Planning A Perfect Wedding

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids Gifts

2007-01-16T21:50:00.000-05:00

Another excellent, excellent find. I need to update you guys on this. Good stuff, I swear. If you are looking for a brown tie to match your pink and brown themed wedding. I found a good site, Belisi they have insider information to an extensive tie collection including woven silk, from stripes, solid, paisley designed etc.

What's more they have free shipping and handling. I read on one of that insider post said that he have found the Associates to be pleasant, courteous, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra mile to be of assistance.

Gotta love those, right. And I also fell in love with the information Belisi compiled related to fine scrafs and handbags which I can buy as bridesmaids and presents to the mother of the groom and mother of the bride. They even post tips on picking handbags, etc. Talk about elegance, class and style at affordable price.

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Handmade Pink and Brown Unity Candle

2007-01-16T21:48:00.000-05:00

It really blows my mind how unity candles can be so outrageously expensive so I did one for us. Unfortunately, I wasn't quite happy with the first unity candle I made. I wished I had known about the one mentioned in my earlier post.

I revised the design using a square candle, incorporating the ribbons we used for our wedding details embelishments and a picture of a pink peony. In addition, I saw this cute metal plate originally meant for scrapbooking at the craft store. It says, "Marriage...the beautiful blending of two lives, two loves, two hearts"

I think this one looks so much better than the old one.

Pink and Brown Unity Candles

2007-01-16T21:43:00.000-05:00

These are very nice and matching a pink and brown motif.

Floral Candles offers:
Hand painted pink and brown beeswax and faux brown flowers give a beautiful and whimsical flair to any wedding or event. Personalization can be up to 20 characters per line and 4 lines. Comes wrapped in cello and tied with a pink ribbon. Tapers included (notice the the brown color at the bottom of each taper!)

Nice huh, I wish I knew this before I made our handmade unity candle.

Driving Safely

2007-01-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

I used to drive 10 years ago. I was 18, that is until two of my friends (LV my sister in law, and Don, a close friend) passed away in two separate car accidents. Two teens who have not seen the fruition of their dreams. Both accidents involved a truck, more than twice the size of the cars they were in.

I wished though that they have read then the safety tips I have read recently. It talks about key pointers for teens/new drivers and old alike.

Some of them includes:
- Stay out of a truck’s blind spots or “No Zones.”
- Be careful when attempting to pass a truck.
- Do not swerve in front of a truck or cause the driver to come to asudden stop.
- Avoid “Squeeze Play” when a large truck needs to make a wide turn.
- Do not cut off a large truck or passenger bus.

To this date I have not driven. But lately I had been contemplating about it since their are companies out there who advocates to driving safely and im seeing less aggressive drivers lately. Sometime this year I will renew my license, buy a car and have a stable and reliable car insurance. I wonder how much it will cost me. Perhaps I can start by getting a cheap car insurance quote.

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How to Make a Faux Wax Seal

2007-01-16T21:08:00.000-05:00

Materials and tools needed:

Faux wax sticks in color of your choice

Brass, pewter, ceramic, or rubber seal

Clear embossing stamp pad or
a piece of cloth or cotton saturated in baby oil

Low-temp mini glue gun

(your faux wax sticks can be used in a hot melt (regular) glue gun for other crafting purposes, but the faux wax will come out very thin and difficult to use for making seals)

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1. Insert the faux wax stick into glue gun and plug in. Do not begin to make the seals until the faux wax has had the chance to heat for several minutes! Caution! Even with a low-temp glue gun, the melted faux wax and the nozzle of the glue gun are very hot and can cause burns! Do not touch while in use!

STEP 2. Slightly wet the seal with the embossing ink or baby oil. This will help prevent the seal from sticking to the paper and make a very clear impression.

STEP 3. To make wax seals directly on the stationery or envelope, squeeze a small mound of faux wax onto the place where you want the seal to be.

STEP 4. Slowly, press the wet seal firmly into the faux wax to create an impression, wait for a few seconds and then remove.

(You may have to experiment on a scrap of cardboard or paper to get the amount of faux wax just right. There should be enough on the paper so that a small ridge of faux wax is pressed out all around the sides of the seal, but not so much that the seal is too thick and bulky. The brass seal I used to test this project is approximately 3/4 inch wide, and it worked best with a blob of faux wax the size of a raisin.)

If you are afraid to damage the paper or making errors, make your seals in the back of a non-stick baking sheet/pan, release after cooling and paste into your envelopes using clear glue.

PHOTO: clockwise from top: Materials, step 1, step 2, step 3, step 4, impression using a rubber stamp, impression using a brass seal.

Modern Bride

2007-01-16T20:44:00.000-05:00

Try this test it analyzes what kind of bride are you. It defines me as a modern bride. Hmmm. interesting stuff!

While you aren't ready to throw away all wedding tradions, you want a wedding with a twist. You're more inspired by celebrity weddings on E! than from bridal magazines. Whether this means getting married on the beach barefoot or a mariachi band for the reception... Your wedding will be a blend of old and new - white dress cocktail, personalied vows, whatever suites you!!!
Want to Know What Kind of Bride Will You Be? Take This Quiz :-)

Money Solutions

2007-01-16T20:25:00.000-05:00

Looking for the best Valentine's Day gift ideas for the woman you love? I recently stumbled upon a site that lists sales from various online stores. I hope my hubby is reading this because I would not mind receiving a nice pair of diamond earrings or maybe a nice bouquet of flowers is just as good.

Meanwhile, I am also eyeing on Dell Axim X51v PDA for my husband. He’s always wanted to have one. I’ll secretly buy after I checked out the prices at Money Solution . I’m sure he will love it. Money solution is such a great site. It has every gadgets that I have been looking for in a while.

My goddaughter Martha is also turning one soon, maybe I will buy her some educational toys. I’m sure there are some great products on sale listed here.

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Rush for Gold

2007-01-16T20:00:00.000-05:00

Being newlywed and young we’ve been exploring on investment possibilities other than our retirement fund and savings. I remembered my mom kept telling me that owning jewelries are good investment, but I don’t wear much of gold. So I looked for alternatives and found that gold coins and ingots are as good investment. Gold coins are one of the oldest forms of money. Furthering my research I found out that I don’t have worry about robbery and theft since companies such as Monex sells gold coins and offers immediate personal delivery or arrange for convenient and safe storage at an independent bank or depository. So now you know where our money is going to next, to purchase gold coins --- talk about a gold rush!

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Secrets to Chosing Your First Dance Tune

2006-03-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

By Sara Brodsky, Director, Best Foot Forward
Originator of The Wedding Crash Course

The first dance is often the last piece of the puzzle for a couple planning their wedding. Choosing a first dance tune can be frustrating if you don't know where to begin. Here are secrets to making your first dance meaningful and enjoyable, rather than anxiety provoking or dull.

The words and musical style of your first dance song should reflect your personalities. Start with a musical genre and then pare down your choices within that genre. Are you jazz aficionados? Pop specialists? Elvis worshippers? Is Motown in your soul or country in your heart?

Choose a song with a slow to medium tempo (upbeat is fine). Slower is not necessarily easier. Very slow tunes may sound wonderfully romantic on the CD, but not translate well on the dance floor. Often, the rhythm in these songs is more difficult to hear, and thus, makes it more difficult to dance easily.

If you find choosing a first dance song a bit overwhelming, ask your DJ or bandleader for suggestions.

If the song you choose for your first dance is not on your band's play list, give them plenty of time to learn it - the more time they have to rehearse it, the better it will sound at your wedding.

Dance for approximately two minutes - no more! After two minutes, your guests are focusing elsewhere. It's easy for a DJ to fade in and out of a tune to fit this time frame, and a band always can play a shorter version of the tune.

If you really want to play the whole tune - the words are particularly meaningful to you, for example - invite your guests to join you after your two minutes.

Listen to tunes on your computer or go to your public library. Many libraries have extensive CD collections, which can save you money when searching for that perfect first song.

Additional Notes: Our First Dance was At Last By Etta James. The bubble machine was pointed at our direction. We were dancing and the kids were having a grand time chasing the bubbles. It was a nice I'm finally home feeling. Until the last note of the dance, the coordinator popped for confetti canons. I felt like a kid, amazed with the colorful paper flying in the air!

Hizon's Catering ... The Good and Bad...

2006-03-16T03:52:00.001-05:00

We knew about Hizons even before we started hearing about them here at w@w. I did not bother asking other caterer but them. My initial AE there was Sue (those who were w@wies long enough would know her) then was picked up by Ella. Being an overseas bride I asked my cousin to book them do the food tasting and I did the rest of the planning with Ella. I have a particular set up in mind down to how the ribbons will be on the chairs, the cake table, votive wraps, VIP place setting down to how the napkins will be folded and decorated.

Back in the preps months around August I was having a hard time conveying to them how I wanted my set up. Our first mock up, see more info here http://021806.blogspot.com/2005/08/joke-ng-caterer.html ended up looking like a joke. Kitte, my coordinator and I did not stop until we got what we wanted. Those were times I felt like I was hitting a wall.

As soon as I got to Manila I knew I needed to meet Mrs. Hizon herself and Ella and I did spent 3 laborious hours in their office. I asked for a mock set up and my jaw fell on the ground the centerpiece is the exact colors of my bouquet. I had it changed to just light to pink roses lang. That moment seemed quite promising and disappointing at the same time. We had a final food tasting, I made final instructions on the food (do not overgrill fish, no salt and unsalted butter on the veggies, use two different kind of pasta etc) we asked them to show us the candle holders, kneelers, chairs, linens. I showed them how to do the chair ribbons the table napkins, etc. I asked their window shades to be drawn and redrawn coz I want to see the setup both in dim and bright atmosphere. There were clients whove come and gone and I was still there. OC that I am. Mrs. Hizon even commented, iha ang sobrang detalye mo. I left their office feeling that everything will fall into place, Ella JUST HAVE TO DO HER PART!!!

Few days later we went back to give her the floor layout we wanted and to give them the ribbons for the setup. We upgraded at Gazebo from Pheonix to Champagne hall and it required to buffet set-up instead of one. Ella was more reassuring that she got a hold of everything na. I asked to see picture of the bridal car and she said di pa nya alam.

Come wedding day, I overheard Kitte frantic on her cellphone. Ella called her panicking thinking our wedding is at 4pm when actually it was at six. Our contract says 6pm ceremony starts and 7pm dinner will be served. They were also arguing about the gazebo that shouldn’t have been over the couple’s table.

BRIDAL CAR
I got down to the hotel lobby and saw that the bridal car is nicer than what we were suppose to get. Apparently it got upgraded. We got a bug eye Mercedes instead of an E-class. The car was supplied by Adeb Rentals. The driver Mang Romy is nice and makwento as soon as we got to Gazebo. He tried to ease my tense right before I got out of the car.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/548565679/2713464200068268723BExPCY

SET-UP AT GAZEBO ROYALE
As the car was rolling by Gazebo, Ella approached me and said, Ma’am I tried, I hope you like it. It was worth all the hard work. I held my breath, the hall looked very nice. All the stress paid off. The venue was just as I would imagine it. ELLA DELIVERED!!! Whew, thank God! The entire place was screaming romance and love! There were pink and white roses everywhere you look and they were of good quality flowers. Flowers were provided by Hizon’s in-house florist, Emma’s Flowershop.

Later I would find out that Mrs. Hizon was assigning Ella to another event but she refused, with the line that “baka pagalitan ako ni Ma’am Gloria kung me magkakamali.” After the program I will find out that Mrs. Hizon and Anna Palisoc of Gazebo Royale were there to make sure everything was all set. Days after when Anna and chanced to meet up again, she told me the carpet used was a bit worn out, but I did not even noticed!

FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Seriously I did not get to eat even any leftover due to confusion amongst our families when it was time to part the leftovers. But the few bites Jun and I had were good. We had less leftover than anticipated considering we only have 120-130 guests who showed up and we were booked for 200 plus 2 suppliers table and buffer for 20. When I asked Ella the following day why there were very little leftover, she replied that guest keep coming back for more, Nasarapan po yung guests nyo. Either our guests were REALLY hungry or the perception that wait staff keep some food for themselves is true.

We did not get to eat because the head waiter was so slow in giving us food! By the time we were served and ready to eat the host was already calling us to proceed with the program.

We ordered cases of beer from Hizon all we see were San Mig Light and there were left over Pilsen pero di nila maibigay. They asked us to go to their office with containers. Ano dadalhin ko balde? So I just left that with them. We also bought 6 liters each of red and white wine, 12 bottles of chamdor white grape, 6 bottles of champagne, and a P7000 bottle champagne for us. During the cake cutting they were going to serve us wine that we did not bring so we had to tell the waiter manong di ho yaan ang amin. We have our own, please get our champagne. So after the champagne thing after the cake we asked the head waiter to keep it at the couple’s table. Aba sinerve sa male ento who don’t drink champagne, nasayang tuloy. E ang sarap sarap pa naman nun, nasayang. Later on I would find out that not all of the wine and champagne were served, yet all the chamdor was gone! Guests don’t even know we had them. We were able to get back 1 of each red and white wine and 2 bottles of champagne and half of the gold reserve whiskey we had for the male guests. Whatever happened to the small bottles of carlo rossi for the male ento, we don’t know.

HOST
I would highly recommend Marjorie Dizon for host. She’s from Hizon’s. She’s lively, spontaneous, and doesn’t have a funny accent. Those who want her contact info, please let me know.

TIFFANY CHAIRS
The chairs were decorated the way we wanted them. The ceremony setup was done the way I envisioned them. They looked lovely in the pictures. Which by the way you can view from our webshots gallery http://community.webshots.com/user/gngabriel under wedding reception. Tiffany chairs for the guests were free because of their tie up with Gazebo. We just rented the 80 chairs for the ceremony set up. They were clean and have no chipping paint.

WAIT STAFF SERVICES
I did not hear any negative feedback on this. Courteous naman sila. Except for the server not removing the plastic covers from the server. The guests had to take them off pa. Another negative thing was one of my guests losing her wallet at Gazebo. This was very sad and disappointing. All the wait staff was frisked and searched, nothing was found. Gazebo staff were searched as well wala rin. Good thing she did not have a lot of money in her wallet, or so she says. I’m really sorry for that.

SWORD PARADE
I completely forgot about this when we were walking during the reception did not even noticed this was going on. I should have done the torch one and it would have been probably more noticeable!

Overall I would still recommend Hizon’s for their food and Ella proved herself to me during the day of the wedding talaga. Out of 10 I will give them an 8 because of the liquor and food and some minor snafus.

Shoes Ko Day!!! --- Niko of Seven Shoes, A Supplier Rating

2006-03-16T02:32:00.000-05:00

I've heard lots of positive comments about Veluz and her shoes and bag tie-up, Niko of Seven Shoes. Having already baught my gown here in Boston, I decided to avail Niko's shoes and bag package during the W@W Auction. This was one of the best decisions I made, as I am very satisfied with Niko's professionalism, craft and candidness.

