me, myself and I

for you..........

2006-08-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to you
tyler collins

Thank you for teaching me how to love
Showing me what the world means
What I've been dreamin' of
And now I know, there is nothing that I could not do
Thanks to You

For teaching me how to feel
Showing me my emotions
Letting me know what's real
From what is not
What I've got is more that I'd ever hoped for
And a lot of what I hope for is
Thanks to you

No mountain, no valley
No time, no space
No heartache, no heartbreak
No fall from grace
Can't stop me from believing
That my love will pull me through
Thanks to You

(Adlib)

There's no mountain, no valley
No time, no space
No heartache, no heartbreak
No fall from grace
Can't stop me from believing
That my love will see me through
Thanks to You
Thanks to You

For teaching me how to live
Putting things in perspective
Teaching me how to give
And how to take
No mistake
We were put here together
And if I breakdown
Forgive me but it's true
That I'm aching with the love I feel inside
Thanks to You
Thanks to you

\m/

farewell

2006-08-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

Long time no see. It’s been a while since I last posted. Unfortunately, blogger.com is one of the sites blocked by our office server. SO no updates are done unless I get home and use our home computer. Since I do not have broadband connection at home, you get the picture.

Right now, no updates for the wedding, and there will never be.

I know you're all surprised by this words. Its true, no more updates. Not because I’m moving to a new blog, or I’ll be deleting this and creating a new one. Whatever your thinking right now, its true.

I decided to end it. Why? Let’s just say its for the best. That’s all for now!

Till next time! (I hope there will be)

P.S. By the way, I did pass my CCNA exam! Now that’s over, more time for the preparations? Nope! What I have now is a lot of time to spend looking for a new job. If you happen to know any opening for a call center agent, give a shout in my Cbox! Thanks!

unfortunately,

2006-06-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting lately. Since my exam was moved, I've been studying and reviewing for the exam. even our preparations are on hold right now. Gil is the only one preparing and taking care of things related for the wedding.

I've got problems in my hands right now with regards to the exam. And I don't want to add more to it. But in terms of going to our prospective Ninongs and Ninangs, I come along to this outings. syempre para makilala ko na rin sila.

tapos, syempre yung pc sa bahay namin hindi gumagana, kaya eto dagdag na problema pa. aside from problems sa work.

hay......sana matapos na yung exam para mabawasan na intindihin ko......

yun lang po!

till next time!

\m/
gil.n.lei
12.09.06

restday

2006-06-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

hopefully, today(tuesday, 6/20), we can do alot of things with concern with our preparations. Time sure flies so fast. I need to study, not review, for my CCNA exam on July 14. Alot of work to do! I hope I can study at home for the CCNA exam......too bad all my resources are in soft copy. I need to print it out to be able to study at home....

I need to deduct the days I needed to study for the CCNA from our preparation time. I really hate this! When someone forces me to do something I don't want to do!grr...

better be it over and done so it doesn't add up to my worries. ugh!

wish me gudluck!

till next time!

gil.n.lei
12.09.06

to do's

2006-06-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

**phrases in violet are already done

Coordinator

¥ choose reception coordinator
¥ brief about the reception settings

Church

¥ book church on chosen date
¥ arrange for flowers
¥ choose wedding officiant (but we haven't spoken to Father Pogi yet)
¥ attend canonical interview
¥ attend pre-cana seminar
¥ submit church and legal requirements
¥ submit names of lectors and commentators
¥ submit names of princial sponsors
¥ have missalette approved
¥ submit name of photog and videog

Reception/Caterer

¥ book reception venue
¥ schedule taste test
¥ choose caterer
¥ finalize menu
¥ discuss reception details (flowers, waiters, etc)
¥ buy wine

Photo/Video

¥ book photog/videog
¥ schedule prenups
¥ choose prenup pics for tarpulin
¥ prepare list of mandatory shots

Couturier

¥ book couturier
¥ meet with designer for gown designs
¥ have all gown measurements taken
¥ schedule first fittings
¥ schedule final fittings
¥ pick up gowns of entourage

Motiff/Theme

¥ Pastel Green only
¥ Lilac only
¥ Lilac and Green
¥ Violet and Pastel Green

Principal Sponsors

¥ choose principal sponsors
¥ prepare gifts for Principal Sponsors
¥ Inform principal sponsors and schedule visits

Entourage

¥ choose members of the entourage
¥ Inform members of the entourage

Hair and Make-up Artist

¥ choose HMUA
¥ schedule prenups
¥ discuss schedule on wedding day

Cake

¥ choose cake supplier
¥ choose cake design
¥ discuss details with final cake supplier

Host/Strings/Sound System

¥ choose choir for church
¥ choose reception performers
¥ choose emcee

Hotel

¥ choose hotel
¥ book for wedding day

Invitations

¥ Choose supplier or will it be DIY
¥ prepare draft of invitation
¥ finalize invitation
¥ prepare count for invitation
¥ actual printing of invites
¥ address invitations
¥ send out invitations

Souvenirs

¥ choose souvenir
¥ prepare draft of souvenir
¥ finalize souvenir design
¥ prepare count for souvenirs
¥ actual printing of souvenirs
¥ gifts for parents
¥ gifts for principal sponsors
¥ gifts for entourage

Wedding Rings

¥ choose where to buy rings
¥ choose design
¥ actual making of wedding rings - have rings engraved

Florist/Event Stylist

¥ choose florist/event stylist
¥ schedule mock set up with florist
¥ finalize any setting or design

Bridal Car

¥ bridal car
¥ family van

Guest List

¥ draft guest list
¥ rsvp
¥ finalize guest list
¥ finalize seating layout

Reception Program

¥ draft reception program
¥ finalize reception program
¥ hand over details to Emcee

DIYs

¥ AVP
¥ Missalette
¥ do place cards forward place cards to coord
¥ do table cards forward table cards to coord
¥ guest sheets forward guest sheets to coord

Bridal Registry

Honeymoon

¥ decide location
¥ book honeymoon

less than 6 months to go and this is as far as we are right now. Can we make it? I'm loosing hope already.......

my apologies.......

2006-06-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

5 months and 3 weeks! I don’t know if were able to pull this through. Now with the demands of our work, I’m loosing the excitement. Our company is giving us the chance to take the CCNA examination. With 1 week review with a CCNA certified trainer and 3 weeks review on your own, and with all the worries and problems with preparing a wedding, I think I’m starting to loose my mind.

I feel like every day is not enough to do these things. I asked our manager for my exam to be moved to another month so I can prepare for the exam. Its ok for the other members of the review to take the exam since they are already studying CCNA for a year or so already in meralco. Good thing our manager granted my request. I’m to take my exam on July 14. With 720 pages to study and take calls 6x a week and 1 day for preparing the wedding, I do not know if anyone can squeeze studying CCNA.

Especially me, I like to study in a quite place to better absorb all the information. I cannot study at work since it’s a kind of noisy environment(duh?! It’s a call center!). Probably if I’m in a morning shift, I can work, then study when I get home. When your in GY, sleep is different in morning and evening. I really have a hard time being awake from my shift all through the day. Like, I wake up at 5 PM Monday, then go home 7 AM Tuesday and spent the whole day of Tuesday studying without sleep?! Its like suiside for me! I need at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep to function properly. And I can only be awake for 14 to 16 hours, except if I’m in morning shift.

Right now though, were not able to go to the gym. We have some financial problems and aside from that, we are currently taking a slimming pill. And it actually works! I’ve been taking it for 5 days and I already lost 8 lbs! And I do not have any complications, except the times I feel dizzy. But I really do not feel any hunger that much. My fiancee lost 5 lbs after 4 days. So, I hope I can loose 10 more pounds.

The reason why it took me this long to post is because I want to post pictures from our vacation leave last week. But my stupid pc has already reached its limt for the HD. I cannot save the pics to upload! I already copy some files in my pc in a USB disc. Now, I need a card reader to be able to copy the pics in the pc. Another problem with the pics is the size. The pics were taken using a large filesize format in the camera. Each pic is as big as 1 MB. Hopefully, tomorrow I can post what happened last week and upload the pics.

Till next time!

\m/
gil.n.lei
12.09.06

attack of uncertainty

2006-06-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

This coming Friday, June 9, is our impending “get-together” of our families. This will be the first (should I say 2nd?) time that our families will meet and talk to each other, sans my Mother, after 6 years. Well, you know why my Mother’s not gonna be there.

Anyway, it’s the impending “Pamamanhikan”. I’m really anxious what this meeting’s outcome will be. See, since we’ve been a couple, our families really or should I say never see each other in any occasion, except in my mom’s funeral ,which was very busy and we were not able to attend to them properly. Well, this time it will be big time. Gil’s family will be the only guest that we will entertain. I really hope that my father will not go into “recluse” mode on that day.

***Recluse mode is his not talking much and just stays in one corner and never even attempt to join the conversation.

My older brother, I cannot rely on him with these things as well. His like my father, just smiles and only talks when asked. My younger brother, it depends in the mood. I’m the only one who’s “ma-PR” daw in the family, apart from my mom. Since she’s gone, I’m the appointed PR officer of the family. Eversince my mom’s funeral to my older brothers wedding to the annual death anniversary of my mother. I’m the guest relations, also known as G.R.O.

Being GRO of the family is really tough. Since last decisions will still come from my Father. And crossing the line or his decision is a big major issue. Especially that my father sometimes is closed minded. Now I understand my mother’s position back then. But mom is a natural, people flock to her, she’s a very approachable person. One thing I didn’t get from her.

The reason why an anxious is because of how my family (my father and younger brother), I think, feels about this impending wedding. When I found out how my younger brother felt, I really felt guilty. I feel like spending time with him last Tuesday is not enough. Makes me doubt my decision to get married.

When I’m home, I really feel like a bad person. I’ve been thinking about this since I found out how my younger brother felt. I kind of want not to get married anymore. I know Gil is one of the best things that happened to me. Heck, his the best thing that happen to me, then I’ll just let him go.

You see, I’m in a difficult situation right now. I want to be with Gil but I don’t want my family to feel like that towards me. I don’t want to leave my family. Since there are 3 of us anyway. I can feel my father and younger brother moving away from me.

Our family is not that expressive. When we feel something towards the other, we do not say it. Probably its because its how we grew up, fear, fear of saying how we feel since our father does not want to listen to us. He kept saying before that he does not want to listen to our lies. But that’s another blog entry.

My Aunt will be around that day, as well as my Tito Benjie, my Mother’s youngest brother. That guy got my mom’s PR capabilities. He knows how to entertain or take care of visitors. Hopefully, he can “save” this meeting if in case my father goes to recluse mode.

Nevertheless, I have a lot of things to do today and tomorrow. Today, I need to clean the house, prep it for the imminent Pamamanhikan. Then on Friday morning, need to take care of cooking the roasted chiken, market and more cleaning.

At this rate, I cannot think of if I will continue this or not. With lots of things to do. No time to be depressed, need to make a lot of things done first. I’ll just write Gil a letter for our coming Monthsary. Maybe by writing it, I can come up to a decision about this.

Till next time!\m/

lei

my two cents......

