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

Cebu Pacific 50% OFF Promo!

Cebu Pacific had a 50% off promo for all their flights!!! As soon as we found out, Eyebrows and I informed our family and friends and booked for everyone we needed to book for almost 30 people! A round trip flight from Manila to Cebu turned out to be only around P1,500! What a deal! :)

We booked all our suppliers to be there the day of the wedding, but for the photographers and videographers, we booked them to arrive a day in advance. Some even agreed to shoot our Despedida de Soltera! God is good. What a blessing :)

We're so happy too that a lot of our friends were able to book at a discount as well. It's really exciting to see those closest to us be excited with us :) 200+ days left! Time will fly :)

Cebu Sinulog + Some Wedding Planning

January 16, 2010

2010 started off with a bang! I moved in to my new condo and started a new job, planning for the wedding never became so tough to squeeze into the schedule. I guess this is what most working brides experience. But as they say, the show must go on.

We make our way back to Cebu during Sinulog with a few agenda in mind. Our main reason for the trip was to, the baptism of my dear godchild Annika. What an adorable baby! She's far from being able to walk or talk, but Eyebrows and I are hoping she'll be able to in time for our wedding.

Since we were already in Cebu, I figured we'd squeeze a few wedding stuff into the schedule. It resulted in quite a hectic weekend, but Im happy we got a few stuff done. First, I did the trial hair and makeup session with Wen Wen Zaspa. I must say Wen has great talent, but Im not sure its exactly what Im looking for. Here are some pics of the result:

Second, we were able to meet with our prospective reception singer, Natasha Cang. Our first impression, this woman is classy. She spoke to us about her style and the other muscians she'll be singing with (a saxophonist, cellist, pianist and percussionist). We got a copy of her sample CD. If we can work together on the cost, I think this is our girl.

Lastly, we met with Pinky Chang from Pink Flora for our flowers. This girl is so busy it takes whole lot of follow-ups to get a response. But when we spoke, Eyebrows and I a confidence that this woman knows what she is doing. Im just hoping she has the time to work with us.

With all this in the agenda, we didnt have much time for anything else. Before going home, Eyebrows, myself and a few other friends had a brief chance to check out Sinulog, but nothing enough to experience it fully. We'll just have to visit again next year!

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! :)

Cebu 2nd Visit (Venue and Suppliers)

October 30 - November 2, 2009

It was a long Philippine weekend so we decided to schedule our second Cebu visit. It was just perfect. We're loving this place more and more! It's becoming such a memorable city for Eyebrows and I, every visit we make is a joyous one. I know it, this is our place.

Since every visit is also a costly one, I tried to maximize our time and get our schedule organized beforehand. Here was our schedule:


MAIN PURPOSE (of this visit):
1. Finalize on the venue, or at least be able to decide if we're 100% on Shang or not.
2. Meet with wedding planners and hopefully decide on one.
3. Get a feel of our options for other suppliers (ex: make-up, flowers, lodging, music, transportation)

THINGS WE ACCOMPLISHED (during this visit):*I'll talk a little more about this on a separate blog*
1. Saw the newly renovated Shangrila ballroom and loved it!!! We're deciding on the Shang.
2. Found an awesome travel agent who seems easy to work with.
3. Found a wedding planner we believe we can trust.
4. Got really good feedback on our prospective hair/makeup and flower suppliers.
5. Got additional options for cheaper lodging
6. Got leads for transportation suppliers
7. Got leads for music suppliers

NEXT THINGS TO DO (within the rest of 2008):1. Finalize requirements from the Shangrila and sign the contract.
2. Finalize requirements from the Wedding Planner and sign the contract.
2. Finalize requirements from the Photographer and sign the contract.
3. Finalize requirements from the Videographer and sign the contract.
4. Coordinate with the Florist on the concept and cost, schedule a meeting for 2009 to view a sample.
7. Coordinate with the Travel Agent on additional options for Lodging and Transportation
5. Look for Music suppliers (Jazz, DJ, etc)
6. Complete Will you be my... and begin on the other DIY stuff
7. Other low priority stuff: Wedding gown, Hair/Makeup, Guest List, Entourage, Invitations,

Im so proud of us, cuz not only were we able to accomplish the 3 purposes of the visit, we were also able to enjoy Cebu!!!!

