Hazel and Tec

Umagang kay Ganda

2007-01-15T20:45:00.001+08:00

We got our wedding video from Shierdan 2 weeks ago. Since he has not uploaded our wedding mtv to his site just yet, I uploaded it to YouTube for you guys to see. Pardon the quality as Tec had to reduce the video size for easy upload.

The song he used is "Umagang kay Ganda" as sung by Nyoy Volante, I can't think of any other song fit for this MTV.

Angie Cruz is now online

2006-12-22T08:40:00.000+08:00

This morning Tec was browsing Paul and Ivy's blog to look at the pictures of our friends Bong and Nenet when I noticed that there's a link to Angie's new website. So I clicked it and first found my sister's picture on her services page. O di ba? Sosyalin.

Then I checked the rest of the pages here at work and found that I, too, was presented.. sa beauty gallery!!!

So what are you waiting for? Check out Angie's website now and if you like what you see, book him agad and you won't regret it.

Album Layout

2006-11-14T08:50:00.000+08:00

Hello, everyone!

I've been pretty quiet on this blog and am regularly updating my other blog. Anyway, last night I got an SMS from Paul and he said that our album layout is finally done. You can check it out here. What do you think? Suggestions are welcome...

Still more pictures

2006-07-30T12:08:00.000+08:00

We got our DVD of pictures from Paul and Ivy, here's a preview, you will get a feel of the wedding itself. The album will be available in December daw. Until then...

The Scissors

2006-07-12T10:07:00.000+08:00

Below is the speech prepared by one of our principal sponsors, may you also be blessed by it.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Marriage nuptials are made colorful by wedding traditions during the ceremony and the reception that follows. Flower-strewn red carpets for the bride, unity candle lighting (dyed sands in yours), the cake, the “wine”, the dove (and your butterflies), and the bridal bouquet/garter—these wedding symbols have each their unique meanings. Alas, these symbols end their tasks at the end of the wedding day.

I choose for my gift to you something that would always remind you of what your marriage should be—the scissors. There are two messages for you to keep in mind each time you use it.

In order for scissors to fulfill its intended purpose, the two blades must always work together. Separately, the blades can still be useful for the user, but never as scissors. The same is true with your marriage. Remove togetherness in your marriage and will it still be marriage? You must not, therefore, allow anything and anybody to separate you from each other. And this brings us to the second thought.

A pair of scissors is a very useful cutting instrument (specially this multi-purpose scissors I have chosen for you). It cuts anything that gets between its blades. So should your marriage be. Cut everything and everybody that gets between you two. And cut immediately!

This scissors, then, must always say to you, “Let no one separate them, for God has joined them together.”

In your marriage, as in all marriages, there are countless mountains to climb. Always climb them together and with God! And don’t forget to bring this scissors with you.

Konting Kwento at Supplier Ratings (long read)

2006-07-09T11:15:00.000+08:00

Being a W@Wie, most of our suppliers were contracted because of inputs from other W@Wies. To pay back what we owe from the group, below is our wedding kwento with our supplier ratings. We hope that what we have to say will help you plan your wedding and assist you in getting your suppliers. Ratings are on a scale of 1 - 5 with 5 being the highest. Text in aqua are links to our vendors' websites.

The Manila Hotel
One Rizal Park, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines 1099
Contact: Mr Lawrence Rosal
Tel: 527.0011
Rating: 4

We chose Manila Hotel because it's the closest hotel to Patio Victoria. We checked-in at the Manila Hotel on Saturday afternoon. The hotel in general was ok, but sayang. We were given rooms at the 17th floor - the floor below the penthouse, so medyo ok. However, in going up to the rooms, you will realize that the hotel smells. For some reason it was not maintained as it should be. Pagbukas pa lang ng elevators alam mo na agad na luma na ung carpets, amoy mo kasi agad e.

