Saturday, August 30, 2008

Wedding suppliers: Details

Souvenir: Haribon Foundation (Beneficiary)
Contact: Anya Santos
Contact no. 4211213
Website: http://www.haribon.org.ph/
Email: act@haribon.org.ph

Souvenirs for Entourage: Pillowfield Trading
Location: Sharjah U.A.E
Contact: 06-5616677
7 Sands of Dubai frame

Souvenirs for Bearers and flower girls: Toy Kingdom
Location: SM Megamall

Bible: OMF Literature
Location: 776 Boni Avenue cor. Pinatubo St. 1550 Mandaluyong City
Contact: 531-6635

Arrhae: The Wedding Library
Location: 5/F Mega B SM Megamall
Contact: Telefax 6385791

Misalette: Fresh Express
Location: Dubai
Contact: Ian

Misallette Cover
Location: National Bookstore
Recycled Paper for Cover
Puncher & Ribbon

Gift for singles game: Starbucks gift Certificate
Location: Level 4 Robinson Galleria Edsa cor. Ortigas Ave. Q.C.

Drinks for toast: Carlo Rossi Red Wine

Additional Drinks: Soft drinks and Iced tea

Groom shoes:

Bride shoes: Rossanna Pena
Location: Robinsons Department Store

Bride’s Accessories

Earrings: Argente’e Ladies Accessories Shop
Location: Level 2 Hallway Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Ave., Quezon City

Watch: House of Sound
Location: Al Attar Center Karama, Dubai

Bride’s Beauty treatment: Belo Medical
Location: 6/F Rustan’s Department Store, Ayala Avenue, Makati City

Laser hair removal: Upper lip
Facial: Hydra Facial without cleaning
Body: Body scrub with bleach

Friday, August 29, 2008

Mayfair Jewelry

Location: 809 Ongpin St., Sta Cruz
Contact: Jeffrey 0917-5406811/7333142

All I can say is WOW! They were able to exactly copy the photo of the ring I found in the internet. Pulidong pulido ang gawa nila. We so love our ring!

We scouted several stores from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to Manila, Some said they can do it, some said they cannot. But at the end, we finally gave our trust to Mayfair and no regrets!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Wedding accessories

Anik Anik
Contact Person: Pia Samantha Bautista
Contact no. 09052215978

Pia is a good friend of ours. She’s someone who really got involve and beyond. She was the first to know that we are finally getting married. So from day one till the wedding, she supported us all through out.

She is fashion, she is art and she is confidence. I did not look for anyone else to do my wedding accessories but her. We bought a bunch of shells from divisoria and then with the stroke of her wand turned it to the most beautiful cord you’ll ever see! We so loved it and proud of it. Her creativity did not stop there as Girl was also the one who did our unity candles.

And we did not serve the usual food to our suppliers in the hotel as she volunteered to prepare it herself. From being the master of art, comes Chef Pia, the food was worth the wait since everybody loved her food!

What more can we ask for from our maid of honor?!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Missy Ferrer-Litao

EMCEE
Contact No: 0917-8292309
Email: Missy.Ferrer-Litao@teamenergy.ph

Missy was really good! No doubt about it! No dull moment. She is confident, she speaks clearly, she knows what to say, when to say and how to say it. I can’t think of anything to say anymore to describe her. She’s really the best.


We did not have the chance of meeting Missy before the wedding. But I was not worried because I know how good she is. When we were at the reception, we saw a lady outside. Ian asked me if I know her, I did not recognize her at first but when I remembered, she was already walking toward us. Then she introduced herself. She has this bubbly personality that you will instantly like kaya I knew then that we will have a great time with her.

RejectKrew

Lights and sound supplier
Contact: Elmer Bautista: 0927-3747246
Website: http://www.rejectkrew.tk/
Email: mailto:funkymix08@hotmail.com

With proper lighting Elmer was able to add a touch of beauty to our reception. The microphones were A-OK! I did not notice any feedback from it. He provided anima the proper volume for their music. One thing I observe on weddings that I attended, was when the AVP was playing, either the sound was too low to be notice or hindi siya interesting to see. That’s why I was thankful that Elmer provided the right volume for the AVP that everyone were watching, hindi nasayang yung AVP namin. Basta everything was alright because Elmer was there to do his craft.