Cheers to beating the Manila storm, really yummy reasonably-priced food, never repeating a restaurant (yet), chillin at Tinder Box (if only there was one in Manila), partying at Vudu with non-stop drinks, top knotch DJs (woot! woot!), free food and drinks at the Marriott, sightseeing historic spots, shopping at Cebu's Divisoria, meeting my cutest inaanak, and still finding time to talk and relax... CEBU ROCKS! :)

Planning for a Wedding Planner

In my attempt to be more organized, I sent out a list of requirements to our initial shortlisted wedding planners and ask for a more customized cost. He's the requirements I put together. Anything I missed out on??? Suggestions are most welcome... :)

Preparation (3 months ahead)

• Unlimited consultation
• Schedule a Pre-planning and Getting to know you (inform planner of wedding details)
• Oversee RSVP of guests (follow up calls, coordinate with travel agent, etc)
• Assist in bringing together the wedding theme/motif/décor (considering suppliers)
• Final meeting with suppliers to finalize details
• Coordinate and monitor suppliers, ensure completeness prior to wedding day
• Assist in ceremony/reception program
• Assist in orchestration of music

Pre-Wedding (2 weeks ahead)

• Exposure to all suppliers and decors prior to the wedding
• Finalize suppliers (ensure that all suppliers and DIY stuff are ready as planned)
• Safekeep all DIY stuff and in charge of bringing props to venue (ex: program cards, escort cards, give aways, secondary sponsor props, etc)
• Wedding Rehearsal (oversee ceremony rehearsals, briefing/orientation entourage)
• Facilitate the program briefing (with host/s, readers, and other persons concerned)
• Smooth flow of transpo and lodging of guests to and from Mactan (Friday-Sunday)

On the day

• In charge of all suppliers (band, flowers, food, liquor, makeup, photographer, videographer, technical team, waiters, etc…)
• Ensure proper set up the venue as agreed upon (DIY stuff, flowers, design, etc)
• Ensure technical set-up (sound system, microphones, band/sound, AVP, etc)
• Supervision of hair/makeup, entourage flowers, departure of bride/groom for ceremony, pictorials (post-ceremony and table to table)
• Schedule and coordination transpo of guests and suppliers on the day (transportation management)
• Schedule and coordination of break and meal time of couple and service crew
• Distribute "misalettes" / program flow to guests
• Organize the processional and the recessional flow (Que entourage for walking down the aisle)
• Coordinate with wedding participants (ex: readers, offertory, singers, secondary sponsors, etc)
• Provide ushers/usherettes (What outfit are they wearing? Can they speak fluent English?)
• Implement program flow/ wedding schedule
• Decide for the couple in case of rain (Implement Plan B)
• Oversee registration booth and escort cards
• Register all received gifts
• Attend to inquiries/problems
• Distribute giveaways
• Oversee food service
• Oversee liquor count/excess cake/food/giveaways
• Handle final payments of all suppliers

Long List of Cebu Wedding Planners

Ive started scouting for wedding planners... since we will most probably have it in Cebu, it makes sense to get a supplier from the area. With the help of Shangri-La Mactan, we've gathered a LOooooooooNG list of options!!!

CEBU WEDDING PLANNERS

Ms. Claire Villaflor
President
Events Depot
101 Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City
Telephone number: +63 32 4161519
Mobile number: +63 921 2858600
Email add: rightconnect_wedding@yahoo.com.ph

Ms. Stanz Catalan
Grupo
2/F I2 Building Asiatown
IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
Telephone number: +63 32 4158056
Mobile number: +63 917 6262600
Email add: stanz_c@yahoo.com

Mr Ritchie Mendoza
Cebu Events Maker
4th Floor, Mendoza Building
622 Zamora Street, Centro, Mandaue City
Telephone number: +63 32 4228048
Mobile number: +63 920 9222781
Email add: cebueventsmaker@yahoo.com

Ms Connie Te
Precious Moments
Singson Compound
A. Abellana Ext, Guadalupe, Cebu City
Telephone number: +63 32 5161707
Mobile number: +63 917 3277778 / +63 922 8617177
Email add: chershed_moments@yahoo.com

Mr Bong Abella
Koncepts and More
27 Almendras Compound
Almendras Steet, Mabolo, Cebu City
Telephone number: +63 32 2318888
Mobile number: +63 920 9014104
Email add: konceptsandmore@yahoo.com

Ms Maria Gila Benedicto
Rent An Angel Weddings
313 Sikatuna Street
Zapatera, Cebu City
Mobile number: +63 918 9089587
Email add: rent_an_angel@yahoo.com.ph