2006-06-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Getting married is not that easy pala. Akala ko just go with the preparations and all the excitement and then what your plans in the future as husband and wife, ganun na yun. Hindi pala. You also need to take consideration about the members of both your family, especially your own. I don’t know, but probably its just me. Since my Mother already left us fours year ago(RIP). Then my older brother got married last year. But that’s just fine since he does not stay or spend that much time with us when his around(see he works as a Seaman or Sea Farer).

But today, all these things hit me. My Aunt (my father’s youngest sister) told me to spend some bonding moments with my younger brother. She said that my younger brother approached her and asked about the Pamamanhikan this coming Friday. He said “So, tuloy na tuloy na pala ang pagpapakasal ni Ate. So, iiwan na nya kami ni Tatay”. It suddenly hit me. My Aunt told me about it this evening as we (Gil and I) are about to leave for work. It hit me so much that when I said it to Gil, I felt like crying. Even as I write this now, makes me feel teary eyed as I remember what he said.

Probably, because of all these preparations and demands of my work (See, our company requires us to come to work for 6 days a week right now. We call it “Critical Month”), I’m unable to spend some time with him anymore. Probably his been feeling like this for a long time since I noticed some signs before but I just shrug it off.

Before all this preparations and plans, I spend some time with him, just around the house, watching TV, cooking meals he likes, ordering pizza and sleep beside each other (my brother is not yet "wean" from sleeping beside our Mother. He cannot sleep unless his beside my Mother. I guess he really misses our Mother since she died. He really likes it when I sleep beside him in the morning). We haven’t done any of those for months now. Makes me feel like I'm an awful sister. With our Mother gone and older brother married, who is he to tell his opinions or feelings? Who is to talk to or make "lambing" with? Probably he sees me as a mother figure in our house since we do not have a mother anymore. Sometime when I look at him, I see that he really misses our Mother. Especially at times na naglalambing sya sa akin.

To make it up to him, tomorrow, instead of cleaning our house (its our restday tomorrow), me and Gil will just spend time with him instead. Either go to the mall or stay at home and order pizza. Then, me and gil will try to subtly tell him that his not going to loose me. But instead, his going to gain another sibling. Then we’ll snuggle together when we sleep, like what we used to before. Even when gil is in our house. Then talk until the wee hours of the night. I know he has lots of questions about life and about the world. And I love it when he and gil talk about guy stuff. His not like that anymore towards Gil. Perhaps he has some hard feelings towards Gil. Hope tomorrow will patch things up. And I promise not to neglect my family anymore. I should by now understand I have an emotinally unattached family. That I should learn to read their actions rather what they are saying…..

But probably, we’ll just go to the mall. We need to buy his school supplies for the coming school year. His finally in college! Now, he’ll understand the things we say about college life.

Well, hope tomorrow we can do a lot of bonding activities!

Till next time!

gil.n.lei
12.09.6

new template

2006-06-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

Just changed our blogs template to this new one. As I was browsing the internet for a new template, since I want our blog to be something that really represents our "journey", I stumble upon this template. I really loved it and did all I can to get my blog to look like this. I painstakingly studied the syntax. And finally I was able to! I even asked Chester, my officemate if he can help me assign it to my blog. He was kind enough to tell me how. But since I'm a dumb head, I'm probably a blond in my previous life, I didn't understand it. But after some more time studying, I finally got it!

I like this blog alot since it has the colors I want our motif to be, violet and green. My friends said that the combination is unsual and might not look good. Then, one day, as I was in pinoyexchange.com, MyKasal forums, mps(a pex member) said that she saw the combination I like in one of Martha Stewart's wedding magazine. And she said it looked good. Unsual but good. I was so ecstatic! I quote her and said to her she made my day. I felt like everything is againts me with this idea, even the caterers! MPS gave me hope and excitement for this wedding preparations again. She even said that she will scan the magazine and send it to me. Probably by next week since she's in vacation right now! I'm so excited!

Well, till next time!

\m/
gil.n.lei
12.09.06
mt.carmel

Song I like right now

2006-06-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

SHAMROCK - Alipin

Di ko man maamin
Ikaw ay mahalaga sa akin
Di ko man maisip
Sa pagtulog ikaw ang panaginip
Malabo man ang aking pag-iisip
Sana'y pakinggan mo ang sigaw nitong damdamin

[Chorus:]
ako'y alipin mo kahit hindi batid
aaminin ko minsan ako'y manhid
sana at iyong nariring
sayong yakap ako'y nasasabik...

Ayoko sa iba
Sayo ako ay hindi magsasawa
Ano man ang iyong sabihin
Umasa ka ito ay diringgin
Madalas man na parang aso't pusa
Giliw sa piling mo ako ay masaya

[Chorus:]
ako'y alipin mo kahit hindi batid
aaminin ko minsan ako'y manhid
sana at iyong nariring
sayong yakap ako'y nasasabik...

[Coda:]
Pilit mang abutin ang mga tala
Basta't sa akin wag kang mawawala

Ako'y alipin mo kahit hindi batid
Aaminin ko minsan ako'y manhid
Sana ay iyong naririnig
Sayong yakap ako'y nasasabik
Pagkat ikaw lang ang nais makatabi
Malamig man o mainit ang gabi
Nais ko sana iparating na ikaw lamang
Ang siyang aking iibigin

\m/
gil.n.lei
12.09.06
mt.carmel

CCNA training

2006-05-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

commercial muli

2006-05-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

na inspire ako sa blog ni Hannah tungkol sa pamangkin nya. matagal ng nangyari ito, pero ngayon ko lang ipo-post. hindi ko kasi alam kung dapat pa kasi nakakalungkot din....pero eto na...

nung April 18, graduation day ng utol ko, yung bunso namin. then pag uwi namin, tumawag daw ang kapatid ni Ate Joan(hipag ko), nagpa-check up daw ang hipag ko at nalamang wala ng heart beat ang baby sa tyan nya (short ng 3 weeks ang baby sa tyan at kabuwanan na sana). hinihintay daw kami ni ate joan para mailabas na daw ang baby sa tyan nya.

nagulat kami lahat sa bahay. hindi makapaniwala. yung mga ante ko, iniisip agad na baka daw may nangyari kay ate joan at ganun nangyari. pinagsabihan ko na lang sila na hindi pa alam kung ano nangyari, na wag agad jump to conclusion. at the worst, negative conclusion. punta kami ng Chinese General(dun kasi nag pa check up si ate joan dahil dun nya plano manganak.naabutan namin si ate joan na nasa pasilyo ng 2nd floor ng ospital, katatapos pa lang umiyak, tulala at kita sa mukha nya na hindi nya matanggap ang mga pangyayari. nalungkot ako ng makita ko sya, iniisip ko kung ano mga tumatakbo sa kanyang isipan. naalala ko ang mga pangyayari ng namatay si Nanay. yung mga bagay na naisip ko, naramdam ng mga oras na yun. medyo naluha ako, pero ayoko pakita sa ate joan na naiiyak din ako. kasi ako, automatic sa akin na pag may pinanghihinaan ng loob, pinipilit ko na lakasan ang loob ko, tsaka na lang pag medyo tapos na ang lahat. para naman hindi kami lahat maging kawawa, tipong wala na nag-ayos.

sa sobrang higpit ng ospital, mga bandang 10 PM kami nakarating duon, 2 lang ang pinapayagan na makapasok. mga 5 kami pumunta dun, ako, si tatay, uncle ed, ante bren at si Gil. si Gil na laging andyan. pagkatapos namin magpakita kay ate joan ni Gil, pinapasok namin sina ante bren, uncle ed at tatay. sila nag-ayos ng kwarto ni ate joan at kina-usap ang mga nurses. wala ang doctor. buong araw na nag stay kami sa ospital, hindi namin naka-usap or nakita ang doctor.

nag decide daw ang doctor na i-induce si ate joan, piliting manganak - normal delivery. ayaw ng doctor ng c-section. kasi matatagalan daw na magkaron ng baby ulit si ate joan. mas maganda daw kung normal. nilagyan sya ng gamot para humilab ang tyan nya. mga 26 or 28 hours din ang tinagal bago sya nanganak. ng mga oras na yun, 3 hours na kaming gising nina tatay at Gil ( sina uncle umuwi na ng mga bandang madaling araw). umuwi kami ng April 19, mga nandang 10 AM ng umaga para makatulog at makapag bihis. ng bandang hapon, 5 pm ng gabi, lumabas ang bata. sina tatay at uncle ang pumunta ng ospital at sina ante bren at ante violy nag asikaso sa katawan ng bata para maipa-imbalsamo.

habang si kuya naman ay on the way na pauwi ng pilipinas ng mga oras na yun. ng tinawagan sya ng april 18 ng gabi (MNL time), pina-uwi agad sya ng kapitan ng barko. mahirap, nasa argentina sya at that time. walang direct flight from argentina to philippines. kailangan nya pa mag eroplano papuntang US, then HK then MNL. mag 6 na oras mula argentina papunta US. mga 18 hrs naman papunta HK ( di ko sure, estimate lang. more or less yan). at 2 to 4 hours papuntang MNL from HK. at mga 4 hours palabas ng airport (dahil sa suwapang na customs).

nga pala pinangalanan na Bridgette Jian C. Empeño ang pamangkin ko. kahit hindi ko sya nahawakan at nayakap, naka-usap at hindi nya kami nakahalobilo, tunuturing ko pa rin sya na parang nakasalamuha. tinatawag ko sya na jian. dumating ang katawan ni jian sa bahay ng thursday ng madaling araw. absent ako ng wednesday ng gabi. absent sana ako hanggang friday nun, kaso naisip ko, naka VL naman ako ng sabadoa t linggo. nasakato nga yung leave namin, dapat may lalakarin kami para sa kasal namin, syempre hold muna yun.

ito picture ni jian nung dumating sya sa bahay.

cute-cute nya. pero hindi din ako nanghihinayang, at least may kasama si Nanay na apo nya dun sa heaven's gate. mga 5 days sya namin binurol, kasi nga hinintay namin si kuya. si ate joan naman, sabado nilabas ng ospital.

linggo, nilibing namin sya sa tabi ni nanay. wala lang gusto ko lang share. sinabi namin kina kuya na yan ang gusto ni God. si Gil, tulad ng namatay si Nanay, para talaga sya Angel na nakaka-usap si God. parang ang galing nya makita ang dahilan bakit nangyayari ang mga bagay na ito. sabi ni Gil, baka daw gusto ni God na dapat pakasal muna sila sa church bago sila magkaron ng baby. ako naman, sinasabi ko na may ibig sabihin kaya nangayari ito, na sana wag sumama loob nila kay God dahil nangyari ito, bagkus maging close pa sana sila.

hanggang sa muli!

\m/
gil.n.lei
12.09.06

>>>> WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEONE <<<<<

2006-05-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

When you love someone - youll do anything

Youll do all the crazy things that you cant explain

Youll shoot the moon - put out the sun

When you love someone

Youll deny the truth - believe a lie

Therell be times that youll believe you can really fly

But your lonely nights - have just begun

When you love someone

When you love someone - youll feel it deep inside

And nothin else can ever change your mind

When you want someone - when you need someone

When you love someone...

When you love someone - youll sacrifice

Youd give it everything you got and you wont think twice

Youd risk it all - no matter what may come

When you love someone

Youll shoot the moon - put out the sun

When you love someone

and the race continues....

2006-05-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Since we've already booked our caterer, they require some info about our wedding. First is the motif and I haven't decided what it will be.