When we first met Elmer, grabe ang energy niya! We thought it would only be a 30 minute to one hour meeting pero it lasted for almost 2 hours, partida, no sleep pa siya nun kasi galing sa gig! He asked the motiff, theme, who will be the emcee and other details and from there, He knows na what to do. No problem na because he worked with the other suppliers so alam na niya timpla. Thank goodness he is one of our suppliers!

Monday, August 25, 2008

The Born-Worrier

What do I really want to do? I kept asking this question to my self lately now that December is fast approaching, I still have no idea what road to take. It’s quite frustrating after reaching this age, I am still in search of my self. I just want to look at the bright side of things. At least, this is a good sign that I am not stagnant and I am still looking for ways to improve my life.

I want to believe that my first priority is to be a mother soon. But somehow that idea made me shiver. I know that there will be a lot of responsibilities that goes with it and I am not sure if I am fit to be a mother just yet. Though, at this point in time, I should already be playing the role but that doesn’t mean I should hurry if time is running out, right? I don't want to be blinded with the age thing issue. I want to be ready with this one, physically, emotionally, mentally, financially and spiritually. These reasons give me apprehensions, all I am doing right now is put my faith to God as he is the only one who knows the real score. I am considering a few other possibilities should the high heaven still want me to make the most out of life.

My priority is to inform my company that I wish to end my employment with them since our contract will expire on December. Technically, as per UAE labor, my employment of 3 years will be ending by June because I was hired from the Philippines and brought to Dubai on Visit Visa. With the turn of events, I was able to get the employment 6 months after my first day of work. Hopefully, they will issue a NOC upon my release. I plan to go home around January to have my eyes scheduled for LASIK. I really, really want this done to get a better vision then come back to Dubai on Husband visa to job hunt again. What worries me is not to get work as early as expected as I don’t want to be a burden to my husband, well, I know he doesn’t my mind and it’s not him, it’s me.

My second option would be the same as my first that I still wish to the get the hell out of my work and go home but before leaving I’ll try to get a new work so they can process my employment while I am in the Philippines and come back with a sure job. This might not be feasible to target as the date may not coincide with my plans. If I’ll be able to get the job around December, better. Should I get it before that month I sure need to resign, which or course, might jeopardize my plans of eye operation because worse comes to worst, my current company will do everything to give me bullshits like “good bye to your gratuity pay, you ingrate?!” You may think I am only bad mouthing the people giving me work, you may even say that my company may not be that bad and might even consider giving me what’s due to me.” I admit I am not a good employee and I bitch around here to let out my frustrations, but who cares! I’ve been with the company for more than 2 years, I see colleagues come and go! Never did I encounter a smooth exit given by them, always for their own sake.

Enough of my outburst and let’s get on to business. Anyway, though this is my top 2 priorities at the moment, I am still considering staying without giving any notice, work and earn until I found another job and go from there.

As I have mentioned earlier, my labor card is not due until June of next year so I still have the choice of staying if I wanted to. I admit I hate the work that I am doing and the salary I am receiving right now but if I will consider the practical side of things, this might be the best option for me. Also, since I am not yet pregnant, I can still wait for a while and should we be lucky, at least, I can still work until my fifth month of pregnancy without worrying much about pressure if there’s new work, new people and everything.

I also have the choice of staying until May and wait for my better half’s vacation leave. We’ll be in the Philippines again, celebrating our first year anniversary together. I am dreaming of Palawan this time or going to Hongkong and Macau upon our return from vacation. If I will consider this option, I need to be sure that I still have a work to return to as he might not agree with all my spending trips!

