Entourage Get Together - First Measurement

Planned a simple get together with our entourage to get everyone measured at one go! :) Thanks everyone for coming! :)

With the Avengers++

With CLINCR

With the Golf Crew

Engagement Part 2 - Proposing Again at Stanley Park

Eyebrows proposed at the same spot in Stanley Park again, a year after our first engagement :) *melt* The second time around was so much sweeter! I guess it was because we were both in a happy place and sure of where our relationship was going...


The location is actually quite symbolic of our outlook in life that we started to dissect it! It was right in the middle of two opposite scenes, one studded with pretty little cherry blossoms - pretty, dreamy and perfect. The other one scattered with random trees, dreary, haunting and mysterious.


Anyway, as a souvenir we decided to get ourselves drawn. :) Sitting in one spot with a poker face for 10 minutes is not as easy as you think! hehe!

Everything by Michael Buble

You're a falling star, you're the get away car.
You're the line in the sand when I go too far.
You're the swimming pool, on an August day.
And you're the perfect thing to say.

And you play it coy but it's kinda cute.
Ah, when you smile at me you know exactly what you do.
Baby don't pretend that you don't know it's true.
'cause you can see it when I look at you.

[Chorus:]
And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, you make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,
And you light me up, when you ring my bell.
You're a mystery, you're from outer space,
You're every minute of my everyday.

And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man,
And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.
Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,
And you know that's what our love can do.

[Chorus]

So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

[Chorus:]

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, you make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.
You're every song, and I sing along.
'Cause you're my everything.
Yeah, yeah

So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

Buying Fabric for the Ninangs (Principal Sponsors)

With Eyebrows out of town, I was left to search for fabric to give to our ninangs (primary sponsors) so they can start having their gowns sewn. This was my nth time to visit a fabric store, and with a million swatches on hand, I was pretty sure it would be a breeze. Wow was I mistaken! After 3 hours of comparing colors, I could no longer tell beige from white. Then... just when I thought I finally had the color right, they didn't have enough yards to cover all our ninangs! So there I was, back to square one, tired and just about ready to put on a blindfold and leave it to fate to pick a freakin' color! (*Sigh*)

So I go back to the store I first went to (Fabric Warehouse, Glorietta, Makati) and asked for help, again. Gina, the saleslady was such a darling. She was so patient and understanding and helpful. She must have climbed that stool a dozen times to pick out yards of samples for me to compare. Then she came up with the brilliant idea of choosing another fabric type! You see, I was so bent on using chiffon since its what we're using for the rest of the entourage that I almost forgot I had other choices! We found this perfect fabric in satin... but before I went on to buy it, I called Veejay (or designer) to confirm what he thought. And guess what... nope to satin! Its too hard and wont fit every woman's body type. AHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhh!!! But, he recommended I try Georgette fabric. That's when we found the perfect color. It matched our bridesmaids dresses, it wasnt so light-colored, and it matched our purple theme as well! I went ahead and bought 25 yards. Finally. :)

The fabric and wrapping material I bought for the ninangs

You'd think I'd be tired by then, but NO... a sudden rush of creativity came upon me and I decided to look for materials to wrap the fabric. There's no way I can hand over the fabric to our ninangs in a plastic bag! So carrying 25 yards of fabric in my high heels, I went and searched for wrapping materials. By this time it was almost 9pm, I was starving and my feel were killing me!!! Long story short, I got all that I needed and another wedding task completed. :)

The finished product :)

I had to include our monogram ofcourse! :)

Choosing a Hair and Makeup Artist

I didnt want to have to fly and lodge a hair and makeup artist all the way from Manila, especially when Cebu is said to have some pretty good ones in house. Tried out pretty much every make-up artist in town: Wenwen Zaspa (who I tried some months back), Gari Son, Ramil Solis and finally Jessie Glova.

Mom trying out Ramil Solis

Me with Gari Son

And last but not least, with Jessie Glova

Most of them did a good job, but it was only with Jessie that I got exactly what I was looking for - a clean, natural and well-polished look. Plus, he's got a very classy and happy personality that suits mine. Gari is my second choice, he puts effort in his work and is always is a bubbly mood! So, I have finally decided - Jessie Glova for myself and some family members and Gari Son for the rest of the entourage! Finally!!! :)

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Ramil Solis
Mobile: +63 917 323 9488 or +63 922 990 1746

Jessie Glova
Landline: (+63) (32) 236 1808
Mobile: +63 917 622 2747 or +63 905 422 2747

Gari Son
Mobile: +63 917 620 1202

Wenwen Zaspa
Landline: (+63) (32) 418 2525
Mobile: +63 920 575 3643 or
(Jing-jing, assistant) +63 920 557 8432 or +63 932 233 4097
E-mail: new_zaspa@yahoo.com
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Visiting BE Resorts

Plane ride to Cebu

While Eyebrows was in Canada, I thought to go to Cebu for a few days to spend some mother-and-daughter-time. Plus, I needed all the help I could get with finalizing our Despedida de Soltera party at Resorts. There's really nothing that can compare to the kind of help and support you get from Mom. She was so helpful, Im so grateful to have her with me through this.

