masarap ang chocolate nila and sulit talaga especially for a chocolate lover like me.

Hair & Make-up Artists

2007-01-10T15:00:00.000+08:00

Angie Cruz (make-up) & Ogie Rayel (hair)
Rating: 4.5

Unlike other brides, I only had one trial hair & make-up and since my first trial with them were okay, I never bothered to try other artists. Besides, their rates are sooo affordable, I could not resist. Imagine… Php6,000 only for 3 heads + 850 for additional head. Although, they were late for their call time, we were not late for the church so I wouldn’t take that against them. Mabilis din kasi sila magtrabaho pero maganda naman ang output and my make-up stayed on until the end of the reception without any need of retouch. I only wish Ogie stayed even until after the ceremony lang so he can put my hair down for the reception as earlier agreed upon. I would have given them a rating of 5++++.

Church

2007-01-10T14:59:00.000+08:00

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine Parish
Rating: 5++++

I have always wanted to walk down a loooong aisle because I will get married once in my life lang naman so make the most of it na. Originally, we wanted San Sebastian Church (San Agustin Church was way too expensive for us!) but we decided in the end to try and find a church that also has a function hall to cut on costs. Not only did Mount Carmel has a long aisle... the longest I have seen so far, it also has a very nice altar. Another plus is a quiet surrounding and accommodating staff especially Ms. Collette. Nung una, I thought mataray ang mga staff nila but when we attended the Pre-Cana seminar, Ms. Collette explained na they will appear nagmamadali on the phone because of so many parishioners they have to attend to. We also had fun during the Pre-Cana seminar. And we even got our marriage certificate already yahoo!

Cake

2007-01-10T14:58:00.000+08:00

Sugarbox (of Emily Uy)
Rating: 5

I did not have a debut party back then so this is the first time (and probably the last) that I will have a cake this big and this expensive (according to Ney!!) but it was the most raved part of our wedding. Most of our guests loved our cake and were very impressed with it. Emily's carrot walnut cake is delicious although it is not that moist since fondant but still masarap. I would have given it a rating of ++++ if only Emily remembered that the flavor of the mini-cakes is chocolate. I was only able to find out na carrot walnut yung flavor when I tried our mini-cake after New Year na. Don't worry, the cake was still as good... and not spoiled hehehe!

Reception Venue

2007-01-10T14:57:00.000+08:00

Fr. Mark Horan Hall
Rating: 5++++

This venue was a catch! Not only it is cheap but also very spacious (big enough to accommodate even 300 guests), a walking distance from the church and I also find it quite elegant on its own. It even has chandeliers so it looked like a mini-ballroom of a hotel hehehe! Cozy rin ang dating since the room is not too bright kahit lunch pa reception namin. I'm also thankful to Tamayo's for making it look classy on our wedding day and for only Php10,000 who am I to complain?!

Souvenirs

2007-01-10T14:56:00.000+08:00

Photomagnets (by Konsepto)
Rating: 5++++

Obviously, I love our souvenirs. It was such a unique idea for something really affordable. Imagine Php 35 only per piece with a minimum of 100 pcs. order + service fee. Okay na diba? We don't want naman something that will just gather dust in the shelves or worst, thrown away. And when we visit our relatives, ang sarap ng feeling that they placed it on their refs. The picture on the right is the lay-out used for our photomagnets.

Although, it took them a while to provide us the soft copy of the pictures taken during the reception. The good news is that our guests were not able to consume all 100 pcs. so we still have about 20 pcs. for our own yahooo!!

Just Married!!

2006-12-31T12:55:00.000+08:00

waaahh!! 10 days to go...

2006-12-06T10:17:00.000+08:00

10 days to go before our big day. after almost a year & a half of preparations, this is IT!! a couple of things I realized these past few days...

... that even a bride as OC as I am can let go. My motto now is to "let go and let God." I will not allow anything or anyone to dampen my mood. Just let go and if something happens that shouldn't happen or if something that should happen did not happen... waaahh... fine... forget about it. I did what any bride will do for her own wedding and it's now time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. My candle sponsors who are based in Bicol will not be able to attend our wedding because they were greatly affected by the typhoon. So, even my flowergirl (there were only 2 of them) will not be able to attend. I felt sad (and I even wanted to cry but I stop myself) because they are very special to me but I understand. My Kuya and sis-in-law will be the ones to light our candles and 1 flower girl will be just fine. I also found out that one of the groomsmen will not be able to attend because of his school. Again, it's just fine. I can even have my 2 bridesmaids walk together with one of the groomsmen diba. But hubby said may mag-proxy na raw so ok. =) smile and enjoy the experience while it lasts!!

... that my Papa is arriving tomorrow... yipeey!! and I know as soon as he arrives, we will all be busy bee at the house and yup, I almost forgot... the pasalubongs. hihihi! *excited me*

... that I am like any other bride to be's... imagine I'm having wedding nightmares lately... OC OC OC me!

... that this will probably be my last post as a single lady... and that the next time I will post, will be our wedding kuwentos and supplier ratings na (a w@w tradition).

... that I look forward to our bonding moment tonight... foot spa hihihi!

... that even if I don't mind not having a bridal shower, I still look forward tomorrow since my superior informed me that they were throwing me a bridal shower... merienda & kuwentuhan... hihihi *excited again*

... that I have not finished my vow... WHAT?!?

I will probably be on leave starting Wednesday (Dec. 13) so this is going to be a Very Long Break hihihi!

Lapit na...

2006-11-21T15:36:00.000+08:00

yup! yup! yup! lapit na talaga... as in we are counting the days na lang... 24 days to go before the 16th (excluding today hehehe *atat*)... well, we still have a few items on our list to take care of like:

1. meeting with Teddy Manuel this Thursday (Nov. 23) for the turn-over... hala! lagot! we need to finalize our guestlist na... still 17 guests to confirm (all from his side hehehe! mostly officemates nya na lang)... so when we meet with Teddy, I can give him the guestlist na and the seatplan...

2. visit Peng of Tamayo's this weekend to settle full payment... kaya we also need to get the guests' confirmation by tomorrow at the latest.

3. settle full payment of our cake from Sugarbox and 80% of the total contract price of our photo/video.

3. need to buy the ff: recordable CDs for the souvenirs; his shoes, belt & inner shirt (for the barong... forgot what it's called?!), sign pens, host & fruits.

4. St. Clare offertory.

5. I'll have to get from ney the small candles (to light the unity candle) & matches.

6. Confession.

... what I'm feeling right now... EXCITED will be an understatement!! I love you ney....

2006-11-20T17:24:00.000+08:00

Q & A for Wedding Guests

2006-11-17T08:16:00.000+08:00

I got this article from fellow w@wie, sp (http://johan827.weddingannouncer.com/).

Q & A for Wedding Guests
This is an article posted in About Weddings, a special section of the Manila Bulletin (every first Saturday of the month) written by John & Benz Rana. These are things that are "nice to know" for the guests. Please take time to read and enjoy. c",)

You're Invited !
Q & A for Wedding Guests
by: John & Benz Rana

It's December once again and it not just time for Christmas shopping and partying, but it's also time for weddings! It's the peak season for tying-the-knot in this part of the earth. So how many wedding invites have you gotten so far?

Unless you're serial bride like J.Lo (saying Liz Taylor would have been more accurate at this point but we want to be "kewl" to relate with the Gen Y peeps!), we figured that most of us would be along the pews more often than being at THE altar. This is the reason why we dedicate this month's column to the wedding guest - the person who gets to prepare the least during the wedding. Never mind the bride! We're sure she has read countless of wedding etiquette to last 'til her unborn son finally gets married. Actually, she's got too much info that she even prepares a Miss Manners list for her groom and her entire entourage to follow.

If it's your first time attending a wedding, what follows is a simple guide of Dos & Don'ts to get through such a social event. Note that we made these questions up so allow us to be sarcastic and blunt with some of our responses to ourselves.