Actually, I did, its Lilac or Lavander. But I like the idea of two colors in our motif since it will look our wedding and not just mine. I want to add the color green. But they said that bold color green does not go with Lilac or Lavander. I really feel sad since this is the colors that I want.

I've asked my friends Roy, Eva, Hannah and Amabelle about the color scheme. But they unanimously said that the colors does not quite fit together. If it still does not work, I'll opt for brown with Lilac or Lavander. But I really like green since its Gil's favorite color.

What I thought do is go to Divisoria's textile stores and check out the fabric's colors. Will check if there is a fabric with lavander or violet and green combined. Then I'll just go from there.

Then will call Ms. Connie for the other details.

But right now, we'll be so busy again and stressed since our office required us to do WoRD on a weekly basis. And if you do not comply, its an IR or memo for you!

Anyway, the wedding preparations makes me forget some of the pressures at work. But once the wedding is done, what will happen? I guess, I'll cross the bridge when I get there.

We have some problems at hand currently. Its not about the wedding. Its more about money. You see, my older brother arrived late April since its his daughter's wake. And he did not continue his contract with his agency for this year. Since his unemployed, he thought of selling the 1.3 hec. of land he bougth last year in Nueva Ecija. But since my father have plans for the land already, I offered to buy it from him. He offered me the land for 180,000. Since I do not have that kind of money, I asked him if its possible to give it to him monthly. He said its fine. When we went to our budget, it seems we cannot make it after all since were planning to get married this december. So, my older brother offered the land for 50, 000 on loan. And he'll repay us next year. And now, we computed our money until November, and its still short. Our only hope is to make a loan at work or banks etc.

I really pray to God for this! And I'm so excited for the coming Pamamanhikan! Hope it will be fun!

till next time!

\m/
gil.n.lei
12.09.06

Unbelievable!

2006-05-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

We finally made our reservation to Robert Camba Catering last Saturday, May 20. We were able to check out their wedding setting in Mt. Carmel, and we really liked it.

We went to their Baler branch to make the reservation. And Ms.Connie of Robert Camba Catering was very accomodating. She's not a Sales person only, she helped us out alot. Since this our first time dealing with this kind of business transaction, she's patient enough to answer some of our dumb questions. She also did not insists for us to get the most expensive package they have. She helped us out to stretch our money for a better deal. She's as if a wedding coordinator already. Too bad she stays only in the office and does not deal with the wedding setup. I really liked her. She even gave her direct phone number to us for any other questions we have or requests for catering setup. I'm really happy we went with them, instead of other catering services.

But the sad part was Gil got sick. He does not even told me that his already feeling sick when we went to the church. That made him not come to work for 2 days. I was really worried that I stayed with him for 2 days to make sure he will take a rest and get well. Good thing is his fine now and may come to work tonight.

We got some pictures of the setup. Will upload it later.

Its a good thing also that we got the Sapphire package. It helped us add more budget for other things in our weddding. Like the gowns or the cake or on photo/video. Helped out alot to stretch our money for the wedding. ; )

I'm really excited. Its really starting to sink in now. Tito Jess even joked us later that night "So, wala na talaga atrasan ito, Sharon?", he asked me.......I just smiled at him ; ). I don't know what to say. Maybe them also, that the realization that this really going to happen is starting to sink in as well.

We planned for the "Pamamanhikan" of Gil's family to mine this coming June 12. Its Gil's 25th Birthday, a holiday and "pahabol" to summer for us. Were planning to go swimming in 9waves with his and my family. I cannot wait!

To be honest, this pamamanhikan is a formality. Since we've been planning the wedding for 5 months now! But the planning is done by us. We only ask our parents for the guest lists in each side of the family and prospect Ninong and Ninangs!

We also need to schedule to visit our prospect Ninongs and Ninangs. Were planning to have 5 pairs. But for the Secondary and flower girls and the boys, we were able to finalize that one. The only problem is, there are alot of our relatives who wants to be in the entourage. But I insists to minimize it to be simple and elegant.

Oh, my Gosh! I need to work my diet double time. Soon, once we found a seamstress to sew my gown, measurements will follow. I need to trim down to my ideal weight so I will look beautiful in my wedding. Since I'm not pretty or beautiful naturally, I'll just work it out in my figure (hehe).

I really pray to God every Sunday to make our wedding so memorable to us and our family and friends. Disappointing part is we wont be able to invite all our relatives and friends. It will be an exclusive-RSVP thingy event. So, once you get an invitation from us, make the necessary arrangements so you can be there with us in our big day! What I really wanted for this day is to have all our friends on that day! If only were alot richer!

Hope for the best for us!

Till next time!

\m/
gil.n.lei
12.09.06

Robert Camba

2006-05-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Last April 29, 2006, we finally went to Robert Camba for food tasting. We went to the annex office which is open only every weekend. The place from the outside does not give the impression that it’s a catering business. Probably, since it’s a rental buidling and an annex, they did not give much effort to butify the place.

Anyhow, we tried the food, its better that what we tasted from Eloquente. But we haven’t seen the setup. Aside from the 2 tables setup in the office, its still not enough to visualize how it will look like at the occasion itself. We saw photos and videos, but it still not enough.

We tried some of the menu, since its not all available. We tried the chinese flat noodles, which is the same as our pancit canton. The difference is only in the noodles, instead of the traditional noodles used for pancit canton, it uses flat nooldes or like the ones in Fettucinni(S.C) alfredo.

We also tried their Chicken Pastel, bad idea! The chicken tasted like its been reheated for the uptenth time! I cannot imagine how I ate that thing.

The best were the beef and mushroom, fish fillet(deep fried with tartar sauce), chicken teriyaki and the pandan, without any buko meat.

Since Gil is very picky when it comes to food, this is his forte. I asked him what he likes and we compared it with Eloquente.

We asked some questions about the service and the amenities and such. But the person we spoke to was not very accomodating. Maybe its because this is an annex. Next time we’ll head to the main office for some more enthusiasm for their service. Maybe if we meet someone who is very accomodating, maybe we can make a reservation right there and then. Good thing we do not have any money at that time, so I will not regret we got their service.

We still did not make any decision yet. We still have one caterer to cover to. Its Blue Petals. We like the prices and menu they have. Except that Robert Camba still has the best offer for amenities.

And so, on May 6, we attended a wedding at, where else, Mt. Carmel to check out Blue Petals.

Here are the pics:

We kinda like the setting of the tables and Bride/Groom table. And I really the idea of placing the cake in a hoopah or something and placing it in the middle of the room. But what we did not like, aside from the cutlery (which looks exactly as what Gil and his family uses), we did not like them having only 1 buffet table for 250 guests. Bad idea. Not sure if it’s the couples idea or thiers, but still, bad idea.

We then decided, that if we liked the setup of Robert Camba this coming May 20, a wedding catered by them in Mt. Carmel no less, we’ll go straight to Baler Office and reserve for our wedding day.

I’m really happy theses days, though I’ve been lacking sleep for 2 weeks now, that we were able to move forward with our preparation. One factor of this is because Gil moved to the GraveYard shift. Since we’re both in graveyard, were able to go together to prospective suppliers.

Finally, the idea of our wedding is starting to kick in. And I must admit, I’m kinda excited already. Especially at times when we exchange ideas of what we want to happen before, during and after the wedding.

By the way, we already scheduled a date for “Pamamanhikan”, the Filipino tradition of the Man formaly asking the Woman’s family for her “hand”. We scheduled it on no other than Gil’s birthday, on June 12. That week is a very busy week for us.

June 9 = our monthsary
June 10 = 8am-5pm our CANA seminar at Mt. Carmel
5pm to 10pm Bridal Fair in Megamall
June 11 = my Mother’s 4rth Death Anniversary
June 12 = Gil’s birthday celebration and Pamamanhikan at 9 Waves

That’s our Itenirary for this coming June. Aside from birthdays and other occasions to attend to.

Aside from the Caterer, we were also able to check out a propective Video/Photographer. His shop is located at the front of UST lacson st. The shop’s name is Ting’s. We were able to meet Kuya Bert, and his very accomodating that we almost pay for reservation at that moment, good thing we do not have any money with us. It’s a good idea not bringing your money with you when going to meet suppliers, in this way, you will not have regrets of checking out other suppliers. We liked what he showed us, the rates and packages. A bit expensive for me, but we liked it.

But when we went to watch a movie last Tuesday(May 9), we stumble upon a tiangge which is actually a video/photographer. WE check out their rates and its almost 25% cheaper with 15% discount than Kuya Bert, but same packages. That makes us think about it. Since Video/Photo is Gil’s forte, I asked him to make the decision. But reminded him that where already overbudget. And up until now, we still have not make any decision. Hope we can soon, so we can avail discounts and freebies. Maybe we can make decision on the Bridal Fair. They offer a lot of discounts on Bridal Fairs.

Well, till next time!

\m/

Commercial Muna......

2006-05-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

Lately, masyado na ako hirap matulog pag umaga. Hindi ko alam kung baka nag-aadjust na naman ako na maging GY. kasi nag leave kami ng 2 days, followed by our restdays. Masyado hectic ang mga araw namin na yun. Kasi burol ng pamangkin ko.

Nag search ako sa Merriam Webster ng meaning ng Insomnia(kasama na rin ang spelling), at ito ang nakuha ko:

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

insomnia

One entry found for insomnia.

Main Entry: in·som·nia

Pronunciation: in-'säm-nE-&Function: noun

Etymology: Latin, from insomnis sleepless, from in- + somnus sleep -- more at SOMNOLENT:
Meaning: prolonged and usually abnormal inability to obtain adequate sleep- in·som·ni·ac /-nE-"ak/ adjective or noun

For More Information on "insomnia" go to Britannica.com
Get the Top 10 Search Results for "insomnia"

Weird na maranasan ko ito kasi 2 years na ako ng GY. Sanay na ako na pagdating ng 7 or 8 AM, tulog na ako, at gising ko ay 7 PM ulit. pero lately, 12 or 1 PM, gising na ako. Siguro dahil na rin sa init ng panahon ngayon. Since nung burol at pa-syam ng pamangkin ko, sa bahay namin natutulog ang kuya ko at hipag ko. Since nagpa-syam, pati mga kapatid at bayaw at pamangkin ng hipag ko sa amin natulog, mga 3-4 days din yun. Kaya ang lola mo, eto more than one week ng puyat at may Insomnia dahil dun. At ngayon, adjust na naman ako na matulog at magising ng gabi dahil dun. At dahil dito, lagi ako borlogs at stressed out sa work, which is unusual for me.

Buti na lang kanina, naka diretso ako ng tulog, mukhang naka kumpleto ako. kaso busy din kami this days, lalo na ngayon na lagi na kami nagji-gym kasi nga sayang naman. nagbabayad kami tapos hindi naman namin nayu-utilize. Kaya eto ang lola mo, bangag pa rin kahit papaano. Tulad bukas, maaga na naman ang gising ng lola dahil may lakad kami. Pati itong blog, napapabayaan ko na. Anyway, punta naman kami sa wedding reception bukas para makita namin setup ng blue petals. Honga pala, hindi ko pa na-kwento yung nangyari ng pumunta kami ng Robert Camba.

At least ngayon, pareho na kami GY ni Gil. Madami na kami nagagawa sa preparations. Nagmu-move forward na rin kami.