In short notice, he was able to make me shoes and bag that beadwork matching that from gown. He insisted on getting pictures of my gown so he can match the beadwork. The day before the wedding we met at the lobby of Edsa Shangri La for delivery and final fitting. He even reminded me to let go, enjoy my day and always smile.

The morning of the wedding he stopped by to drop off my back up shoes (that I never needed to wear, since the shoes he made me were comfy.) He noticed that I carelessly draped my gown into the manequin and stuck it in the corner. Obviously when you dont have a designer, you dont know what to do. And he went over and beyond his services and took out the manequin, fixed it and even placed the accesories at the foot of the gown. My reaction, Ah ganun pala! He even noticed the monochromatic pink brooch I have that lazily was lying on the table and suggested that I use it in the gown. It definitely added that it factor! He did that inspite of three other clients he need to attend to that day, who are all w@wies. Im sure they had his full attention too!

I can't thank Niko enough for his excellent service. I would recommend Niko to any future bride who needs customized shoes and bags.

Married At Last!!!

2006-02-21T23:16:00.000-05:00

After seven years of dating and 13 sleepless months in wedding preps, we finally said "I Do" in front of God and our family & select friends. The hall was pretty and overflowing with pink and white roses, the music was moving that I had to stop in the middle of the isle during the bridal march to keep myself from crying. During the entire ceremony, Jun and I almost never let go of each others' hands and teary eyed. Butterflies were flown during the first kiss and confetti canons were popped on the last note of our first dance, At Last by Etta James. We did not have a lot of guest but everyone turned out happy celebrating with us. The party did not end after we left the Gazebo Royale. We bought all the liquor back to our hotel and partied with friends.

Follow this link for pictures taken by out back-up photographer, Paul Vincent. More pictures to come by our main photographer, Archie Paungan.

Engagement Pictures

2006-02-15T06:55:00.000-05:00

So many things to do so many stories to tell, too little time. Here's a teaser of our engagement shoot. Thanks to Paul Vincent. Please follow this link to view more shots.

Our First Gift in Kind!

2006-01-12T05:46:00.000-05:00

When we got home tonight FIL told us we got a package! Excited we didnt even wait until the wedding. I made sure I took pictures though! We thought these glasses and decanter was pretty online. They were nicer in person, even Jun said so. Its imported from Poland. The guage was heavy and doesnt look like it breaks easily. There were six glasses but I was able to fit only 4 in the picture.

Thanks to Mike and Nette! This is so generous and sweet of you guys!

Sun Shine On Me!!!

2006-01-10T15:42:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while. As I said there at my last post, there has been no desire to share wedding preps stories, as there have been many ongoing issues lately.

Well, things let me just say share the things I’m excited about and thankful for!

Finalized officiating minister (s). Not one but TWO! We were saddened by the fact that Jun’s uncle passed away. We were hoping he’d be our Officiant. His wife, Auntie Ophe contacted Philippines and through connections found a minister for us. Both Pastors are from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines-Cosmopolitan Church, in Manila. Thanks to the help of Mrs. Almarez who called UCCP Manila.

My new gown. Everyone I showed the gown to agrees with me that I made a better choice on this. It will match the groom’s tuxedo better and will go along the bridesmaids’ dresses. I am excited to wear it and be photographed in it! Of course, there is also that brown dress I want to use for engagement pictures and while preparing for the ceremony.

Booking our flights to Manila and Cebu and getting the tickets into our little hands. Ladies and Gentlemen (are there any reading my blog?), I will be arriving Manila on the 27th at 11pm. Jun will be arriving Cebu on the 31st. We will be together again in Manila on the 13th of February and we will part ways again on Feb 25th. Me back to Manila and him back to Boston.

We are starting to receive gifts. Aside from the monetary gifts we received in the mail. Things are getting bought off our registry which is so much fun! As of yesterday, three items were bought: the decanter, tumblers, and serving pieces. Today, gone of the list were the panini grill and fondue (and whoever bought it even added a raspberry chocolate morsels for it). I am excited like crazy to see these things come at Jun’s parents’ house! I thank those people in advance! I’d be a happier camper if I get the espresso machine and grinder, the bean head that I am. Hehe! I’ve always yearned for that since the day I had my own kitchen, five years ago but never got around buying one.

I have a date set with fellow February Brides: Grace (Harvey), Data (Benc), Nette (Mike), Layah (Laser), and Angie (Bizi). We are going to be at Kitchen’s on the 7th for dinner. Aside from that I am also set for a dinner date with Vanessa (Enrik) on the 31st. I am also slated to meet with of course Marj (Carlos, who just got married Best Wishes Guys!) Aggie (Edil, still very much pregnant) and Dionne (Joven). I’m excited to match names with the faces I’ve shared wedding woes with for the last 12 months.

We are almost fully moved into the in-laws. All we have left in the apartment right now is our bed, a china cabinet, and a few boxes here and there. We may rent a moving van to bring these two big items to the in-laws. They will be staying pretty much in Cebu in their newly acquired property so we will have their house all to ourselves when I get back from Manila.

I’m meeting Peng a newbie at weddings at works tomorrow. Finally someone to talk to personally about wedding stuff without getting bored!

On the other note, I have been sick since last week. I went home early last Friday and took yesterday off. Today, my boss was adamant that I see the doctor. She literally dragged me into the Emergency Room here at work and found out I have bronchitis, acute sinusitis and laryngitis. Great! That is the reason why I have lost my voice (to the delight of Jun coz I cannot nag him) and five -day of Sudafed multi-symptom just wont whisk my cough and cold away! I was prescribed with a five day Zithromax regimen and was switched to Claritin with a promise that I will feel better.

I’m crossing my fingers and toes to that!

The Year That Was...

2006-01-02T12:40:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to All!!!

Because I don't feel like talking wedding preps lately, here's a summary for 2005 for me.

WHAT DID YOU DO IN 2005 THAT YOU'VE NEVER DONE BEFORE?
> Prepare for our wedding... got married civilly.

DID YOU KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS, AND WILL YOU MAKE MORE FOR NEXT YEAR?
> I have just started on a new year's resolution yesterday, but I'd rather keep it to myself.

DID ANYONE CLOSE TO YOU GIVE BIRTH?
> Mareng Jen, cousin Joanne, every one else's name escapes my mind.

DID ANYONE CLOSE TO YOU DIE?
> Unfortunately yes, Jun's uncle passed away before Thanksgiving. My godfather passed away Christmas day.

WHAT COUNTRIES DID YOU VISIT?
> Stayed local. The farthest I got was Florida last November. Over the year we did a couple of trips here and there to Pensylvania, New Jersey, Washington, DC. I hope we can do more in '06 and '07.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE IN 2006 THAT YOU LACKED IN 2005?
> enough savings

WHAT DATE FROM 2005 WILL REMAIN ETCHED UPON YOUR MEMORY AND WHY?
> December 5, 2005 - I got married to the man I want to hold hands with as we journey through life.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR?
> Went through another accreditation and a monetary promotion.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST FAILURE?
> Not getting my driving license yet again. I have to stop procastinating.

DID YOU SUFFER ILLNESS OR INJURY?
> Luckily no.

WHAT WAS THE BEST THING YOU BOUGHT?
> Our wedding bands for the civil wedding :D

WHOSE BEHAVIOR MERITED CELEBRATION?
> Jun's - his devotion and love of family somehow I know assures me someday he'd never let his own down.

WHOSE BEHAVIOR MADE YOU APPALLED AND DEPRESSED?
> The president's both my from US and Philippines.

WHERE DID MOST OF YOUR MONEY GO?
> rent, wedding expenses, new laptop, dental payments and bills

WHAT DID YOU GET REALLY, REALLY, REALLY EXCITED ABOUT?
> Getting married

WHAT SONG(S) WILL ALWAYS REMIND YOU OF 2005?
> Home - that's the song ringing in my head before thanksgiving and immediately right after we got married.

COMPARED TO THIS TIME, LAST YEAR, ARE YOU:

I. HAPPIER OR SADDER?
> happier

II. THINNER OR FATTER?
> fatter

III. RICHER OF POORER?
> richer

WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU'D DONE MORE?
> be nice to my husband

WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU'D DONE LESS OF?
> spend money

HOW WILL YOU BE SPENDING CHRISTMAS?
> Christmas 2006 is still to far to think of at this moment

DID YOU FALL IN LOVE IN 2005?
> yup, over and over

HOW MANY ONE-NIGHT STANDS?
> none

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TV PROGRAM?
> Gilmore Girls, Jeopardy & E-ring

DO YOU HATE ANYONE NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T HATE THIS TIME LAST YEAR?
> Not really hate but really jaded

WHAT WAS THE BEST BOOK YOU READ?
> Bonesetter's DAughter - I actually listened to it

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST MUSICAL DISCOVERY?
> Michael Buble and MYMP

WHAT DID YOU WANT AND GET?
> mini ipod and a new laptop with all the bells and whistles

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE FILM OF THIS YEAR?
> I dont think I've seen a movie worth remembering for the entire year.

WHAT DID YOU DO ON YOUR BIRTHDAY, AND HOW OLD WERE YOU?
> We went down the cape with family I turned 27.

WHAT ONE THING WOULD HAVE MADE YOUR YEAR IMMEASURABLY MORE SATISFYING?
> if I was able to go home to my mamu and spent more time there.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL FASHION CONCEPT IN 2005?
> I bought less bags, more shoes, less pants more skirts

WHAT KEPT YOU SANE?
> having Jun always by me.

WHICH CELEBRITY / PUBLIC FIGURE DID YOU FANCY THE MOST?
> none

WHAT POLITICAL ISSUE STIRRED YOU THE MOST?
> President's stand on war in mid-east

WHO DID YOU MISS?
> my mamu and brother

WHO WAS THE BEST NEW PERSON YOU MET?
> Marj and Aggie and other fellow w@wies (Data, Nette, Grace, Gracita and others!)

QUOTE A SONG LYRIC THAT SUMS UP YOUR YEAR.
> Life's like this.

Merry Chirstmas to All

2005-12-25T12:56:00.000-05:00

May Christmas inspire each of us to give a little of what we have, to share a little of who we are, to help make this the kind of world that it was meant to be.

Looking Back

2005-12-11T16:31:00.000-05:00

“When It Rains, It Pours”

This saying goes with all the many things that had happened to us in November.  I will try to capture as much details as I can.

On November 14, Jun’s uncle lost his battle with lymphatic cancer.  Uncle Ed was a remarkable man.  He’d spent his life not only by being a father to his family but also touched so many lives as he was a well-respected minister and counselor both in the Philippines and in the United States.  He was also the 2004 recipient of Outstanding Sillimanian Award for Counseling Ministry.  Ever since we started our wedding planning we have been hoping and praying that he will be well enough to come and solemnize our wedding in the Philippines.  Sadly, he wont be there as he was with other cousins’ and relatives’ wedding.  A service to celebrate Uncle Ed’s life was held November 19.  We went down to Florida for a week to join the families and friends.  We were tasked to document the entire thing through video.  I have never been to a memorial service so touching, people were sad and crying but at the same time happy listening to the eulogy about what an awesome man he was.  We will miss you dearly, Uncle Ed.

We came back to Boston the week of Thanksgiving. I was planning on going low key for that Thursday.  I had no inclination whatsoever to make Thanksgiving dinner until Jun reminded that Thanksgiving day is his mother’s birthday.  I tried calling every catering places all won’t accept orders. So I ended up rushing to the store armed with $60 for day’s meal. I was so nervous that I wont make a decent spread out of it providing as I usually spend over $200 whenever I make stuff for parties.  It was the wisest shopping I’ve ever done in a while. I ended up with a 16 lb turkey, kielbasa, potatoes, broccoli, chicken broth, pies, pasta, ground beef, 2 hefty pieces of steak, vanilla ice cream, other vegetables and minor ingredients.  Our day’s menu ended up as:

Herb Crusted Turkey
Stuffing with Apples and Raisins
Herb and Garlic Roasted Potato Wedges
Homemade Cranberry Preserve and Turkey Gravy
Garlic and Pepper Steak
Braised Kielbasa in Orange Juice and Maple Syrup
Baked Ziti with Meatballs and Marinara Sauce
Broccoli and Cheese
Chicken Rice Medley
Apple Pie ala Mode
Egg Custard Pie

At Thanksgiving dinner which was just Jun, his mom, my mother and I.  Mom announced that she was approved for transfer and will be moving to San Jose California fairly soon.  Just a brief, Jun and I share our apartment with my mother.  This new information really threw us out of the loop.  In October, we have planned to move out after the wedding.

All of a sudden, we were packing everyday, moving a box a day to in-laws house.  Getting rid of stuff I have been hanging on to for the last eight years that I have lived in the United States.  How do you downsize from a two story-two bedroom apartment with umpteen amount of storage space and a loft size bedroom to a one mediocre sized bedroom, one walk in storage a small closet and few drawers?  It’s very tough and everyday that we pack is very emotional.

We also found out that no matter how much you try, if you work in an investment institution, you wont be allowed a hefty amount of time off from work during tax season.  This we learned when Jun applied for his vacation in February.  He was only allowed for a fraction of time we requested hence the need to plan for a civil ceremony here to lessen the amount of time needed for paperwork in Manila.

Our car broke, like broke and wont be worth it to repair anymore.  It’s an eight year old car with 195K miles in it, a two large cracks on the windshield and worse we only have basic insurance on it so repairs can be astronomical. Currently we are using our summer toy, a Chevy Camaro that does not drive well in the snow.  I pray every time we get in that we do not get into any accidents.  I hope that after we figured out our finances when we get back in March of next year we will be able to get rid of both cars (I swear the only match to them is a gallon of gasoline and lighter) and buy reliable vehicles.  Living at in-laws will require me to drive.  I still have the luxury of public transportation or being driven in or bumming a ride home from a co-worker.

I think I would have to stop here and I have just ranted off different off-tangent stuff unrelated to wedding preps.

I will post again when the sun shows up.

Big Day Tomorrow

2005-12-04T14:36:00.001-05:00

Marriage License Application ................................ $35
Fee to Get Married ................................................. $50
Marriage Certificates and Fees ............................... $96
His and Hers Wedding Bands ................................ $230
Saying “I Do” to the Rest of our Lives ................. PRICELESS

Yes folks, by eight-thirty in the morning tomorrow, December 5, 2005, we will be officially tying the knot. We are to wed in the City of Quincy (ten miles south of Boston) where we nested for the last several years. The City Clerk, Mr. J. Shea will be marrying us.

Right after the ceremony, were off to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Office of Public Records in the State Secretary’s Office to get our marriage contract authenticated. Right after we are taking a somewhat 5-hour bus ride to submit the document to the Philippine Consulate Office in Manhattan, New York.