Anyway, we did not have any problems in booking rooms and getting the rooms that we want (low season ata ngayon). Check-in procedure was also a breeze although they messed it up somehow because they tagged one room (we got 3 rooms) as comp when it was, in fact, prepaid. Ganito kasi yun. All rooms had breakfast for two included in the rate. The breakfast coupons for one room got lost so we asked the reception to have it changed, when they were checking, they told me na the room was comp so hindi included ang breakfast. Siempre ang kilay ko umakyat ng penthouse and told them na hindi pede yun. I explained that for the prepaid room the hotel issued a gift certificate which I gave them during check-in. Everything was settled after about 15 minutes, pero hassle.

Then the next night, after the wedding, when my family went to the hotel after the wedding reception, the vingcards they were holding won't work. They had to request another copy from the reception, it took them 20 minutes to replace the vingcard. Since two of the rooms were interconnected they only asked for one vingcard for the two rooms. Eh ganun din nangyari for the room that was used by Tec's family. So another 20 minutes. Imagine the hassle of having our wedding stuff at the hallway while waiting for the vingcard.

So come Monday, upon check-out, I brought it up with reception. I asked them what happened or kung talagang may procedure sila na every night eh pinapalitan ang code ng doors so guests have to check with reception to get new keys. The lady at the reception said that it's because I had our stay extended by one day. Ang kilay ko nagtravel na naman to the penthouse, tumaas na rin ata ang boses ko. Sisihin ba ako? Anyway, I once again explained that when we checked-in, all 3 rooms were for two nights. So I'm guessing that the lady who checked us in Saturday afternoon is either new or has some problem causing her to mess up our registration. Buti na lang sa 'min nangyari di ba? Pano kung sa foreign guests? How will Manila Hotel keep up to it's old glory of being the premier hotel in Manila? Pasensya na po, this is the Tourism girl in me speaking.

Teresa Hagape Creations
Green Park Village, Pasig, Metro Manila
Contact: Tet Hagape
Mobile: 0917.832.5285
Email: tet_hagape@yahoo.com
Rating: 5

Saturday evening, my folks went to the SM Mall of Asia to look for the Wedding Library where they will pick up our butterflies the next day. I stayed at the hotel to wait for Tet to deliver my and my sister's gowns. It was Araw ng Maynila that Saturday so the traffic was really bad. A stretch of Roxas Boulevard was closed to the traffic for the celebrations. Instead of the agreed 5pm, Tet arrived around 8pm na. She made some minor adjustments to the gown after I fitted it. Then she came back the next day to press the gowns and help me dress up.

I initially wanted to get a gown off the rack. Ayaw ko kasi gastusan masyado ang isang gown na hindi ko na masusuot after. I wanted something simple that I can wear for other occassions, but my friends convinced me otherwise. Minsan nga lang naman ako ikakasal.

We went to three designers with the designs I got off the net but decided on getting Tet as she's the most professional and most affordable compared to those we've met and spoken to. As I've said in a previous entry, we liked the fact that she had her dressmakers (mananahi) on site.

We got a total of 6 gowns from her: bride, MOB, MOH, 3 flower girls. We didn't have any problems with most of the gowns, especially with my sister who was abroad. She just sent us her measurements which I forwarded to Tet. She made the gown accordingly and when my sister arrived we went to her shop and have my sister fit it. Ok ung first fit with very minor adjustments.

I thought we were gonna have a problem with my Mom's gown. Somehow, sobrang sikip ng gown nya sa first fitting samantalang hindi naman nag-change ang measurement ng Mom ko. The 2nd fitting ganun pa rin, parang walang pagbabago. My Mom's on the heavy side kasi and she wants the gown loose so her love handles won't show. After the two fittings, we were ready to buy a gown off the rack for her. However, on the third fitting, lo and behold, ang ganda na ng fit ng gown ni Mama, at ang ganda pa ng beading! I also love the beading she made on my sister's gown. I never had any expectations siguro (I just wanted them to fit) kaya I was so happy with the outcomes of our gowns.

All's well that ends well, I must say.