Haay..............sana meron mandatory vacation leave or parang sa school na may 2 months vacation kayo.....kakaingit yung iba. Pag holiday naman, kailangan pa rin pumasok......

sige, tama na frustration, back to work!

\m/

lights, camera, CUT!

2006-04-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

I got this idea while browsing Ms. Hannah’s blog. She listed the movies she likes to watch, even over and over and over and so on.

Well, here are the movies that I never get tired of watching…………….

Casper, the friendly ghost. This is the movie I will never forget, not because of the story or some guy who courted me(believe me, no one courted me back in HS. But that’s another blog entry). Anyway, this movie I watched everyday and tried to write down the script. Believe me, I tried to watch everyday and write down every single line or dialogue the characters are saying. Still can remember some of them. Another is my fixation with Christina Ricci and of course, Devon Sawa. Well, its my barkada’s fault actually. She introduce me to the world of crushes. At that time, Jonathan Brandis and JTT was the hottest things for teenagers. Then the producers or whatever you call them, tried to sell Devon Sawa. Since I’m a year older than JTT(I guess) and my friend already has the hots for Jonathan Brandis, she said I can “have” Devon Sawa. Well, there you go!
Now and Then actually started my fixation with Christina Ricci-Devon Sawa tandem. After seeing this movie, I tried to check out other movies that has both of them in it. That leads me to Casper. Anyway, this is the first ever movie I watched all by myself. I think I was in my 3rd year or 4rth year HS at this time. Can’t remember, must be memory gap. I really love this movie about friendship and their adventure. Since my childhood is pretty boring, this is the next best thing next to sliced bread for me. Things I cannot do when I was young, I did watching this movie or imagining it. I’m a very imaginative teenager. Since I lack physical activities, my imagination gets a lot of exercise when I was young. This movie is all about friendship, rivals and first kisses!
Wedding Singer. This movie was introduced to me by Gil. Yes, by Gil. He got to watch this through Cable TV. He bought a VCD copy and gave it to me to watch. I fell in love with Adam Sandler after that. I really like his style of acting and stories. To tell you the truth, Adam Sandler reminds of me Gil. And since he has a very good chemistry with Drew Barrymore, if Gil is Adam Snadler in my mind, I’m Drew Barrymore (this is my blog, any violent reaction will be deleted! You’ve been warned!). Kidding aside, I fell in love with Adam Sandler’s character as well (which is pretty much the kind of guy he portrays in almost all his movies).
50 First Date. True Love. Need I say more? Actually, its what I feel towards Gil. Adam Sandler’s part, mind you. Aside from that, the very funny Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider(did I get it right?) . Another thing, I like Drew Barrymore's sandals here, still haven't got my own until now.
Spanglish. Gil liked this movie a lot. He said he reminded of himself with Adam Sandlers character. For those who haven’t seen it yet, the movie is about a immigrant mother and daughter telling the accounts of their encounter with an American Family. Adam Sandler is a dedicated husband, father and chef. Tea Leoni, is his manic-depressive wife. And their kids and the Paz Vega, the immigrant mother who went to the US without even learning how to speak english. Another reason why I love this story is because the main character, Paz Vega, reminds me of my Mother. Yes, you read it right, my Mother. In this story, the narrator, Paz Vega’s daughter in the movie, is telling the story of their struggle together as a family. How her Mother did all her best to give all what she needed in life. Kinda reminds me of my Mother. Its what she did for our family. Not only towards me and my siblings, but as well to her brothers. She is considered by her younger brothers, up to now, as their mother. I miss her!
Peter Pan. The universal pictures version. I stumbled upon this movie one morning at home. Its basically a routine of mine to watch TV or a movie before bed. But his one has a twist. The boy who does not want to grow up, fell in love with another kid. That’s the part I like about the movie. Its not because its for kids or kid stuff, its about falling in love. Another thing is, I like the main character actor, Jeremy Sumpter. Which makes me a cradle snatcher, his just 15 or 16, at the time of the movie was filmed.
One of my favorite scene in the movie. The are watching a pair of fairies dancing under the trees roots. While other fairies are watching around. One of my favorite lines "To live would be an awfully big adventure".
Hating Alison Ashley. This is an australian movie about a attention craving teenager. The day that Alison Ashley (played by songstress Delta Goodrem(apparently she’s considered the Mandy Moore of Australia and she hooked up with Brian McFadden of westlife)), her world kinda crumbled down. Its because she sees Alison Ashley as a rival rather than a friend. Alison Ashley does not want any competition or anything since she’s not going to last long in the school. It end up, Yuk and Alison as best friends. Well, kinda remind of myself when I was in HS. Not exactly someone who wants all the attention to herself. The part she wants to be outstanding in her academics, also kinda popular. But since my lack of beauty, as the main character is portraying in the movie, I did not end up what I want to be.
My Best Friend’s Wedding. Fell in love with the leading man here. As well with the choices of songs. Also with Julia Roberts, not only her character but she herself. Love also the story…..unique and refershing!
Beaches. This movie will always make me cry, from start to finish. This is kinda an old movie, early or middle 90’s. And its starred by non other my Idol, Bette Midler (by the way, we have the same birthdate!). This is where the song “wind beneath my wings” was used. The story is about two different kids. Different not only with status in life, but as well as character. Then they end up being the very best of friends. They live far apart from each other(across the US continent), but still remained the best of friends. They are connected by writing letters to each other. One is rich, poised and highly educated(talk about Princeton). And the other is flamboyant, likes a lot of attention and skipped school when she was young. But still they remained best friends till the end. The rich one went to the commonly taken road, school, work, marriage, divorce. The other took the road not taken, skipped school, went on stage acting then movies. The most heartbreaking part of the movie was almost at the end. When the rich one is filing for divorce and the other getting all the success she wants. This is when the rich girl was diagnosed with cancer, last stage, incurable. The part, when they spent the time together in one place, with the rich girls daughter. Then when she died, her daughter was left to her best friend. I always have a lot of tissue when I watch this.
The Notebook. Dedication, true love, tear jerker. This is one of the tear jerker movies me and Gil loved. Gil liked the ending part the most. He saw how the Old guy loved the old girl so much. Thing he wants to show me, like how much he loves me. Anyway, this story is to inspiring, makes you think if it really happened in true life. I’m a sucker for movies like this.

City of Angels. I really like the part where Seth finally jumped off a building to become human. Then he ran to the county hospital to look for Maggie. Since he cannot find Maggie, Anne helped him with his injury. Anne asked her " What happened to you?"Then Seth said " I fell......" pause, then he added " I fell in love." Anne was surprised by the response, she told him where Maggie was. I really love that part when Seth said those words. Where can you find someone like that? CSI: Las Vegas. TV series I cannot live without. In this tv series, my obsession about trivias and scientific information can be seen.
Gilmore Girls. I’m really amused with Lorelai. Great character, great actress.

Will update you about the wedding plans some other day. This is just a “commercial”. A reliever to the usual whinning I do because of the wedding preparations.

Till next time! \m/

76

2006-04-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Is the number today. It’s the number of months we’ve been together. Never imagined were going to reach this number today. Still remember when we were in college. How we met, how we were indifferent towards each other, how shy we were to speak to one another. I really like the anecdote he said about the time he knew that I have a crush on him. The day I looked at him.

It goes like this, I was stting in the 2nd row from the front, then his with his friends at the back of the class. This was the times when were not speaking or looking at each other(well, I'm the one whose doing all the avoiding). Since our Professor was not yet around, his fooling around with his friends and I was chatting away with my friends. Then he said to his friends that when I turn to look at him after 10 seconds, he said that I have a crush on him. I don’t know if you call it fortunate or unfortunate, because I turned around to him after a few seconds, I guess about 3 to 5 seconds later. Then Gil and his friends looked at each other. Then he made a move to court me when our Second Year First semester ended. After 2 or 3 months, December 9 to be exact, we became an item. Everyone said we deserve each other. I consider him my Bestfriend. Though I still have a Bestfriend in Jesusa.

That was 6 years, 4 months ago. How time really runs by so fast. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had rough times, as well as happy times. But I always welcome those rough times since it will not make our relationship strong.

I asked Gil for us to write each other a letter every Month or celebration of our Day. We’ve been practising it for 2 months now. And since Gil is a chronically lazy, I suggested to have a certain topic every month. Like what we like about each other; what we hate; what we want the other to change; what are the positive side; what are the negative side; or other things we like to know about each other.

Since today is Sunday, tomorrow is the start of our restday. And we have a very busy restday. Monday, we go to the gym for an hour or 2 of workout(we need to workout our bodies for December). Then on Tuesday, its to DTI, Divisoria, San Sebastian, Panay Ave and SM we go….Hope we can finish all of this!

We’ll till next time! I’ll update about the wedding…..

to bb, Happy 76th Monthsary........luv yah!

\m/

And the search begins.............

2006-04-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

This is how the reception area looked like with Eloquente providing the catering service:

After checking out the wedding and the church, we headed to the back of the church, where the reception area is located, for some food tasting. Gil was expecting to be able to get as much food as he wants. But they just served us the food that the couple being married chose. Gil was kind of disappointed (imagine that!). Luckily, the couple being married also has Lavander as their color motif. It’s really a blessing, since we were able to see how the reception will also look like in our own wedding.

Well this is how the reception area looked after Eloquente decked it for the occasion:

This is a shot from the entrance door. There are 2 doors going into the room, labeled Entrance and Exit. The comfort room is also in the front, its in either side of the main doors.

Thats how it looks like as you enter the room, walking thru the aisle.

This is how they decorated the red carpet. For a feeling of romance, I guess.

This is the couples table, which is elevated from the rest. This I don't like, since I'm a very shy person. I think I will be feeling uneasy when I'm up there.

Another shot of the aisle going to the main table.

This is the principal tables for parents of groom and bride as well as the primary and secondary sponsors.

The left side of the couples table, for the secondary and primary sponsors again.

These is how the table looks for the guests. It is good for 10 guests per table.

This is one of the buffet table. The wedding last Satuday, April 1, has 250 guests. And what they did is setup 2 buffet tables on both sides of the room.

This is the center piece of the right side buffet table. I think this is not a real wine flowing down the goblets. Aside from that, I think the goblets are glued together.

This is the center piece for the dessert table. Where fruits and sweets can be found. This a fountain by the way.

This is the left hand side buffet table. It has the same center piece as the dessert table has.

This is the food prepared that day:
1. Carbonarra
2. Chicken BBQ
3. Grilled Blue Marlin
4. Pork (not sure what the dish is called)
5. Rice
6. mixed vegetables
7. Ice tea

This is how the setting looked like in the table. We liked the pork dish, but the grilled marlin tasted like ordinary grilled fish, nothing special about it. The Vegetable, you will need to taste it for couple of times before you can say its good. Especially if you started with the fish or pork. The Chicken, same thing with the fish, like ordinary taste, nothing special. Corbonarra, it tasted like it needs more salt or flavor.

Another thing is, I didn't like how the uternsils looked. It looked like the ordinary spoon and fork you use in food courts or carinderia. Heck, spoons and forks like much better in food courts. And not only that, its not that clean, like gleaming clean. Looks like they did not even wash it, like its from the cabinet.....We give it 4 (0-9).