In less than 24 hours time, we will be married, be in at the State House and traveling thru four states (Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut and New York) and back. We only have today to work all these things out.

This time there will be no witnesses, no receiving line to throw confetti, no grand reception. Our celebration will probably be a quick bite in the local Filipino restaurant in Queens or at a hotdog stand in the streets of Manhattan. Talk about a whirlwind wedding!

Nonetheless, I’ll be the HAPPIEST GIRL on earth tomorrow!

EDIT: 12.06.05 - 12:20am
We just got back from New York. It was a very tiring day but happy altogether.

We were married in less than 10 minutes, sorry no pictures, the City Clerk was acting like he was being chased by a hoard of horses. Funny side kwento, when Jun was asked for the rings, he gave them to the guy box, receipt and all, that was my first giggle. Then during the exchange of rings, he was handing me his left had, and I was asking for the right hand. Hopefully this doesnt happen at our February wedding, blooper talaga.

We were mostly in and out of places we needed to be in. Except for the Philippine Embassy, yeah go figure. The people there makes a lot of small talks it took us to hours to get 2 pieces of of papers.

Oh, BTW, my name now is Ms. Gloria Gabriel-Recla. Di ko pa maisip na misis na ko. Except for the smile plastered on my face wala pang ibang difference. I'll let you know later.

Connected Again

2005-11-11T05:06:00.000-05:00

"Where the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window..."

That was a line from the Sound of Music, and today it held true for me. Male boss left yesterday and it was really a sad occassion. I was crushed. But just as when I was about to hug him and wish him well, he handed me his cellphone. Only a month old silver colored Motorola Razor. Apparently he felt so bad about me being worried about losing my cell.

Glitzy Topper

2005-11-10T09:23:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share with you guys the final version of the monogram cake topper I made. This was inspired by swarovski studded cake toppers as seen here. My co-worker's brother is a wood carver and I requested for him to make two monogram carvings one for practice and one for the final one. I used the following genuine swarovski crystals for the glitz: 9mm light colorado topaz, 6mm rose, 6 mm crystal AB, 4mm fuschia, 4 mm light rose and 4 mm tanzanite.

I woke up at 3:30 this morning and it took me over 3 hours, yes THREE, of picking up crystals with a pair tweezors and super gluing each piece. Imagine sticking almost 500 crystals before I was finally able to cover the entire monogram.

Halfway through it, I began to doubt myself and give up. It was very tiresome. Not to mention my fingers were getting numb and covered with super glue. I kept asking myself WHY, DID I SUBJECT MYSELF TO THIS TORTURE?

In the end I'm quite satisfied how it came out. I still see some spots were I could have done a better job at distributing the fuschia crystals, but oh well, who's gonna pay all that attention right?

Overall it was an experience and a half! I would never do it again, but it was most certainly fun.

DIFFERENT STAGES OF DIY-ing the TOPPER:

THE FINAL PRODUCT:

Thank You Cards

2005-11-07T07:55:00.000-05:00

Here's a sample of the thank you cards I bought at Michaels. I wasn't on the look out for one since I initially was going to have custom made thank you cards from Printed Matter.

But I can't resist the price of these. They come eight in a pack and only $1 each pack!

How can you beat that? Besides its cute naman diba?

A Bridesmaid's Dress and Some Pearls

2005-11-04T09:02:00.000-05:00

Chame, my highschool barkada and bridesmaid received the gown I sent her. She's going to Manila for only a brief period of time during the wedding, so I decided to mail her dress ahead of time. Here's a sneak peek! I'm so relieved that I guaged her size well and hoping that the rest of the dresses will fit the other girls.

Chame and I were talking about buying pearl accesories for the girls. I decided to make them na lang. Here's a sample.

Im also trying to make some illusion/ floating pearl necklaces. I just bought crimp beads to hold the pearls in place. Hopefully, I could get those done by this weekend.

I will miss you...

2005-11-03T09:28:00.000-05:00

Una kong nakita yung kambal mo sa kamay ni Chame last summer. Nun pa man alam ko nang gusto na kita. Ilang buwan pa at sa wakas nagtagpo rin tayo. Sa loob ng 10 buwan araw-araw tayong magkasama. Lagi mo kong kinakantahan ng Dancing Queen, ine-entertain ng Block Breaker at pag wala kong camera willing kang kunan ang mga lugar at bagay na kinatutuwaan ko.

Kahapon tinawagan kita mga alas-kwatro ng umaga. Sa isip ko kung sino man ang nag-cell-nap sayo, malamang tulog at baka maalimpungatan at sagutin ka. Bagkus, na "call-reject" ako, pagkatapos nun tuluyan ka nang di nagring. Siguro ayaw nya yung favorite ringtone natin Dancing Queen.

Tumawag na ko sa T-Mobile para i-disable yung SIM mo. Wala raw silang paraan para ma-trace ka. Dahil unlocked ka, kahit anong SIM makakagamit sayo.

I guess this is it for us. Goodbye...

Our last picture together.

Nasaan ka?

2005-10-27T06:39:00.000-04:00

Uy nokia 3320, asan ka?

Tatlong araw na kitang hinanap...
Tinawagan...
Ti-next...

Ginalugod ko nang mga sasakyan, bahay at opisina

Tila na-"cellnap" ka.

Anong gagawin ko?

Yung mga number na dala mo di ko na maiisip ulit.

Yung mga litratong kinunan natin di ko na makikita ulit.

At yung ringtone mong Dancing Queen, di ko na maririnig.

Nami-miss na kita, sana bumalik ka.

Quick Update

2005-10-25T10:20:00.000-04:00

IT'S BEEN CRAZY...

Things that's been bothering my mind:

Marriage License Application - Jun's vacation will be too short
Should we get married here first through a Justice of Peace?
Select wine
Pick out music

Things not wedding related that's been eating me up alive:

Mamu and her health, she's slowing down really fast and needs dialysis
Boss leaving, hospitals are merging and my future with the company
Moving out of my apartment to temporarily (2 years) live with in-laws
Getting rid of practically everything I own to move from 2 bedroom townhouse to a tiny bedroom with 1 tiny closet (how do you part with 8 years investment???)
First my flash drive conked out it fell in water, I won't tell where but go figure - goodbye to contract and pictures and spreadsheets I've been maintaining for a long time!
My laptop got corrupted and needs to be re-programmed, hopefully I've got some files left there.

Here are stuff in the burner lately.

Found materials for the fob packaging (pillow box) I've been making them every night
Got a woodcarver to make the monogram for cake topper, I haven't got the guts to mess with it.
Found thank you cards that costed me half of my budget, they're not personalized as I hope but its cost saving and in pink and brown and that's what matters!
Bought ribbons for the votive candle centerpieces, need to play around with the design
Bought covers for wedding program just need to get the outline from Pastor
Bought materials for table cards

On a happier note:

The flower girls will begin getting measure by the end of the month.
Data got her invite meaning other people I've sent invites to got them.

I've taken pictures, here's some, I will post again soon.

Im Getting Close

2005-10-16T21:52:00.000-04:00

Making keyfobs is the reason why my posts are getting few and far apart. Right now Im almost three quarters done. Above are my top three favorite ribbon designs (L-R Highway princess, pink cosmopolitan and swiss dots)

I tried to find a box supplier who will not charge more than P8 or P10. Unfortunately, I feel like aiming for the moon. So I googled and found a template for making pillow boxes.

Armed with the only piece of card stock (read: manila folder) I have I tried making one. Dressed it up a bit and it somewhat works. Of course I still need to buy a chocolate or pink colored cardstock and toy with the idea and see how I like it.

Balloon Drop

2005-10-06T12:31:00.000-04:00

A brief background our ceremony and reception will be in the same place and I dont know a lot of ways to make the transition into reception a little more eventful. So I was thinking of Ceremony then petals (as if exiting the venue) then pictures in between while an AVP is showing then after pictures we will stand at the entry way while
balloon drops from the ceiling (yung smaller balloons not the full size one) I dont know if this is too cheezy. Here is a sample of baloon drops.

What do you think?

Flower Girl Dresses

2005-10-03T10:06:00.000-04:00

Christine forwarded me the sketches and swatch for the FG dresses. I'm all smiles about these the girls would have their measurements taken soon!

Oh and we have a new flowergirl added, we have five girls now. Kakaawa naman kasi si Angel umiyak ng umiyak nung nalamang bearer yung brother nya tapos she's not a flower girl.

Here's a picture of a dress I found online that we are trying to copy.

Christmas in September

2005-09-28T20:05:00.000-04:00

Like a kid on Christmas morning, I was beaming ear to ear as I open my package. Inside were numerous things --- pastillas, kikay stuff, cologne, cellphone covers, cd, magnets, among others. I felt like I was opening a bottomless box.

Many many thanks to Aggie and her mom of course for making all these happen!

2005-09-27T23:38:00.000-04:00

I found these new hardware for key fobs. I think I like them better than the last one! What do you think?

Dress up the Groom & His Men

2005-09-25T17:13:00.000-04:00

"I want to wear a suit!"

That's all Jun wants and no amount of coaxing will stop him. He's fine with him wearing a suit and the rest of the male bridal party wears barong. I still think that looks awkward, so I told him its ALL OR NONE. I inspected the severals sets of suit he owns, none will make him stand out from the rest. We decided to buy a tuxedo na lang.

This weekend we went to Mr. Tux get him measured and see if we can buy him a pair. The service there was REALLY AWFUL! They probably thought Jun was renting (only a pair versus to an entire wedding party), they paid us close to none attention. After we informed that we are buying and a good piece all entire package at that from head to toe it became a different athmosphere after all we are going to spend more than what an entire bridal party rental would cost.

That turned us off so bad, we walked out! But not until I snagged the form that had his measurements! At least magamit ko for our next store! Maldita talaga. Sweet revenge.

So we went to the Mall and ordered what we needed at The Men's Warehouse.

Groom's Formal Wear
Jacket - Calvin Klein, Super 120's 2-button notch lapel stroller
Pants - Calvin Klein, pleated front with satin stripe on the outside seam
Shirt - Joseph & Feiss Ivory Wing Tip Collar, french cuffed tuxedo shirt
Vest & Tie - Andrew Fezza Tan Vintage Paisley Print vest & tan four in hand tie
Pocket square - satin ivory
Studs and Cufflinks - black with gold
Shoes - patent oxfords with ostrich insert

GROOMSMEN'S FORMAL WEAR
The bestman, bride's escort and groomsmen will be doning the folling outfit.
black suits (With pink carnation buttonaire on their lapels)
light pink dress shirts
color coordinated brown/taupe ties

The Suit & Shirts for Male Entourage

While at the mall we were able to buy ties at Filene's.

Neckwear from left Bestman, Bride's escort and groomsmen's neck wear

SIDE KWENTO: While Jun was looking at tux style and color, he made a funny comment about mens and ladies formal wear...

"Bakit pag ang lalaki nagbihis all you see are the the hands and the head? Balot na balot. Bakit pag ang babae nagbihis, paliit ng paliit ang suot! Almost kita tutoy"

Nyerks!!!

Next assignment: to look for vests and bowties for the bearers.

Faux Wax Seal - How to Make (For Bless)

2005-09-23T05:15:00.000-04:00

PHOTO: clockwise from top: Materials, step 1, step 2, step 3, step 4, impression using a rubber stamp, impression using a brass seal.

Fob Tags

2005-09-18T19:25:00.000-04:00

Here's my first shot at what we will place inside the glassine envelope that will hold the key fobs. Please let me know what you think.

Fob Card Front

Fob Card Back

How To Make Scented Key Fob - 10 Easy Steps

2005-09-17T16:46:00.000-04:00

Ok, since di ako greedy sa ideas, I will share. Naks ang kapal ng entra, sorry floating pa ko sa happiness dahil ang ganda talaga ng kinalabasan ng latest DIY ko.
Please lang kung gagayahin nyo, please show me what you created and sabihin nyo ha! Marami senyo mauuna sakin ang wedding date. Baka laos na tong idea ko pagdating ng wedding ko. Also, please link back to my blog.

MATERIALS: (for 200 key fobs)

50 yards - 1.5 inch ribbon of your choice

4 lbs - aroma beads

200 - 1/8 rolled flanged eyelets

200 - 9mm jump rings

200 - 24mm split rings

quilting thread (match or complement your ribbon color)

TOOLS:

Sewing Machine (if you dont have the patience to sew by hand)

a small funnel (the smallest you can find)

eyelet hole punch

eyelet setter

craft hammer

round ended pliers

setting mat, or a piece of sturdy wood
(unless youre willing to explain the little circle marks on your mother's dining table)

PROCEDURE:
1. Cut the ribbons into 9 inch strips (I've calculated, it will take 50 yards)
Piece of useless info: 50 yards converts to around 130 steps, unless you have long strides
2. Fold 1/4 inch on each end of the ribbon inwards to the wrong side, then fold into half
3. Straight stitch on the right side of the ribbon, sew as close as you can get to the edge of the ribbons as you can.
4. Using a funnel, fill the pouch with aroma beads up to an 1.5 inch before the seam opening (this will take around 2 tablespoon of beads)
5. Measure around an inch from the seam opening, gather the ribbon and fold into three towards the center to create a pleat.
6. Stitch the pleat to close the opening. This can be done by hand if you dont feel comfortable having the machine too close to your fingers.
7. Using the hole punch create a hole 1/4 inch from the seam of the opening.
8. Insert the eyelet barrel into the ribbon and place flange side down. Tap with eyelet setter and craft hammer twice or trice until the barrel splits and create a flower-like effect in the back.
9. Pry open a joint ring towards the sides to create an opening and pass through the eyelet.
10.Insert the key ring split then close the joint ring using round edge pliers.

POINTERS:
1. Don't know where to get aroma beads? Do you have old potpouri at home? Crush this and place in a tight sealed container, add your favorite essence oil and let sit for a day or two. You will know when your potpouri is ready it will feel dry to touch. You can also do the same with styrofoam, get a niece/nephew or your neighbor's kids and have them pick those old styro that came with your TV, when taken apart, it becomes little balls. For once they will not be scolded for making a mess, just set the kids sitting under a huge plastic with a container or news paper so anything that wont make to your catch basin can be easily collected later on. Think you can spring more money? Use dried lavender buds instead. Im not sure if they are widely available in the Philippines, the cheapest I found here were $20/lb so I ended up with aroma beads.

2. Ribbons: I prefer ribbons because its more manageable than cutting up pieces of fabric. If you have the patience and have a nice fabric your mom has been keeping in the closet for a while, you can use that too. Just be prepared to deal with the seams fraying. Cut your fabric using pinking shears, the zigzag cut will help prevent the threads from falling apart. Personally, I prefer Grosgrain ribbon coz it gives more structure than satin and organza. But then again, its your call. You can read about different types of ribbons here (click on ribbons).

