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!!! :)

***************************
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
***************************

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

***************************
Be Resorts Mactan
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Cebu, Philippines
Landline: (+63) (32) 236 8888
***************************

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 :)