For the tables and the chairs, it looked liked an ordinary setup. Like something they always do everything and never mind the small details. I'm a perfectionist. The setup looked like another days job. Nothing special or elegant on the way it looked. And when I saw it, its not what I want or envisioned our reception. We give it 6.

Out over-all rating (0-9): 5

We'll, the search is on!

Till next time! \m/

Carmelites church

2006-04-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, April 1, we were able to squeeze some time to attend a food tasting in Mt. Carmel. We went for food tasting with Eloquente, one of the caterers were eyeing for our wedding. It’s a good thing as well that there is a wedding that day. We were able to see how the church will look like on our big day. It never occurs to me until yesterday how big it is. Guests expected on that wedding last Saturday was about 250. And they weren’t able to fill half of the church! Imagine ours with 200 guests only! I really hope everything turned up alright.

Let’s play pictionary!

This is how the church looked like last April 1 during a wedding:

This is how the church looks like all decked and nice from the main door.

This is a different shot from the main door, again.

But in December, this will look a bit different, since they will decorate the place for christmas. In the right hand side of the altar will have a life size belen. And alot of christmas lights! I bet it will look much better in December.

This is the aisle as you walk towards the altar.......(its a very long way to the alter, as a matter of fact!)

This is how the side of the aisle looks with tule and flowers decorating it.

This is the couple that was wed last Saturday, April 1. This is a side shot picture. We were in the left hand side of the altar, that's why the main altar was not in the pic.

A long shot from our position of the couple being wed. I think this is the part of the veil. Secondary sponsors are pinning the veil to the couple now.

Another shot from our position. I think that's their camera man.

Another long shot from our position. In the right hand side of the picture, there is a podium(not included in the pic), where the singers or choir will be,

This is one of the painted glass window of the church.

This is the altar in front of our position. Its in the left hand side of the altar.

This is in the left hand side of the church. Its as if separated from the whole church. Around this you will see the station of the cross hanging in the walls.

That's it as of this moment. At least we already saw how the church will look like in our wedding!

Till next time! \m/

TAGGED, your it!

2006-03-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

+ Seven Things That Scare Me +

1. multo (kahit Nanay ko pa yun!)
2. palaka/reptiles
3. dark alleys/places
4. masisikip na lugar(claustrophobic kasi ako)
5. illness/death to any of my family or friends
6. rejection
7. incompetent people

+ Seven Things I Like The Most +

1. watching movies……….with Gil
2. eating ……………………..with Gil
3. taking a walk
4. browsing the internet
5. cooking/baking
6. sharing
7. dining out

+ Seven Random Facts About Me +

1. I love sleeping without any pillows in my head
2. I love to sleep, alot! Cant live without 8 hrs of sleep, at least.
3. I prefer veg or fish over meats
4. I love Saging na Saba
5. I only drink coffee at work
6. I do not eat after waking up
7. I'm a couch potato

+ Seven Important Things In Our Bedroom +

1. hotdog pillow from Gil(he gave me this on my 18th Bday! Can't sleep without me hugging it)
2. electric fan/aircon(I cant sleep if its too warm, better too cold)
3. kumot
4. CD player
5. cotton buds
6. books, magazines or anything that can be red
7. cellphone(for alarm)

+ Seven Things I Plan To Do Before I Die +

1. go on a trip(nationally or internationally)
2. get married
3. give birth, naturally
4. spend the rest of my life with Gil
5. make a charitable institution for street children/people or mentally challenged
6. find my Tito Sangko
7. (wala na ako maisip e)

+ Seven Things I Can Do +

1. I can eat sushi or raw salmon
2. I can dance (believe it or not)
3. I can act (again, believe it or not)
4. I can be creative (ala McGyver ba)
5. I can clean fish (tanggalin ba ang hasang and everything)
6.
7.

+ Seven Things I Can’t Do +

1. I cannot sing
2. I cannot cook anything with gata
3. I do not know how to create or build a website
4. I do not know how to host a part
5. I do not know how to skate
6. I do not know how to swim(even if I had swimming as PE back in college)
7. I do not know how to fix computers (the irony of it!)

+ Seven Things That Attract Me to the Opposite Sex +

1. soft hands
2. clean nails
3. clean feet
4. eyes5. lips
6. humor
7. down to earth/cowboy

+ Seven Things I Say The Most +

1.) mokong!
2.) gunggong!
3.) grabeh!
4.) sobra naman ito………
5.) asar!
6.) kasi naman eh……..
7.) ano beh?

+ Seven Celeb Crushes (Whether Local or Foreign) +

1.) Adam Sandler(I really love this guy!!!!!!!!!Napaka-down to earth and Funny. Hindi ako nagsasawa panuorin mga movies nya!)
2.) Jeremy Sumpter(I really love his smile)
3.) Brad Pitt (Team Jolie ako!)
4.) Jonathan Brandis
5.) Chris Rock
6.) Jerry Seinfeld
7.) William Petersen

+ Seven People You Want To See Take This Quiz +

1.) Jaja
2.) Ana
3.) Hannah
4.) Jamin (a.k.a Jasmin)
5.) Eva
6.) Tots
7.) Frida

Ito ang very serious na mga pics namin......enjoy!

Work segregation

2006-03-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

After 2 days of nothing to do but sleep and eat in my home, we decided to segregate the workload of preparing for the wedding. Since we cannot do anything together but spend each time eating or sleeping or watching movies and so on. Since it’s the only time we can relax and enjoy out of work.

We decided to divide the things that need to be checked and done since we do not have a wedding planner coordinator. While the wedding is 8 months, 1 week and 3 days to go, we prioritized these things first:

1. caterer/food selection - Gil
2. seamstress - Me
3. souvenirs – Me (of course!)
4. invitations – Me (of course again!)
5. cake - Gil (since I’ve already provided him the design, all it needs is the taste. And his really good at it, to be honest!)
6. video/photo - Gil

I’ll also remind Gil about the Program. Like who will say this and that, who will offer an entertainment while eating and so on.

And I’m afraid with the list of guests that we want to invite, I’m afraid we might not follow our plan of 200 guests only. Hopefully, we can find a caterer that is inexpensive with superb food and service. This April will be a busy month of food tasting. We vow to finish some of the things mentioned above this coming month. Since we barely finished anything this March. We even hardly had time for workout!

So wish us luck……for the moment, enjoy this pics taken at work to make ourselves relax and have some fun!

Till next time! \m/

what does it have to be?

2006-03-27T09:07:00.000-08:00

What is a perfect invitation? Is it with how it looks? What paper was used, what fonts printed? Or is it what it contains? What information is held inside? Or is it with the person or people that will use it?

I stumble upon a site, while browsing for an idea for a souvenir, about different styles and forms of invitations. And I kinda liked this one now. Its elegance struck me that I found the previous invitations that I posted inferior. And the way inside of the invitation looked organized and informative. I changed my mind automatically and decided to have this as our invitation. The question now is the colors.

We initially liked the idea of using Lavander as motif. Since I want our wedding to be OUR dream wedding, that both of us represents and Gil’s favorite color is green, we decided to include it as our motif.

I kind of like the idea that we have 2 colors as motif. I just can see the flower girls in my mind, wearing 2 colored gowns with either butterfly or fairy wings, holding a wand of flowers. I’m so excited. I really pray to God that he let us find a seamstress that will take all the ideas we have for the gowns.

I also found this site which has pictures and explanations for each kind of fabric used commonly on wedding gowns. Since the Bridal Fair, where I saw this bridal gown with organza fabric layered on top of the silhouette, I fell in love with the idea of it in my gown. I started looking for designs with organza as an additional fabric. And this is what I saw.

Now with 8 months more to go before the big day, I might change my decisions with regards to the gown, invitations and such. This is when I come across a site or design or something in a bridal fair. Hopefully, we can finish a lot of things this coming April.

We still need to take care of some documents. Especially me, since I do not have my Mother to help or ask advice or ask about some documents. We still need to schedule my confirmation and my Baptismal certificate. Then there’s this CANNA conference we need to attend in June in Mt. Carmel. I think this is something like a family planning seminar or something. I hope its not too spiritual, kinda like always praying every move or activity done.

But with 8 months to go before the wedding, it looks kinda far off that’s why were not rushing to do things. Probably, a month or two before December, we may start rushing things. Having a year of preparation for the wedding is an advantage. It gives us the freedom to choose or make the moment special or what we dreamed it would be.

Till next time! \m/

blogerty

2006-03-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

Lately, because of the strain of our work, we were unable to make any progress with our plans. With me handling a couple of workload at a time, I don’t even have time to browse the internet for leisure, even updating our blog. Aside from that, Gil has no patience in updating the blog.

Anyway, since we’ve already adjusted with our new workloads, we were able to finalize the members of our entourage. Here is the List:

Primary Sponsors: (we decided to have 5 pairs only. Remember we want it as intimate as possible. But with the number of guests that we want to be there, I think we might reach as many as 300 guests before December arrives)

1. Tita Dita (Tita Luz’s Sister) - Tito Jimmy (Gil’s side)

2. Alice (My side) - Atty Gangan (My family’s friend)

3. Tita Onet (Gil’s side) - Tito Demi (Gil’s side)

4. Ate Ran-ran (my side) - Ka Fred (my side)

5. Tita Lorie (my side) - Sir jay Dumlao (our former Prof in college)

We want our primary sponsors to be people we are close or we can go to in times of need for advice or guidance in our marriage. Due to scarcity and some technical issues (like the one we want is already a Godmother or Godfather of my siblings or their children is already a Godchild of my or his parents, its not possible).

Gil’s Bestmen are his older brothers: Kuya Chris and Kuya Jay

My Maid of Honor will be Jesusa Capati and my Junior Bridesmaid is Gil’s younger sister Zarah Gaile.

Secondary Sponsors:

Candle - This is very important in our relationship, since the people that will represent this will be our “light” or guide in our marriage.

1. Alma Mae Rollera - Aldrich

Cord - This is the symbol that will bind us forever. The people that will represent this will play a part of binding us together.

2. Pau (Gil’s cousin) - Dick Empeño (my younger brother)

Veil - This people will represent in protecting us against any harm that may come in our marriage.

3. Veena (my former HS classmate) - Kuya Edwin (my cousin)

The little girls that will shower our way with flowers are:

1. Ruzel Vittali

2. Nyreen Balagtas

3. Gil’s niece (forgot the name)

These are the little boys that will hold the symbols of our love, wealth, and faith.

Ring Bearer - John Rainier (aka Yammy)

Coin Bearer - Reno (aka Ren-ren)

Bible Bearer - Diego (Gil’s nephew)

Rosary Bearer - Gil’s godchild with his cousin Grace

Then the choir that will play and sing in our wedding will be the PREX choir. This is Tita Luz and Tito Jess’ choir group in their local church organization. But we decided we will choose who will be the lectors in the mass. These are

First reading and Psalm - Abelaine Joi Arago
Second Reading - Patricio Jabian

Gil’s older brother Kuya Chris, is a member of an organization called HAM. They have these handheld radio’s, that they can use to be ushers. So, we already told this to his Kuya so we can have ushers to help the guests to their seat.