Paul Vincent Photography
Contact: Paul Delos Reyes
Mobile: 0918.415.3195
Tel: 410.5126
Email: paulvincent_photography@hotmail.com or paul_ph2@lycos.com
Rating: 5 [hoping this won't change after receiving the wedding album]

Paul and Ivy (with kuya Noel) were the first to arrive Sunday. When we got to the room after breakfast, nandun na sila and they have started shooting pictures, looking for angles, etc.

Another W@Wie find, we felt at ease with Paul the first time we met him. He provided us with his rates, which we found reasonable at the quality he's producing. We checked out his website before meeting him kasi. On our meeting we realized that we agree on a lot of things, like not wearing bathrobes during preparation pictures and not putting our faces on glasses and other stuff.

We had our prenups scheduled and working with them made us at ease on THE day. We got his Budget Package 1 with one photographer, kaya we were so happy when Ivy was also shooting pictures, so parang naka-2 photographers kami for the price of 1. It was drizzling the whole day of June 25th kaya hindi kami masyado nakahataw sa pictures. Nonetheless, from what I've seen sa pictures, ok pa rin ang mga kuha niya. Although mas ok sana kung hindi umulan, we missed the chance of taking pictures sa M/S Philippines, I was looking forward to it pa naman.

He has uploaded some of our pictures on his website the same day we arrived in Puerto Princesa so super excited kami to go home to view the pictures. We've yet to receive the cd of the rest of the pictures. Excited na rin ako to get the album.

Angie Cruz and Ogie Rayel
Contact: Angie Cruz
Mobile: 0916.386.8307
Rating: 5

I loove Angie and Ogie! A number of people have commented on how beautiful I was during the wedding and I owe them all to Angie and Ogie. Teka nga, on second thought, aren't everybody supposed to say how beautiful the bride is during her wedding?? So is everybody just being polite?

Anyway, Angie and Ogie arrived on time as usual. They work fast and had us all made up and ready to go to Patio Victoria by 2pm. As earlier agreed, Ogie set my hair up during the ceremony and set it down during the reception. Hehe the only vanity I have for the wedding.

Angie can be easily contacted through his mobile. Mabilis din sya magreply. Kung hindi man sya makareply agad, it's because may raket sya, but he will surely reply as soon as he's free. An SMS is enough to contact him.

Enchanting Blooms
Contact: Tet Uy
Mobile: 0917.540.4455
Email: enchantingblooms@yahoo.com
Rating: 5

Tet called me out of the blue at work and asked for an appointment. She said she got my name from the Themes and Motifs guest book. We have not engaged any florist yet so I agreed to meet with her. She went to my office and I liked her the first time I met her. She showed me samples of her work and we talked about what I want for the wedding. After two days, she sent me a quotation na super acceptable sa akin, so I signed the contract and agreed to pay her in full to avail of discounts.

About 2 months before the wedding, we decided to add one more flower girl. So I contacted her and discussed the changes I wanted. I required bigger baskets for my flower girls kasi. So definitely magchange ang price. Naghanap pa muna sya ng baskets then she gave me a quote. Siempre I don't have any choice but to agree di ba? Although ok naman ang quotation nya.

Sunday morning, she was at the Hotel before 11am, as agreed. Sobrang love ko ang flowers ko, especially the way she dressed up my flower girls' baskets. Communicating with her was never a problem.

Acclaim Butterflies
4th Level, SM Mega Mall Building B
Rating: 5

We got our butterflies from Acclaim Butterflies. We never had the chance to really canvass for suppliers and just got from the most convenient butterfly supplier.

Sobra din ata natuwa ang guests namin sa butterflies. Instead of releasing them during the recessional, I was told that some of our guests chose to bring the butterflies home.

Patio Victoria
Sofia Garden
Gen Luna cor Victoria Streets, Intramuros, Manila
Contact: Johna Manalansan
Tel: 527.8006
Email: patiovictoria5435@yahoo.com
Rating: 5

This is where it all began. It was during Tec's brother's wedding that we saw the place made up for a wedding ceremony and reception. We went in, looked at the setup and talked to Johna to inquire about dates. When we decided on a date and it was still available, we had made the reservation fee and tried to come up with enough funds to pay the downpayment so that we will keep the rates to 2005.