Mr Joey Alberto
Creative Freeway
934-N Salinas Drive Ext Lahug
Cebu City
Telephone number: +63 32 4147340
Mobile number: +63 916 9915504
Email add: jp_alberto@yahoo.com

Bonneville Zubiri Almendras
I Do Events
22 Quirino Street, Villa Aurora Subd.
Mabolo, Cebu City
Telephone number: +63 32 2319258
Mobile number: +63 917 6202664
Email add: bo_almendras@yahoo.com

Ms Floralyn Sevilla
Abbysean Events and Need
38 Figueroa Street Corner B Aranas, Cebu
Telephone number: +63 32 2648272
Mobile number: +63 915 2728445
Email add: ralynsdesign@yahoo.com

Ms Tisha Mae Sanchez
Bliss Unlimited
Telephone number: +63 32 4228199
Mobile number: +63 917 6266211
Email add: blissunlimited@gmail.com

Ms Mellany Cular
Kasal ATBP
Mobile number: +63 9238239933 /+63 9274576929
Email add: kasal_atbpcebu@yahoo.com, mellany_cular18@yahoo.com.ph

Ms Snoogie Mata
Snoogie Wedding and Events
Mobile number: +63 9173209699
Email add: fdreynes_mata@yahoo.com

Since we obviously cant meet ALL of them, I based our initial shortlist on those who responded the quickest and most comprehensively. Im thinking... we will be coordinating with them from another city all together, I dont want to have to deal with the headache of chasing for a response each time, right? So, here's our initial shortlist...

TOP 3:

1. Ms Tisha Mae Sanchez, Bliss Unlimited
2. Mr Ritchie Mendoza, Cebu Events Maker
3. Ms Floralyn Sevilla, Abbysean Events and Need

Next in Line:

4. Mr Bong Abella, Koncepts and More
5. Ms. Claire Villaflor, Events Depot
6. Ms Mellany Cular, Kasal ATBP

Cebu Ocular - Hilton and Plantation Bay

HILTON and PLANTATION BAY
Maybe for a vacation... Not our weddingAugust 8, 2009

We checked out a few other venues for a Mactan wedding, the Hilton and Plantation Bay. The Hilton had a pretty garden and beach front that makes for a great beach party. Its got a Plan B (the ballroom), which looks a bit old and run down. Plus the whole building looks like a pink flamingo!!! No thanks...

Hilton: The beach and garden front

Hilton: The ballroom, I guess circles are said to be lucky? LOL

Hilton: Reception Area. Maybe if my theme was pink?

Plantation Bay is -- well, cool!! Gives you this feeling of being in a surreal environment. Eyebrows loves it, I think it plays with his graphic novel imagination. We'd go back for a trippy trip, but not for an elegant wedding.

Plantation Bay: Sample outdoor wedding ceremony

Plantation Bay: Sample outdoor wedding reception

Plantation Bay: The plan B, but a little too small for 300 guests, dont you think?

Cebu Ocular - Microtel

MICROTEL MACTAN
Awesome Lodging at a Bargain!
August 8, 2009

We fell in love with Shang Mactan. Its beautiful – and like most things beautiful, it comes at a price. Lodging is quite pricey at the Shang, and Im not sure that guests would be willing to pay PhP8,000 for a night (although if its youre first time in Mactan, I’d highly recommend it). We would have thrown the beautiful, almost-perfect venue out the window if not for our unplanned discovery.

Just a couple of kilometers from the Shang is Microtel. Quite honestly, I never really had a good impression about Microtel. I imagined an old boutique hotel. Dusty carpets. Musky smelling rooms. Dark. Just... not the type of place you want your guests to stay before your wedding day. BUT... this Microtel changed all that! (Thanks to Barcelon, else we never would have found this place!) Its new, just under a year old. The rooms are clean and bright. Its got a long, white-sand beach front. Its got its own huge pool. Its good good staff, and for good food the Abaca resort is literally next door. But best of all…. Its more than half the price of the Shang!!! (happy happy joy joy!!!) We were pleasantly impressed. THIS MAKES SHANG MACTAN POSSIBLE!!!!

So, here’s a few pictures of Microtel…

The All New Microtel, Mactan! YUP, its new alright!

Its got its own white sand beach front, a large pool and a baby pool (not in picture). Actually considered having the wedding here.

The Deluxe room, if you dont mind sharing you can fit up to 4 people in a room!

The Studio Room, its even got its own kitchen! And the view from the balcony is awesome!