There also my plans of going to London. I might consider rescheduling my LASIK appointment and putting my fund in the bank for a while as requirement if this will pushed through. Although my husband and I need to do a lot of thinking about this since moving again to another place is risky and might require us to spend so much without surety of any positive result.

This is really becoming more frustrating! Why do I have to worry so much about the littlest details? Why don’t I just go ahead and resign and get this over with? If I have to choose without even thinking, I’d go for option 1. I need to take the step forward and just take the plunge otherwise I will be left in this office feeling miserable.

Okay, I need to get hold of myself. This is me, the born worrier, though I hate this at times, where is the other side of me? The one who just go ahead and live life?! The person who has no intuition and inhibition at all! Where are you!? I need you right now! I guess she matured already and think of other people first before herself. Not the selfish, self-centered person I know before. I guess, we all have to be grown ups and carefully think about the choices that we make.

Right now, I have to focus and really prioritize what is important. I know the rest will come and fall into place once I made up my mind. I still have one month to think about all of this. I hope by then my plans will be clearer and more precise. I need to be careful with my decisions. Right now, I will leave everything to God and let him guide me. I know he has something in store for me, I just have to be patient and have more faith in him.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Anima Choir

Music
Contact: Roger Sigwa: 0917-8876970
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/animachoir/index.htm
Email: roger26_ph@yahoo.com

I only remember hearing 3 songs from their repertoire, my bridal song, “The Prayer,” they sung it beautifully that it added drama to my march, some of our guests were in tears the moment I reached the altar. Father and daughter dance “Butterfly kisses” and our first dance, the song from Maging sino ka man, sung by Sam Milby. It was the only request I asked them to play for me and I was touched when I heard it.

The problem I had with Anima is they were hard to reach. I never met Roger even on the wedding day! We only communicated few times e-mail, he only met my friend once to give the deposit, He sent one text and we only talked once on the phone before the wedding. But in fairness, Camz said that they were really good.

Friday, August 22, 2008

EJ Belen-Litiatco

Hair and Make-up artist (HMA)
EJ
Contact No: 0917-8112065

EJ was the second and last supplier I considered for my make-up. The first one got me bothered. So last minute, I called EJ and asked her if she could schedule me for a trial. That was like, 2 days before our flight back to Dubai. Finally, after the trial, my mind was put at ease. My mother in law even said, that if she will not like her make-up, she’ll remove it instantly even on the day of the wedding, I just smiled at her because I was confident that I had found right one.

During the trial EJ was already visualizing my look on my wedding day and even placed a veil on me just to check how it would be when on it, her mom had my hair fixed as well. I just requested her to put make-up brand that will not irritate my skin since I am not fond of putting on make-ups and to tell you honestly, the trial and the wedding itself was the only times that I really bothered to put it on.

This is the BEFORE and AFTER look




A friend of mine told me that I gave justice to the saying that bride is the most beautiful on her wedding and I thank EJ because she worked her wonders on me. I received a lot of compliments with my look! Even hubby admitted (which he always deny) that I was really a sight on our wedding day! My ever critic cousins were looking for flaws on my look, good thing none was found!



Thursday, August 21, 2008

Mang Rey Casedo

Barong supplier
Contact: Mang Rey: 09273008388

Few weeks before the wedding, Hubby could still not decide what style he wanted and what would suit his personality. Sabi niya, he’ll buy a ready made na lang. But we were so caught up with other things, we couldn’t squeeze it in and he was still undecided if he would go for ready made, kasi we don’t want him to look like one of the entourage din, bring their own kasi ang mga barong nila. What I did was check W@W and found Mang Rey’s contact details. Scheduled their meeting and wala na akong balita. I asked what happened, sabi niya OK na. Few days after they met, the Barong was made. I asked him kung ano itsura, secret daw, kaya sa wedding day ko na lang nakita ang suot niya.