Initially, I felt na hindi ako inaasikaso ni Johna, our AE. Pero I soon realized na marami din silang clients so I really have to do my job of following up on schedules and the like. A week before the wedding is when the calls came from Johna. She was very diligent in sending me SMS and double checking all the agreements we have made.

Early Sunday morning, she was already on the phone with me inquiring on whether we should put up tents as it seems it wouldn't stop. I asked her to wait until 12noon, I believed in my heart kasi na hindi na uulan later in the day. By 12noon she was on the phone again and since it was still drizzling, I agreed to put up the tent. BTW, the rain stopped when it was my time to march and started again as soon as I set foot on the gazebo. The rain was our blessing from heaven.

Everything that we agreed upon was done except for my request to serve the wedding cake. It seems that they only have a number of waiters that night and they have two functions. For me this is not an excuse. Di ba dapat since they know that they have two weddings, they should've added more waiters?

Masarap ang food according to my guests! Buti na lang as I was really worried. Di ba sabi people will forget all the details of your wedding except for how good or bad the food is, buti na lang they liked the food. Additional comments from my guests were that Patio was slow to replenish the food on the buffet. Mabilis din daw sila nagligpit when the reception was almost done. Personally, I can't comment on this kasi wala kaming gana pareho kumain during the wedding!

Overall, I like the way Patio Victoria handled my wedding. Oo nga pala, pangit ang map na binigay nila to include in the invitations, kaya I asked Tec to make one. If you need it, leave a comment with your email address and I'll send you the map Tec made. Although naibigay na rin namin ang soft copy kay Johna.

SDC Video
Contact: Shierdan Pamintuan
Mobile: 0917.359.8492
Email: sgpbeyond@yahoo.com
Rating: reserved until we receive an MTV or the final DVD

Shierds is a friend of Tec from college. I saw the MTV he made for Angela Manalo-Lalas' wedding and was really impressed. It turns out that Angela, who I met through W@W, is also a friend of Tec's, small world. Before I can even talk to Tec about Shierdan's work, Shierds had already sent an SMS to Tec offering his services.

Shierds, I can't wait to see our video!

Bridal car: The Muros' reconditioned Beetle
Rating: 5+++

Ferdi and Ces, my college barkada, offered the use of their VW Beetle (sorry, di ko alam anong model) as our bridal car. Siempre, since it's free, we readily agreed!

They were so nice as to dress it up. Imagine, nakabarong pa ang aming si Ferdi who acted as chauffeur. See the pink dice on the rearview mirror? Ferdi and Ces gave it to us as a wedding gift and told us that marriage is a gamble so we gotta play it together given all the risks -- or something like that hehe.

Servi Domini
Contact: Heartwell Saramosing, Conductor
Rating: 5+++

Servi Domini is one of our church choirs and Heart, Servi's conductor, is one of my highschool best friends. Before the wedding, I just gave him the list of songs that I wanted for the ceremony. He was the one who arranged all the songs to fit the solemn yet fun atmosphere we wanted.

Super thank you, Heart and Servi kids! Sa uulitin ha.

Apple-scented Hand Sanitizers
Contact: Kate Macadaeg
Leave me a message for her contact number
Rating: 5+++

Kate is my classmate in graduate school. She's a chemical engineer and makes perfumes and hand sanitizers from home. I had a number of options for our souvenirs but decided on getting hand sanitizers from Kate to hit two birds with one stone 'ika nga. I'll be helping Kate with her business and our guests will have something practical and useful as a souvenir from our wedding.

The ribbon and the label are DIYs.

The following are the rest of our DIY projects, siempre 5+++ ang rating ng mga ito!

Our wedding invitation
(idea we got from Data and BenC)

Our Wedding Programme
Place Cards

Unity Ceremony
sand from Tabora St in Divisoria
vases from the SM Mall of Asia Department Store

Overall, we are both happy with how our wedding went. We thank all of you who have helped us prepare for our wedding day, those of you that came and celebrated with us and those who will be with us as we live the rest of our lives together.