But we got to the point of guests. This is our main issue, as well as the catering, seamstreass and documents needed. We still have not finalized the guest lists. Since we both have good relationship with our relatives in both the Mother and Father side. We really need to cut it down so we can invite our friends to the wedding. We also have a plan of throwing a party for relatives that were not invited to the wedding. And we will be very strict about the invitations. We will include a number of guest that can come per invitation as well require them to confirm or RSVP to us. In this way we can minimize any problems on the day of the wedding itself.

Right now, my goal is to be done with the caterers, seamstress, guest list and invitations by the end of April. If not, at least we should have booked the caterers and seamstress.

For the souvenir, I still haven’t found the one I like. I already tried searching the internet, going to the bridal fair and looking out in malls, still I haven’t find the one I really like.

But I will definitely give something very nice for the primary, secondary sponsors. This I want them to remember a memorable weeding of ours. I want something that they can use, if not everyday, every once in a while. Gil wants it something related to Christmas, since it’s a December wedding.

Well, I hope everything turned up as we want it to be. As much as possible, we do not want to get a wedding coordinator. It’s because of financial issues. But hopefully, we do not end up getting a loan for this. This is because I do not want to start a new chapter of our relationship with financial burdens like this.

Till next time! \m/

sorry.....

2006-03-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, my position in our team changed. I’ve so busy every night, That I feel stressed out after our shift or when I get home. I cannot keep up with the lifestyle before wherein I can be up for 24 hours straight without any sleep. I’m getting pretty sick or get easily sick nowadays. Gil is scolding me for not taking care of myself. My friend Jam, said that I looked like older that I was before. Stress really can make you old. Aside from, we haven’t done anything else in our wedding preparations. With our rest days still not changed to weekend, we cannot forego any preparations.

Aside from that, our shift schedule difference is already affecting, not only our health, but our wedding preparations. Since Gil is in 4 AM shift and I’m in the 9 PM shift. I feel like I’m the one suffering more. Since most of our appointments falls in daytime, I’ve been having a hard time to keep up. We end up not making any progress.

I’m excited, don’t get me wrong. We still haven’t finalized our sponsors, primary and secondary. We haven’t decided for the caterers and seamstress. We’ve been attending bridal fairs, but not much idea was gotten out of it.

Tomorrow, we’re going to attend to another one in NBC tent. It’s a big one, so I hope we can get a lot of ideas. I hope we can also go and see Ate Judith, to see samples of paper for the invitations. Aside from that, check out the seamstress they know who works great in an affordable price.

For the caterers, my Father told me that Ate Baby, his friend, has a daughter in law that works in a catering company. The company is based in Cubao, QC. And the 2 caterers were trying to choose from are both based in Cubao. I told Gil that I want a caterer we knew someone, so that there will be a slight special treatment. Or perhaps we wont be mistreated.

I hope, I can always update this blog. Some of our relatives already know about the plan. Probably tomorrow since its my Grandfathers Death Anniversary. I also have a plan to go to the bridal fair later that noon. I need to gear up for tomorrow. Gonna be awake for more than 24 hours again.

We’ll till next tym! \m/

News Flash........

2006-02-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

We finally told my Father about our plans this coming December. And I think he took it well. Actually, he already knew about it since last month when the church called to confirm about it. But he just kept quiet. I think Gil was right when he said that he might have known about it since his kinda of mad or something to me last month, when he was under the weather. Early today, he seems to take it well. He already started thinking who to become our Primary sponsors and who should be invited with our relatives, since it’s a limited affair.

It was a very excited atmosphere until my Uncle insisted that we invite our relatives in our province. I already mentioned that it’s a limited affair, but they kept on adding to the list. They insisted the people that should be secondary sponsors and flower girls and ring bearers. I just said yes initially, but the final list will be from us. And the list is kinda unfair since all the sponsors will come from our side. If you will think about the expenses and the sponsors will answer with their expenses, if most of them will come from our side, it will be impossible. Since not all my close relatives are that wealthy enough for something like this. All the expenses for the gowns and flowers will come from us. This will be too much if we will include all those kids. And my Aunt is insisting about some things in the wedding, about the entourage that I do not approve of. And my uncle insists that we hire a van or jeep to fetch our relatives in the province. Which will be 10, 000 out of our budget. Not to mention the gowns that will be added. No, I will stick to our list of who will be in the entourage. Its just my Aunt is not aware that there are new ways to conduct a wedding. Not everyone part of the entourage should have a partner. No, I will still have 3 flower girls and the 4 boys for the ring, bible, rosary and coin, nothing else. Let those people be mad if they want to be mad. I’m not the last one that will get married in this family…..huh! The pressure is starting now!

But this week, I’m looking forward for the Bridal Fair. I’m so excited. And I’m sorry about not updating. I and Gil was under the weather this past couple of days. He got sick with the flu first, for 2 days. Then I have a sore throat and no voice coming out of my mouth for 2 days as well. I was kinda not feeling well until today, I kind of plan not to come to work, but since it’s my rest day again this coming Friday (Bridal Fair). I’m really excited. Tita Luz will come with us. We will meet Gil in Megamall and take it from there. We still do not have any plans with our date with Jesusa. And I do not have any money to spare for that as well. We really need to move to a new company………..

glass slippers.....

2006-02-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

The ideal union wont be complte unless the bride is wearing her glass slippers......not!I'm not going to wear something like a glass slippers. But I'm pretty sure its something that I can wear again.

I was browsing over the internet to look for the perfect pair. Unfortunately, I was not able to find my dream shoes, instead shoes that I really wanted to have.

I really like this flats. I'm going loco over ballet flats lately. I'm really confortable wearing this things nowadays. Maybe I'm so fat, I really cannot carry myself wearing heeled shoes lately.

This is really pretty. This will be nice when I'm out looking for work. For interviews and stuff. This will really look good over formal dresses and casuals, which will make me look lady like. And I kinda like that.

This one I'm thinking about wearing on "The Day". It will be nice and I can wear it again. It has different colors and designs, metallic or leatherized.

The last 2 shoes are made by bandolino. I was trying to check if there are stores near me. Unfortunately, their store locator is not working. I'll try to check it one of these days.

Well, I'll try to check out or look for my dream shoes.

Till next time! \m/

simple elegance...

2006-01-30T10:11:00.000-08:00

I found this cake from a Filipina website based in the US. She conducts seminars and trainings and sells some stuff related to baking and making cakes. She's not only a baker; she's an artist when it came to cakes. She just realized that her medium is the cake.

I really like this cake. It’s simple and elegant. Not the common design you see in window display of bakeries. I really like the people on the top of the cake.

This is another version of the cake, with edible pearls around it. I prefer the ones with the flower petals, it’s much simple.

But my first choice will always be this one. If we cannot get a reasonable price to make this one, we may consider the two above. Since its simple and may take a few ingredients and maybe affordable that having this one made.

I’m really excited for this coming December………….!!!!!I’m also excited about our schedule transition this coming February 19. I wonder what my restday will be? I requested to have Frida-Saturday as restdays. I hope Sir Murphy will grant my request…..Gil will be moved to 1 AM and he requested Saturday and Sunday as restday…….This is the first time in our life here in Link2support that we will have weekends as our restdays…..If our requests are granted, I’ll be very happy and glad……………….yehey!!!!

Till next time………\m/

new ones...

2006-01-29T10:32:00.000-08:00

I stumble upon a site last week. I just did not get the time to blog it. Its really busy this week with work and everything. The site is by a fashion designer, I guess from Mexico or South America. Since his name sounds Mexican or Spanish or Brazilian. Anyway, his designs are really into my liking.

I love the design in this one, especially the silhouette. Its perfect, what I’ve dreamed of. Though, after seeing the movie Corpse Bride, I kind of like the wedding gown Emily, the corpse bride, is wearing. Its sexy, the silhouette part of it. I cannot find an exact design of it, a movie sreencaps does not get the right angle I want, to display the design. Anyway, will try and look over the internet for more images from the movie.

This I also love, since the fabric is not confined in one. It looks like a combination of lace and satin, probably. Not sure, since eyes are starting to fail me, I think I’m getting old. Anyway, no beadworks needed since the lace gives the illusion of sophistication and design. Love it!

This one give the look that there are small flowers cascading down the side of the dress. It kind of give the illusion that two types of fabric are used. But it seems its only either beadworks or what we call “burda”.

This two, the reason I included this is because I love the sleeves. I do not like the silhouette, just the sleeves and neckline. Kind of like Snowhite’s sleeves……

There is a big chance I might change the design of the dress I will wear. I'm really liking the first 3 designs. If I find a picture of the Corpse brides dress, I might change my mind again. Since we haven't found a seamstress, I can continue and change my mind, for now........ Anyway, Gil told me yesterday that his Father’s friend in Cavite, a co-teacher in Marogondon, accepted our invitation to be one of out Primary Sponsor. I really do not feel the vibe anymore about preparing for this wedding. Maybe its because we need to keep it a secret. Hopefully, soon I can mention this to my family. This coming weekend, Feb 4 and 5, my young bro will be taking his Entrance exam in FEU and PUP. I really pray to God that he can pass in any of the two, we can start preparing for his college studies. Then we can announce to my family our plans for this coming December….

We’ll see you next time! \m/

none.....

2006-01-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

Nothing new today for our blog. Nothing is currently progressing in our preparation. I still haven't told my father about the wedding.

Currently, my father is kinda under the weather. Cough and flu is flyng in the air now a days. My Father is not the only one sick, but my young bro have coughs and colds as well. I'm kinda worried about my young bro since he have this cold eversince a week or 2 ago. Aside from that, his really prone to cough and colds lately, since the last quarter of last year. That sent a reality check that I'm not a single girl with nothing to worry but herself, but someone with a responsibility to her family, a responsibility of being a mother. I realized recently, how hard it is to be a working mom(Or am I just lazy for me to do those things at the same time?). But that sent signals that I still need to take care of my young bro even if his turning 16 this coming Feb 4. I'm really saddened to the fact that he never experience to grow up with my Mother around. I really miss her.

This picture was taken when my older brother was born. You see, me and my mom and I are camera shy. Not only me, but my older brother as well. My young bro used to, eversince I got our digicam, his not anymore. And I'm glad.

We do not have many pictures of my mom, its so few you can count it with one hand. I sometimes blame myself why she died. Insists to myself my selfishness and not foregoing to plans. Before she died, I planned for us, the 5 of us, to have a family picture taken. But because of me thinking of myself only, it never happened. My Mother is a really pretty woman. Alas, I never got her looks, but I did get her brain. She's also slim when she was young. Until she got married and had us, did she look like me.

I've been planning to have our pictures digitally combined to look as if were together in the same place. I've been planning this for a year now, literally. But I never get around doing so. Especially now I'm in a tight budget, with the saving for the december event. I really wish everything turn up good.

Till next time! \m/

what's new?

2006-01-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

Basically, there is nothing new, with me or us. What's new is our blog. Just added a mini-chat, so always and visit us and I'll always make sure me or Gil is online. Also added this tickler, which is like a countdown until the big day!

Anyway, I really cannot contain my excitement whenever I think of "The Day". I even dreamed about it.

Now a days, I have new responsibilities at work. I love spending time with the work friends. Roy is inviting us to spent a few days in Puerto Galera. Its probably with Joi, Yeng, Simang, Quickay, Tingky, Ana, Jam, Jaja and tin2. But I doubt if Tin2 will join us, since she's preparing to get married this April....

