There's No Place Like Home

There have been tons of stories from all sorts of places, and it's been great! I've seen and felt and learned. But now Im looking forward to starting a new chapter in a place called home.

Horn OK Please!!!

"Horn OK Please", Mumbai, India

It's amazing how there is organization in something seemingly chaotic to an outsider. The noise, the crowds, the clutter... It's got its own character, thats for sure!

Last night, as I was heading home from a stressful day at work I came up with an idea. People who have worked in India for a month or so must have a high tolerance for stress. *Just a thought*

You see, I planned to take a nap on the way home to re-energize before finishing up some work in the hotel. But WOW, there was definitely no sleeping for me! My driver drove like he was being chased by a dragon along a slippery and deadly slope! He swerved left and right and jumped through potholes! He sped right behind trucks just to come to an abrupt stop 2 inches away from the bumper! A few times, I actually thought he ran through some people! I was almost relieved when I reached over for the seat belt only to find out that it didn't have a buckle! Something so normal to a local felt like a near death experience to me!

Typical Indian Auto

Then there are the obstacles. Tons of motorcycles popping out of nowhere, unsuspected items on the road -- like fences, or holes, or people, or cows! You've got the autos and buses overflowing with people, crossroads with no stoplights... What a ride!

Cows on the road!

On top of this, every 2 seconds he would honk his horn as if there were some emergency. It was completely normal, and even encouraged! Most trucks have a sign painted in their rear saying "Horn OK Please" (as it is in Mumbai) or "Sound Horn" (as it is in Kerala). I could not understand why at first... but I think I get it now. It's sort of a way you to tell the other vehicles that you are there. I think drivers rely on the horns over thier side mirrors. In a crazy way, it works. To me though, it will take a long long time to get used to.

"Sound Horn" at Fort Cochin, Kerala

Now I understand foreigners freak out with Manila's drivers! This though, is a whole other level.

Vintage Inspiration - Kochi, Kerala, India

Another unique and adventurous trip, this time to India. Prior to this, Ive honestly never heard of Kochi, Kerala. Ive had some crazy experiences during my past visits to India, but to my pleasant surprise, this place is different. It has its own unique beauty that is almost endearing. It's known as "God's Own Country" and in a way it is quite fitting.

And its perfect timing as well, my obsession for vintage beauty was well fed here. Had some time to go sightseeing and stopped by Fort Cochin. There were a bunch of old vintage Chinese fishing nets that I fell in love with an nearby stalls that sold old handicrafts at cheap prices!


Next stop was Jew Street, and WOW did I fall in love! The place seems almost untouched, and all around are small stalls that sell reasonably priced antiques! I couldnt help but buy some for our wedding decors! :)

Check out some pics of inspiration! :)

It's The Time for Weddings... K + K

November 21, 2009
Ceremony: Union Church Of Manila
Reception: Shangri-La Makati
Highlight of the Wedding: FOOD!!!

Since we hit November, the wedding invitations just keep coming! It's amazing how every wedding is different. I love how the couple's personality becomes so evident in their celebration.

The first wedding we were able to attend was of Eyebrow's old friend Kevin. It fell on the same weekend was my friend's wedding which much to my disappointment, we missed. I really wanted to be there, first to celebrate with them, second to celebrate with them in Shangri-La Mactan. I've come to love that place...

Anyway... the couple's wedding reception was held in Makati Shangri-La. It was was simple but elegant with probably the best wedding food I've ever had! They had a few songs by the band, a few speeches, a few AVPs with a tribute to both their parents - no games, no crazy surprises... just simple, classic, and timeless.

The food was the best, it just kept coming and coming till I couldnt have any more!

We started off with a sampler plate of foie gras, scallops, etc... That in itself was to die for! The foie gras was so good I could have eaten Eyebrows plate as well! haha!

The tomato soup was perfect. Then came the sea bass with mushroom risotto. Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! The fish was crusted with truffles and the risotto was clean and sweet. I loved it.
A sorbet to cleanse the palette, then the juicy tenderloin steak! Mine was cooked medium to medium-rare. Eyebrow's maybe medium-well. By this time I was ready to explode!

For dessert was a rich chocolate cake with a surprise ferrero in the middle. If it didnt look so inviting, I would have skipped it. No regrets though, it was well worth the calories!

The drinks were free flowing -- and not just any ordinary bottle. Blue Label baby.

The floral centerpieces were done in taste. Classic just like the wedding -- I loved the orchids.


The night was topped off by DJ Karl Ty. Good fun :)

Will You Be My... in Vintage Travel Theme

Finally finished the "Will You Be My..." DIY stuff we're gonna give our entourage, well at least the Maid of Honors, Best Men, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, and children. To date, we still haven't informed our entourage (well, with the exception of a few). Hopefully we get to do it before the end of the year... those yummy chocolates are starting to melt!