Questions & Answers

Q. I got an invite but have no plans of attending; should I still send a gift?

A. First thing's first. If you won't be able to attend for whatever reason, please RSVP. A big chunk of the wedding budget goes to the reception and it will be utterly inconsiderate to just give up a reserved seat without letting the couple know. Give them the chance to assign that seat to another guest in their "waitlist." Having that out of the way, let's get to your question: YES, it is customary to still send a gift.

Q. The envelope bears only my name. May I ask if I can bring a date?

A. Don't bring a date unless your invitation specifically says "and Guest." Bringing unexpected guests is very impolite. Neither should you ask the couple's permission if you may bring one or not. Don't put your friends on the spot. We Filipinos don't really like turning down people. So how would you know if their "Yes" means yes or not? Spare them that trouble.

Q. The invite says "Mr. & Mrs." Could we bring our kids?

A. Never bring the kids unless "& Family" is indicated. Soon-to-weds don't usually invite children for a good reason. Kids get bored or cranky during hour-long masses. Their tantrums might disrupt the solemnity of the ceremony. Weddings are usually formal events typically not appropriate for the little ones. To be blunt about it, inviting a child at the reception means added two mouths to feed - the kid's and the yaya's.

Follow-up Q. But my son/daughter is the bearer/flower girl. I'm sure it's understood that my other child is invited.

A. Which part of the answer above didn't you understand? Seriously, if the couple wanted to invite your other kid, they would have specified that on the envelope.

2nd follow-up Q. But I'm breastfeeding, I'm sure my friends will understand, won't they?

A. Granting that it's an infant and he or she won't eat at the reception - let's even assume that your baby won't wail at the church - the answer is still NO! Not even if you've perfected the art of being a cow in a long gown. Four words: Breast Pump and Babysitter!

Q. I don't have a clue what gift to give them. Any ideas?

A. The average Pinoy soon-to-wed would always prefer monetary gifts more than any other gift. It is the unspoken fact. We're telling you now to make it easier for them to let you know what they REALLY want; unless they indicated that already in their invites which, by the way, is a very tacky thing to do.

If you're not comfortable giving cash, you may ask the couple where they are registered (Gift / Bridal Registry) and choose from what's listed under their names in the store. You can also ask them where they're residing after the wedding and take the cue from there. If you know that they'll be migrating abroad or living with their parents for the time being, a ref or another oven toaster may not be the most practical and logical gift.

Q. I'm convinced. So how much cash should I give them? I don't want to give too little or too much.

A. That's a hard thing to answer. It's really a case-to-case thing. Try to put yourself in the couple's shoes. How much should a guest of your stature give you without being branded a cheapskate? Also consider your relationship with the couple. If you're good friends of the couple's parents, you'll probably shell-out more than if you were simply the bride's Girl Friday.

Q. Could I skip the ceremony and head straight to the reception?

A. You can. BUT you shouldn't! You are invited to THE wedding -- that's the part where they exchange their "I dos." The reception is where the Receiving Line is. You can't be 'received' if you are already seated in the hall, right? "Patay-gutom" is too harsh a word and we assure you that it's by no means what anyone would think if indeed you decide to go straight to the reception. But admit that it struck a nerve just mentioning the word in that context, isn't it?

Q. Speaking of the Receiving Line, what should be the proper greeting?

A. Here's the rule: Say "Congratulations" to the groom and "Best Wishes" to the bride. The reason behind is that "congrats" implies that someone has caught something or won a prize, and it is rather improper to imply that the bride "caught" the man who married her. If this rule gets mixed-up in your head come wedding day, just say the two phrases together and look at both of them. That usually works!

Likewise, saying "Good Luck!" no matter how pure your wishes are will also sound very inappropriate for obvious reasons.

Q. Nice try, but what if the couple makes a Grand Entrance and left the Receiving Line to their parents? What then should I tell them? Note that I don't even know which sets of parents are whose.

A. Didn't we tell you already not to skip the ceremony? The bride and groom usually walk alongside their respective parents at the very start!

Anyway, make your pleasantries short and sweet. Shake their hands and say "Hello! I'm (your name) and I went to school with (name of bride/groom) in (school's name)/an officemate of (name of bride/groom) at (name of company)." They usually respond with "Nice meeting you." Just smile, nod politely, and move on to the next person. If one replies "Hi! I've heard so much about you!", simply smile and nod just the same. No lengthy conversation; just make small talk at most. If you can't find the words to say, just smile again, nod politely, and move.

Q. During the banquet, is there anything I need to know?

A. Nowadays, the Reception Program usually have the guests on each table stand up and have their picture taken with the couple before being led to the buffet. This is done to resolve two issues of past weddings: (a) for the couple's convenience and skip the tiring Table-Hopping ritual just to have their picture taken with all their guests; and (b) for the guests' convenience so they won't have to wait very long for their turn in the buffet line.

Keep in mind that Buffet is NOT synonymous with "Eat-All-You-Can." Do not pile your plate full. Be courteous of those who have yet to be served. Don't worry. You can easily go for seconds.

Q. I'm used to a Buffet setting, but what if it's a formal Sit-Down Dinner? Which fork do I start with again?

A. You're on your own, pal. Watch "Pretty Woman" again and see how Julia Roberts nailed it!

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

2006-11-16T16:13:00.000+08:00

You Are Most Like Charlotte!

You are the ultimate romantic idealist
You've been hurt before, but that hasn't caused you to give up on love.
If anything, your resolve to fall in love is stronger than ever.
And it's this feminine optimism that men find most appealing about you.

Romantic prediction: That guy you are seeing (or crushing on)?

Could be very serious - if you play your cards right!

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

31 days to go... yipeeey!!

2006-11-15T12:04:00.000+08:00

waaahh!! the title of this entry says it all...

Mount Carmel & Fr. Mark Horan Hall

2006-10-26T14:51:00.000+08:00

We went last Tuesday (since it's a holiday and Ney will not need to file a leave from work again since he's just new in the job... Ney filed a leave during our application for marriage license) to Mount Carmel for our canonical interview with Father Arni (sounds like). Aga namin noh? We also submitted all the requirements and settled the payments na... well, less things to worry about.

This is the reason why we fell in love with this church and decided to tie the knot here...

And here's a glance of where our reception will be held...

Gown Fitting

2006-10-23T10:18:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday (October 22), me & my entourage went to Ms. Leonie for our scheduled fitting.

Ann (Ney's cousin) is one of my bridesmaids. Cecile (my college friend), who left for Japan and Jenn (my cousin), who is based in Batangas cannot make it to our fitting. The gown of the bridesmaids still needs to have the strap, a celadon green ribbon around the waist plus the beadworks.

Two of my secondary sponsors... (left) Michelle, Ney's cousin and (right) ate Espeeh, my sis-in-law. Ate Nak and her daughter, Ann who is also my flower girl cannot make it to our fitting because they are based in Bicol. The gown is almost done except for the beadworks.

Cassey, one of my flower girls with her mommy, Shar (my high school friend). The skirt still needs to be changed to celadon green, a ribbon around the wait plus the beadworks.

Abby, my maid of honor cannot make it also to our fitting because she is out of the country pa. I saw her gown and it was pretty.

As for my bridal gown, I will not post it here para surprise since there are invited guests who know about this blog. My gown doesn't have the beadworks yet so it was just really to see how it fits me plus how long the train is (without the detachable train)... and it was heavy na... lagot!

Offertory Candles

2006-10-16T08:42:00.000+08:00

Secondary Sponsors' candles

2006-10-16T08:37:00.000+08:00

Here are the candles that the Secondary Sponsors will light during the ceremony. The design matched the design of our Unity Candle which I have earlier posted.