3. Split and Jump Rings: There are split rings that have chains or snake attach you them, you may find these better than what I have used. Again its a matter of preference.

What will I use the key fobs for? I decided to use it as excort cards. I will attach a small card of with thank yous and an explanation of the selected scent and what it can be used for. Wrapped in little plastic bag, it can trap the scent and I can then paste a small label with the guests' name. I hit two birds with one stone. Each guests are seated where they need to be and they get their smelly souvenir!

Photos: Clockwise from top: striped browns, the model that started it all, reversible swiss dots, craft tools, finished products, aroma beads, neopolitan, 24mm key split, monochromatic brown

BTW, be prepared to smell the damn things over and over, especially if you love the scent of choice.

Have Fun making them!

Key Fobs

2005-09-17T07:06:00.000-04:00

This morning I woke up at 3am from a dream that I got to my wedding wearing flannel pjs and a veil. My dreams tends to be continued even after I have woken up. So in an effort to not have any continuation to my new sense of wedding fashion, I went down stairs and made the key fobs.

I finished 28 of them and I ran out of aroma beads. I may do a quick run to Michaels and see if they have them out there. If not, I would have to order online. I've got 180 something more to do.

I tell you doing DIY stuff is very relaxing once you already know what you want to do. It takes my mind of the reports and charts I've been working on all week!

BTW, I calculated the cost of each key fob, it is around P23-25.

So Christine I know you read this and I bet you are proud of me for not spending much!

Pardon the picture, my phone cam doesn't do a good job on anything but texting, a few phonecalls and the radio feature.

I haven't bought batteries for my digital camera yet, I've been working through late evenings last week.

Wed Tips Part 2: That Perfect Wedding Photographs

2005-09-16T13:01:00.000-04:00

Admit it or not, looking great in your wedding photos is a priority. Afterall, aren't the photos the keepsake that you'll flip through over and over again? Who wants to look pale or stiff - or dare I say odd?! Your wedding album will be the ultimate wedding keepsake, aside from your spouse and rings of course! The photographs will narrate the story of your wedding, from the moment you put your gown on until you leave for your honeymoon. It will be enjoyed by future generations to come. Therefore, you want to make sure you look your best. There are tips to help those photos flatter you. Read on!

Here are a few tips when posing for the camera:

The obvious is to be sure to smile. However, you don't want that "stiff" look. Try to remember something funny (a joke or a funny moment you and your significant other had.)

You don't want to look awkward in your photographs. A good way to avoid this is to show some action. Such as hugging your Mom, kissing your Dad, laughing and showing some affection.

Afraid of having a double-chin in your photographs? Be sure to stand tall and hold your head up high (try not to look as though you are bird watching!)

Be sure to stay out of direct sunlight. The sun will shadow your face (which will make your nose appear bigger and your eyes smaller).

Be sure that your hair is out of your eyes. Tuck any stray hairs behind your ears.

If you are afraid that you are going to blink, do NOT widen your eyes. This will give you a creased forehead. Instead, shut your eyes quickly before the photo is taken and then open them.

Most people have a "good" side and a "bad" side. For obvious reasons, make sure that you point the good side to the camera as much as possible (you'll enjoy your photos more!).

When actually posing for a photograph, point your body at a forty-five degree angle toward the camera. Then turn your head to face the lens directly. Point the foot closest to the camera directly toward it and point the other foot parallel to it. You don't want your head and body to face the camera straight on. Practice - like we said before, you don't want to look stiff and awkward.

Aggie & Edil at their wedding, June 24, 2005 at Calaruega.
Photographer: Mimi & Karl of Fotogra

How NOT to be a Bridezilla: 10 Tips from an Expert

2005-09-15T11:10:00.000-04:00

Many of us probably have heard the term "Bridezilla" by now. The name says it all! But how do you avoid being such a person on your special day? Want to avoid awakening the Bridezilla in you on your wedding day? Then consider these 10 tips Bridal Counselor, Allison Moir-Smith of Emotionally Engaged.

1. Plan on being overwhelmed. No matter how checked-off your to-do list is, being overwhelmed is unavoidable on your wedding day. Your wedding is nothing short of life-changing. You won't be able to predict your emotional state that day, so prepare for lots of feelings, all at once. You plan to be peaceful and calm, but you may be hyper and giddy, sad and weepy, scared and lonely, angry and fidgety. Or all of the above, all at once. And that will equal being overwhelmed.

2.Diminish the effects of Bride Brain. In your non-wedding life, how do you react under extreme stress? Do you get weepy? Helpless? Neurotic? Angry? Clumsy? Obsessive? Forgetful? On your wedding day, these reactions will only be magnified - big time. If you get clumsy when nervous, stay away from glass and sharp objects. Don't drive. (No kidding!) Are you forgetful? Assume you can't complete even one simple task. Delegate. Do you lash out like the ever-lovely Karen? If so, truthfully acknowledge this about yourself. What steps can you take to prevent bad bride behavior?

3.Practice being overwhelmed. Yes, practice. At your bridal shower, when you are the center of attention, notice your behavior and inner emotional reactions. Do you like who you are and how you behave? Or not? Now, imagine turning up the heat on those feelings by 100 degrees, and you'll get an approximation of how you may feel on your wedding day. If necessary, figure out how you can behave in a way that makes you happy and proud of yourself.

4.Enlist one solid girlfriend. I tell each bride who takes my workshops that it's essential to have a solid, grounded girlfriend at her side on her wedding day. Not a mother. Not a sister. A girlfriend. Why? Your girlfriend isn't caught up in your family drama. She intuitively knows how best to take care of you. She protects you from stupid questions and stupid people. She knows when you need her to be quiet, and when you need her to talk. A girlfriend puts herself second on your wedding day, so she can be there for you 100%.

5.Connect with your fiance. Each day of your wedding weekend, steal time away to deeply connect with each other. Focus. Gaze into each other's eyes. Feel the fullness of your love. All the wedding hoopla is about your union, so feel united! (I say this because I don't want anyone to be like one newlywed I recently counseled. She felt so disconnected from her brand new husband that during their first dance she "faked being happy." So, so sad.)

6.Allow your wedding to take on a life of its own.Do your planning, but when the Big Day arrives, let your wedding be what it wants to be. A major life event like this will have its own personality, rhythm, and soul. These magical, intangible elements can't be planned to death; they happen. Make room.

7.Let go of perfectionism and be delighted by spontaneity. My fiance and I gave our DJ a very strict list of "Play" and "DO NOT PLAY" songs. As we went to cut the cake, a drippy solo saxophone began warbling. "Did we ask for this?" my new husband asked. "Oh my God, is that Kenny G???" I gasped. Stunned and slightly embarrassed, I started marching across the dance floor to unplug the sound system. But my husband stopped me, and we went on to cut the cake, laughing at the ridiculous "not-us" cheeziness of the music. Today, the photos and, more significantly, the memories of that Kenny G moment are some of our most treasured, charming, and beloved. We could never have planned it that way. Never.

8.Be emotionally connected to yourself. A bride in this weekend's The Emotions of Being Engaged workshop said, "I know I won't really be able to visit with my guests. I'm going to tell them, "See you Sunday, when it's over." I completely disagreed with her. I believe that if you are emotionally connected to yourself, then you will be able to authentically connect with your guests. Your interactions -- even the very brief ones -- will be true and real, and your guests will feel connected to (and visited by) you.

9.Create an image of the bride you want to be. Before your wedding, take some time to reflect and ask yourself, "What kind of bride to I want to be?" List adjectives, attributes, and behaviors. Is being serene of utmost importance? Or is having a rowdy, fun time? For me, being emotionally authentic was paramount. I wanted to fully experience all the emotions -- even the difficult ones -- of that intense day of my life. And I did. I cried and felt deep sadness about leaving my life as a single woman; I felt fear and anxiety about leaving my family and leaping into the unknown that is marriage; and I felt sheer, unadulterated joy. Feelings at full throttle - just what I wanted. Ask yourself, what kind of bride do you want to be? What can you do to make that happen? Begin to imagine it now.

10.Be the bride you want to be. Will the Bridezilla awaken in you? Or not? It's your choice. Make yourself proud and make yourself happy. Be the bride you want to be.

Yet Another DIY Idea - Scented Key Fob Souvenirs

2005-09-11T20:13:00.000-04:00

I got one of these today from the hospital's giftshop. They were made by Lavander Meadows. When I saw it, I knew it could could be one of those DIY things I can do, while I'm idle with wed preps.

I decided to mimick since I got some sea breeze and gardenia scented aroma beads in Martha's Vineyard when we went there last month. It's a good favour/give-away idea for guests who would not want a piece of our mini cakes. I still have a lot leftover grossgrain and organza ribbon from when we made our invites. I will just need to buy key rings and metal eyelets to put them together. I really hope I can pull this off. I have been thinking of a non-edible favour but nothing comes to mind that I know is different yet useful.

Aroma beads are similar to Kiss Air Freshner that we I used to collect when I was a kid.

SIDE KWENTO:
When I was in gradeschool I would wrap those little scented beads (Kiss) in a piece of cotton in hopes that in would regenerate itself (nanganganak daw!)

Damn! The things I believed as a kid!

Anyway, I will let you know how it comes out.

Shopping Galore!

2005-09-11T17:19:00.000-04:00

Since the money vacuum (aka wedding preps) came into our lives, I haven't had any retail therapy.

I had strong conviction to come to work this weekend. I was so unsuccessful. Saturday I spent most days chatting & sleeping if not eating (buhay baboy), kulang na lang scratch ng tyan.

Sunday, I woke up at seven, showered and got dressed for work. All of a sudden it dawned on me that I want to talk to Kitte. Ha! What would have been a 15-20 min conversation morphed into a telebabad galore, with bouts of tawanan and talking about colognes.

After the phone call, MIL, Jun and I ended up going to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlet Mall. This is a very unplanned shopping, remember I was going it work!

First stop was at the GAP, to get the cologne Kitte and I were talking about. I have a stinky feeling this particular item is gonna go bye bye, since I haven't seen them in a regular store for a while. I know GAP came out with new scents, like peony, orange, etc. I'm just wondering why fresia scented colognes gets phased out too soon. I remember loving the bath and body works fresia and all of a sudden its gone.

While at the GAP I saw the Oprah advertised Long and Lean jeans on sale for $24.99. Mind you I haven't owned a pair of jeans since 2003. My only pair of jeans wanted to retire for a long time. I was just a little adamant to make new purchases since I can't wear jeans to work, AT ALL!

I was able to snag a khaki colored a-line skirt that can be worn for Spring, Summer and Fall. I love clothes that can be worn for a long time.

I also got one of those and their boot cut jeans was also on sale for $14.99. Hey, it's on sale, I better grab them while I can.

PHOTOS: GapScent-Dream; Long and Lean Jeans; A-Line Skirt; Bootleg Jeans

Next stop was Benetton where I was able to get a brown leather satchel decent enough to pass as (and I will steal Marj' term) "kagalang-galang" for office. I have been feeling lately that I should scrap my chinos and trendy looking bags for more business casual stuff. Is this a sign of growing up? Nye, maybe --- Not that I want to be a manang, kagalang-galang lang. (ilang lang yan?)

After which I caught Jun and MIL at Fossils buying watches on sale. Nakisali na rin ako. I got two, one for me and one for a gift. Pero those was libre, si Jun nagbayad *yey!*

In return I went to Nautica and bought a dress shirt for Jun syempre nakunsensya, Blue sya, what else?! Sa yun ang national color ni Kikoy e.

I also saw some IPOD socks, they were soo cute, gotta have those too! And with five in a box how can you be wrong. I can match the sock with my outfit or mood for the day.

Then we went to Nike to get some LiveSTRONG bands and some socks. We were looking at buying sneakers pero none caught our attention. Im still in search for a comfy sneaks. Maybe next time I'd be able to find one that Im willing to shell out money for. Any recommendations for a good support sneakers that is light?

Our last stop at the mall was at Ralph Lauren where I was able to buy bath sheets and towels, and a small keychain to replace Jun's ugly one! Heheh nang-api pa.

Clockwise from left: LiveSTRONG bracelet, IPOD Socks, watch & key fob

After that I ran out of money to spare, I was hungry and my head is pounding (probably from the retail high). I've had it for the day. I cant tell you when's the next time I'd be able to shop. Pero Im glad to be able to go home with stuff not wedding related.

Gosh thinking about it even the makeup I purchased from Aveda are for the wedding.

Ah, forgot to tell you I had two glasses of mango ice tea and a burger patty (I'm not shunning carbs, I'm not a big fan of breads lang) from Uno's Chicago Bar and Grille.

Right now Im at work, trying to not blog and chat, pero as you can tell, di ako successful. Next time I wont even think of working on weekends. Di naman effective e.

PS. All the pictures were searched online, my digicam is still without any batteries, wala na kong pambili, hehe!.

Inisin mo pa ko!

2005-09-08T05:50:00.000-04:00

Friends excuse for the mad post below. If I have been friends with you, malamang hindi sa inyo ang message na to.

Ikaw --- you know who you are, dahil nagpupunta ka pa rin dito sa blog ko I know. Here's my message to you.

Excuse me pero alam ko akong pinariringgan mo. Why should I hide from you wala kong kasalanan sayo, in fact you are the one who caused me (and possibly others)inconvenience!

Are you for real?

Me delicadeza ka ba?

In fact you are the one who wont even acknowlege when i send you msgs or email. Are you hiding? I sent you a PM kanina di ka rin nagreply, guilty ka ba?

Im not the one who crossed you!

It should have been the other way around. Ako pa ang masama sa eyes mo?

Maybe you should get a mirror. And ask yourself "bat ba ang plastic ko?"

Sino ba ang nagmumukhang tanga?

Sino ba ang backbiter at nagkakalat ng mga masasama tungkol sa ibang tao?

Sino ba ang pa-epal at pa-awa effect?

You are causing discord among people!

TAKE THIS, EVIL THOUGHTS SPRINGS FROM EVILDOERS!

Check your concience man, dahil mine is fine.

Oh, and dont visit my blog anymore ha, unwelcomed ka naman.

Blog Templates

2005-09-06T09:03:00.000-04:00

Ok Im no expert but I think I could get by changing templates, sizes, putting up images, adding links and icons.

BUT…

For the life of me I could NOT understand why if you try to open my blog in moxilla, the post opens and creates this huge gap that ends side by side with the end of my side bar.

Can somebody enlighten me with a fix for this?

Thanks!

2005-09-05T10:38:00.000-04:00

Trinket Box for Unity Coins, inscription - Jun & Gloria February 18, 2006

Ceremony and VIP Set up

2005-09-02T19:58:00.000-04:00

Sample Set Up From Hizon, though these doesn't reflect our colors, at least the pictures gave me an idea how Gazebo Royale will look like come our wedding.