That reminds me, this year is the year. Alot of my officemates, in Esca alone, are tying the knot. We already have 3 people here who jumped into the bandwagon. And several more this following months, including us.

I still pray to God that he blesses our relationship as we go further. I hope that he never leaves us and remind our love to each other. I'm happy that I have friends, like the ones at the office, who are always there.

We'll till next time! \m/

predicament, challenge, glitch, hitch, jam.....

2006-01-19T12:06:00.000-08:00

The problem right now is we need to finish the sponsors that we will have in the wedding. Aside from that, we also need to finalize the guests. Since we haven't mentioned it to my Father, we cannot go on.

Another thing, I cannot find anything that I like as a wedding souvenir in our wedding. Tita Luz, Gil's mother, suggested small picture frames that can double as a place holder in the reception. I don;t want to give something that small as a wedding souvenir. I want something that they can use everyday and think of us as the people who gave it to them.

I also stumble upon a website which has this software that weill help you arrange the seats of the guests for the reception. There is a free download, but its blocked here at work. So, I'll just try it at home. Hope it helps us arrange the seats for the 200 guests.

Gil is asking me to finalize the Primary Sponsors for the wedding. Its impossible right now since my Father still does not know about it yet. I said, by June, we can finalize the guests and the sponsors. Secondary and the kids, were done. But we haven't inform them yet.

I also saw this site which has a "calendar" of things to be done when planning, here it is:

12 months before

Decide date and make budget
Make a reservation for your wedding and reception venues.
Hire a wedding consultant or coordinator if you choose to get professional help.
Select the members of your entourage: Principal/Secondary Sponsors, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids, Best Man, Flower Girls, and Ring Bearer, among others.
Start looking for prospective caterers (if necessary), invitation printers, cake confectioners, florists, photographers/videographers, musicians, and souvenir suppliers.
Find out the legal aspects and requirements of getting married. Plan for your financial future. Discuss prenuptial agreements with each other.
Announce the engagement

6 to 9 months before

Book wedding suppliers and start shopping for wedding finery
Make wedding list
Plan for dream honeymoon
Bride, choose a gown designer for yourself and your bridal entourage.
Groom, find a suit or barong.
Choose a person to officiate at the wedding, whether a priest, pastor, or judge.
Decide on the misalette's contents (if necessary). Write the marriage vows/ceremony if you can, and coordinate with your wedding officiator.
Book your caterer, florist, photographer/videographer, musicians, and make arrangements with them for any specific requirements you may have.
Determine the guest list and order invitations. Keep this list for future reference when sending thank-you notes to guests.
Shop together for your bridal registry.
Plan your honeymoon. Make arrangements with a travel agent especially if you're traveling outside the country.
Reserve a wedding night suite.

2 to 4 months before

Buy your wedding rings.
Apply for your marriage license, attend the necessary seminars, and submit all required documents to allow for processing time.
Make a schedule for pre- wedding affairs (whichever one you intend to have): a pamamanhikan (the formal meeting of the bride and groom's families), Despedida de Soltera, bridal shower, or stag party. Make sure that you also reserve a date for your wedding rehearsal and that you pay a courtesy call to your principal and secondary sponsors.
Book a hairdresser and make-up artist, and order your bridal accessories.
Have both of your mothers and other significant wedding guests select and coordinate their attire.
Order your wedding cake.
Select and order souvenir items/giveaways.
Address the invitations.
If you need to, find persons for the following assignments: commentator/lector, readers, offertory participants, reception emcee, and attendants who will receive the gifts, have the guest book signed, and distribute the giveaways.
Get a physical exam.

1 to 2 months ahead

Send or deliver invitations four to six weeks before the ceremony.
Complete arrangements with the caterer, reception venue, florist, photographer/videographer, musicians, and wedding officiator.
Arrange for final fittings for bride and attendants' gowns.
Send copies of the ceremony readings/misalette to wedding participants.
Finalize your honeymoon plans and reservations.
If necessary, arrange accommodations and transportation for out-of-town guests.
Buy gifts for your sponsors and entourage members.

2 to 6 weeks ahead

Make follow-up calls to guests who haven't RSVP'd so you can give a final head count to the caterer/hotel.
Pick up your marriage license.
Pick up EVERYTHING you need for your wedding day: wedding rings, attire, accessories, giveaways, etc.
If you want to, send your wedding announcement and include a formal bridal portrait to newspapers.

1 to 2 weeks ahead

Contact guests who have not responded to your invitation yet.
Finalize matters with the officiator, caterer, florist, reception venue management, DJ or band, and all others who will play an active role in your wedding. Make sure you examine and cover ALL the details.
Give your designated photographer/videographer the final list of pictures/shots you want taken.
Time for your wedding rehearsals, Despedida de Soltera, or bridal shower. Whichever one you're having, make sure you enjoy!

The day before

Relax and pamper yourself! Go to a spa, get a massage or manicure. Most important, get plenty of rest.
Don't forget to eat something in the morning.
Bride, have your hair/makeup done about three hours before the ceremony. Start dressing at least one hour before.
Groom, give your best man the bride's wedding ring. Unless you've made other arrangements with your wedding officiator, put his fee in an envelope and give it to the best man to deliver after the ceremony.
Don't forget to bring the marriage license!

After the wedding

Write and mail thank-you notes to all sponsors, friends, family members, and everyone else who played a part in your big day.
If you want to, send an announcement and wedding photo to local newspapers.

I like this list better, since its more a setting here in the Phils. Unlike the first lists that we are following. But pretty much, both "calendar" lists are the same. I'll follow this one instead. I'm really praying that we can say this to my Father sooner. So that we can finalize alot of the settings needed. Aside from that, I need his help to know which of our relatives should be invited and such.

We'll thats that for the moment, till next time! \m/

the invitation.........

2006-01-19T06:48:00.000-08:00

Since were planning to make our own invitations and misalets, I searched the internet for designs. Of course, I will still checkout the bridal fair this coming Feb. 17, 18, and 19 in Megamall. While waiting for February, I'll stick with the Internet first.

I just found this design. This is what I want for the invitations. Its funky, not the traditional type of invitations.

This is the front of the invitation. Isn't it nice? Very modern with a touch of crafty......

This is another design I like, which is kind of multi-purpose. You can also place a small map how to get to the place and possibly the RSVP card or tickets. Since we are planning to conduct a mini-raffle in the wedding..hihi.....

I found this design over to a site(Sorry, forgot to get the add.) I really liked it since its simple and elegant. It can be the invitation.

Here is another design. Since Ate Judith suggested gerberas, I fell in love with this flower. I like the design in this one, the flower design makes me think about gerbera. I was thinking of use this design and change the flower to a miniture gerbera accent. I was thinking of tulips, but since it will not be the motif flower, I switched to gerbera. I was also thinking of, instead of this design, have a stencil of gerbera and butterflies in the front of the invitation or inside.

This is the design I love for the misalet. But of course, the heart will be changed into a gerbera accent, instead of a heart.

Well, that's it for the moment. I'm really excited about going to the bridal fair. I hope its soon........

Symbols of cheerfulness and sunshine....

2006-01-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

This is the flower that Ate Judith suggested that will be the main flower of the bridal bouquet. I saw a picture of the bouquet that Ate Judith made. And it was very pretty, looked expensive. She estimated our flowers for the entire entourage for 12, 000. The entourage is about 37 people. And it’s quite cheap. We saw a small bridal exhibit in megamall this week, and it the cheapest price for flowers is 7, 000. This is the bride, bridesmaid, flower girls only. That’s why I said to Gil that it will be very lovely.

This is the gerbera. Ate Judith said that the gerbera will be the secondary flower in my bouquet. I like this flower. I never thought that its name until I searched google. Good thing Ate Judith suggested it.

But my main choice for my bridal bouquet is the Tulip. Unfortunately, Ate Judith said that its not only expensive, it’s also easy to die when its out low temperature. So, she suggested to use gerbera and stargazer. Then she will make ball of flowers for the flower girls instead of placing it in a basket. Then the flower girls will hold a separate pouch which will contain petals of roses……..I’m really excited now and I hope my Father accepts this news well….Wish us luck!

Light of the home....

2006-01-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

This one very elegant. But I do not know if Tita Luz will like to wear something that is strapless. I'm pretty sure its strapless inside. If she does not like this, we can have this design for Lola. I hope she likes it.

This one I like for Tita Luz. I saw another one which is in black, but the same off shoulder but with a pencil cut skirt. Which is much cooler. And its kinda elegant for Tita Luz's age. Not too flashy and sexy. Just about right. I'll try to look for the picture and post it.....

Updates!Updates!Updates!Updates!

2006-01-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm back....sorry for no updates lately. It’s just that I had a very busy weekend and spent both my work restday trying to look for a inexpensive alternatives for the weeding. Then yesterday, I had this very severe toothache....Good thing I met Gil's dentist, which is just beside their small drugstore. She put an antibiotic directly to the nerve of my teeth so that extraction or root canal is not an option anymore. I'm glad it’s already working. Late yesterday afternoon, I thought it’s not going to work since its still aching. But last night, I finally had a good night sleep, without the occasional time I wake up because my tooth is aching. It still hurts every now and then, but not as much as yesterday....

Anyway, we went to Gil's family friend, Ate Judith. They lived in Gil's family apartment for more than 20 years. Then they left. Ate Judith's family is a very creative family. They know how to design gowns, create crafts for invitations and wedding favors. I'm really excited about the idea that were going to construct the invitations and wedding favors from scratch..... The only problem we have right now is who will sew our dresses? Our current budget for that is 20, 000. This includes the bride, maid of honor, 3 secondary sponsors, 3 flower girls and mother of the groom and bride. The seamstress who sew Tita Luz's gown offers 25, 000 for bride, maid of honor, 3 secondary sponsors and flower girls. If the mothers of bride and groom are included, it will be 30, 000. This is over the budget that we assigned. Ate Judith has a friend who sews their gowns in her sister's wedding. And it cost those 5, 000 for 2 adult and 1 child. If you will sum up the total number of gowns needed, it will be 10, if we go with Ate Judith’s friend, it might just cost us 20, 000. And there's this Yeng’s friend in Bulacan. I asked her to ask her friend what packages she has for a wedding. Then maybe will think about it.

Oh, by the way, there is a bridal fair this coming February.... I'm so excited!

But the thing that is kind of holding me back is the thought that nobody still knows about this back in our house. None of my relatives knows about this. So its kinda hard for the part of Gil. Since we cannot discuss it in my house, whereas in his house, everybody is excited. Even his younger sister... Hopefully, everything turns out the way we wanted it. And I pray that my father.

Anyway, here are some of the designs I’m thinking about the secondary sponsors:

Tomorrow, I will list our secondary sponsors, maid of honor, best men, flower girls and the little boys.....We still have not finalize our Primary Sponsors, since we haven't mentioned this to my Father. Maybe by June, we already finalized it.....hopefully.......

what happened?

2006-01-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

Right now, Gil is consulting an old friend of theirs for the flowers. Aside from that, we'll also going to visit the seamstress that sew Tita Luz's wedding gown. Dont think I'm not excited or something...Its just that the wedding is in the 11 months or so and were already on the phase 2 or 3 of the wedding. I think we need to sit down and try to make a plan out of this. We already skip out phase 1 of planning a wedding which is the engagement....I still do not have an engagement ring. I know, in our country and tradition its not important. But for me it is. And it seems not imprtant., for him. What I'm trying to say is I hope everything goes well.