Ney's 27th Birthday

2006-10-13T08:59:00.000+08:00

It is almost a month ago when Ney celebrated his 27th Birthday. It was his last birthday as a single guy. In two months time, he will be a married man. He had a small party at his house that night with his classmates from way back high school and a few former officemates. He had a lot of fun I bet since he told me they ended mid-morning already. Yet he still woke up early the next day so he can have lunch with me *sweet.* We went to Seven Corners at Crowne Plaza last September 16 for another celebration. It was sooo expensive but worth the experience. The highlight of the buffet (at least for me since Ney can't have it because of his migraine) is the chocolate fountain. yummy! yummy dessert! I tell you one can't have enough of chocolates... oooppss... except my poor Ney. =)

I don't think we will eat there again in the next so, so months but another must try (they say) is the Spiral Restaurant at Westin Philippine Plaza. Another expensive adventure....

First Fitting

2006-10-11T09:04:00.000+08:00

I'm so, so excited!!

We (me & my entourage) will have our first fitting on October 22 (Sunday)... finally. Fitting schedule is between 10am-1pm but we (me, my mom, Andrei my coin bearer and hopefully, ate Nak my candle sponsor & her kid Ann my flower girl will be able to come to Manila) will be there around 10am. I hope all my entourage will be there early as well so I can take pictures of them. I'll also have to take a picture of my first fitting but I will not post it here para surprise naman. I just have to send it to my dad. I'll just post pictures of the gowns of my entourage. And I told Ney he cannot see my bridal gown until my walk on the aisle.

Marriage License application

2006-10-11T08:08:00.000+08:00

Last Monday (October 9), we both took a leave from work so we can apply for the marriage license. Since we were both not feeling well last weekend, we were unable to go to Quezon City Hall early as scheduled (around 9am). Instead, we got there almost 11am na.

We got first his Community Tax Certificate and had it photocopied since we will also need to submit it to Mount Carmel. Then we proceeded to the Local Civil Registrar (tama ba?). We went to window 10 to get the application form. We were asked to go to window 15 (which is the cashier) to settle Php150. We went back to window 10 to get the form. The lady behind the window told us to accomplish the form (there were 2 sets, groom to fill-up the left side while the bride (me!) to fill-up the right side), have it notarized and photocopy it. Unahan pa kami ni Ney to accomplish the form at syempre nauna siya since mabagal akong magsulat. We paid Php100 for the notarization (or was it Php120?... gosh! I forgot!) and had it photocopied at the building next to it. We went back to window 10 to submit the form and all the other documents. She asked us if we have attended a family planning seminar. Good thing she accepted the certificate from Mount Carmel. Since part of the Pre-Cana Seminar of Mount Carmel is the family planning. Yahoo! We were done by 12nn. But for those who don't have a seminar yet, you will have to attend it from 1-4 or I think that is 4:30pm.

I asked my mom to pick-up our marriage license on Friday, October 20. She will still have to settle another Php100.

Yesterday, tita Myrna picked-up the banns & permission of Ney from their parish... yahooo! We'll just wait for our marriage license to complete all our requirements and submit them to Mount Carmel so we can also have our Canonical Interview. =)

back on track

2006-10-03T10:48:00.000+08:00

hopefully, I will be =) .... especially when it comes to our wedding preparations. Ewan ba pero I'm still at a "tamad mode" for the past few days... whether work-related or wedding-related. I badly needed a wake up call lalo na at October na pala! Let me try to list down the items we have done and those we should start working on already...

CHURCH
* have to pay the balance upon submission of all documents
* scheduled to apply for marriage license on October 9
* my marriage banns/permission from parish for pick-up tomorrow (October 4)
* his marriage banns/permission from parish for pick-up on October 9
* all other documents secured
* missalette approved by the parish priest - for final printing
* to schedule the Canonical interview upon submission of all documents

RECEPTION VENUE
* have to pay the balance (when we settle our balance with the church)
* finalize venue lay-out. met with Teddy of Flowers and Events & Peng of Tamayo's to discuss initial lay-out last September 17 (Sunday) but still have to know the final count of guests so we can finalize the venue lay-out. target date: November 24

HOTEL PREPS
* made reservations at Discovery Suites
* Ney still has to decide if he and his family will be staying at Discovery Suites on the 15th. Teddy is convincing him to do so.

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER
* studio pictorial done. still thinking whether to use the pictures for our guestbook.
* still have to decide whether to get the Thank you cards or signature frame
* balance to be paid on wedding day

FLORIST - nothing to worry!
* balance to be paid on wedding day
* It really pays to have the same supplier for different services. It makes your dealings a lot easier.

HMUA - nothing to worry!
* balance to be paid on wedding day

BRIDAL CAR - nothing to worry!
* c/o Tamayo's

CATERER
* will provide the doves, wine for toasting, guestbook (have to check whether I asked Peng to take this out from the package?), table numbers & placecards for VIP tables.
* met with Teddy & Peng and finalized our color motiff, guest table's centerpieces, couple's backdrop and additional tables needed.
* also met with Cecile Maglalang (our emcee) and discussed our programme. still have to finalize the garter & bouquet games.
* have to pay the balance at least 2 weeks before our wedding day when we also have the final count of our guests.

SOUVENIRS
* scheduled to meet with Meme Natores on October 14 so we can get a sample of our souvenirs

CAKE - nothing to worry!
* finalized design with Emily Uy of Sugarbox
* have to ask about terms of payment

WEDDING RINGS - nothing to worry!
* with me na for safekeeping

HONEYMOON - nothing to worry!
* yup! we're all set to go!

... did we miss anything? please let us know. we still have to buy or well take care the following:
1. his shoes
2. offertory candles and candles for lighting
3. host?
4. fruits (for offertory... if we do decide)
5. guestbook & pens
6. menu (at least 2 menu cards per table as we are having a buffet)
7. placecards for all guests (if feasible)

... I'd like to believe that yup, we are still on track! and I can no longer contain my excitement, nervousness as the day draws closer. Yahoo!!!

BER months na!!!

2006-08-31T17:49:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow is September 1... it's OFFICIAL... BER months na talaga... and malapit na rin D DAY namin... sooo excited!!!

A Glimpse of "US"

2006-08-23T11:58:00.000+08:00

Haaayy... hirap pala maging model... nakakailang at first... iba pala if professional photographer na kumukuha sa iyo... naku! have to practice smiling & posing na...

Photos by Newtrend Photography

buzy bee!

2006-08-23T09:25:00.000+08:00

I have been busy these past weeks with work and some wedding preps. In fact, I have not been able to open my gmail account where I receive the w@wie e-mails. I bet there are about 2,000+++ new e-mails on my inbox now. And I'm not sure if I'll be able to access it anytime soon.

What have we accomplished?
- my pink bridal shoes (yes, it's pink!)... I have not been able to take a picture of my shoes yet but I'll post it here sometime... and I have been wearing my shoes in the house this past weekend just so my feet will not hurt on D Day =)
- prenuptial pictorial... we just had our pictorial last Monday (August 21) at the studio of Newtrend Photography in Parañaque... we already have the proofs in CD but I don't have the time yet to choose... I'll post some of the pictures when I'm done... we also paid half of our balance to them.
- condo reservation... just a few minutes ago, the marketing staff assigned to us called to confirm that she has reserved Building 12, Cluster 4, 3rd Floor, No. 5 for us... initially, we were supposed to get a unit at another building but my mom decided that it's better to wait for the new buildings which might be finished sometime February 'ata... okay lang with us para we can also devote more time to fixing our new home since wedding preps is already out of the way.

What we need to accomplish?
- Ney needs to change his baptismal & confirmation certificate because the spelling of his middle name is incorrect.
- Will have to buy the candles for the secondary sponsors & offertory
- finalize our song list and send to Edwin of Velvet Mood
- finalize our gifts for the female principal sponsors
- print a copy of the missalette for Mount Carmel's approval when we go there for the seminar this September... haay! lapit na BER months...
- finalize with Konsepto our tokens
- meet with Tamayo's for our final food tasting & discuss details na

yan na lang muna... yikes... lapit na namin....

TODAY is our Anniversary!

2006-08-10T09:10:00.000+08:00

Happy, Happy Anniversary Honey!!