Photos taken by Christine from Hizons'albums.

Seven and Some Five Things

2005-09-01T12:55:00.000-04:00

Seven things I can do:
1) Cook a mean dish, if I want to
2) Do crafty things
3) Take decent pictures
4) Watch subtitled soaps for 2 days straight, maybe with just wiwi breaks and 3 hour naps
5) Make 150+ sets of invitations in 52 hours straight
6) Create a structural plan for a building
7) Magtaray, haha!

Seven CDs in your player: (Artists with most songs in my Ipod na lang)
1. Carole King
2. Julia Fordham
3. Jamie Rivera
4. Josh Groban
4. Etta James
5. Regine Velasquez
6. Eraserheads
7. Rivermaya

Seven things that scare me:
1) losing my love ones (family, h2b, friends)
2) the day my closest friends are not close anymore
3) something bad happening to the people I love
4) road accidents
5) Fires & walking on bridges
6) Not have any kids, being alone in my old age
7) muggers, serial killers, violent people

5 things I can't do (but tried):
1) lose weight
2) whistle
3) eat toge (nea sprouts)
4) cartwheels
5) stop people from talking endless

Seven things I like the most:
1) Coffee
2) time with Jun
3) Everything about Alex (my inaanak)& letters from Joy *tie silang mag-tita*
4) Pasalubongs from pinas, mo matter what it is, kahit ipit or chinelas lang
5) traveling
6) time with friends, off and online
7) phone calls with mamu

5 movies I’ve seen recently:
1) Stealth
2) Somethings Gotta Give
3) Spanglish
4) Hero
5) my Bestfriend's Wedding (for the nth time)

Seven important things in my room:
1) Laptop
2) hair plancha & dryer
3) AC and fans
4) clothes
5) bed syempre
6) Impt documents in a safe I could drag in case of whatever
7) TV

5 nice things that happened to me lately:
1) Realized who's to keep or not (friends wise)
2) Meeting Marj here in Boston (sayang wala na sya)
3) Aggie and her niceness & All the other w@wies I like
4) My wedding coordinator, Christine
5) almost tapos na ang wedding preps, maliliit na lang!

Seven random thoughts on things:
1) The things that we think doesn't hurt, maybe hurtful to others
2) Emotions cannot be mixed with right or wrong, it just confuses your conviction
3) I have grown to be a decent person, more of the likes of my Mamu (that makes me lucky)
4) I really want to spend the rest of mature life in the Philippines, no matter how long I've been in the United States, I still do not like living here
5) I wish I can help unfortunate people more (like those devastated by Katrina)
6) I may be broke, but I will get by
7) I am blessed

I cannot think of friends online, who has not been tagged so I will try my friends at work.

W@W Peer Awards

2005-08-27T09:55:00.000-04:00

Tue, 23 Aug 2005
Benz of Weddings at Works announced the TOP 3-4 contenders for W@W Peer Awards. I was one of those running for the Most Creative W@wie. Reading that alone from her email makes my heart skip a beat and happy. I keep thinking I'd never get the award. I'm based overseas :( The winners will be awarded at the Grand EB at Oasis on August 27. So I talked to Aggie and Marj to send me a text message if ever we win.

  Sat, 27 Aug 2005 9:16am EST

  I received a text from Aggie.

  "Glo! U won MOST CREATIVE!! Yahoo! Ms. Martha!"

  Sat, 27 Aug 2005 9:20am EST

  I received a text from Marj. (halatang di pa mabilis magtext si Marj)

  "U won d most creative wowie"

I'm still grinning, ear to ear. Even if I wasn't in Pinas, I really felt, so much part of W@W.

PHOTO: The things that I made that made me a winner.

To all w@wies who voted for me, THANKS YOU SO MUCH!

Gift Idea

2005-08-25T15:36:00.000-04:00

Are you tired to think and look for a memorable gift idea? Tired of looking at the common outcome of your pictures? Do you want to see all the memorable and best shot pictures in one portrait? Espesyan na Ngiti is here to give you the answers!! They have this very unique gift idea. And hey! I'm pretty much sure that you will love it.

Memories are for keeps. What better way to keep them but in PICTURES…Why dont you preserve it? ESPESYAL NA NGITI will gladly do that for you…

Do you remember the billboard of lovapalooza of Close Up? YES! The photo mosaic. Espesyal Na Ngiti offers PHOTO MOSAIC, PHOTO COLLAGE AND PHOTO ILLUSION. We also do layouts for Photo Invitations, Greeting Photos and Set Cards for models who will submit their portfolio to modeling agencies.

This is one of the best gifts that you can give to your special someone. A gift that they will REMINDS them and stay in their HEART.

Our service includes picture restoration, color enhancement, image manipulation, re-touch and enlargement WITHOUT EXTRA CHARGE!

Isnt it great?! Its available on a very reasonable price na kayang kaya ng bulsa mo at the same time happy ka pa sa result.

Sulit ang bayad mo kasi ang ganda ganda at may FREE FRAME with matting na kasama for sizes 8R and above. If you want samples, please check our official website:
WWW. ESPESYALNANGITI.COM

If you have further questions, just text or call at 0915.420.5877 or (02) 699.6084. You can email me at Christine@espesyalnangiti.com or Espesyalnangiti@yahoo.com. We’ll get in touch with you as soon as we receive your message.

Don't think twice cause its really worth it. Pwede sa mga mga anak, boyfriend/girlfriend, best bud or friend, barkada, your mom or dad, brother or sister, grandparents, entire family, kahit sino basta mahal mo at importante sa yo.

Wedding Garter

2005-08-25T07:01:00.000-04:00

I forgot to post about this. During my last lunch out with Marj, I showed her the garter I have started to make. Initially, I was going to use a pink and brown striped grosgrain ribbon. I painstakingly hand sewn ribbons and lace together creating a very cute combination. Its like a yin yang of materials, modern versus classic. I even boasted that all I need is to attach the garter and that will be it. I remember in THE classes that when you attach garters to garment, you stretch your fabric and garter gently, after which, you will get the crinkled effect. I was doing this for a while, maybe 1 yard of materials later I said, thats it Im buying my own garter! I was doing something wrong. All I was getting was a "curly-fries" like ribbons and lace.

I went back to the fabric place in Chinatown, they have bridal accessories, and there was a garter set already made. It was a simple regular cotton lace with some satin and bows. I took it to the counter and have the price checked $19.99. What?!?!? Why O, why. So I inspected it again, and studied how it was made. Looked around for materials, with a stronger conviction, I CAN DO THIS!

Needless to say, $2.75 and an evening later, here are my final product. I had to place it against my black shirt so the color will come out better.

Garter, syempre pink!

For those who want to make their own garters, I found these instructions online.

Something Blue

2005-08-25T06:50:00.000-04:00

I got this brooch when we went to Dennis Port in Cape Cod 2 weekends ago. I've been thinking over and over what can I have for something blue and this piece of jewelry popped out of the many that was at Ebb Tide's giftshop. It's made of light blue pearls and blue and brown rhinestones.

I was thinking since my bouquet will handtied, this brooch can hold the ends of the ribbon instead of having it in a bow. Im having the florist use a brown grossgrain ribbon to tie the bouquet. Brown with baby blue is the next best thing to pink and brown!!! (Aggie diba?)

Something Blue

Now for the something borrowed, ano kayang something borrowed ko?

Finally!

2005-08-25T06:32:00.000-04:00

Received the finalyzed version of our catering agreement today. Finally, we can sign and move on to other things, all of the verbal agreements were placed in writing (which I advise to all of you!) After five months (yes 5!), we finally closed this deal. Thanks to Anna Banana, who advices me all the time, and Christine for being so patient.

Picture below was taken from Hizon's archives, basically this is how my guest tables will look like except for the centerpieces. We will request another mock set-up once dust settles. Hopefully tapos na ang problems with them.

Guest Table set-up

Kawa-kawa buffet centerpiece

My Own ABCs

2005-08-22T04:59:00.000-04:00

A is for Accent: I’m originally from Manila. Immigrated to Boston eight years ago. Other’s may probably agree that the younger you are when you get to the States the easier it is to neutralize your Filipino accent. So now I have a pseudo-Boston accent with a combination of my tagalog accent. One time I was on the phone and guy mistaken me for a Canadian! Haha!

B is for Biggest expense: Right now wedding expenses, rent seconds that and utility bills!

C is for Chore I hate: Washing dishes – thank god for my dishwasher and I hate ironing clothes – thank Jun for that! He irons every piece of clothing we have.

D is for Dad's name: dineadma ako nun e, ewan ko sa kanya sino man sya.

E is for Essential cosmetic item: Facial wash, moisturizer and lotion

F is for Favorite perfume or cologne: Daily: Johnson’s baby cologne, Obsession Sheer Special Occasions: D&G Light Blue & hanae mori.

G is for Gold or silver: White Gold. Kaya lang yung financer ko buys yellow gold so most of my jewelries, unless bought with my own money are yellow gold.

H is for Hometown: Metro Manila --- 14 years in Makati, 3 in Caloocan, 2 in QC.

I is for Insomnia: Sleeping are pretty much consistently around the same time 11-5am, except during earlier months of preps when I barely sleep.

J is for Job title: Executive Assistant & Education Coordinator

K is for Kids: One boy and would name him Patrick Michael and a girl maybe a Samantha or Esperanza

L is for Living arrangements: Renting a 2 bedroom condo/apt

M is for Mom's birthplace: Baguio City

N is Number of apples you've eaten: quite a few but not a lot. Im not an apple person, I probably eat around 5-6 a year.

O is for Overnight hospital stays: mostly because I want to keep mamu company whenever she’s sick.

P is for Phobia: lying down on hospital beds.

Q is for Quest: to complete all the wedding preps and have the wedding of our lives!

R is for Religious affiliation: Protestant - Congregational Church

S is for Siblings: REAL: Sherwin, and lots of sisters and bros who adopted me.

T is for Time I wake up: between 4 and 6 in the morning.

U is for Unnatural hair colors I've worn: some sort of reddish brown

V is for Vegetable I refuse to eat: ampalaya

W is for Worst habit: maangil and magkalat

X is for X-rays I've had: my head every year, actually it’s head MRI wala naman nakikita

Y is for Yummy foods I make: mechado, tapa, afritada, chicken pastel & palabok – the rest I use cookbooks and family recipes and they come out decent naman for the most part

Z is for Zodiac sign: Leo

I'm sparing friends so I’m not tagging anyone!

Joke ng Caterer

2005-08-19T08:29:00.000-04:00

The motiff is pink and brown. Pink meaning, somewhat like petal or mauve or old rose, muted, combined with a tasteful shade of brown.

They said, voila!

Topped with chiffon:

We gave them this:

And they proudly prepared these:

After LONG & NUMEROUS explanations they finally came up with this.

Is it me? I don't get it!

Bagong araw!

2005-08-18T06:31:00.000-04:00

Aside from having our six month to go mark today, I turned 27, woke up and was greeted by tight hugs and some kisses from Jun! Cute. It's 6:30am and here are my loots so far.

A spanking brand new mini ipod from Jun. It's so cute! I downloaded sa software right away and I have 420 songs in it! Hours and hours of music, yipee.

My mom gave me this coach watch too!

Mamu sent cards and funny pictures, Data sent me online flowers, inaanak Alex sent me a text, bestfriend Joy called and sung on the phone, Joyce texted & greeted me here, Ate Jho, cousin Ronnie, Badet, Chame and Raquel emailed, Aggie, Dei, Maria, Pia and Marj sent YM messages, Co-workers are taking me out for lunch at Bertucci's, Jun's taking me out to Outback Steakhouse.

Today is gonna be a one fine day.

Past Week's Recap

2005-08-12T14:01:00.000-04:00

I just received a phonecall from Jun, he's got a place for us to stay down Cape Cod this weekend! Yay! But I need to leave you guys with a post. So here's my latest wedding preps update. (sorry quite a long post)

It's Friday once again. Were 6 days until the six-months-to-go mark. Work has been very demanding the last three weeks and so are the wedding preps.

But everything has gone favorable inspite of some issues that were pestering us the few days.

ENTO FLOWERS - my coordinator and I had contacted and considered a few florists to do the job of supplying flowers for our bridal party. All of whom provided us with a rediculouly priced quotations. But as they said, there's always light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for dear friend Aggie, who recommended her florist Steve Dorotan. After 24-hours of phone tags, we gave him our bouquets specifications, he gave us a quote (below our budget that is) and we awarded him the contract, which will be signed this Tuesday.

PHOTOS: Steve Dorotan's Arragement for Aggie & Edil's Wedding

BACK-UP PHOTOGRAPHER - There were two people in my shortlist for a second photographer, Kix Tavora and Paul Vincent.

After reviewing their shoots again and again, Paul Vincent and his angling won. (follow the link to see his impressive works)

I'm confident that with him and Archie's crew, I'd be able to have photos to cherish for a lifetime!

MOTHERS' & FLOWER GIRLS' DRESSES - We've nailed the designs and the price. We will have Mrs. Chua make the dresses. My coordinator vouches her confidence that Mrs. Chua will be able to deliver nice products.

CENTERPIECES - As of this moment, coordinator is squaring away the final details of our contract with the caterer and see about the pricing for centerpieces upgrade. Here's how it should look like.

Since I have a pink, brown and cream votive candles at home, we figured we may be able to bring the cost down if we do the candle luminaries ourselves. After a trip to Dapitan arcade, my coordinator found vases suitable for low arrangements and candle holders the size of of an old fashioned highball glasses, of which prices are cheaper than those in sale at SM. Instead of wrapping a pineapple fiber weave, I decided something more like mulberry tissue which is somewhat translucent.

PHOTOS: muted rose and brown mulberry tissue

PHOTOS: old-fashioned highball candle holders

It's been a productive week, I thank my coordinator (who reads this too, hello!) for all that we have accomplished this week! I know there were more, but let's save them for Monday's post.

Cake Server

2005-08-09T04:33:00.000-04:00

Before Marj left for Manila, I played hookie at work and we went out shopping at the Wrentham Outlets. She bought her toasting flutes and me my cake server (picture shown below) from Mikasa.

I saw a whole bunch of more intricate and decorated ones. Unfortunately, I was looking for something more generic and simple that I can actually use while hosting parties and such. We're not having our names and wedding date engraved on them either, instead we will do it the old fashioned way and have a monogram at the back tip of the handle (R for Jun's family name initial.) Do you remember your grandparents' silverware having this? I clearly remember as daylight my Mamu's silvers have G (for Gabriel) on the handle. Feeling ko tuloy all of them were meant for me!