More pictures

2006-07-06T23:27:00.001+08:00

Paul has uploaded some of our pictures on his site. Ang galing ni Paul Vincent no? Pakiramdam ko ang ganda-ganda ko!!

The following are links to the pictures taken by my friends.

Paul Vincent
Dys
Eye
Ferdi
Haydee
Meyan

Just Married

2006-06-26T14:12:00.000+08:00

Click on the picture to view the first set of pictures taken by my [Ading's] friend and back-up photog Eye.

Huling post

2006-06-24T13:49:00.000+08:00

... bilang Miss
Bukas Mrs na ko
Excited? Siempre!
hanggang sa muli...

Gift Registry

2006-06-10T09:46:00.000+08:00

In case you're wondering, we're registered at the Rustan's Bridal Registry (Shangri-La EDSA mall).

Yun lang.

Meet the Cast of Characters

2006-06-08T14:01:00.000+08:00

We will have a very small entourage aka cast of characters. [clicking on the thumbnails will enlarge the pictures]

Pastor Jemuel Abcede will be our officiating minister. He was our church pastor for several years and during his term he took the time to work with the youth of the church. He was not only our Pastor but our friend and I can't think of anybody else to marry us but him. Sabi ko nga sa kanya before, sa wedding ko, groom pede magbago, Pastor hindi.

Jhun is Tec's best man. His youngest brother, he was the best man for each and every wedding of his older brothers and ours will not be an exception.

Haydee, the best sister in the world, will be my Matron of Honor, while her husband Rei will be the Bible bearer. As much as we love kids, we decided not to have small children as part of the entourage. This is because most of the time, kids tend to throw tantrums, cry, look for their mommies, or simply decide not to walk at the time they have to. So we decided to get big kids instead.

Now, meet our flower girls...

Flor, or Cheng as we fondly call her, is Tec's only sister. The youngest in their family, she has also played the role of the bridesmaid in all of his brothers' weddings. This time, she'll be one of our flower girls.

Ian is my cousin from my father's side. Visit her blog to get to know her.

Ayee, my friend and officemate, shown here with Mon (as I can't find a solo picture of her), completes the list of our flower girls.

Flutterbies

2006-06-02T15:32:00.000+08:00

We're in need of live butterfly suppliers.. any suggestions?

June na!

2006-06-01T10:24:00.000+08:00

Wala lang...

ABCs of applying for a marriage license at the Quezon City Hall

2006-05-26T16:27:00.000+08:00

Reposting my email to the W@W egroup.

We applied for our marriage license last Monday. So if you're thinking of applying for license at the Quezon City Hall, the information below might help you.

Step 1. Go to Window 10 of the Civil Registrar's Office [located at the back of the main city hall building] to get the Order of Payment (P150), you have to present your community tax certificate [cedula] for both applying parties.

Step 2. Pay at the Treasurer's Office (2nd Floor, main city hall building) [TIP: if there are two of you applying, ask the other person to queue up at the Treasurer's Office while one is getting the order of payment -- dito lang kami kasi natagalan]

Step 3. After getting the official receipt, present it back at Window 10 to get the marriage license forms.

Step 4.Fill up the forms [2 copies, males the left column, females the right column]. Submit the forms back to Window 10 with one picture of each of you. Then the person will ask you to have it notarized. There is a notary public on the right side of the room. This is also the time to present your Discovery Weekend certificate or any other document that you have certifying that you have attended pre-marriage counseling. In our case, they accepted the certificate prepared by our Pastor after our counseling sessions.

If you don't have any certificate, they will ask you to attend the sessions given by the DOH [or is it the city health department?]. These sessions are scheduled from M-F 1-4PM [sorry, was not able to ask where the sessions are being held].

Step 5. Have the notarized forms photocopied as it will serve as your receiving copy.

Step 6. Present the notarized forms with the certificate back at Window 10. They will receive it, indicate the date on when you can pick it up. In our case, on June 2, after 10 working days. We were told that there will be a fee of P100 upon pick up of the license.