Early this evening, we did some workout. I'm kinda liking this gym stuff.... I'm enjoying it, I like working out. One thing that's bodering me is that my heart rate shoot to 170 to 180 everytime I do cardio for a minute or 2 with a level or speed of 6 to 7. Its as if I have a heart disease. Its really in the back of mind everyday. I'm worried. I want to take tests to check what's wrong with the heart. Its just that I want to have kids, the normal way....You know, the normal delivery way. In my theory, mother's tend to love their children more if they give birth the normal way. In this way, you will see the pain anf hardship you went through to deliver a beautiful angel.....I think my heart is weak because of tonsilitis. Since I always have this thing every week or month or so.....

But anyway, back to the wedding preparations. Gil explained to me that his parents did not mean their reactions when we broke the news to them. I understand the fact that they are surprised, but I was kinda hoping it was more in the estatic, thrilled or excited kinda surprise. I always forget the things I learn in life, never expect. Always hope for the bad, so in case it really happened, you will not be disappointed.....

Anyway, my mom's grave will be moved this coming Monday. I'll bring my camera for some shots and I'll post it here.

I already found designs of cakes I wanted to have in the wedding day. Aside from that, I studied some tips on planning the wedding day. One is pick a theme, and everything will follow from there. Since my favorite color is lavander, I was thinking to ask Gil what movie or story or picture inspires him or he likes. Me, I cannot chose....I'm always like that, I like alot of things to the point I cannot select which one I like best....The thing now is which one?

as the flowers bloom........

2006-01-05T05:02:00.000-08:00

I like the first one for gaile......then either the second or third one for Nyreen and Ruzel.....Its pretty isn't it...

which is it?

2006-01-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Option 4

Option 5

Option 6

Option 7

Option 8

Option 9

I know there are alot of options...its just I cannot decide....Maybe I'll just show this to my Bestfriend and allow her to decide for herself....Since its she whose going to wear the dress.....But I kinda like 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9. I know, I only have one bridesmaid, but what the heck!!!!!!

By the way, we already check Mt. Carmel early today, it was awesome! the place is so romantic and perfect.....and the reception hall that they have, its very beautiful....I'll list some of the requirements later. Gil ws also awestruck by it, that he decided right away that Mt. Carmel is "The Place" to celebrate the ceremony......But I was kinda of hesitant, wanting to check out other churches. We tried San Beda, but they said it was decreed by the catholic church that only parishioners can only get married now to the church, alumnis are not welcome anymore....Anyway, it does'nt matter. We were suppose to go to Intramuros and check other churches, but Gil already made up his mind.

Another thing, we already said the news to his mom, his 2nd older bro and his GF, and I'm kinda hurt....Because his mom was not that excited about it. Gil said that its because of surprise and the thought that his going to leave their house. Its one of the questions that his mom asked. We said that we will going to live a week or a month in their house then following week or month in mine....They dont kinda like the answer.

Gil was adamant to tell it to his dad. Since Tito Jess is kinda emotional on things like separation and stuff like that. The plan was to tell it to him next week after he receives his promotion news. But apparently, they already told it to him last night, at dinner. With his kuya Kay, lei, Kuya Chris and chelle present. And the first thing that they asked is wether I'm pregnant. Then Tita Luz said that it will be in December. I dont know what their thinking right now....I'm kind of hurt...Did not expect that this is the way they will react.

Its just that in the 6 years of our relationship, Tita Luz and Tito Jess treated me as their own child. Gives me attention in my birthdays and small things. Attention that I seldom receive at home after my mom died. Its just overwhelming that I thought that telling the news of the wedding will be so exciting since it will just legalized me and Gil's relationship and be a true blooded "daughter" of theirs...apparently thats not the case.......

Well, I hope that will end fine or well in the end....I'll get over my hurt, like the others.......Will keep you posted again...\m/

P.S. I was not able to bring my digicam early today. I forgot it at home. Maybe next time......\m/11

watchatink?

2006-01-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

We'll, already searched the internet. I went to this site, www.theknot.com, its a pretty website with alot of informations. Especially if your goint to plan on your own instead of getting a coordinator. What I like about this site is the information about what type of neckline, silhouette, designer or price range. But of course, its in dollars. Anyway, they also have options for bridesmaid and tuxedo and the like. Its a neat website. Its just the setting or basis is the american market. Anyway, its a good source of information. I also got hold of the gowns I would like to wear. But do not know which will suit me best.

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Which is the nicest one? Cannot decide which. I kinda like option 3, but can't see the front, so I'm kinda hesistant.

Need to go now, need to find my bestfriend her gown....so, will keep you posted! see yah! \m/

links and random thoughts

2006-01-02T08:39:00.000-08:00

hi, Lei here!

Lhen, a officemate of mine whose going to get married this December in a church, sent the following links to prepare your own wedding:

http://www.wedding-planning-tools.com/planner/shots/12monthcount.html = this link is a list of what should be done as you progress to the Big day!

http://www.cnccreativeconcepts.com/packages.html = this one is for bride's gown. But I wont even consider this, imagine a Php300,000 worth of a bridal gown. I know, I know, its once in a lifetime. Since were in a tight budget, I think I'll pass

http://www.perfectinvitationsuperstore.com/ = this, as the address suggests, are for invitations. I kinda like the designs, but a bit too much. Scrolls are nice, not the traditional type for a wedding invitation. Still, it feels like it doesn't quite fit in my idea for the Big Day......

We'll its already Monday, and after work today, we'll be heading to my Mom's grave for a visit. It's been a long time since we visited her. My big bro and my sis-in-law will be coming over.

By the way, Gil and I were talking over dinner how are we going to break this to our parents. His plan is for me to tell his parents and him to my Dad. But since his really that timid about telling this to my Father, he even considered writing a letter instead. What a funny guy! But hopefully, we can come up on something how to break the news. My plan is to tell them about 6 months before the date. That would be in June. In this way, my little bro is settled on his college degree or something. I really hope he can get into a good school to finish his studies. But of course, I won't stop my support them even if alot of things changed already.

Early tonight, we did an hour so of workout. We did some cardio and some muscle workout. Then hit the sauna and the showers. Gil said, later on I will feel some muscle pains, but as of this writing, all I feel is sleepy. Guess I still some more time to sleep. But after I hit the Decolgen no drowse, I feel a bit awake already.

Anyway, we already bought a planner/calender/address book last night. We are already filling it up of some important dates and things to be done. I'm so excited this is the only place I can tell my feelings or thoughts....I'm really excited! see yah next time! \m/

First stop, which Church?

2006-01-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

Since the list suggest that we check the church requirements first, we need to decide which church to celebrate the ceremony.

Our first option is San Agustin Church, Intramuros
Second is Mount Carmel in New Manila. Cannot find any picture. Promise, will get a picture once we go there this Wednesday.

Third is Gil's alma mater in grade school which is San Beda church:

Thats about all our option as of now. We'll need to schedule to scout for which church is the best for us. To be honest, I've never been inside this churches. Mount Carmel, I just saw it from the outside, never been inside its gates. San Agustin and San Beda church, never even know where this churches are located. Never get to those places. But hopefully, before the month ends, we've already selected which church to celebrate this monumental moment of our lives......"emote" \m/

Well, I'll just keep you posted. Seems like Gil is too busy researching. We need to get out and scout for this, SOON.......\m/

checklist

2006-01-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

Gil saw an article over the internet, kasal.com, which published an article about Ms. Tin-tin Bersola-Babao, about what are the cheklist needed when preparing for your own wedding.

Here are the list:

Church Requirements
Wedding Venue & Reception
Catering
Wedding gown and shoes
Barong/Shoes
Invitation
Photographer
Video Coverage
Musicians
Honeymoon Arrangements
Wedding Cakes
Color Theme
Entourage Design
Florist/Event Stylist
Secure Deposit with Suppliers
Bridal Registry
Thank you gifts
Wedding rings
Marriage License
Make up Artist & hairstylist
Bridal Car

She also mentioned about the following:

Rings
Candles and Holder
Ring Pillows
Flower Girl Baskets
Guest Book and Pens
Veil
Cord
Arrhae
Unity Candles

Its a good thing they reviewed the video thing that tin2 made. In this way we do not need to buy the video. As of now, we are also in the time of saving up the money that we can. We are planning to spend about 150, 000 to 200, 000 to our wedding. We are really hoping we can hit the target. But I know, we wont be able to save up since preparations are under way. It also said in that site that resources or materials are expensive when weddings are conducted in the last quarter of the year. I know that the money we'll set aside will be spent right away.

The really fun apart about this is that Gil is hands on in the preparation. Unlike in some stories I hear. Guys tend to be cold or uninterested in matters like this. Not Gil, his the more persuasive one in the two of us. But come to think of it, I'm not much of a planner. I'm more of a spontenous type of person. I'm a type of person that does not believe in planning. However, I'm really happy that Gil is showing this kind of enthusiasm. Makes me feel the way........

Happy New Year!!!!

2006-01-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

Hi, Lei here! I cannot believe that 2006 has already started. And 2006 signals that my hectic schedule is about to start. Up until now, I cannot believe that me and my baby are starting to plan for our wedding!!!!! Me and Gil went to hear mass earlier. I cannot believe how enthusiatic and excited he is with our wedding. Don't get me wrong, its just that we've been together for 6 years and I cannot believe that his plans for our relationship goes that way.

Because you see, Gil is not the kind of person whose that expressive. Believe me, in the beginning of our relatioship, we really had a hard time when it comes to expressing how one feels for the other. But of course, on my part its not that hard since I'm a girl. But him, he really had a hard time, and include the experiences he had with his past girlfriend. Major trauma......I really had a hard time pulling him out of his shell. But his fine, every moment, were together is bliss.....

Another that signals 2006 is the workout time.....My golly, my Baby is one athletic person. He really loves going to the gym, even if it cost much of his salary. His really persuading me now to workout since we have plans this year. Especially me, I gained alot of weight with the holiday and vacations this december. But I'm also looking forward to it.

Right now, aside from the workout, we've already been planning who will be our primary and secondary sponsors. Its really hard to think who those people will be since we have a small number of true friends and people who really touches our lives. Hope we can come up on something very soon. His also starting to research about weddings, what should be done first and stuff like that. As of now, what he found out that the first thing to be done is the Church. You got it right. So it will be scheduled to the date that we like. But were still thinking where. He initially like San Agustin. But when he inquired how much, Php 40,000, we changed out minds. We're not that rich you see. And with the present crisis in the economy of the country, we'll you know the rest.

We're now considering Mount Carmel. And aside from that, there's this neat place near Mount Carmel, its called Oasis Manila. Its a reception area, complete with parking lot. We are considering this as a reception area if in case we chose Mount Carmel. But my problem with the place is its near the Aurora Hi-way. Alot of traffic passes this place. But I'm sure we'll find something.

I also metioned to him about filing our leaves for the month of December. As early as possible. Probably we can do that after the "Pamamanhikan". Hope everything goes well with that one. What with my older brother got married last Oct 2005 then me this year, who knows what my Father will think......

I'm really excited. I really hope everything goes well on the "BIG DAY". We'll keep you posted