As I was drafting my text message for Ney early this morning, I saw that a text message came in. I somehow knew it was from him so I finished first my "mushy" message so I can send it to him. Then I read his text. It goes like this:

Hi ney, happy anniversary to us, this will be the last tym we will greet each other as mag-bf-gf, coz nx yr u wil be my wife n i will be ur slave este husband hehehe I LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH

It really brought a smile to my morning. Hmmm... slave pala ha?! just kidding... I love you too.

DIY Project: Unity Candle

2006-07-31T08:34:00.000+08:00

The unity candle is lighted during the ceremony. It's actually optional and it will also depend on the church if they will allow but since Mount Carmel allows it, we thought it would be nice to have one.

This is one of our DIY (do-it-yourself) projects and I did it all by myself. No sweat... I think I was even able to finish it in less than 20 minutes. *clap* *clap*

Here is a closer view. I just realized i can also be creative. pretty noh? Syempre love your own! Ney has not seen this yet since he left the house already before I even started on it. I know he will love it!

Kuya's 34th Birthday

2006-07-31T08:18:00.000+08:00

This is a late post but I have been busy in the office and has not been able to upload the pictures until this morning. My brother invited us to his birthday lunch at Red Crab, Greenbelt.

Side Kuwento: Red Crab is one of our (me & honey) favorite places to dine in. We both loved their Szechuan crab. Crab Maritess only comes second.

Here is my sooo cute nephew, our ring bearer and his mom, our cord sponsor.

After lunch, my nephew got his haircut at a barber shop (forgot the name?!) in Glorietta. Gosh! He's a big boy na... time flies so fast talaga.

His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage

2006-07-26T17:14:00.000+08:00

This was shared by Ms. Ade Sy-Singson to the w@w community. A long read but a really nice one. A must read for married couples (may you be on your 1st year or 5th year or 10th year or 25th year) and for soon-to-be married couples. Enjoy reading...

How can a couple prevent adultery? Dr. Willard Harleyin his book His Needs, Her Needs: Building anAffair-Proof Marriage provides some answers. He has found that marriages that fail to meet a spouse's needs are more vulnerable to an extramarital affair. Often the failure of men and women to meet each other's needs is due to a lack of knowledge rather than a selfish unwillingness to be considerate. Meeting these needs is critically important because in marriages that fail to meet needs, it is striking and alarming how consistently married people seek to satisfy their unmet needs through an extramarital affair. If any of a spouse's five basic needs goes unmet, that spouse becomes vulnerable to the temptation of an affair.

First, let's look at the five needs of a wife. The first need is for affection. To most women affection symbolizes security, protection, comfort, and approval. When a husband shows his wife affection, he sends the following messages: (1) I'll take care ofyou and protect you; (2) I'm concerned about the problems you face, and I am with you; (3) I think you've done a good job, and I'm so proud of you. Men need to understand how strongly women need these affirmations. For the typical wife, there can hardly be enough of them. A hug can communicate all of the affirmations of the previous paragraph. But, affection can be shown in many ways such as: kisses, cards, flowers, dinners out, opening the car door, holding hands, walks after dinner, back rubs, phonecalls…there are a thousand ways to say "I love you." From a woman's point of view, affection is the essential cement of her relationship with a man.

The second need is conversation. Wives need their husbands to talk to them and to listen to them; they need lots of two-way conversation. In their dating life prior to marriage, most couples spent time showing each other affection and talking. This shouldn't be dropped after the wedding. When two people get married, each partner has a right to expect the same loving care and attention that prevailed during courtship to continue after the wedding. The man who takes time to talk to a woman will have an inside track to her heart.

The third need is honesty and openness. A wife needs to trust her husband totally. A sense of security is the common thread woven through all of a woman's five basic needs. If a husband does not keep up honest and open communication with his wife, he undermines her trust and eventually destroys her security. To feel secure, a wife must trust her husband to give her accurate information about his past, the present, and the future. If she can't trust the signals he sends, she has no foundation on which to build a solid relationship. Instead of adjusting to him, she always feels off balance; instead of growing toward him, she grows away from him.

Financial commitment is a fourth need a wife experiences. She needs enough money to live comfortably: she needs financial support. No matter how successful a career a woman might have, she usually wants her husband to earn enough money to allow her to feel supported and to feel cared for.

The fifth need is family commitment. A wife needs her husband to be a good father and have a family commitment. The vast majority of women who get married have a powerful instinct to create a home and have children. Above all, wives want their husbands to take a leadership role in the family and to commit themselves to the moral and educational development oftheir children.

Preventing Adultery: His Needs Now, let's look at the five needs husbands have. The first is sexual fulfillment. The typical wife doesn't understand her husband's deep need for sex anymore than the typical husband understands his wife's deep need for affection. But these two ingredients can work very closely together in a happy, fulfilled marriage. Sex can come naturally and often, if there is enough affection.

The second need for a man is recreationalcompanionship. He needs her to be his playmate. It is not uncommon for women, when they are single, to join men in pursuing their interests. They find themselves hunting, fishing, playing football, and watching sports and movies they would never have chosen on their own. After marriage wives often try to interest their husbands in activities more to their own liking. If their attempts fail, they may encourage their husbands to continue their recreational activities without them. But this option is very dangerous to a marriage, because men place surprising importance on having their wives as recreational companions. Among the five basic male needs, spending recreational time with hiswife is second only to sex for the typical husband.

A husband's third need is an attractive spouse. A man needs a wife who looks good to him. Dr. Harley states that in sexual relationships most men find it nearlyimpossible to appreciate a woman for her inner qualities alone--there must be more. A man's need for physical attractiveness in a mate is profound.

The fourth need for a man is domestic support. He needs peace and quiet. So deep is a husband's need for domestic support from his wife that he often fantasizes about how she will greet him lovingly and pleasantly at the door, about well-behaved children who likewise act glad to see him and welcome him to the comfort of a well-maintained home. The fantasy continues as his wife urges him to sitdown and relax before taking part in a tasty dinner. Later the family goes out for an evening stroll, and he returns to put the children to bed with no hassle or fuss. Then he and his wife relax, talk together, and perhaps watch a little television until they retire at a reasonable hour to love each other. Wives may chuckle at this scenario, but this vision is quite common in the fantasy lives of many men. The male needfor his wife to "take care of things"--especiallyhim--is widespread, persistent, and deep.

The fifth need is admiration. He needs her to be proud of him. Wives need to learn how to express the admiration they already feel for their husbands instead of pressuring them to greater achievements. Honest admiration is a great motivator for men. When a woman tells a man she thinks he's wonderful, that inspires him to achieve more. He sees himself capable of handling new responsibilities and perfecting skills far above those of his present level.

If any of a spouse's five basic needs go unmet, that person becomes vulnerable to the temptation of an affair. Therefore, the best way to prevent adultery is to meet the needs of your spouse.

Our Own PictureTrail

2006-07-10T10:30:00.000+08:00

Finally, I was able to take a few pictures of our wedding paraphernalia last Saturday. And I was able to create our own PictureTrail... yipeeey!! Please free to browse...

Tabora Trip

2006-07-06T15:21:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday (July 1) was our first trip to the ever-famous-place-for-soon-to-be-brides "Tabora" and will probably be our last. Ney swore we will never go back there again. bwahahaha!!!!

Our Tabora trip started with a lunch at Gateway food court. He ate his usual (by "USUAL" I mean that it is his usual menu whenever we have lunch at Gateway) rice topping with pork siomai from Dimsum & Dumplings and I had a 2-piece KFC original chicken (2 pieces because he'll have the leg part). By the way, the Strawberry Chill Tea of Dimsum & Dumplings is a must try!