No one outshined the look of my hubby, he made sure of that. The barong was made perfectly for him. Kudos to Mang Rey!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Jarielle's Flower Shop

Florist
Location: Stall 16, Dos Castillas St., Manila (Dangwa)
Contact: Mang Boy & Mang Jon: 0916-3211303/0917-3871910; 3145737

Another precious found in W@W. I heard a lot about Mang Boy Mahusay. And when we went to Dangwa, what I checked first was his rosary tattoo and everything went smoothly. We just told them what will be our theme and they suggested what colors and what flowers to use. All I read about him in w@w was true so I did not bother na with the details. They were early on the wedding day! And it was nice seeing Mang Boy again! Sabi niya, “mam, ginawan ko na din the corsage si sir ha, para match sa bouquet mo.” Aww, sweet! And my bouquet was beautiful and so are the rest of the flowers. Perfect matched with the gowns.

We had problems lang with the no. of flowers for PS, kulang. Nagdagdag kasi kami ng Ninang and we forgot to inform Mang Boy, so Camz called him, a few minutes later meron na agad siyang naprovide. Galing! Instant! Mahusay talaga! End of reception, medyo wilted na yung flowers but it served na its purpose so ok na ako dun.

Prenuptial

Prenup Pictures: Art Layno Photography
Contact No: 0917-6256660

Art is a very good friend of ours and a great photographer! He is one of the few people na nakawitness ng 5 long years naming together and still counting. Even when were just starting our relationship, he volunteered that once we got married, he will be our photographer for free! Though the offer was tempting, we decided against it, we want him to enjoy our day with us. So we got him as one of the groomsmen.

But he still insisted on doing something for us. As a gift, he was the one who took our pre-nup pictures. Even though it was part of the freebies of Niceprint, we did not avail of it, simply because we know how good Art is and we trusted him to give the best ones. And he did! Our prenup photos were the best of them all, but not only that, from Guestbook to Thank you cards, to AVP pictures, all professionally done by Art.

We can’t thank him enough for all that he did for us, that is why, we really felt so bad when his works were not credited on our wedding day. When niceprint used his pictures on there thank you cards and avp, he’s name was removed from it. Our bad, we forgot to instruct niceprint to give credits to him and they did not bother to ask. But deep in our hearts we know that he will always be our perfect photographer.

Nice Print Photography

Photo / Video supplier

Rupert and Albert were pleasant to deal with. Especially Rupert who was assigned to me, he was full of energy taking shots and I was out of breath with all the posing and stuff but I enjoyed posing for them kasi they were funny and pleasant. He made me at ease, kaya hindi na ako naconscious khit na it was the first time that we met. Although they were late, they said sorry naman and worked fast kaya we were still on time. We have beautiful photos to keep for life because of them.

Buti na lang Niceprint have people like them to compensate for whatever shortcomings they have for the services. As some of you may know, I’ve had issues with them prior to the wedding and that made me hesitant but I took Charisse words that we will still get the service that we deserved. I don’t want to get into details na. The important thing is that they were able to capture every moment of the most important event of our lives.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

New Yorker by Tina Lirag

Couturier
Location: 2/F, BPI Bldg., 1004, Arnaiz Ave., Makati City
Contact: Ms. Tina: 8447753/0917-8334414
Email: tinalirag@yahoo.com

I must admit that I was worried too when I heard a lot of bad news about Tina sa W@W. But when I met her, all my worries were gone and stick with her, I’m confident that she will take care of me. I had several fittings, though I’m skinny, I’m not conscious on putting on weights, cant resists eating kasi. But days before the wedding, Tina jokingly told me to “Please stop eating!” And all I can do is laugh! They were very patient with all the alteration on my gown. I didn’t saw the final retouch on my gown kasi she said “you know the pamahiins of the oldies,” so the night before when they delivered the gown, I was awed! It was a simple yet elegant one. Bagay sa personality ko, hindi niya na over power ang ganda ko! Hahaha! One thing to describe it is “Your gown looks beautiful on you” and not “You look beautiful on your gown.”