LV

2005-08-08T05:34:00.000-04:00

Jun had a sister---his only sibling, who's only 11 months younger than he is. Growing up they acted like twins, they were very close, even started school together. Like me and my brother, Jun and LV were the complete opposite of each other. Jun was an introvert and she was an extrovert. Sadly, that unfateful afternoon, January 20, 2000, enroute to meet their parents, LV met a car accident she wasn't able to come out of. Life was never the same.

When I started planning for my wedding I wanted to incorporate yellow (her favorite color) to commemorate the days she was with us. Unfortunately that plan did not work out. So I decided to have a memorial candle to light at the beginning of the wedding rites along with the ceremonial candles. We will also have a bouquet of yellow roses at the altar.

Verse in the candle reads:

We wish that LV could be with us
This very special day,
'Cause she was like a rush of sun
Before he went away.

We light this candle so that we
Might bring him here awhile,
As we remember his bright flame,
His laughter and his smile.

We wish that she could share with us
The happiness we feel,
'Cause knowing that she knew our joy
Would make it all more real.

But even though she's not with us,
Her presence is still strong,
'Cause in his heart we'll always find
The love for which we long.

Brown Shoes

2005-08-07T20:30:00.000-04:00

This will not be wedding related post but I feel I want to post this here. In line with kikayness, I bought this afternoon a new pair of shoes. One that doesn't look like it's Jun's or resembles a pair of boots, mules or thong sandals. Anyway, with not much futher ado, here is my latest purchase.

Not as girly, girly as others would consider kikay, but I think it's cute! Marj would have been proud. hehe!

Dress for Hotel Preparation & Getaway

2005-08-05T18:24:00.000-04:00

Our catering package includes a free use of bridal car for three hours. That's fine except that we won't have a ride back to the hotel after the reception. Since were renting five vans for out of towners who dont have access to transportation, we decided to hitch a ride from them back to the hotel. I shared this plan with coordinator and she did not foresee any problems but suggested having a dress to change to at the end of the night.

After buying the pink and brown frames from Filene's(see post below), I went to Lord & Taylor's just to browse around and at the same time pick a gift from my officemate's bridal registry.

I chanced upon this cute dress. It's made out of italian silk taffeta and its tea length, strapless and most of all pink! How can I resist not buying it? I'm thinking maybe I can wear this too while preparing at the hotel instead of my usual cotton pjs. Sabi nga ng Maid of Honor kong si Joy (hi sis!),

"It's a PINK world after all!"

Kikayness

2005-08-05T07:11:00.000-04:00

Last night I stopped by an aveda store to buy their Sheer Clover lip color and cherry almond bark hair conditioner. I ended up sitting down and the make up consultant, Jill painting my face.

I ended u buying a liquid foundation, blush, the sheer clover lip color and hair conditioner. I also got a free travel package that had a travel size shampoo, conditioner, exfoliation face wash and exfoliation feet lotion. Im return I earned 800 more points towards the spa treatment I want from the rewards program. I also got their tea, it peppermint with licorice and something else, pero no preservatives and sweeteners. Pero sweet sya.

I like aveda because they use natural ingredients and earth friendly packaging and products.

What do you think? Maganda sana pero parang runway talaga yung noo ko. Pano kaya paliitan ang forehead? Im actually going back there next week for the makeup event for skin care and make up consultation. I better ask them.

Tagged

2005-08-04T08:12:00.000-04:00

Data and Van, fellow w@wies, tagged me. Im answering and passing it on to you guys!

1. What are the things you enjoy doing even when there's no one around you?
Watching korean soaps, they make me cry and as Jun said, I have this permanent smirk whenever I'm in front of the TV. I also like listening to gospel songs, it gives me time to nourish the spirit, by myself, it's my ME time with God. Im not a religious person but I consider myself spiritual. I think this is the first time I mentioned God in this blog.

2. What lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level?
Two things, Jun's impromtu jokes and Alex, my inaanak. I'm so masungit, admittedly madaling uminit ang ulo ko. Friends and families can attest to that. Jun is good at making me laugh. Minsan he does things like dance around in the middle of the room or rap (which is unlike him) or say something like, "I'm getting our Porche ready" when actually we have an old 97 Ford Escort with 100 something something thousand miles. That's one among other things that I love about him. Kahit lagi ko syang natatarayan, he still takes his time to cool down my boiling temper and make me smile.

Next is Alex. Kung merong bata who can be win my heart with no trying si Alex na. Parang matandang tao kausap. She does/says what she means and she's sure of it. Her personality is so nakakatuwa. Hard to explain, pero take this, after my last vacation in Pinas, I called my bestfriend Joy (Alex's aunt) and Alex went back to kitchen grabed a corn on the cob was blowing it kasi mainit and ibibigay sa akin. I was on the phone, bibigyan nya ko ng corn. She was two then. O diba ang thoughtful na bata. Wait to see her na magtaray, parang miniature me.

3. Tag 5 friends and ask them to post it in theirs.
Aggie
Marj
Gracita
Joyce
Rachelle

Thanks Van & Data!

Pink and Brown Frames

2005-08-04T04:27:00.000-04:00

One of the things that's breaking my heart right now is the would be closing of my favorite store, Filenes, as a result of the May Stores buyout by Federated Stores. Think of SM buying all the Robinsons store or something. Ganun sha.

Anyway, a backgrounder, Macy's and Filene's are located side by side in the heart of Downtown Boston. I think the plan now is to close the Filene's store and Macy's will move into Filene's building and rent out the Macy's building to smaller independent business and maybe a Target store.

Where am I getting at, you ask?

Well, there are tons of SALE left and right at both stores. Last night I found these frames!

O diba natuwa ako kasi it was 75% off regular price. I was so happy I bought everything in sight. The frames are made of velvet faced leather in pink and brown (of course!) and can hold 4x6 prints. With an ear to ear grin I came home with six of the vertical pattern and three of the horizontal ones.

Im giving five to female primary sponsors (male PS are getting wine), one to Aggie (who's been my kakunchaba on motiff and conceptualizing wedding plans), that leaves me with three left. One for my mother, Jun's parents and Us. (That is still being debated if I want to be selfish and say three for US to keep! hehe!)

I plan on putting either of the following in those frame for PS gifts:
OPTION 1 - a picture of me and Jun
OPTION 2 - lyrics to our wedding song
OPTION 3 - a bible verse on marriage
OPTION 4 - a smaller version of our invites
OPTION 5 - an open letter of thanks
OPTION 6 - leave it alone

What do you think I should do?

Here Comes the Bride

2005-08-03T13:15:00.000-04:00

This post was inspired by my conversations with Cathy (Randy) yesterday and a few days back related to the wedding gown dilemma. Here are three gowns I tried at David's Bridal. I ended up buying an Eden gown on sale at a local shop near our house. While Im pretty happy and contented with the dress I ended up with, I would not have minded having the 2nd dress which is an Oleg Cassini dress costing $1450. If you see the embroidery, you would understand why.

Bible

2005-08-02T15:45:00.000-04:00

Weeks ago, I found this bible being sold on ebay and I tried to bid and lost. I've set aside that idea and moved on to other things. Last week the seller offered a second chance to bid and buy the item. I ended up getting it. I was thinking of using my own bible from 10 years ago. Unfortunately, masyado na syang gutay gutay to even use. At least this one, I'd be able to use during church services.

What do you think, nasobrahan na ba ako ng pink?

Tapos Na - Flower Girls

2005-08-02T13:36:00.000-04:00

The picture I posted below will be the final design for my flower girls' dresses. I can't believe I nearly obsessed more about this than anything. My wedding gown was bought within 48 hours after I tried that first dress at David's. The bridesmaids dresses were bought in a spur of a moment when I saw then at the Macy's. Ewan ko, maybe because these girls are so near and dear to me, I want them to have the best dresses! (sorry sa aking mga bridesmaids and MOH na nagbabasa nito!)

Sayang ang ganda ng embroidered organza pero I have to be practical. Who would even notice the dainty details. Pero ok na ko at least finally I can move on to the next issues.

Were at the 6th month stretch and we still have to accomplish the following:

Have my wisdom teeth out before the end of the year para di ako mukang binuntal sa wedding with all the bruises I will get from it

Finalyze contract with Hizon's - to upgrade or not to upgrade flowers

Glass candle holders & Mulberry paper supplier - if we decide to upgrade

Entourage Florist

Contact back up photographer and pay contract amount

Barong Suppliers for male entourage, including bearers

Start searching for fares and hotel rates

Listen to String Minstrels CD and start building our playlist for the ceremony and reception

Create more invites for US and Australia based relatives and friends

Start working paperwork requirements

I have more updates pero that will be posted in another entry, pag me picture na!

Flower Girls Dresses - Again

2005-07-29T10:27:00.000-04:00

I accidentally deleted my ramblings on the flower girls dress. Pero in a nutshell, we're chucking the embroidered organza. I was looking at this design and sana afford ko sya!

Cake Topper - Initial Design

2005-07-26T21:09:00.000-04:00

Here's my first shot at the monogram cake topper. The crystals are made of 7mm swarovski flat back beads in light colorado topaz. I have yet to receive the shipment for the rose ones. That will go where the empty spaces are inside the pencil marking. Excitement!!!! :)

P.S.
No wonder these things are expensive online (if you purchase them ready made). This design, is around 5x6. I already used six dozen crystals and would probably need three more of the rose. Whew! Gastos...

How to Make Your Own Ring Pillow

2005-07-21T06:35:00.000-04:00

Picture on the left was the inspiration I used for my ring pillow, as shown on Simply Creative Wedding, Summer 2005 issue.

My ring pillow can be seen here.

After I posted my DIY ring pillow, I got a few PM asking me how I did it. So here you go. It's really not hard at all.

You will need:
a sewing machine, needle & thread, fabric, polyester pillow filler (or pillow form), embelishments and ribbons, according to your design

Procedures
Measure your fabric according to the size you want your ring pillow to be, add 1/2' to all edge measurements.
Cut two pieces of fabric, one for the front and one for the back.
With the wrong sides together, line up the edges of your fabric.
Begin sewing in the middle of one side edge, using 1/2' seam allowances.
Turn at each corner and stop stitching on the side you started sewing, leaving an opening wide enough to stuff your pillow cover.
If you are stuffing your own pillow, use small pieces at a time of good quality stuffing, for a smooth finished product or insert pillow form (though since ring pillows are usually smaller, it may be hard to find a pillow this size).
Push the pillow into the corners and smooth your pillow.
Slip stitch the opening closed.
Decorate using ribbons and other embelishments as desired.
Hand stitch two pieces of five-inch narrow ribbon or cord to hold your rings.

Tips:
Make a diagonal stitch at each corner. This will prevent protruding corners.
When you begin stitching, stitch from the edge of the seam allowance in to the seam line, then turn and stitch. This will helps the unstitched seam allowance turn in smoothly.
To make a "dimple" in the middle of your pillow, using a large needle, sew a large decorative button to the bottom of the pillow, (sewing from top of the pillow to the bottom of it), make sure to pull the thread tight. You can cover the stitching/thread on top using your embelishments. This way, the bottom of your pillow doesn't look all plain, when accidentally turned over.

Tips on Picking Your Cake Design

2005-07-19T20:54:00.000-04:00

I read this article, hope you find it useful.

BELOW ARE SOME DETAILS TO CONSIDER IN ORDER TO MAKE THE CAKE LOOK AND TASTE THE BEST AS POSSIBLE

1. Think about where the cake is going to be placed at the reception site. Make sure the function director has a sturdy table for the cake close to the festivities.

2. Consider cutting and serving the cake before the dancing begins. This way your guests will not have to be interrupted in the middle of enjoying themselves on the dance floor and the cake will taste superb.

3. Consider options other than a table to place the cake on. Antique plant stands, eclectic tables, and birdbaths make a wonderful and unique statement.

4. Depending on the size of the cake, I may want to elevate the cake to make it more dramatic. To do this, You may need a second tablecloth ordered to have enough cloth. Different colored tablecloths at the reception site are an option as well.

5. Fresh flowers make a beautiful top to a wedding cake. Flowers for the cake are to be ordered through your favorite florist. Monogram topiaries make a wonderful and unique cake top.

6. You may use silver trays, antique dishes, and glass pedestals to place my cakes on to make them special.

8 Wedding cakes (or anything else for that matter), no matter how good they were on the day of the wedding, taste terrible after a year in the freezer. Consider enjoying extra cake with friends and family the day after the wedding or after you return from your honeymoon.

Question Game from Aggie

2005-07-19T11:42:00.000-04:00

This, I got from Aggie, when I left a comment in her live journal.

The Rules are:
1. Leave a comment with your name and I will write something I like about you.
2. I will then tell what song/movie/icon/etc reminds me of you.
3. If I were to apply an o'clock to you, it would be...
4. I will try to name a single word that best describes you.
5. I'll tell you the most memorable moment I've had with you.
6. I will tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I'll then tell you something that I've always wondered about you.
8. Put this in your journal.

AGGIE'S POST
1. Reply with your name and I will write something I like about you.
Madami! Your creativity, your empathy, that we are on similar wavelengths, your thoughtfulness. And, that you can be so "real". Few people show their true color online, and the moment you bitched about a certain person...ahhh...na-love na kita! LOL! Of course, ayoko ng all sugar and spice, Im not :)

2. I will then tell what song/movie/icon/etc reminds me of you.
Martha Stewart personified.

3. If I were to apply an o'clock to you, it would be...
8-11AM. That's the time we always chat!

4. I will try to name a single word that best describes you.
2 words. D-I-Y Queen.

5. I'll tell you the most memorable moment I've had with you.
I think there will be more memorable moments when you come home next year *wink*

6. I will tell you what animal you remind me of.
Mahina talaga ako sa animals..sorry, hahaha!

7. I'll then tell you something that I've always wondered about you.
You wrote in your Friendster you're an Engineering student.
How do you study when you are always online chatting with me?!?!? Hahahaha!

8. Put this in your journal.

What are you waiting for?
Comment na!

Interview ni Marj

2005-07-19T11:35:00.000-04:00

This one was from Marj. Sorry mare, It took me LOOONG while to answer.

Here are The Official Interview Game Rules:
1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions - each person’s will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

If you don’t have a blog, I will still ask you 5 unique questions and you can post your answers here.

Anyway, here are her questions:
1.Which artist's work would you want to own?
Jack Vettriano - this London's contemporary atists' works are usually vibrant, flighty --- full of life and vigor.

2. If you were to go back in time, which era would you want to live in?
Colonial Era, I wanted so experience seeing inventions in the making and learning history first hand. Having lived in Boston for quite sometime, enables to go visit different museums and historical places. This often gives me opportunity to imagine how things were back then.

3. Would you rather be bald and beautiful or have a full head of hair and be very plain.
I'd choose to be bald. It will give me an opportunity to showcase a lot of scarfs, hats and wigs! Afterall, its when you make out of the little things you have that makes you become a person of substance.