Then off we went to Divisoria. Unfortunately, yung jeepney na sinakyan namin ay hindi tumuloy after reaching yung start ng traffic. So we had to walk only to find out na sa may 168 Mall pala kami dinaan. We asked the guards kung saang side yung Tabora Street and Tutuban Mall since the last time we went there to see Leonie Bautista eh we were able to take FX at sa Tutuban Mall kami binaba. It seemed mas malapit yung Tabora from where we were so we tried to find our way. Eh Juan Luna (I think) pala yung binabaybay namin and at the end of that street is the Tutuban Mall. Since we are meeting with Ms. Leonie rin, we decided to go there first and ask her na lang how to go to Tabora... really clueless?!?

It was great seeing Ms. Leonie (our 3rd meeting) since I got sooo excited again with my bridal gown. It will now be an off-white gown since feeling ko mas classic & elegant ang dating. I kept imagining how my gown would look like... the long train... the long veil... *daydream* to the max talaga! I also got swatches for my ento gowns.

Ms. Leonie taught us how to go to Tabora. Finally, we were able to find our way. Si Ney nainitan sobra... kawawa naman. And siguro it's a Saturday afternoon kaya madami ring tao. We were not able to find much... just abaca (or so I thought) wrapping for the gifts of the principal sponsors... small flowers to match (promise exact shade of our motif)... not much really...

When we went back to Gateway on our way home, I bought this pink sweat pants from L.A. Gear and pink sando from Folded & Hung which are both on sale. This is my wedding preps outfit plus the hoodie I'm getting from w@wie Ade (thanks sis!). I even made sure that I can take off the sando pababa para hindi masira ang aking hair hehehe! I'll post my outfit next week... I'll take a picture this weekend.

Other updates: done with the missalette, printing na lang for Mt. Carmel's approval... bought na the gifts for the male principal sponsors, wrapping na lang... still have to find the materials for the gifts of the female principal sponsors... still have to buy the candles... finalizing guest list... finalizing song list... less than 6 months to go... not bad, right?

Tabora, Divisoria

2006-06-19T16:27:00.000+08:00

Just wanted to remind myself that we really have to push through with our Tabora Adventure this coming July 1... tagal na namin dapat itong ginawa... so we can finish na our souvenirs for the principal sponsors....

Other pending items: update guest list (by June 24 promise), finalize missalette (by June 24 din), birth & baptismal certificates that I believe we can request already since it's less than 6 months before our BIG DAY... grabe! ang bilis talaga ng panahon.

yikes! And I'm sooo busy sa work pa kaya can't update my blog as much as I would love to....

No More Bridal Fairs!!

2006-06-09T15:51:00.000+08:00

Yup... you heard it right. I promised my honey that the bridal fair at Crowne Plaza last weekend is the last one we are going to. This is because we already have all the suppliers we need and going to bridal fairs will just give "ME" confusion. So we are not going to the bridal fair at Megamall this weekend *sigh* *sigh* nakaka-miss din kaya going to bridal fairs kasi enjoy talaga but my honey is right, it defeats our purpose na since we've completed our suppliers.

So this weekend, I plan to update our guest list, prepare the entourage list [to be given to my new supplier] and finalize the missalette. We are also meeting with Teddy Manuel on Monday for our initial meeting. Yup... we're getting him for on-the-day coordination. My honey realized that it's better if we have one so that we won't have to delegate tasks and let our relatives enjoy the day and we can just let go and have fun.

... tomorrow pala is our monthsary. I also realized that by December 10, we will be celebrating our 100th monthsary and what a way to celebrate it... with a wedding!!

Pre-occupied

2006-06-07T10:07:00.000+08:00

Just got this realization last night that for the first time in almost 1 year (since we started our wedding preparations), I have been pre-occupied with something that is not directly related to our wedding.

It was just last week when my boss suggested that we visit the model unit of the project of one of the companies he is connected with. I actually heard of it already and knows that it is quite near our house. So we went there last Saturday to check. Grabe! 2-3 minutes away lang siya hehehe! The community seems naman a quiet place and the condominium has a perimeter fence for added security. The units are small but good enough for those just starting out... like us.

Initially, we wanted to get 2 units for a bigger floor area but after some thought... decided on 1 unit na lang so we won't have to be tied down to Pag-ibig for 25 years. And if in the future we do find a house & lot, we can still loan from Pag-ibig and we can always put the condo for rent... added investment na rin plus "a place of our own."

Right now, we're still waiting for a reservation to be pulled out sa 5th floor since that is cheaper compared to lower floors eh. Their units are selling fast... strategically located kasi. And hopefully, if God permits, we will have our own place to stay and we can always go to my mom for breakfast, lunch and dinner hehehe! Biglang akong naging interested sa interior design... really excited about this possibility.

I'll post pictures next time when it is more definite....

Tagged!

2006-05-26T23:57:00.000+08:00

Instructions: Name ten of life's simple pleasures that you like the most, then pick ten people to do the same. Try to be original and creative and not to use things that someone else has already used. Walang kopyahan! hahaha =P

One. Just being with my honey will be top of my list.

Two. Watching movies/TV... last I watched was The Da Vinci Code... up next is X-Men...

Three. Reading books... last I read was The Da Vinci Code... I still have to get hold of Harry Potter 6 na paperback lang...

Four. Window shopping... time to explore Mall of Asia...

Five. Sleeping more than 8 hours a day... my form of relaxation...

Six. Connected with sleeping pa rin - waking up late in the morning...

Seven. 1/2 pound Hershey's bar... yummy!

Eight. munching on Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream

Nine. passionate about cooking kahit konti pa lang alam ko!

Ten. my one & only nephew (so far) who is such a cute and adorable kid kahit super kulit...

And just like Vanessa (a w@wie too), I'm tagging all those who visited my blog and read my entries!

Accomplishments

2006-05-23T15:34:00.000+08:00

With less than 7 months to go before our BIG DAY, here is what we have accomplished so far:

church -> paid reservation fee/still have to submit requirements since certificates have validity

reception venue -> paid reservation fee

caterer -> paid downpayment fee/still have to meet for details like motif, couple's backdrop & centerpieces (since we asked for an upgrade), room lay-out, emcee & program flow, cake (we will definitely NOT upgrade this one... dumarami ang gastos tsk! tsk!) , bridal car, etc. etc.

bridal & entourage gowns -> paid reservation fee/first fitting scheduled by October while the gowns should be ready by mid-November

bridal shoes -> wala pa?! but found this lovely pair with our color motif at SM Makati... am thinking it's too early pa to buy and I might be able to find a nice pair with our other color motif

groom & dads' barongs -> bought the fabrics already/still have to find a tailor... most likely, Exclusively His

grooms's pants & shoes -> wala pa?!

bridal bouquet & entourage flowers -> paid downpayment fee/still have to meet to finalize details

hair & make-up -> paid reservation fee/done with the trial hair & make-up... liked it so far!

photo & video -> We cancelled our original photographer. To make the story short and without mentioning any names (just so to protect everyone involved because it's still their business), we had a hard time coordinating with them. I'm just happy that we were able to find one already. Actually, they were on our shortlist before we decided to get that other photographer. 20% discount (because we got them during a bridal fair) + mini-album + 16x20 photo in canvass is such a steal... but we learned that "service" is as important. We're just waiting when we can meet with our new photographer for contract signing and payment of reservation fee. Now we realized, a wedding will not be a wedding without glitches! =)

invitations -> This is also one of those glitches. We were unhappy (an understatement) with the first supplier we got. The mock-up they did for us was not impressive at all and it costs Php 130. Literally na nakakaiyak siya! [Although the one we got now is quite pricey but at least maganda naman diba - still undecided mahal talaga eh!]

guests' souvenirs -> paid downpayment fee/still have to meet for the lay-out

female principal sponsors' tokens -> bought the materials already but still have to decorate it

male principal sponsors' tokens -> wala pa?! Ney is decided on something already but he still has to convince me. hehehe!

missalette -> finalized the "wordings"/just have to figure out how to print it & finalize the design of the cover

unity candle/secondary sponsors' candles & matches/candles for offertory -> wala pa?! This will be one of our do-it-yourself projects para makatipid naman.

hotel for preps -> booked 2 hotels for this purpose hehehe! bahala na which is cheaper by December

wedding rings - ACCOMPLISHED! yipeey! (c/o one of our Principal Sponsors)

honeymoon - ACCOMPLISHED! I already have our tickets & hotel voucher.

other things in mind -> table numbers, place cards, OTD coordination... sana...