All in all, it took us one and a half hours to complete all the steps and the only thing that they asked from us were the cedulas.

we got our souvenirs

2006-05-24T21:48:00.000+08:00

Yay!

Thanks, Kate!!

first gift

2006-05-19T20:24:00.000+08:00

We received our first gift today. It was unexpected.

He called me up this morning and asked if he could talk to me. He handed me the gift and told me that he might not be able to attend the wedding as he might go on mission on that day. He said that he knows it's a bit early, but it's not everyday that someone gets married. Sweet.

Thank you, Ogino-san.

Relaxed state

2006-05-12T22:36:00.000+08:00

Panicking? Nope, not yet.

Maybe next week.

I feel that I'm too relaxed. I know of brides na panic mode na, pero ako relaxed. Is there something wrong with me?

headpieces

2006-04-18T14:32:00.000+08:00

I'm on a search for the perfect wedding tiara or headpiece, found the following on the net. Can't make up my mind though.

More pictures...

2006-04-05T13:25:00.000+08:00

can be found here

Still on the lookout for souvenirs

2006-03-31T15:46:00.000+08:00

Since our guest list had blown up, getting the papemelroti souvenirs has become expensive as we wanted to give each of our guests one token. I've been searching the net and liked these. I just hope we will be able to find local suppliers for them. Any other suggestions?

Engagement Pictures

2006-03-29T14:08:00.000+08:00

Had our prenups yesterday with Paul Vincent. Here's a sneak peek, tell us what you think...

*edit* My hair was done by Ogie Rayel, and make up of course is done by Angie Cruz.

First Fitting

2006-03-20T10:34:00.000+08:00

Had my first fitting with Tet yesterday, the gown (err, the lining) fit just great! I have always bought RTWs for my clothes. Gowns, I don't have much and those that I have were worn for weddings and only one of them fit me well. Two actually, but the other one is also RTW and was repaired to suit me. This is the first time that I had a gown made for me and I am just very happy that she got my fit at the first try. Anyway, since the fit was perfect, on my 2nd fitting, she'll have the full gown made (siguro without the beadings first), and that's on April 2. I have to remember to bring a camera. Sooo excited!!

Then we were supposed to go Divisoria to look at options for tokens (the Papemelroti tokens I wanted suddenly became expensive for us because we've blown our guest list up from 150-200). But it was so HOT, we decided to go hotel hopping instead. Of the 4 hotels we've seen, I'm choosing between Hotel Philippine Plaza and the Heritage Hotel Manila. Heritage is much cheaper but I love the lobby of the Philippine Plaza. I wish the lobby renovations will be completed by June.

We still need to...

2006-03-13T13:22:00.000+08:00

have the guest tokens made at Papemelroti
look for tokens for the Principal Sponsors
decide on what tokens to give the participants (singers, ushers, etc.)
finalize the wedding program (with music)
print the map
finalize the packaging for our invites
distribute the invites by I April
schedule trial make up with Angie (hopefully by 23 March)
schedule counseling sessions with Pastor Abcede

ano pa ba??

our STD

2006-03-06T11:56:00.000+08:00

sent via email na lang to cut on expenses hehe

Konting Update

2006-03-01T16:21:00.000+08:00

Got Tet Uy of Enchanting Blooms for our floral requirements.

Yun lang.

You're Invited (Q&A for Wedding Guests)

2006-02-21T08:53:00.000+08:00

Something I got from W@W, written by John & Benz Rana.

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

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

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

Questions & Answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enchanting Blooms

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

For the flowers, I was just thinking of going to Dangwa and get from there. There are several names on W@W that were recommended. But last week, Tet Uy of Enchanting Blooms called me up and asked if she could make a proposal. I agreed.

She got my name from the guest book at Themes and Motifs at the Podium.

So, I met with her last Wednesday. I told her that I only have 3 people in my entourage, and 3 pairs of principal sponsors. I told her I'd like to have calla lilies and gerberas. She asked for my motif, I told her and suggested to include spider mums din. I told her I'm visual, I had to see what it would look like. She obliged me by saying that she'll do a mock up for me as she's gonna have a booth at the Bridal Fair at Mega Mall next weekend.