Discussing details with Janine and Cookie of BE Resorts

First order of the trip was to visit BE Resorts and come to an agreement. What food, entertainment, giveaways, room discounts, transportation, corkage, etc etc etc... that kinda stuff. We're planning to hold a Despedida de Soltera party there the day before the wedding, plus we're expecting several of our guests to lodge at their resort as well. Quite honestly, I've been having difficulty coordinting with them - e-mailing and talking to Janine was a challenge the past few weeks and frankly, I was starting to get really frustrated. So as not to make this a venting blog, let me just put it simply - I felt like we were not being accommodated fairly. almost 6 months down the road we were no where near a decent arrangement. It was so hard to get a good deal. But speaking face to face proved to have its advantages. Plus, having Mom around really helped me drill down to what I wanted.

Anyway, despite the challenges with some of Resorts' staff, we were set on the venue for two main reasons: it was conveniently close to Shangri-La Mactan and it was beautiful. They had a classy play area complete with a billiard table, foosball machine, wii console, and a secured kids play area.

The Play Area

They also had a clean and well maintained swimming pool for their guests. Plus a huge beachfront area! All in all, guests were sure to have a good and relaxing time :)

BE Resort Facilities

The Resort had several areas we could have our party on but we decided on the beachfront are directly overlooking the sea. The party would be something native, casual and fun! We would have drum beaters and fire dancers and lively bohemian music! Food and drinks would be free-flowing!!! Eeeeeeek!!! So excited!!!

The beachfront where we'll be having our party

All in all, Im really grateful she was there. Couldnt have done it without her!!!

Final shot before we headed to our hotel

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Be Resorts Mactan
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Cebu, Philippines
Landline: (+63) (32) 236 8888
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You Make It Real by James Morison

Mmmmm
There's so much craziness, surrounding me
There's so much going on, it gets hard to breathe
When all my faith has gone, you bring it back to me
You make it real for me

When I'm not sure of, my priorities
When I've lost site of, where I'm meant to be
Like holy water, washing over me
You make it real for me

And I'm running to you baby
You are the only one who saved me
That's why I've been missing you lately
Cause you make it real for me

When my head is strong, but my heart is weak
I'm full of arrogance, and uncertainty
But I can find the words, you teach my heart to speak
You make it real for meee, yeaaa

And I'm running to you baby
Cause you are the only one who saved me
That's whyyy I've been missing you lately
Cause you make it real for me

Ohhh
Everybodies talking in words
I don't understand
You got to be the only one
Who knows just who I am
Your shinin in the distance
I hope I can make it through
Cause the only place
That I want to be
Is right back home with you

I guess there's so much more
I have to learn
But if you're here with me
I know which way to turn
You always give me somewhere,
Somewhere I can learn
You make it real for me

And I'm running to you baby
Cause you are the only one who saved me
That's why I've been missing you lately
Cause you make it real for me

You make it real for me

Lovely by Michelle Tumes

You're the sweet dreams that soothe me
When I can't fall asleep.
You're the field
In the middle of the city.
When I'm rushing by
At the speed of light.

You're the strong resolution
When I find no peace.
You're the church bells ringing
In the evening.
When all is quiet,
Your whisper comfort
Lifts my heart.
I get so weak.

Ohhh.... You're lovely, lovely
You're the center of my universe.
(my universe)
A thousand times
I look around me and I find...

Ohh... you're lovely. (lovely)
You're the center of my universe.
(my universe)
A million ways
Cannot explain,
You're lovely.

You're the soft words that touch me
When I just can't speak.
You're the breeze on the ocean
In the morning,
Reminding me
To greet the day.

You're the flowers I remember
Seeing in Italy.
Colors through
A golden haze,
Bright and radiant,
Soft and fragrant
In the noon day sun,
It makes me sing.

I understand...
There may be grief
And there may be pain.
But I am aware
You blind the darkness
With who You are
Because...

A Trip to Divisoria

Its been over a year since we've been to Divisoria, or rather 168. One long weekend, Eyebrows and I decide to pay a visit with one main objective: buy twine. Before heading to Divisoria, we stop by Ongpin (aka Chinatown) to eat in The President Restaurant. Had the most yummy dimsum lunch and mango sago for dessert. I think this resto now qualifies as one of my favorite places to go to for mango sago!