4. Which cuisine do you think best describes your personality?
Filipino, but of course! Some of Filipino food burst in flavor, some refreshing and others subtle yet satisfying, one apart from the other based on where and what time of the day you would satisfy that craving.

I think the personality I project to people is a mesh of teachings, my grandma ingrained in my head and the practical things that I learned by facing life through time.

5. What is the grossest thing you've ever done?
Ate dog meat. Yes, dog meat. I was in Baguio with friends and they told me it was goat stew (kaldereta) which I've never had either. Giving in to a lot of coaxing and peer pressure, I tried a piece, did not liked it and complained that it tasted funny. Afterwhich they told me what it was. I forced myself to throw up and swore to not hang out with those folks again. I love dogs, but not for my meal, thank you.

Tag me and I will give you your questions...

Joke Time Ulit!

2005-07-11T10:17:00.000-04:00

Some forwarded jokes na natawa ako!

WIFE: Himala! aga mong umuwi ngayon.
HUSBAND: Sunod ko lang utos ng boss ko. Sabi nya "GO TO HELL", kaya ito
uwi agad ako..

Lasing (takot): may multo sa banyo natin!
Wife: ha? Bkit?
Lasing: kasi bumubukas yung ilaw pag papasok ako ng banyo eh.
Wife: punyeta ka! ikaw pala umiihi sa ref!
1st night lola wear see thru dress, lolo didn't react...
2nd night lola wear t-back, lolo still deadma...
3rd nyt lola all naked, lolo said "anu yan suot mo, gusot-gusot!!"

DAD: anak, bili mo ko softdrinx
ANAK: Coke or pepsi?
D: Coke
A: Diet or regular?
D: regular
A: bote o can?
D: bote
A: 8 oz o litro?
D: Punyeta!! tubig na lang!
A: viva o wilkins?

AMO: sagutin mo ang telepon inday!
INDAY: (baligtad ang hawak) hilo? hilo?
AMO: baligtarin mo!
INDAY: lohi? lohi?
AMO: telepon ang baligtarin mo!
INDAY: Puntili, puntili

Juan: bday ng asawa ko
Pedro: ano regalo mo?
Juan: tinanong ko kung ano gusto niya.
P: ano naman sinabi?
J: Kahit ano basta may DIAMOND.
P: ano binigay mo?
J: Baraha.

Pedro: Galing ako sa doktor, nakabili nko ng hearing aid. Grabe! ang linaw
na ng pandinig ko!
Juan: Talaga?! Magkano bili mo?
Pedro: Kahapon lang

Teacher: We are descendants of Adam and Eve!
Student: That's not true! My dad sez we are descendants of an Ape!
Teacher: We are not talking about you FAMILY!

RUSSIAN: we're 1st in space
USA: we're 1st in the moon
ERAP: we'll be the 1st in the sun
USA: u can't go der, ul burn
ERAP: we're not stupid, we'll go der at NIGHT!

KRIMINAL1: "Pare, sigurado ka bang dito dadaan yung papatayin natin?"
KRIMINAL2: "Oo, nagtataka nga ako, 1 oras na tayo dito wala parin siya!
Sana naman wlang nangyaring masama sa kanya."

I'd Like Your Initial in my Monogram

2005-07-09T14:19:00.000-04:00

Here's my current want, monogram cake topper made of swarovski crystals. My co-worker ordered me,from her wholesale supplier, some 42ss flat beads in rose (pink) and light colorado topaz (light brown). I will try to make one using either plexi glass for the back or something. If it doesn't work, I've asked my cake designer for pricing. Meron na kong plan B.

Ay ang luho ko!

I'm Tickled Pink!

2005-07-08T10:51:00.000-04:00

Remember Irene? She made my cord/lasso pictured below. Yesterday she YM'd me telling me she has something to show me. Lo and behold, it's a pouch to hold the cord during the procession at the wedding ceremony.

Of course it matches with the motiff. When I commented, "Uy, pink and brown din sya!" aba nahiritan ako ng, "syempre pinili ko yung konti lang ang pink, dahil MUKA KA NG PINK!!!"

I jsut have to laugh, that's me. I deny that pink is my favorite color, but as my Maid of Honor Joy puts it: "Di mo nga favorite color ang pink. It just happen that everything in your wedding has pink, half of the things you own is pink, your cellphone is pink and your wardrobe are mainly in pink! You even spent years during college in a pink university."

Sige na nga. I've come into terms with myself. LOVE na LOVE ko nga ang PINK! I'm not denying pink anymore, I dont hate pink anymore.

Flower Girl Outfits

2005-07-07T21:59:00.000-04:00

Now that we have potential dressmakers/designers to make the dresses and designs for flower girls and the mothers, I searched the internet for possible material and dresses.

These are samples of embroidered organza and georgettes that I want to use for the girls dresses along with pink shantung silk. Unfortunately, upon browsing the internet, I found out that they don't come inexpensive! The least I saw was $15 per yard. I certainly hope that my coordinator and designer can find similar fabric in Manila.

Ideally, a sunday-dress like outfit will be perfect for the girls. At least, it won't be a waste of resources and they can still use it for church or parties. Im partial to the brown and purple design. Something pink with little flower embroidery and puffy skirt!

Can you picture me with this excited grin for my four girls?

Mothers' Dress - Part 2

2005-07-07T06:17:00.000-04:00

a month ago, Marj and I I found some samples of great materials for the mothers dresses at Joanne's Fabrics. Below are the swatches I bought. These are not final but we would be playing along the same colors and will definitely use Shantung silk.

The camera and poor lighting did not do much justice on the fabrics. But I can promise you they look lovely.

Mama picked out a chic design and will be using a wine shantung silk for the two piece dress with a black flacked see thru material. A trip to Windmill Fabrics was very successful and I found fabrics at excellent price.

My future mother in-law was happy enough for the remaining dress design. She just want to make the entire ensemble three piece instead. She will be using the old rose shantung and the organza-like material for the jacket. I said organza-like for lack of better terms. It's actually sheer fabric and a less shimmier version of organza.

Now I just need to find a design and fabrics for Mamu and the flowergirls.

Kilay

2005-07-06T14:15:00.000-04:00

Posting about Marj reminded me that I should post pictures of my threaded kilay.

Kilay, before and after threading...

Read on my threading experience.

Marj

2005-07-06T14:04:00.000-04:00

Back in February she saw my post at w@w regarding my bridesmaids dresses being baught here in Boston. Emails were exchanged, and for a few months I found myself -- In Marj' term -- "karamay sa preps." Someone to exchange notes with, supplier kwentos, wedding designs, shop, have long lunches with, ka-chika on saturday mornings or around lunch when work is boring.

She made me look and appreciate fabrics a little bit more. She also introduced me to threading.

Today, she is leaving to settle back to Pinas at least for the next few years. I'm happy for her. She's taking the leap I've always dreamed off, to venture into having a business.

To you sis, wishing you all the best, a safe trip, good profit, success with your MD life and "happy preps" as what we w@wies would say. For sure we'll chat through YM. I'll see you when I get home in January!

Photo: Marj and her fiance Carlos, picture lifted from her webshot gallery.

Today, I'm back to regular programming -- me and my good 'ol laptop helping me with preps.

Silver Unity Coins

2005-06-26T20:51:00.000-04:00

Benz of Weddings @ Works announced that they will will be selling Unity Coins at the Rockwell Bridal Fair. I asked my ever reliable coordinator and she got me a set of the silver one. Supposedly I wanted the two-tone set but it cost P500 more. I decided for such small details that only us would notice, better settle for the silver coins and buy a packaging for it with the P500 difference. I'm happy with the purchase naman.

A little backrounder regarding Unity Coins: (information courtesy of Advantage Bridal)

The Unity Coins are a contemporary version of the traditional wedding coins, known as Arras in the Philippines & Spain, that are used throughout the world in numerous cultures (Arabic, Filipino, Greek, Indian, Irish, Latin American, Sicilian, Spanish, Swedish, & others) & religions (Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, & others).

The Wedding Coins have come to symbolize more than just prosperity. Today's couples embrace life & face the world together in a more mutually supportive way than ever before. Each coin in our "Unity Coins" set has a unique design, representing one of thirteen universal tenets of marriage:

~:~ Love ~:~ Trust ~:~ Commitment ~:~ Respect ~:~ Joy ~:~ Happiness ~:~ Harmony ~:~ Wisdom ~:~ Wholeness ~:~ Nurturing ~:~ Caring ~:~ Cooperation ~:~ Peace ~:~

The symbolic use of coins in a wedding ceremony is a tradition in many different religions, cultures & countries. The "Unity Coins" designs have influences from all over the world, including the "Celtic Marriage Knot" (which is on the backside of each coin), the Adinkra (Asante people of Ghana and Ivory Coast) symbol for Wisdom, & the Chinese "Yin & Yang," to name a few.

The designs are non-denominational & celebrate the universal tenets of an enduring marriage. Coin size: 30mm diameter (half-dollar size)

Cheers!

2005-06-21T06:43:00.000-04:00

Went shopping last weekend and found these toasting flute made by Lenox. I like the heart design since its subtle. You can't figure out where the heart is until you look from the top. I can just imagine it with bubbly champagne. :)

Lenox Toasting Flutes

Toasting Toasting Flute - Topview

Here you can see more the details. The wood on our dining room chair was reflecting the color giving it a gold-like tone.

Unity Candles

2005-06-20T21:46:00.000-04:00

Here are the pictures of my DIY Unity Candles, still keeping with my pink and brown striped and dotted motiff.

Unity Candles
The main candle still unfinished, I still need to incorporate our names and wedding date

Tapers front Text on the candle:
His-"Cherish"
Hers-"love"

Tapers back Text on the candle:
His-"learn, dream, share & pray"
Hers-"trust, believe, care & listen"

Click here for the text for our unity candle and rose ceremony.

Ring Pillow

2005-06-19T16:02:00.000-04:00

I finally made our ring pillow. I saw an insparation from a catalog when Marj and I went to the fabric store. It wasn't hard to make at all. I used a shantung silk fabric similar to the shade used in the bridesmaids dresses. I also tried to incorporate the striped monochromatic brown grossgrain ribbon that I used for our invitations, along with a pink and beige grossgrain ribbons. Final touch included an english rose with a rope sewn into the middle of it all!

Yay! I'm so happy with the outcome. Even Jun said, it's pretty.

Ring Pillow

A Blast from the Past

2005-06-19T02:27:00.000-04:00

This afternoon I was chatting with one of the w@wies and conversation led to something that reminded of my first few years online! Here are some snippets:

w@wie: hey glo, mabuhay chatter ka ba?
Glo: yes, circa 97-2001 why?
w@wie: yayyyy, me tooooooooooo
Glo: talaga?!? When were you a mabuhay chatter?
w@wie: 97-99, handle ko ******_***
NOTE: wag na nating ipaalam ayaw nya e)
Glo: ay talaga nakita ko na nga yan before. My handle was bgirl_jaimie
w@wie: Jaimie!!! Grabe sabi ko na you look familiar, kaso I can't recall a Gloria
Glo: Talaga, gusto mo, I'll show you a pic nung chatter pa ko?
w@wie: Sige
Glo: *sending file*
w@wie: ay ikaw nga si Jaimie!!! grabe I miss mabuhay chat
Glo: LOL! oo nga wala naman nakakakilala na Gloria ko, lahat Jaimie
Glo: Even offline, Jaimie pa rin ako. Biruin mo my inaanak na ako niece ni Joy (cookiebabeslimer). I just realized the kid doesn't even know Gloria real name ko.
w@wie: You should change your name to Jaimie, LOL!
Glo: My family and friends call me Jaimie talaga since highschool pa.
w@wie: haha! papalit ka na kasi.

These are the pictures I showed her. Back when I look 12. She told me I look 9 instead!

That was back when chatting gives you such joy and sobrang fun talaga. Back when:

I was homesick a lot, and I chat to battle being depressed, it connects me back home

chatters really know a lot about each other, you seem like a big barkada

I would forego lunch and go to a net cafe to chat

People actually treat each other as brothers and sisters, and don't pretend. Bihira ang nagaasaran sa chatroom. It was clean fun.

We use the term "handle" vs. "user id"

Back then you would have to create "private chat rooms" to talk to select chatters than vs. creating a "conference"

Back the Yahoo Chat looks like this.

What A Waste

2005-06-17T21:46:00.000-04:00

Eight long distance phone calls to pinas, ($40 worth of phone cards)
Late night sleep (actually I wasn't able to sleep until 2:00am, ngaragster tuloy ako sa work)

I shouldn't have listened...

Sayang talaga ang effort and resources, wala naman pala kong mahihita!!!

I just made a fool of myself in front of somebody who's really nice to me...

If I don't make sense on this post, pasensya na. I just need to vent.

Kainis talaga.

Yun lang.

Suit or Not

2005-06-17T11:15:00.000-04:00

At first he wanted to wear a suit to the wedding. I must admit he looks good on one, but being the practical person that I am, I tried to sway him out of it.

First, the wedding will be outdoors, pictures will be bad if we both look like pigs roasting. He sweats with the little heat pa naman.

Anywa, share ko lang, pics I took one day we were headed to work. Ang bango tingnan no?

Im a Convert!!!

2005-06-16T20:33:00.000-04:00

This afternoon, Marj picked me up from work and drove 25 miles (40 km) north to Burlington just to get our eyebrows done.

I use to have my brows waxed. If I get in the mood, I would maintain the shape by plucking. Most of the times, Im lazy (and cheap)and would just let it be. Have them take their own form and grow in 10 different directions. Waxing cost at least $30-35 per month for just the brows.

Anyway, today Marj just converted me into believing that threading is much better. I've always heard that threading hurts, this and that, but my experience was very positive. I even had Marj do it first so I can watch how its done. Seems like she wasn't in pain at all. Not even teary eyed!

So when my turn came, I sat on the chair and braced myself for the worst pain! I was pleasantly suprised to find out that waxing was even more painful. Not to mention, cheaper!!! Eyebrows and upper lip only costed me $10 including tip! So now, I have perfectly groomed brows. (happy!!!)

Read more about threading here. Later, I will try to take a picture of my brows so you can see the difference!

Night folks...

Mother's Dress

2005-06-08T10:54:00.000-04:00

Usual practice dictates that the brides' mother get to select the style and color of her dress first. Over the weekend, we browsed through numerous bridal magazines and online catalogs. Here's a couple of dresses that she picked.

Mama likes the one in the foreground better. Personally, I agree with her, but we need to either buy or have something made in a different color. Mamu will grill us both of there's anyone in the wedding party to wear black!

Which one do you like better?

Flower Girls

2005-06-03T10:22:00.000-04:00

Im a very proud godmother to these cute little girls. Each have their own ways of melting my heart!!! They will all be my flowergirls.