So, here are a few product shots for our creations... It feels like I.W. all over again (fellow Povedans, you know what I mean;) and Im really enjoying it!

A short background on the chocos: On my way home from Narita, Japan (for yet another business trip), I stumbled on these awesome Royce chocolates make in Hokkaido. Took a few samples home and after licking my fingers clean, I bought a whole bunch of them to give to our entourage! Its just sooooo perfect and in line with our travel-vintage theme - the brown cardboard cover, the old-school print, and even the mail stamp infront! Plus, they had purple and black (which was like our color theme). Got them in 3 colors and flavors. Thought to give the purple to the girls and the black to the boys. I got the red milk chocolate ones as well for the kiddies, figured they probably wouldnt go for the funky flavors.

It was a heavy handcarry all the way back to Manila but totally worth it - who doesnt like chocolates? Those business trips do come in handly!!!

Then I printed the names of our entourage in simple vintage text and paper and stuck them in front, lest I forget which one is for whom! haha :)


At the back, I stuck a sticker of our monogram to seal the package.


And inside the package, together with the chocolates, I slipped a picture of either Eyebrows or myself (or both of us in this case) with the friend we were inviting. Tried to Photoshop the picture to give it a vintage effect :) On top was the simple invitation with the date and venue of your big day and our monogram.


Took soooooooo much effort to stare at those chocolates and not eat them myself! hahaha! Enjoy guys :) Hope you enjoy our little token.

Im Going Singapore Airlines...

I usually fly PAL cuz of convenience. This time though, I was flying to Kerala and there was limited airline choices. So, I chose Singapore Airlines instead. It's been awhile since I've flown SQ and I'd almost forgotten how preferable it is!

For one, the planes are newer and better! Even in economy, the seats seem larger than usual! There are more options for reclining and is by far more comfortable than other airplanes Ive rode.

The comfy SQ economy

Second, each economy seat has its own TV! Unlike the PAL TV it is not touch screen, but its a small price to pay for the 20++ movie options and over music choices! The movies are pretty new and updated! There we at least 2 movie options I really really wanted to see!

Movie time! Watched Time Traveller's Wife :)

Listening to my pesonal playlist

Third, the food iwas great! I think it's probably the best economy food Ive ever had. Plane food usually sux, but this was food I would actually order from a restaurant! They served baked fish with potatoes and veggies, a green apple salad and a simple corn pudding dessert. It was delightful! They even gave you a menu to choose from! Thay usually only happens in business class!

The SQ Menu

My food before it was wiped out!

Last but not least, the service is the best Ive ever had! Ive been to one too many airplanes where they pretend not to hear the call button or see you only to find them chit-chatting with their colleagues and eating the leftover desserts! (*ARGH... airline pet peeve!) The sterwards and stewardesses are alert and always in the move. If you ask for a drink or a blanket or anything at all, they get to it right away! They always respond when called. Although they'renot very friendly, they serve you right.

So... if not for the miles I am trying to accumulate, I'd choose to fly Singapore Airlines.

Despite the comforts... Flying always tires me.

We Lost Our Photographer But Found A New One!

Eyebrows and I were so set on having Nelwin Uy shoot our wedding. Now that we're sure with our date and venue, I contacted Nelwin to sign the contract and book him. You'd think November 20, 2010 is a looooooooong time from now but wow was I disappointed. Unfortunately... someone else beat us to it! I sobbed the night he broke the news to us mainly from frustration. I knew we could have booked him earlier but we played it too safe. I loved his natural style and I couldnt find anyone else who shot that way!

Best I could do was ask him for recommendations... Thats when he pointed out to Jeff and Lisa. It took at least a night to get over the feeling of disappointment, but after seeing Jeff and Lisa's website and meeting the couple, we were sold. Instead of just one expert photographer and a few assistants, we had two experts! Their style was similar to what we wanted plus they had a love for our vintage theme! On top of that, they were fun and comfortable to hang out with!

So now we're in the final negotiation and discussion process... I so want to book them already! No way can we lose another photographer!

Jeff and Lisa Photography
Telephone: (+63 02) 705 3214
Mobile: (+63) 917 8545472
E-Mail: admin@jeffandlisaphotography.com
Website: http://jeffandlisaphotography.com

We Finally Found Our Wedding Planner!

After several meetings with one too many local Cebu planners, we finally found the one! He is decent and respectable, direct to the point, organized, easy to talk to and trustworthy. Best of all, he seemed really excited for our wedding and had awesome ideas and inputs. He's not as cheap as others in Cebu but still quite reasonable, considering we came across one that cost over PhP100k! He was recommended by our wedding videographer (Mayad Studios) and Shangri-La Mactan.