Requirements for a Marriage License

2006-05-12T23:41:00.000+08:00

I was on leave today because I opted not to join our company outing. In fact, I have not joined any of our company outing hehehe! Anyway, going back to the topic, my mom accompanied me to Quezon City Hall to inquire about the requirements for a marriage license. Here it is:

1. Birth Certificate or Baptismal Certificate (certified copy)
2. If widow/widower, Death Certificate of the late spouse (certified copy)
3. Community Tax Certificate of couple
4. 1 picture for each applicant
5. Certificate of Family Planning for age 25 years and above
6. Certificate of Family Planning and Marriage Counselling if below 25 years

If foreigner:
1. xerox copy of passport (data and arrival)
2. Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry, issued by their respective Diplomatic or Consular Officials
3. If divorced, copy of Final Decree of Absolute Divorced

Note:
* Marriageable age is 18 years old.
* Above 18 years but below 21 years old, needs the consent of father, mother or guardian.
* Above 21 years but below 25 years old, needs the Advice upon Intended Marriage.

Hope this also helps those who are planning to apply for their own marriage license at Quezon City Hall.

And rainy season just started today....

Discovery Suites vs. Linden Suites

2006-05-07T19:10:00.000+08:00

Now, it gets a little bit complicated. Earlier, we have already decided that we will use Linden Suites for my wedding preparations... and so I thought.

Yesterday, we went to Shangri-La Plaza to watch Mission Impossible 3 (We enjoyed it... highly recommended!). Since we were in Ortigas, we decided to visit Linden Suites (again!) to check the other rooms so we can compare it with the one-bedroom executive suite (which we saw during our first visit). We also visited Discovery Suites just so we know that we have covered everything and that the decision we made is the best one. Oooppss... wrong! With almost the same rate and we also loved the three-bedroom suite of Discovery Suites... now we are or I guess, I AM really confused. I am listing here both pros & cons for both Suites:

Discovery Suites

Pros:
1. We loved the three-bedroom suite and it will be enough for my family, my Kuya's family and my Lola & Tita who are coming from Batangas. We just have to get ourselves a junior suite after the wedding.
2. Complimentary breakfast is good for 6 pax. Breakfast is served at 6:30am.
3. Near Podium & Megamall
4. Hallways are spacious.
5. We can bring in food or have it delivered. They are just strict on alcoholic beverages.

Cons:
1. No staircase whatsoever and small lobby.
2. We will have to check-out the three-bedroom suite before we leave for the church so we cannot afford to leave anything behind.

Linden Suites

Pros:
1. We loved their one-bedroom executive suite but we will have to get a studio suite for my Kuya's family and my Lola & Tita. We don't need to check-out the one-bedroom executive suite so even if we leave anything behind, we can always go back for it after the reception.
2. Complimentary breakfast is only good for 2 pax per room. If we get 2 rooms, that makes it good for 4 pax. Breakfast is served at 6am.
3. They have a staircase for photo ops (kahit small lang).
4. We can bring in food or have it delivered.

Cons:
1. Quite far from Podium & Megamall. But we can always take FX.
2. I might need to request for an additional bed for the studio suite (added cost).

Haaay... wedding preps are sooo complicated & tiring yet fun & exciting at the same time. And you can only experience this once in your life. Well, you can always prepare for other people's wedding but it would never compare to your own wedding. Syempre, if it's your wedding, there is always this special kind of feeling. Now, going back to our dilemma... Discovery ba or Linden Suites?

This is IT!

2006-05-04T14:30:00.000+08:00

As some of you may know already, we will not be going to Bohol anymore... kaka-sad man... have to move on and check other options... And yes, this is IT!

Goodbye Bohol and Hello Cebu!! hehehe! So wala munang Tarsiers to look forward to... instead looking forward kami sa danggit & lechon Cebu... and hopefully, we can bring home some in time for Christmas... yahoo!

Now we're off to Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort <http://www.bluwateresort.com>. And I had our tickets and vouchers issued already (sigurista na kami!).

But we are still looking forward to someday going to Panglao Island Nature Resort... maybe on our first anniversary or our first Valentines as husband and wife... then definitely, Boracay...

grrrr...

2006-05-02T11:22:00.000+08:00

Kainis... grrrr talaga! Just got a call from my travel agent and I was advised that Panglao Island Nature Resort was unable to confirm our reservations although confirmed ang tickets namin... haay =( kaka-sad talaga! We were looking forward to it pa naman. I still have to tell Ney and ask him if he wants to try the other resorts in Bohol or if we will consider going to Cebu or Boracay... haaay! And I even thought it was too early to book...

For my co-w@wies, please let me know of your suggestions for a nice honeymoon trip... thanks.

DIY Project: Missalette

2006-05-02T11:10:00.000+08:00

After our meeting with [bleep], we went to my house and worked on our "do-it-yourself" project - our missalette. Special thanks to co-w@wie, sp for sharing with us the soft copy. We had fun doing it and we're half-way done. =)

Invitations by [must not be named]

2006-05-02T10:56:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, we met with [bleep] of [bleep] to discuss about the design of our invitation. I won't go into the details anymore para surprise. It was a productive meeting pero grabe it wasn't that simple pala... we had to make a lot of decisions and compromises... but I'm excited na to see how our invitation will turn out. We were supposed to have our mock-up this coming Saturday but Ney still has to finish our map so I'm requesting her to move it to next Saturday instead.

My All-Time Favorite Cookies

2006-04-25T13:31:00.000+08:00

This is not in any way related to our wedding....

One of my weaknesses are C-O-O-K-I-E-S. Here are my all-time favorites:

1. Mrs. Fields white chocolate chip cookies with macadamia ~ this is #1 in my list. I like the cookies of Mrs. Fields because they are soft & chewy but this one tops my list. For their brownies naman, you can't go wrong with the Rocky Mountain Mogul.

2. Pepperidge Farm Soft-Baked cookies ~ got a first taste of this soft, chewy cookies (they have chunky ones too!) when I was in Singapore. They also have it in Duty Free then just recently, I saw it in SM Makati... yipeeey!

3. Chips Ahoy Chewy

4. Keebler Soft Batch ~ inexpensive one to satisfy your cookie cravings pero masarap pa rin lalo na if you heat it in a microwave oven (at least for 5-10 secs).

5. Oreo Mint ~ this is also good kahit na hindi soft & chewy.

... and now back to diet hehehe!

Yahooo!!!!

2006-04-24T16:49:00.000+08:00

Just got a call this afternoon, our wedding rings are ready for pick-up... yahooo!!!! This is a gift from one of our principal sponsors (Thank you so so much po!). Can't wait to see our rings... excited na me! Hindi pa pala alam ni Ney... hehehe! =) Will tell him later tonight kasi super busy pa siya sa work.

Mount Carmel Visit

2006-04-23T18:12:00.000+08:00

There's not much news this weekend with our wedding preparations. We only went to Mount Carmel last Saturday to re-confirm our reservations. Yup! may pagka-paranoid po ako... thinking na baka nabura sa logbook nila ang reservations namin since super early kami nagpa-reserve (July pa po of last year). Glad to say na andun pa names namin hehehe! =) We even saw na there is an earlier wedding before us. Dati kasi nung nagpa-reserve kami as in blank pa yung pages nila. We also tried to get a copy of their missalette (as I also promised my co-w@wie, sp) but walang available copy. They told us to do our own muna and just have it checked with them. We also found out na nag-increase na pala sila ng rate for their function hall (14K) buti na lang last year pa kami nagpa-reserve... sayang din yun noh. In fairness, with their new rate may kasama na 'atang sound system kaya lang "freebies" na kasi namin yun with Tamayo's so we won't need it anymore.