Alexis Arielle Maneja
Alex takes on the role of "Ate" seriously. She loves leaving me secret souvenirs (her fave toys) in my bag. Ang aking "mala-luyang" feet ang aking munting pamana sa mahal kong si Alex. Parang anak ko talaga to, in more ways than one, maybe because we have the same personality. I always hear her screech in her most possesive high pitched voice, "NINANG KO YAN, AKIN YAN!!!" (thought bubble: parang gusto nya kong ibulsa no?)

Nicole Anne Marcelo-Palo
She is my cousin Sheryl's daughter. This girl is one spitting image of me. I guess it's the "Nider" look in the family. I posted a picture of us once at Friendster and I got lots of messages asking me if she is my daughter. Heheh...

Samantha Mae Alfonso
Sam is the latest addtion to my list of flowergirls. She'll be three years old by the wedding, making her the youngest in the group. She's looks like her father, Louie (my good friend, tutor, walking encyclopedia and kuya from HS.) Very smart and bibong bata. Good genes really runs in the family.

Shaina Isabelle Baral
Isa and I haven't met personally yet.
Her mother, Badet and I became friends a few years back.
From the stories I've gathered she's very sweet and malambing.
I can't wait 'til we meet in January.
Look at her picture, she's already practicing for the Big Day!

Happy 31st!

2005-05-29T20:31:00.000-04:00

It was Jun's bday last Friday. I gave him a dinner party before we left for DC.

When you turn 31, the candles get bigger then you start counting the candles again from 1. Hehehe!

The Waterfall Earrings

2005-05-29T19:43:00.000-04:00

To celebrate Jun's birthday last 27th, we spent the weekend travelling and being a tourist in Washington DC. While at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, I found this set of earrings that I really loved.

Those of you who saw my wedding gown would agree that wearing a necklace would make me look like overly decorated. My gown have silver embroidery and beadwork on the top.

Subtly, I've been searching for an ornate earring for my accessories. Just that, I'd never expect to find out inside a museum store! It is an authentic replica of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onnasis' The Waterfall earrings.

"The Waterfall Earrings are probably the most photographed pieces of jewelry in the world. Jackie constantly wore them to her most publicized affairs - from her trip to Paris as first lady, to her reception of countless intenational glitterati at the White House. What makes these earrings truly special however, is that they go from formal to informal, simply by removing the removable pendant and by wearing the stud alone. Our replica is made in pure Sterling Silver, with 100 mils of platinum plating. Each earring is set with 41 high grade CZs. Just like the original, the pendant is easily removable making these very versatile earrings. Earring is 2 inches long, with pendant.

Jackie is seen here making a majestic entrance to the formal ball in Paris, her first stop on her first European tour as first lady. Needless to say, the entire continent was bowled over."

My purchase came with an information sheet with the above blurb and a Certificate of Authencity that said:

It is hereby Certified the Accompanying Jewelry Contains the Mark of, and Whole Elite Design is Solely and Exclusively Manufactured
by
Camrose & Kross
is a reproduction of the Jewelry worn by
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy
First Lady of
The United States of America
1961-1963

Photography

2005-05-25T20:01:00.000-04:00

My earlier post on photographer's hunt encourages me to post pictures I've take last week in the Arnold Arboretum.

Centre Street Gate.

Follow this link if you want to see more pictures.

Looking through Lenses

2005-05-16T11:59:00.000-04:00

I started searching for photographers in January. Suppliers in my shortlist were:

George George Portrait Studio

Roy of Roy Aceja Uy Photography

Jong of Imagine Nation

Rudy photojournalist of Manila Bulettin

Edward of Edward L. Unite

After months of deliberation and I wasn't able to get any of these people. Whether it be due to unavailability, cost or plainly just a change of heart on my part. As one w@wie would say, "nakipagbreak ka na naman!" I never knew it was going to be this hard. Knowing a lot of 02.18.06 brides gives out extra pressure too! Good thing I like them.

It was until one night, I was chatting with N!ce that she showed me her pre-nuptial pics and they were good shots. I contacted her photograher and I loved his work. Je's accomodating and friendly.

I finally chose Archie Paungan. we've established this rapport that I think I'd be satisfied with his works.

You can view more of his pictures here.

And that is the end of my photographer hunt!

Final Invitations

2005-05-12T15:49:00.000-04:00

Around the last week of April, I talked about finishing our DIY invitations to have Jun's dad hand delivered them to folks in the Philippines. Here's how the final product looked like, minus the faux sealing and calligraphy.

Complete set of final invitations, DIY by yours truly and very patient and expert cutter fiance, Jun.

Final Cake Design

2005-05-10T21:44:00.000-04:00

Initially, I was having second thoughts about pushing through with this cake. I already sent Judy Php8K for reservation fee. Needless to say, nawindang ako sa final price. Good thing fellow w@wie, Marj, helped me see things in a better perspective. So here's the final scketch of my cake. A little bit pricy, but its everything I envisioned my cake to be! This is definitely another happy moment. I will change nothing on it except for the peonies on the swirled tier area.

Final Bridal Cake Sketch, by Judy Uson

The Best Kind of Love

2005-05-06T07:59:00.000-04:00

I got this on my email today and thought of my w@w friends...

Have a happy weekend guys!

The Best Kind of Love
by Annette Paxman Bowen

I have a friend who is falling in love. She honestly claims the sky is bluer. Mozart moves her to tears. She has lost 15 pounds and looks like a cover girl. "I am young again!" she shouts exuberantly.

As my friend raves on about her new love, I've taken a good look at my old one. My husband of almost 20 years, Scott, has gained 15 pounds.

Once a marathon runner, he now runs only down hospital halls. His hairline is receding and his body shows signs of long working hours and too many candy bars. Yet he can still give me a certain look across a restaurant table and I want to ask for the check and head home.

When my friend asked me "What will make this love last?" I ran through all the obvious reasons: commitment, shared interests, unselfishness, physical attraction, and communication.

Yet there's more. We still have fun. Spontaneous good times. Yesterday, after slipping the rubber band off the rolled newspaper, Scott flipped it playfully at me: this led to an all-out war. Last Saturday at the grocery, we split the list and raced each other to see who could make it to the checkout first. Even washing dishes can be a blast. We enjoy simply being together.

And there are surprises.

One time I came home to find a note on the front door that led me to another note, then another, until I reached the walk-in closet. I opened the door to find Scott holding a "pot of gold" (my cooking kettle) and the "treasure" of a gift package. Sometimes I leave him notes on the mirror and little presents under his pillow.

There is understanding.

I understand why he must play basketball with the guys. And he understands why, once a year, I must get away from the house, the kids - and even him - to meet my sisters for a few days of nonstop talking and laughing.

There is sharing.

Not only do we share household worries and parental burdens - we also share ideas. Scott came home from a convention last month and presented me with a thick historical novel. Though he prefers thrillers and science fiction, he had read the novel on the plane. He touched my heart when he explained it was because he wanted to be able to exchange ideas about the book after I'd read it.

There is forgiveness.

When I'm embarrassingly loud and crazy at parties, Scott forgives me. When he confessed losing some of our savings in the stock market, I gave him a hug and said, "It's okay. It's only money."

There is sensitivity.

Last week, he walked through the door with that look that tells me it's been a tough day. After he spent some time with the kids, I asked him what happened. He told me about a 60-year old woman that had a stroke. He wept as he recalled the woman's husband standing beside her bed, caressing her hand. How was he going to tell this husband of 40 years that his wife would probably never recover? I shed a few tears myself.

Because of the medical crisis. Because there were still people who have been married 40 years. Because my husband is still moved and concerned after years of hospital rooms and dying patients.

There is faith.

Last Tuesday a friend came over and confessed her fear that her husband is losing his courageous battle with cancer. On Wednesday I went to lunch with a friend who is struggling to reshape her life after divorce. On Thursday a neighbor called to talk about the frightening effects of Alzheimer's disease on her father-in-law's personality. On Friday a childhood friend called long-distance to tell me her father had died. I hung up the phone and thought, This is too much heartache for one week.
Through my tears, as I went out to run some errands, I noticed the boisterous orange blossoms of the gladiolus outside my window.

I heard the delighted laughter of my son and his friend as they played. I caught sight of a wedding party emerging from a neighbor's house. The bride, dressed in satin and lace, tossed her bouquet to her cheering friends. That night, I told my husband about these events. We helped each other acknowledge the cycles of life and that the joys counter the sorrows.

It was enough to keep us going.

Finally, there is knowing.

I know Scott will throw his laundry just shy of the hamper every night; he'll be late to most appointments and eat the last chocolate in the box. He knows that I sleep with a pillow over my head. I guess our love lasts because it is comfortable.

No, the sky is not bluer:

it's just a familiar hue. We don't feel particularly young: we've experienced too much that has contributed to our growth and wisdom, taking its toll on our bodies, and created our memories. I hope we've got what it takes to make our love last. As a bride, I had Scott's wedding band engraved with Robert Browning's line "Grow old along with me!"

We're following those instructions. "If anything is real, the heart will make it plain." There are some people who meet that somebody that they can never stop loving, no matter how hard they try. I wouldn't expect you to understand that, or even believe it, but trust me, there are some love that don't go away. And maybe that makes them crazy, but we should all be blessed to end up with that somebody who has a little of that insanity. Somebody who never lets go. Somebody who cherishes you forever.

Hope you find this kind of love in your life.

Cherish the Ones You Love

2005-05-05T08:09:00.000-04:00

Mhay's blog entry, (seen here) really shook me up. It saddens me that such young and happy couple have to undergo that stress and emotional rollercoaster.

It's also served as a wake up call me. Sometimes, I get too wrapped up with the wedding preps and spend endless hours in front of my pc reading w@w postings trying to get suppliers leads, that I take Jun for granted. Sometimes, he will try to talk to to me, make jokes and I just brush him of with a casual "mamaya na, busy pa ko." Most nights he'd go to bed before me, despite enless "kulits" of "matulog na ko!" It made me pause and think. The wedding is just an affirmation of the love we share. A formality of the promise, that we have long been committed to. I need to stop and spend more time with him and our families.

What Mhay and Jerry are going through right now hopefully, will just make them a stronger couple. My prayers are with them that the biopsy will come out negative.

Cord Ceremony

2005-05-02T01:32:00.000-04:00

PHOTO: Cord handmade with love for us by my friend, Irene.

"Most of the ceremonies included in the Filipino wedding rites came from the Spanish missionaries centuries ago. The cord ceremony featuring the yugal is another ceremony we inherited from them. The yugal or nuptial tie is usually a silken cord or a strand of flowers or coins which the cord sponsors entwine loosely around the necks of the bride and the groom. The yugal is shaped like the number eight, which is said to symbolize the infinity of the bond of marriage."
Source: www.kasal.com

Traditionally, cord ceremony are performed in Roman Catholic weddings, Today, other Christian churches have adopted it as well, and it is up to the bride and groom to request its inclusion from the officiating Priest/Minister.

We decided to incorporate this rite to our wedding,for what the cord symbolizes --- unity and infinity - a love together, forever!

Wedding Checklist

2005-04-25T17:44:00.000-04:00

I reviewed my first post and realized that im four months into wedding planning. That's more than a quarter of a year and I feel compelled to revisit my checklist.

~~Announce engagement~~
~~Decide on a date~~
~~Determine budget~~

~~Hire ceremony venue (send deposit)~~
~~Hire reception venue (send deposit)~~
~~Create and send save-the-dates to out-of-town guests~~
~~Hire a caterer~~
~~Finalize menu~~ and service details with caterer
~~Hire string band and wedding singer, send a deposit~~, work on a list of "must-play" (and "must-not play")
~~Book a baker, choose design, send a deposit~~
Book photographer & videographer, decide on a package, sign contract, and send deposit
Hire event stylist, send deposit, and finalyze decoration details

~~Narrow down wedding gown choices & make a final decision, purchase & tucked away from fiance's sight~~
~~Decide on hairstyle, veil and tiara~~
~~Buy shoes, lingerie~~ & hoisery
Hire Hair and makeup artist, Experiment with trial HMUA
~~Buy bridesmaid dresses~~
Buy groom's men attire
~~Buy groom's suit~~, shoes, shirt, cufflinks, tie, pocket square
~~Purchase wedding bands~~, have rings engraved
Attire for children entourage
Attire for parents

~~Finalize and create wedding invitation, finalyze guest list and send out invites~~
~~Register for wedding gifts~~ Crate & Barrell

Plan the rehearsal dinner
Book rehearsal-dinner site
Send rehearsal-dinner invitations

Book hotel room for preparations and wedding night
Arrange for out-of-town guests hotel & transportation, confirm reservations for out-of-town guests
Arrange wedding-day transportation
Arrange for flights to and accomodations in Manila and Cebu

Start planning your honeymoon --- will have to be postponed for 1 year anniversary
Schedule portrait session for newspaper wedding announcement, submit to press
Talk to people to do special performances or readings as part of the ceremony

Order liquor wine, champagne and beer

Notify officiant, go over ceremony timing and details
Work on vows
Write ceremony and reception programs
Print and create ceremony and reception programs

Buy gifts for your entourage

Research marriage license requirements
Get marriage license

Hire turn-over or on-the-day wedding coordinator

Im sure im missing a lot of things. But this is what I know so far. It makes me freak out knowing somewhere I'm missing something!

Wed Site

2005-04-25T08:37:00.000-04:00

Created a wed site at The Knot to let our guest know more about the wedding. I don't think the blog is a good idea to share with everyone we know :).

You can follow this link to view it.

Have a good day!!!

Caterer

2005-04-25T07:53:00.000-04:00

It was a very productive weekend, aside from finishing up all the invitations, my Maid of Honor was working with the caterer back home.

She had food tasting and booked Hizon's Catering. I sought her help because of her culinary expertise. She did pretty good with the negotiations. Here is my menu so far.

APPETIZER
Cold Meatloaf with Cherries

SOUP
Chicken Cream Corn Soup

SALAD
Salad bar ( all vegetables ) with Thousand Island & Caesar's dressing with Crispy Bacon, Hard-Boiled eggs, Pineapple tidbits, Parmesan Cheese and Croutons
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Waldorf Salad

PASTA
Fettuccine Alfredo
Putanesca Royale

BEEF
Fillet Mignon ( cook on the spot)
Pastel the Lengua

SEAFOOD
Grilled Blue Marlin ala pobre

PORK
Pork Tenderloin Teriyaki

CHICKEN
Chicken Pastel with Mashed Potato Topping

Assorted Buttered Vegetables
Steamed Rice
Mash Potato
Dinner Rolls

DESSERTS
Assorted Pastries
Buco Pandan Salad
Halo-Halo Bar

BEVERAGES
Open Bar with Wine, Beer, Orange Juice and Soft Drinks
Brewed Coffee & Tea

I'm excited sana makain ko silang lahat! Natatakam ako just thinking of the menu.