Angie Cruz for HMU

2006-02-10T10:42:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I paid my downpayment for Angie Cruz. He did my make up for a friend's wedding a couple of years ago and for the first time, hindi ako naging mukhang bakla! You see, with my chinky eyes, all make up artists I have had to work with keeps on trying to make my eyes look bigger. They were unsuccessful. Worse, kamukha ko si Herbert Bautista when he was playing Jillian sa Jack and Jill movie nila ni Mega. *shudder*

I remember I told him, "ayaw ko magmukhang bakla ha," then I suddenly realized he's one.

At that moment when he finished my make up for the wedding, I told myself that if I can afford his rate, I will definitely get him for my wedding.

Tet Hagape

2006-02-10T10:11:00.000+08:00

I met with the designer, Tet Hagape, last Tuesday night. She looked at a new set of designs I found on the internet (I won't show it here so there's an element of surprise). She suggested the types and color shades that will go with my motif and the designs.

First impression? Professional. After she made the designs, she showed me how the cloths will look combined in bright light, and in a not so bright atmosphere. Afterwards, she gave me her quoatation, wrote it down on paper. Identified which are included in the package, then said na should I decide to get her, we can schedule the fittings and that she'll give me a matrix to give my matron of honor who's overseas.

Tec liked the idea that she had her mananahi on site. When we got there, there were two people trying on their gowns/tops. When they wanted something changed, Tet will call her mananahi and explain what needs to be done. May visual yung mananahi, so alam nya kung ano ang kanyang gagawin.

Another plus factor is that she's relatively near. Her shop is in Pasig, I work in Ortigas, so kung hindi congested ang traffic, we can go to her place after work in 15 minutes.

Tet's quote is more than double my budget for my own gown, but her quotes for the ento gowns and my mom's gown is relatively lower than those that I've spoken to (haay, the lady in Divisoria is another kwento).

There's someone I want to meet din, kaso he's in Parañaque. We'll see, but so far we're leaning towards getting Tet for the gowns.

Updates and others

2006-02-01T11:43:00.000+08:00

Finally, we will be able to make the downpayment for Patio Victoria... which makes it sort of official. Ikakasal na nga talaga kami! We're scheduled to go to Patio Victoria on Saturday night which means I'm ditching my second appointment with the first designer I met up with. How do I tell her na hindi ko na sya kukunin?

Here's what happened when we met up with her 2 weeks ago. We arrived at her house on time and were greeted by a maid that said she wasn't home. I should've called first to confirm the appointment, right? Well, I tried, but the mobile number she gave me just kept on ringing, same with the home number, at pati office. But since mura, I dragged Tec and Meyan to her house to look at gowns and the possibility of her designing/making our gowns.

The maid said she wasn't home, then I told her that we had an appointment and I have been trying to call her. So, the maid said she'll call her. Aba, the maid went in, then went out again to give me another mobile number for ME to call. Ok, so I was able to talk to her and she said she forgot about the appointment and she's coming home na *click* I was not even able to ask where she's coming from or how long we have to wait. Eto pa, the maid made us wait outside the house, with all the mosquitoes. Medyo imbierna na si Meyan, ako, konti lang, but mentally gave a deadline, we will only wait for 30 minutes, if she doesn't come, we'll go and forget about it.

The maid let us in 5 minutes before my deadline, I think she called her house up. I guess ok rin ang standing procedure sa house nila, never let strangers in, pero sana, since she was the one who said go to my house, she left an order na I'm expecting someone to arrive, blah, blah. Then again, nakalimutan nga pala nya ang appointment in the first place.

When she arrived, my first impression was she was kalat. But we were ready to forgive her because maganda ang fit, and mura yung gowns nya. She designed two gowns for me, based on the gown I found at the department store. She wanted to try a new design/style on me, using semi-precious stones. I told her I like the idea, but if it will be the stones that will increase the price of the gown, I'd rather not have it. She cannot give me a quote as she said she still doesn't know what the price of the stones were. She asked me for my budget, I told her, and I also said that I may also ask her to make my mom's gown and those of my flower maids. She asked kung hindi ko na daw ba pede taasan yung budget ko. Well, her gowns at the store are in the range of $40-$45, that's beaded, eh I wanted my gown to be simpler than those that she has at the store, so I'm sort of expecting it to be a little cheaper if not equal to the rates at the store.