Our planner... none other than Bong Abella of Koncepts and More.

Notice the cool coincidence! Eyebrows and I are both wearing purple -- the color theme of our wedding! Hahahaha!

After a breakfast meeting in Cebu and a dinner meeting in Manila, we finally signed the contract.

Contact Details:
Address: 27 Almendras Compound, Almendras Steet, Mabolo, Cebu City
Telephone: (+63 32) 2318888
Mobile: (+63) 920 9014104, (+63) 915 3862529
Email: konceptsandmore@yahoo.com

Cebu Local Music Options

I believe music is an important component to any celebration. The music sets the mood for the occasion so its important for me to get an artist that will portray the theme and feel we're trying to achieve. Ive never been good with song choices so I feel a bit in the dark with this one... one thing I know though is the mood I want to set for the night. For the ceremony I want it solemn and romantic. But for the reception, definitely elegant, but not stiff or overly formal - just light, upbeat and lively.

Ceremony Music: The Wedding String Quartet

Originally, the Shang package comes with a pianist and singer for the ceremony. I somehow fear this turning out a bit tacky. So I was thinking of using a string quartet instead.

Contact Details:
Maricel Capon of String Ensemble
Mobile: (+63) 917 4045218

Cocktails Music: Background Music

Cocktails should only last an hour or so... I was thinking of just having background jazz music for this one, doesnt even necessarily have to be a live band.

Reception Music: Classy Jazz Dinner Music for a Vintage Feel

Instead of the usual string quartet, I wanted an elegant jazz band. I think it would go perfectly with the vintage theme and create a more lively atmosphere. Imagine grand piano... saxophone... that kinda thing. Bong, our wedding planner, was able to recommend one that seems like a good prospect - Natasha Cang. I have yet to listen to her play, but Im praying that we've found our group.

Sample Video:


Contact Details:
Natasha Cang
Mobile: (+63) 927 6597016
E-Mail: natashatatat@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.natashacang.com

After Party: A Different Kind of House?

If there's anything, I want our guests to enjoy the after party -- stick around and dance dance dance! Here Im a bit lost. I dont know whether to go for the rock, the hip-hop, the house, the beach bossa.... ??? One option is an electric guitarist we heard one night out in Cebu - Chico Cristobal! His style is different! He plays the electric guitar with the DJ which makes perfect for a singalong dancing night.

Sample Video:


Contact Details:
Chico Cristobal
Mobile: (+63) 915 8689000

Enjoying Cebu!

October 30 - November 2, 2009

Cebu always brings beautiful memories to Eyebrows and I. I must say that it has unintentionally become our place of retreat. Our last visit during the All Souls Day long weekend was another great one with time well spent on wedding planning, party time with friends, eating and even sight seeing!

The Gustavian
The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu City
Phone: (063 32) 344-6179 and (063 32) 344-7653

For great steak and seafood

Our first night! Just flew in and was starving!!! Headed straight to Terraces for dinner -- my turn to choose!

Tried out Gustavian and was quite happy with it!!! Buffet at around P1000 for 2! Not bad at all! The seafood was super fresh -- loved the mussels, smoked salmon, grilled fish and steak! Was totally worth it. Only thing was, it was just our first night and already we were pigging out!!! I can see the pounds coming!

La Tegola
The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu City
Phone: (063 32) 354-6080

For some reasonable good Italian food

Second dinner was at La Tegola -- yummy simple and clean Italian food. To date, we still havent repeated a restaurant in Cebu! Not bad!

I loved the ambiance of the place. If I could transport this back to Manila, we would have our despedida de soltera here! It's completely in theme with our vintage travel idea!

We had pizza, pasta, wine and beer for only 700 plus! NOT BAD AT ALL! It was yummy and super reasonable!

Jazz N Bluz
27F Cabahug Street, Ayala Access Road, Mabolo Cebu City
Phone: (063 32)232-2698
Website: www.jazznbluzcebu.com
E-Mail: info@jazznbluzcebu.com

For some jazz music and upbeat ballroom dancing

In line with the vintage theme, I wanted a jazz band to perform at our wedding. Since no one we knew had any idea on where to find a jazz band, I turned to the trusty Google and found a club called Jazz N Bluz. We stopped by to check out the bands and get their contacts. Not my top choice, but its an option.

The Tinderbox
Archbishop Reyes Avenue cor. Bauhinia Drive, Banilad, Cebu City
Phone: (063 32) 234-1681 or (063 32) 234-1683 or (063 32) 234-1685
Website: http://www.thetinderbox.com.ph
E-Mail: tbx@thetinderbox.com.ph

For a chill time with friends over some wine and cheese.