After our yummy dimsum lunch in Ongpin

One of my favorite places to go to for mango sago, although I still prefer it in a bowl as opposed to a glass.

Ive forgotten how fun it is to shop at Divisoria! Its the perfect place to go to for DIY materials! Bought tons of stuff, both for our wedding and for myself (hehe, I couldnt help it!) We stayed till closing time, but guess what? No twine. Booooo...

Shopping at 168.

Contract Signing with Veejay Floresca

We've decided! Veejay Floresca's doing our entire entourage - gowns and suits, and mom's gown too! We met up with him to finalize the contract and talk about details.

Mom and Veejay talking about her design

One thing I love about Veejay is his easy-go-lucky personality! He's so light to be with and passionate about his work. It's always a pleasure meeting up with him.

White is the color of the day! :)

We showed Veejay the swatches of the entourage gown and Eyebrows' tie. We're going for light and clean tones that match with purple. Ooooooohhhh... so excited :)

Rej's mental note: Dinner with the loves of my life :) Cant get better than this.

Pig out tradition after meeting our suppliers :)

Next step: first measurement of the entourage.

A Wedding Present

We finally make it to Kuala Lumpur

We decided to go on get away for Holy Week. Without much of a budget, we decided on a promo flight and accommodation package via Air Philippines. Because it was a budget airline, the flight departed from Clark Airbase. Usually, it takes us about an hour to get to the airport, however since it was Holy Week, we expected a little more traffic and gave an extra week leeway. Problem was, the traffic was not just a little bad -- it was HORRIBLE and we ended up missing our flight! To make a long story short, we ended up paying a few extra hundred dollars to buy a new ticket for next day. Apparently, you cant rebook budget tickets!

Anyway... despite all that happened, KL Malaysia turned out to be a blast. :) On top of that, I was able to buy a little present for our wedding - cufflinks!

With his wedding present! Just for the picture, you get to get it again on our wedding! haha :)

Seeing JC Buendia's Designs

A few days ago, Eyebrows and I decided on getting Randy Ortiz for Eyebrows' tux. But for some reason it didnt sit well with me. I know my fiance and he's not into the funky design. Eyebrows is classic, he likes clean cuts and simple designs. So, we searched some more. Decided to see JC Buendia, For some reason, I couldnt find much advertisement in the web of him, but I knew some grooms who worked with him. He's reasonable and classic.

Setting a meeting with JC was tough. Weekends were out of the question since he had a wedding pretty much every week. After office hours was a long shot since he was all the way in Cubao, but we tried anyway. So here we were on a Monday evening seeing him sketch for us. :)

JC Buendia sketching his design

When the sketch was done it was exactly as we expected, simple and classic, so Eyebrows. Then he showed us fabric - different choices for the ties... we decided on a beige tone. It was clean and it would make Eyebrows stand out from the rest. Side note: when we met with Veejay a few days later, he recommended we go for a beige-ish polo shirt as well. What a good idea! IM EXCITED :)

The salpicao tradition

After the meeting, we headed off to dinner. Decided to try out a new restaurant along Conneticut, Greenhills. Eyebrows went with the Filipino sampler dish and I had the salpicao. Coincidently, that every time we decided on a designer, we headed out to eat salpicao after!!! HAHAHA! (After deciding on Veluz, we had salpicao at Casa Armas. After deciding on Veejay, we had salpicao at Apt 1B. JC is our guy for sure... hahaha!) How strange is that?

Having dinner

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JC Buendia
Landline: (+63) (02) 438 5449
Mobile: (+63) 0917 793
***************************

Choosing a Catholic Church

After confirming with the priest for the nth time, we've finally gotten the go signal to get married in a Catholic church. We figured we'd have a very intimate ceremony with just immediate family in a quaint chapel a few days before our Mactan wedding. Now this leaves us with a new task - look for a simple, small and cozy chapel to hold our Catholic ceremony.

We checked out St. John Bosco Parish. The church itself would have been perfect but a little too big for less than 10 people. hehe. The chapel is not bad, but then the lack of natural light makes it feel like an underground haven -- maybe this isn't our venue... keep searching.

St. John Bosco Parish

The St. John Bosco Parish Church, wedding crashing! Hey, is that Terence???

Another chapel we came across was the one in Greenbelt. It would have been perfect. Cozy, easy to get to, close to restaurants - very convenient. I called to get the details, and unfortunately, they dont allow weddings there.

The Greenbelt Chapel

Havent had the chance to look around some more, but Im thinking Christ the King? I remember Ethan having his baptism in one of the chapel areas. Its really quaint and simple. Quite pretty.