Overall, I just felt that it will be difficult to work with her, pano kung makalimutan din nya wedding day ko? I don't think I'd take that chance. So, next week, I'm meeting with yet another designer, sana she's the one na.

new skin

2006-01-20T16:39:00.000+08:00

I like the clean look of this layout that Ading used previously, buti na lang there's a template available for blogger.

After work, we'll be meeting with a designer for the gowns, mine and the entourage. I hope it goes well.

Souvenir Option #2

2006-01-19T13:56:00.000+08:00

Still from Papemelroti, but these ones are way over our budget.

Flowers

2006-01-15T13:37:00.000+08:00

While listening to tapes of some meeting, my hand and eyes were looking for bouquet designs and below are the ones that caught my eye. I'm thinking of having multi-colored gerbera daisies as my own bouquet and have my mom, Tec's mom, and Haydee carry calla lily bouquets. My flower girls Ian and Cheng will carry small rose bouquets with pouches full of petals.

Gowns

2006-01-06T09:41:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year!!!

I've been on the internet looking for simple wedding gowns. Here are the ones that appealed to me most. I want something simple because I want to be able to use it again. Yes, you read that right, I would like to be very practical with my wedding gown. Gusto ko ung magagamit ko uli for other formal occasions.

Of the choices below, I like C best, but if A or B will suit me better, ok lang din. Now if I can only find a mananahi who can make the gown...

And here are the ones I found for my Matron of Honor (the green one), and my flower girls err maidens (the blue one), and these are the exact colors I want too.

Souvenir Option #1

2005-12-29T10:35:00.000+08:00

For our souvenirs, we want something that will be useful to our guests and not just dust gatherers. We're thinking of doing it ourselves (DIY), but when I saw this idea from Jenee ni Richard, medyo nagbago isip ko. Papemelroti now offers giveaways for weddings, birthdays and other occasions. They offer 20% discount for orders more than 50pcs. They will print our names on the cover with the date and venue of the wedding.

Like Jenee, we liked the "Have a Wonderful Life" box. The DIY part is still there with the touch of paper ribbons. It's within our budget for souvenirs, less trabaho dahil ribbons lang ang idadagdag. Below is our prototype, what do you think?

Paul Vincent

2005-12-26T23:02:00.000+08:00

We've found our photographer! :-)

Thanks to the w@wies' feedback, Tec and I have decided to book Paul Vincent as our professional photographer. We will request Eye (one of my sis' best buds) and Chee (Tec's co-worker) to serve as our back up photogs, sana available sila on our wedding day.

We met up with Paul two weeks back and he has this certain charisma that attracted us to him. Kaya on that same night, we have decided to book him. This morning we paid our reservation fee and scheduled our engagement pictorials for March 2006.

Patio Victoria

2005-12-12T11:47:00.000+08:00

We have done it! We have reserved the date. Our wedding will be on June 25, 2006 at 4:00pm, at Patio Victoria in Intramuros. That's the venue out of the way, we just have to beat the price increase for next year and lock the price by paying 60% of the contract price by the last week of January, or earlier. Aba, 20k additional din un kung sakali. We talked to Tec's parents na, so right now we're just praying that they would be able to send the money soon.

Right now, we will first concentrate on this climb we are organizing and come January we will be able to book the photographers and other suppliers, inform our principal sponsors, and all the other stuff.

WedBlog

2005-12-01T17:10:00.000+08:00

Hey, all!

I've decided to start a wedblog to chronicle our preparations for our wedding in June 2006. At this moment only family and a few select friends know.

Just some credits. I thank ate Sienna for creating this template. I'm so lucky to have found this on her Manilena site. :-) You see, my wedding will be a garden wedding with butterflies and my colors will be green and blue...