Afterwards, we just went to Gateway for lunch and some window shopping and we ended up watching a movie... I told you guys not much this weekend.

Here are the things we are thinking of doing in the coming weeks: (1) check Discovery Suites na rin and visit Linden Suites to compare their other rooms with the one-bedroom executive suite, and (2) go to Tabora to buy our materials.

...another busy day ~ Holy Wednesday

2006-04-13T20:45:00.000+08:00

Since our office declared it half-day yesterday (same with Ney), we decided to go back to Greenhills to order our rings already... that's how excited I am... and we will be getting it 2 weeks from now... yipeeey!! Can we wear it kaya even for one whole day lang??? So that's one more item off our long list of To Do's.

And since we're in Ortigas already, we checked out EDSA Shangri-La, Richmonde Hotel and Linden Suites. We were tempted to get the privilege card of EDSA Shangri-La because they are issuing a new privilege card after the Holy Week which has different benefits "daw" compared to the old card. Tempting... it is... but still quite expensive for us so we decided not to make any rush decisions. So, as planned, we went to Richmonde Hotel. They have a small staircase for photo ops =) and I heard they serve good food but their rooms are quite small for us. Next stop: Linden Suites... clean, small and comfy lobby with a small staircase =) (a +++ for me since I'm getting obssessed with these staircases). And grabe... their suites are huge and they have reasonable rates for that matter... even Ney was impressed.

Here is a photo of their one-bedroom executive suite and a glimpse of their indoor swimming pool... ganda talaga!

Here is Linden Suites from the outside.

Well, that's another item off our list...

Wedding Updates

2006-04-10T11:54:00.000+08:00

Happy, Happy Monthsary to us!!

Last Saturday (April 8), we went to Greenhills to check on some jewellers and to meet with Edwin Silangcruz, Jr. of Velvet Mood at Mary the Queen Parish. I had to accompany my fiance to Makati first then off we went to Ortigas. Since it was still a bit early and our appointment with Edwin is at 3pm, we decided to go to Robinson's Galleria muna. It's been a long, long time (years I must say!) since I have been there. There's a way pala from Robinson's Galleria to Holiday Inn and to Crowne Plaza. Realizing this, we decided to check out both hotels for my wedding preps. The main lobby of Holiday Inn is at the 4th floor. We even went to the ground floor thinking that will be the main lobby. Since we forgot to ask, we were unable to view their rooms. Their lobby is quite dark in my opinion. After we got the room rates, we proceeded to Crowne Plaza. Their lobby, on the other hand, is spacious, clean and well lit. Kaya lang it doesn't also have a "grand" staircase for photo ops =( There was a nice girl from the reception desk who volunteered to show us their rooms (without us even asking). She showed us the Executive Suite which has a connecting door (from the inside) to a deluxe room... ang ganda! She also showed us the Deluxe Suite which is more expensive. The difference from the Executive Suite is that its receiving area has its own small restroom and that the deluxe room is connected from the outside so there is more privacy. We like the Executive Suite better! We fell in love with the rooms but we still have to consider EDSA Shangri-La, Astoria Plaza, Linden Suites, Richmonde Hotel, Discovery Suites, etc.

By this time, hungry na kami so we went to Greenhills to have lunch at Aristocrat... yummy ang barbeque nila!! After lunch, we visited Orogem and Goldenhills. We asked for a quotation for the design we wanted and Orogem was able to give us a lower quote by almost 5K.

Then off we went to Mary the Queen Parish where Edwin and his musicians will be playing. We paid the reservation fee and watched them perform until about the time the bride walked down the aisle.

Afterwards, we went to SM North EDSA to watch Ice Age 2 for a well-deserved break. Luckily for us, we also saw Suarez Wedding Rings in the small bridal fair they have in SM. We asked for a quotation as well and they gave us almost the same quote as Orogem kaya lang we weren't able to see a similar ring from the display. Well... we've already decided to order from Orogem which is also highly recommended by my boss =)

It's been a very busy Saturday...

My Thoughts on Marriage & Wedding

2006-04-03T18:13:00.000+08:00

With eight months to go, I now reflect on why I chose to get married. Yes, I believe Marriage is a Choice. And I already made that choice a few years back because I know that he is the one (my first and my last). Marriage is a lifetime commitment so you really have to be decided. Keeping true to your vows entail a lot of hard work... a conscious effort. For better or for worse... in sickness or in health... til death do us part... ang hirap 'ata nun.

Wedding is the celebration of your union... as you embark on a new journey together. When I was a kid, I have a dream wedding in mind... as I believe we all do... something grand, beautiful and magical (parang fairytales!). Our wedding on December 16 is not really the dream wedding I envisioned when I was a kid. But hey... I am not a kid anymore... I'm 27 na kaya... so I can tell you it is much, much more. It might probably be a lot simplier but what makes it "a dream wedding" (after all) is the man I will marry and will spend the rest of my life with. Because whatever you have on your wedding (your gown, cake, souvenirs, etc.) will just be memories and what you will be left with is the man you chose. Yes, wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event (at least for me) but it is still just one day in our lives and we have the rest of our lives to look forward to... to create more memories together. Sabi nga ng isang w@wie (this is a wedding e-group): "Work on the marriage and not on the wedding!"

...and yes, I am having my dream wedding... because I found him!

BOHOL...Here we come!!

2006-04-03T17:53:00.000+08:00

YES, we made the bookings... yipeeey! Napamahal pa nga kami ng konti since we were not able to get the lower booking class... uurgh...

I will need to forget all about the "on-the-day-coordination" because of this trip but this is a better deal for us.

To Book or Not to Book... yet??

2006-03-30T14:17:00.000+08:00

This is our dilemma right now... we wanted to book Panglao Island Nature Resort <http://www.panglaoisland.com> in Bohol for our honeymoon. But we don't know if it is advisable to book it already since we still have to consider the wedding expenses. I also don't want to be too impulsive (sometimes I am buti na lang Ney is always there to bring me back to reality of what we can or cannot have)... haaay! But we also have to consider that if we really want this, will have to book early because December is a peak season (and also for weddings). Last night, I really, really wanted to book it already and was even convincing Ney (short for Honey)... which he did then... well... I had second thoughts... what "if" we will need that extra cash for other wedding expenses (pero deep inside I know na within budget sya hehehe!)... pero I also tell myself that this is the "first time" that we will be together... just the two of us... after all these years. We haven't decided until now... but God knows how I want to call my travel agent...

more pictures from my Trial Hair & Make Up

2006-03-28T09:05:00.000+08:00

We were supposed to attend a bridal fair entitled "Celebrations 2006" at the Manila Pavilion Hotel, U.N. Avenue but it was postponed... grrrr... kainis talaga! So we went to Starbucks instead to have my "as-of-now favorite" Caramel Coffee Jelly Frap. He had his usual Mocha Frap. I liked our pictures here because I still looked fresh (I think...) inspite of having to take the MRT/LRT and walking a few blocks to get to Manila Pavilion just to find out that the event was postponed... grrrr! This was around 3PM.

This picture was taken when I got home around 4:30PM... pagod na... ang init pa that day. I finally decided to wash my face around 7:30PM. I did not have any retouch the whole afternoon. And since my mom and fiance are happy naman with Angie & Ogie, I am definitely getting them.

Trial Hair & Make Up

2006-03-27T17:24:00.000+08:00

Here are the pictures from my trial hair & make up with Angie Cruz (make-up) and Ogie Rayel (hair stylist) yesterday (March 26).

Half-Updo
My mom prefers this hair style. Picture was taken between 11:30AM-12NN. Angie started around 10:30AM

(front view)

(side view while looking at my honey!)

Updo

(front view)

(back view - galing ni Ogie noh!)

...more pictures (with my honey) on my next post.

"Our PRECIOUS!"