The Christ the King Chapel during Ethan's Baptism

The Christ the King Chapel Podium with the crazy clan

Now all we need to do is visit and get the requirements. Hmmmm... mental note, make time for that soon. Time is moving fast!

Meeting our Wedding Planner - Bong Abella

Meeting Bong Abella, our wedding planner for some updates

We're so blessed to get a wedding planner that frequents Manila. When I found out he was in town again, we met up at Cyma, Greenbelt for some dinner and chit chat. It was nice to be able to share with him my vision for our wedding and to get his inputs as well.

Choosing the paper and finishing of our DIY postcards

Its that time of year again when teenagers take that leap from their sheltered lives to perceived freedom - college! I remember that phase of my life, excited for my independence but unsure of where I want to go or who I want to be.

Both Eyebrows and I had siblings who just graduated from high school. This night, we were getting ready for dinner at Choi Garden for Michelle's grad dinner celebration. We were a bit early, so we thought to stop by Promenade for some drinks. Perfect opportunity to do a bit of wedding planning!!! We sat by Xocolate, Eyebrows ordered a tall sugar-free chocolate shake, and I water. Pretty cool that the water they served was exactly like the water bottle we were having custom made for our wedding!

Sample water bottle for our Despedida de Soltera give-away by Nature Spring. Planning to have our logo custom printed at the bottle

Spent some time deciding on how to have our postcards printed. The postcards were pictures we took from different countries, edited to give it a vintage effect and printed to be our giveaways - supposedly. Never realized there are so many types of paper and lamination to choose from! We decided on using Foldcote 12 with glossy lamination, P10 per piece. Going to have it made at the printing store right outside my office.

Looking at the sample postcards

Posing with our sample postcards.

Side note, we bumped into Jeff and Lisa (our wedding photographers) too! Was nice to see them again.

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Instant Copy Station
Mobile: (+63) 0917 6206199
Email: instantcopy@gmail.com, instantcopystation@yahoo.com

Jeff and Lisa Photography
Landline: (+63) (02) 705 3214
Mobile: (+63) 0917 854 5472
Email: admin@jeffandlisaphotography.com
Website: http://jeffandlisaphotography.com
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Seeing Randy Ortiz' Designs

Not exactly happy with Francis Libiran, we go to our next choice. Randy Ortiz - as recommended by Veluz. Randy Ortiz seems super easy to work with. Set the meeting a few days ahead, he makes the time to see you, visit, measure, Randy sketches, talk cost, agree, and huwala! -- the deal is done!

Taking his measurements

Suits and tuxes are so much easier to talk about than gowns. But, ofcourse nothing is without challenge. Eyebrows is super classic, if we had it our way we'd head over to Zegna and he'd have one custom made (if it weren't just so crazily expensive!) So, we compromise and scout around. Just like Francis, Randy is a stylish designer and he draws up something quite unique. A piped white shirt, ad cream-colored vest, a tie and bow tie (the option is ours), and a black tux. Ofcourse, its no ordinary black tux. Its got some silk piping here and there to make it a bit different and modern.

Randy Ortiz' sketches

Luckily, Randy has a few ready made samples he used in his last fashion show. He allowed Eyebrows to try one out and Eyebrows really liked it! At that point, I thought we'd found our grooms wear supplier. But I didn't feel peace about it. Eyebrows is such a classic guy, somehow this doesn't really seem classic. So we hold it off for a bit and I go back to scouting for the right designer for him.

Randy's sample tux

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Randy Ortiz
Phone: (+63) (02) 922 8375
Mobile: (+63) 0920 6006449, (+63) 0920 8358117
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Seeing (or not seeing) Francis Libiran's Designs

Francis is a really nice guy with great taste but I'm pretty sure he's not the supplier for us.

Francis Libiran's Office

This was our second visit to Francis, and we were expecting to see his sketches for Eyebrows' tux and our entourage. Chollo (Francis' super nice assistant) e-mailed me the sketches and quotation for the tux earlier. It worried me that there was none for the entourage, so I called to remind him to sketch it in time for our second meeting. Come our second meeting, there we no sketches -- although, there was a quotation which was well above our budget. So, I guess it all worked out.

Some of the designs Francis Libiran drew for us

BIG BONUS: in perfect timing, Francis offered to lend me a gown for the Bb Pilipinas 2010 pageant that evening! Yey, I had something to wear!

Mom and I at Bb. Pilipinas 2010, Im wearing Francis Libiran's gown

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Francis Libiran
Address: 126 Sct Fernandez, Tomas Morato, QC
Phone: (+63) (02) 416 9098
Mobile: (+63) 9228255495
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