I also like the look of our entourage gowns. We have the same fabric but we chose to have different colors and style of gowns for MOH, SS, BM, Jr. BM and FG according to their like and personality pero each gown has the same color of another gown to put uniformity to it. Very detailed talaga, you’ll recognize which is which and who is what.

We had minor headaches lang naman with our entourage gowns, there were several alterations, and every time we went there, another alteration needs to be done. So medyo, time consuming, hassle to those who work and travel pa to Makati. Few days before the wedding, all the gowns were made, so everything was ok.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Joy San Gabriel minicakes

Cake supplier
Joy San Gabriel
Contact No: 0917-5278837

I was impressed when I saw our cake! It was the perfect thing! Everybody loved our coffee caramel minicakes! And I saw our guests taking picture of it! When we had our cake tasting with Joy, our mind was set to get her na, but she was the one who said to think about it first, no rush! Unlike other suppliers who will push you to book them on the spot to the point of irritating na. Galante din siya mamigay ng samples niya. Wala talaga kaming masabi, lahat masarap! We were on a budget, but she was so accommodating and attended one of our meetings just to get the details of what we want. And the result was so great! She exceeded our expectation! Love her talaga, pleasant and easy to deal with. I would never get any other cake supplier but her.




Saturday, August 16, 2008

K by Cunanan Catering

Caterer
Contact: Kaye Cunanan
0971-8986919; 7110940
Website: http://www.kbycunanancatering.com/home.html
Email: greatfood@kbycunanancatering.com

Ever since I saw the works of Kaye, I never wanted any other caterer but her. I thought I was not going to get her then. One, because she was holding the date for another client who’s having problems with the venue and two, we were on a budget. Grabeng sad ko nun, feeling ko hindi magiging maganda ang wedding ko kung hindi si kaye ang caterer ko. Promise! I heard so much about her sa w@w. And when she told me that her other client needs to get another caterer, I just need to solve the second problem with my h2b! Kahit na, nag over budget kami, no regrets. She customized our menu with the budget that we set. We communicated through e-mails and only met her personally when we had our food tasting 4 months before our wedding, she was so nice and cannot say no to our every requests. We did not worry anymore because we know that Kaye will take care of us and hindi niya kami binigo. The set-up was simple yet elegant. Binagay niya sa place and theme. The food was great! Even the waiters were so attentive. And I love our backdrop, super nice! Everyone wants to seat in our sofa. Few of our friends even texted us and said that our wedding was the best!

 

Minor problems though, At first, I was a little disappointed sa center table piece, it was not what I was expecting, it was our fault din kasi talagang hindi kami detailed and no idea kung ano bagay so we leave it all to her but after seeing the photos, I realized na she matched it with the place and our theme so she really knows her craft so ok na ako after that. There were few other details na medyo nawala sa usapan naming like we initially requested for carrot rice, kasi we loved it sa food tasting palang, pero na overlooked namin sa final contract, steamed rice and rolls na lang. Nasira yata yung laptop niya kaya some of the details hindi na niya na retrieved. Another thing, we requested for chocolate decadence, unfortunately, she informed few days ago na one ingredient is not available in the market but she asked us to choose another dessert naman. And when the guests were in line to get their foods, I was panicking, because the buffet table was getting crowded na, we should have set two buffet tables instead of one.


Anyway, she was there the whole time, making sure that everything was ok, hands on talaga siya, nakakataba ng puso. So if someone would ask me to suggest a caterer, Kaye will be the first, the only and the last supplier I would recommend.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Fab Occasion

On the Day Coordination (OTD)
Contact: Camille 0917-6032211
Email: fab.ocassions@gmail.com

I didn’t just get a coordinator, I found a friend in Camz. Eversince we started, Camz was always there to support us. She was introduced by a colleague and from then on, we chatted almost everyday, not only about the wedding but anything and everything under the sun. It was always good to know that someone, aside from us, is thinking of our wedding and how we can make it a perfect one. And that made the preparation less stressful.