2006-03-22T18:21:00.000+08:00

I just saw early this afternoon an exact replica of the wedding ring we wanted from Matus Jewellery. We met with Alain last Friday and explained to him the design we wanted. He said that in fact, he has an order for that particular design and will be delivered this week. So he showed me the ring today -- it's two-tone, yellow gold at the outer side, matte finish with 3 diamonds for me *wink* while my fiance's will just have the plain band. We will still be looking around for "our precious" so nothing has been decided yet. Still to check -- Suarez Wedding Rings (Gateway), Orogem & Goldenhills Jewelry (both located in Greenhills)....

Wedding Suppliers (Part 2)

2006-03-22T11:52:00.000+08:00

Here are additional suppliers from the Wedding Expo at the NBC Tent.

Barong Tagalog Fabric by LA HERMINIA

http://www.laherminiaweaving.com.ph
B-1 L-31 CERF Townhomes Countryhomes
Putatan, Muntinlupa City
Telefax No:+63 (2) 565-2385
Mobile No: +63 (919) 233-7720
E-mail: info@laherminiaweaving.com.ph
** We got the fabric for the barong tagalog of my fiance, our fathers and brothers from them. Now, we just have to find a good tailor. We'll try Exclusively HIS....

Photo & Video by [must not be named since we have cancelled as of May 12, 2006]
**My fiance and I went to the Wedding Expo at the NBC Tent on the first day (Saturday). Our agenda then really is to book [bleep bleep] (for our invitation), meet with Teddy Manuel (for quotation) and meet with Konsepto (to see their product samples). We were not looking for photo&video because (1) we already have a supplier in mind which have nice photos at a very affordable rate and (2) we felt that all the exhibitors are way too expensive. So we just got the flyers that they hand out to you whenever you pass by their booths. It was only when I got home that I was able to go through all the flyers and this particular one caught my attention because (1) there is a 20% discount for onsite booking which is not bad =) and (2) it has additional freebies pa like a mini-album I wanted so much. So we were "forced" to go back at the NBC Tent the next day to check them out. Their photos are also nice and we can save more if we get them (plus my mini-album yipeey!) so right then and there, we paid the reservation fee.

And since we were already there, we decided to go back and check La Herminia. This time, we were able to buy the piña silk & jusi fabrics we need.

It was a tiring weekend but worth it!

Wedding Suppliers (Part 1)

2006-03-21T10:25:00.000+08:00

I would like to share our preparations for the Big Day. So here is a list of our suppliers who will (I hope and pray...) help us make this a memorable and special day for the two of us and a fun-filled day for our guests.

Bridal Bouquet & Entourage Flowers by TEDDY MANUEL (of Flowers & Events)

** Teddy is super nice... really... and so is his brother, Roland (who we also got for our surprise treat to our guests). Teddy will be doing my dream bouquet and believe me, he was able to work around our budget. They are both very easy to talk to and how I wish I can get them for on-the-day-coordination "if and only if" we still have a budget for it. My fiance said we'll find out sometime October so here am I wishing... and hoping... and praying.... As for those who are curious about our "special treat"... naaahh... you'll have to wait just like me who is super excited. It's my all-time fave!

Guests Souvenirs by KONSEPTO
** We wanted to have this as souvenirs for our guests the first time we have heard of it. We feel that our guests will appreaciate it more than the usual giveaways. And I bet they will be very proud to show it around hehehe! =)

Invitations by [must not be named]

**My fiance once told his officemates that he will have this particular design for our invitations (jokingly) but during a bridal fair in Megamall last February, what we saw was just the design he has in mind. Since their promo rate is only valid until March 2006, we booked them during the Wedding Expo at the NBC tent early this March.

By the way, all the above suppliers were booked during the Wedding Expo at the NBC Tent. I'm so satisfied with this expo because we accomplished so much in just 2 days.

...more suppliers to follow.

Good Food, Great Love

2006-03-19T13:38:00.000+08:00

Caterer:
Tamayo's Catering Services
http://www.tamayos.com
**Tamayo's Catering Services was actually the first caterer we saw when we were still in search of that perfect church and venue to celebrate "our love." This is because they were strategically located at the back of Manila Cathedral so you will never get lost... really. But since they only have food tasting on Sundays, we were unable to try them out... just yet. We usually kasi reserve Sundays to rest and spend time with our families. So, we decided to try other caterers... Hizon's (which was referred to me by my good friend in high school, Shar Ramos now Mrs. Tan. She got them for her wedding.) and Josiah's (which I think I just saw in the internet and since they have celebrity as clients... I must say I got intrigued). I was able to schedule an appointment for us with the two caterers on the same day hehehe! If I remembered correctly, we came from our first visit to Mount Carmel Shrine and we even ate lunch at Pizza Hut (pizza, spaghetti & chicken wings... yummy!)... oooppss... that was a "very, very" wrong move. By the time we got to Hizon's (located inside Sanville Subdivision, Tandang Sora where Fernwood Garden is also located and where Josiah's will also have their food tasting that day), it was already mid-afternoon and yes, we are still full. My fiance did not like the food though... maybe because it was already cold since we arrived late and to think that we had just eaten our lunch. But I enjoyed their fruit salad... sweet tooth I guess. But I must say that Mrs. Hizon and her staff, Julie is attentive. And off we went to Fernwood. By the way, I think I have not mentioned yet that we got lost on our way to Sanville Subdivision. Now, I realize that we could have just taken the Tandang Sora route then turn right after Seaoil... haaayy. It was already late in the afternoon (4 past) when we got to Fernwood for our food tasting with Josiah's. At least, I was able to visit the place even if we have not considered it for our reception venue. Going back to Josiah's, honestly... the food was great... really great especially the "fish." Keep in mind that we are very full by this time *burp* hehehe! We were almost sure that we will get them but we have decided to still check out what Tamayo's has to offer. So, I called them up to schedule our food tasting. This time, we didn't eat breakfast and decided that we'll take our lunch there. The "pumpkin soup" was yummy... yummy... yummy and we were able to sample a variety of their menu. They gave us kasi different set of menu. They also have good food so here comes our dilemma. Well, it really came down to who has to offer more for the same amount and Tamayo's did. And my fiance will still have the lengua he so desires since I got most of what I really want for our wedding and this is his "one and only wish." I wonder if our guests will look forward to this. That reminds me to advise Peng not to serve me any lengua hehehe!

...and our journey continues....

Church & Reception Venue

2006-03-17T14:34:00.000+08:00

Church:
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine Parish in New Manila, Quezon City

Venue:
Fr. Horan Hall, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine Parish

**It was the church and reception venue that we were able to book first. We have visited San Sebastian, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin. San Agustin is sooo beautiful... grabe... but way too expensive. We were not really planning to have our wedding at the Manila Cathedral because of this notion I have that most couples who got married there eventually went their separate ways =( (until now, I don't know if that was ever true) but we still visited the cathedral because I wanted to see how it looked like. We also visited San Sebastian, it was very beautiful and not as expensive as San Agustin. So ayan mukhang we have a church na! We were even thinking of having our reception at the Villa Immaculada (of Tamayo's) which we saw on our way to Manila Cathedral. Kaya lang we thought that having our reception in a church's function hall will come out cheaper so we decided to check the function hall of San Sebastian. Sadly, it was just small and we don't like the shape of the room. But we are still thinking at that time to book San Sebastian and just look for a different venue. We decided to check out Mt. Carmel Shrine because we heard they also have a function hall. Grabe... ang ganda rin pala niya and super haba ng lalakaran ko hehehe =) and super tahimik ng place... and their function hall is just the right size for our guests with high ceiling so this is it! We were actually (I think) the first one to book Mt. Carmel Shrine for December 2006 so we were able to get the date we want... yipeeey!! So the wedding is finally set on Saturday, sixteenth of December two thousand and six.

... and off we are to look for a caterer....

And so it’s time…

2006-03-13T21:06:00.000+08:00

The summer is long… but before the leaves fall from its trees the rain will fall from the clouds as the winds will gather its strength to seize the dust and then will come the flowers blooming at its most magnificent time.