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! :)