When we finally met her, nothing has change, she was the same person who I been chatting with, but this time, we talk for hours! Then few weeks before the wedding, she became na din my organizer and alarm clock. Always reminding me on what to do, what to bring and when to do it. Until the wedding day, I was calm because I know she was there to organize everything. Camz, Nina, Carla, Shelly, and Raine were all working and treated my wedding like their own. I even heard my mom thanking her for a job well done and saying how beautiful the wedding was. There were minor glitches, of course, but with all the hard work and dedication, it’s not worth mentioning. All we know is that they became part of our wedding worth remembering.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Valle Verde 6 Clubhouse

Reception Venue
Location: 22 beetle St., Valle Verde 6, Pasig City
Contact No: 6313970/6329441/6310918
Email: sixthvalleverde@yahoo.com

I love this venue! Our wedding theme has a lot to do with nature, but I don’t want to jeopardize my wedding with a garden reception. Napakaunpredictable pa naman ng weather natin. When I chance upon the clubhouse, I immediately asked my friend to book it. It was the right place for us. I love the glass walls, the trees outside added to the effect, so close to nature. No need for us to hire an event stylist, the place was simple yet classy. Sayang yung ganda ng place kung hindi mapapansin. Charge is cheap compared to other venues. Also, madaming rest rooms, separate for male and female and they have someone assigned to keep it clean na.

The downsides are: Should you want book a date, they will hold it for a week then you need to pay in full. They don’t allow nailing and taping of decoration, another reason why we did not hire a stylist. There’s no receiving area and no room to freshen up so Ian and I had to stay outside when everybody were finding their seats. Kita kami outside kaya wala ng moment of surprise. They have 30 ampheres available but we need 60-100, they can provide with additional charge of 1800. They will get it from the refundable bond na. But all in all, I would still choose this for another occasion.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Crowne Plaza

Hotel Preparations
Location: Ortigas Ave. cor Asian Development Bank Ave., Ortigas Center, QC
Contact No. 6337222
Website: http://www.crowneplaza.com/

I love the executive suite of this hotel! Spacious and has a big bathroom plus they have connecting deluxe twin room na for the groom and family, convenient for us and our suppliers. My mom also loved it and we enjoyed every minute of our stay. Lalo na yung buffet breakfast, feeling royalty! They don’t have the grand staircase of Shangri-La, but for me, they were more accommodating and that is an important factor. When we inquired at Shang, kung san san kami tinuturo. Kakainis na nga. Tapos, binigyan lang kami ng rates. Parang ok, kaya niyo ba? Hahaha! Anyway, with Crowne, even if we were only inquiring, we were given a tour na, so right there and then, we booked them.

There were minor problems lang, when we check-in around 2PM. We requested in advance for the Executive suite with connecting room. But at that time, yung suite pa lang ang available kasi hindi pa daw nag check out yung nasa kabilang room. So hubby needs to stay in another room and the connecting room was vacated around 10PM na.

And on the day of the wedding, I think there was a brown out for at least a couple of minutes, we were at the elevator at that time going to church na. Buti na lang, when the power went off, the door was open, so we immediately step out of it, eh kaso we were on the 10/F pa lang. Mahaba habang lakaran, thank God mabilis lang kaya hindi kami naglakad pababa.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Santuario de San Jose

Church
Location: Cor. Buffalo-Duke Sts. East Greenhills Mandaluyong City
Contact No: 725-2044

When we started our wedding preps, Church was the most stressful part! Since we are both overseas, nagrely lang kami sa family and friends namin to find us a church around Makati area that entertains Sunday weddings. And it took us 2 months! But ever since Camz suggested the Santuario, everything was put into place. We never encountered any problems with them. From pre-cana, canonical interview, confession until wedding day, no hassle at all! Smooth na ang preparations from then on. All the people that we encountered were accommodating. The church is very organized. They will give you detailed list of things that you need to complete. Wedding rules and regulations are there as well, but not too strict to cause any problems. Plus, we so love Father Allen! He’s an angel! Very patient kahit na medyo may mali ang misallette namin, he guide us through it all with a smile.