Then we headed to Tinder Box for some good wine and cigars. What a chill way to spend Halloween! I wish there was a similar place in Manila... Manila's just way to crowded.

VuduCrossroads, Banilad, Cebu City
Mobile: (+63 0) 922 815 8884
Phone (063 32) 234-0836 or (063 32) 420-7070 or (063 32) 236-7700
Website: http://www.facebook.com/VUDUcebu?v=info
E-Mail: VUDU.Cebu@gmail.com

For a fun night out clubbing with some good music!

And just when we thought the night was over... we decided to party with the group in Vudu! Havent danced with Eyebrows like that in a while! Added plus: got the name of this cool "house music" guitarist and local photo booth!

Cebu Tourism
Website: http://www.cebucitytourism.com/
E-Mail: info@cebucitytourism.com

For historical sights to see in the city and cheap finds!!!

Next day, we still had the time and energy to go sight seeing! Checked out Magellan's cross! Love the old Spanish feel!

Then we stumbled upon the Basilica ng Sto. Nino - still really vintage and in good condition. Felt like a European church! Then we headed to Colon to check out some cheap buys!

WE LOVE THIS PLACE!

The Beautiful Shangri-La Mactan

October 30 - November 2, 2009

A few blogs ago, I complained about the service of Shangri-La Mactan. I couldnt believe that such a beautiful place could have such horrible service... I never was the complaining type, but I loved the city and the venue so much that I pushed to make it work. I sent a polite but disappointed e-mail to their customer service and was greeted with a positive reply. We were endorsed to this lady and ever since then, our wedding journey has been smooth sailing!!! Coleen Rosario... for any Shangri-La Mactan events, I suggest contact her directly! She is quick to respond, easy to talk to and understanding of your limitations. An added plus: she has this warm and cheerful demeanor that makes working with her light and effective. I have put her contact details just in case. Coleen Rosario +63-917-576-2016 coleen.rosario@shangri-la.com

So anyway, Eyebrows and I visited Shangri-La Mactan a second time mainly to seal the deal with our venue. Eyebrows was still unsure of whether this was our place. I think it was because our first visit was not a very positive one... (Eyebrows is a very visual person. He's gotta see it as it is. If the place isnt presented well, then there's no way he can see its sparkle.) He wasnt 100% on the ballroom, since it was being renovated the last time we were there. He wanted a beach wedding, after all we were flying to a beach - it didnt make sense to get married in a ballroom. But it was too expensive... There were still so much hanging questions.

I on the other hand loved the venue the moment we stepped in. It was exactly what I was looking for - and indoor ceremony venue with an awesome view. A beach resort with a ballroom. A classy yet relaxing place to hang with our family and friends. Despite our initial bad experience with the service and presentation, I felt like this was our place. It's just that gut feeling a girl gets sometimes. But, I must admit, Im not one to simply decide on gut. I needed to be assured we would be taken care of (especially since neither of us was from Cebu) and that the ballroom would suit our style.

So ur second visit was mainly to see the ballroom, meet Coleen, and decide on whether this was our place.

With Coleen on our second visit to Shangri-La Mactan

When we got to the Shang, we were greeted by Coleen and her manager. They appologized for our previous experience, and we let it pass as no big deal. This time around, we were simply blown away. First, Coleen definitely knows her stuff. Our questions were answered precisely. She even showed us samples of wedding cakes and floral arrangements. Then she took us around to see the venues for a second time.

The landscape of Shangri-La was awesome. Despite the hot hot weather, we enjoyed the stroll around the beach.

Cowry Cove

The Cowry Cove where we can stay up at night partying by the beach!!!

One of the many pools at Shang. Relaxing, eh? :)

The beautiful beach! A place to hang with friends the day after!

The Ocean Pavilion was as beautiful as ever.... with a view of the blue ocean.

Eyebrows standing at the altar area... practicing! (yihee!)

Then, the newly renovated Mactan Ballroom.

Enjoying the ballroom

Wow. It was more beautiful than we imagined! The main ballroom looked new and elegant, but not stiff. The cocktail area was enclosed but had a ceiling-to-floor view of the garden. The chandeliers were huge and classy.

The entrance to the ballroom

On top of that, the place was prepared with sample chairs, table arrangements and linens (I didnt even expect that!) for us to choose from! AND... Coleen asked the kitchen to make us customized purple drinks for our cocktails for us to taste. Now thats service!

The "his" and "her" chairs

Our customized purple drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic?) I love it!!!

Options for linens, arrangements, napkins.... Eyebrows likes the frog fold. Go figure. LOL!

So all in all, we are contented with Shangri-La Mactan. All thats left is to finalize the costs and sign the contract!!!! HERE WE GO! :)