A Not-So-Good Encounter with Noah's Park

Last week, I blog about how happy I am to have found my prenup location at Noah's Park and how happy I am with the warm welcome the owner and her (i think) assistant extends us but I was very disappointed how they handle clients after booking with them.
We booked with them only through phone since it's only last Saturday that we have decided to actually do the pictorial at the said place.
We're very glad they still accommodated us even though it is already on a short notice. When I ask them if they cater food they said that they can cook for us and so thinking for the less hassle we agreed. Upon arrival at the Park around 1pm, Jocelyn ask if they will already serve the food and I said yes, she ask me if we wanted to use the cabana for only 550, since we will spend more time taking picture is I just said "no", I ask her if they charge for the use of tables near the kiosk she said "no", so to save up some dough we just had lunch at the tables. The food is typical, I was just disappointed because it's a pack lunch (she told us that it will be a course meal) and it's already cold, well... at least it didn't taste bad.
The place is overall nice. It did rained a little for a few minutes, we stop for a while to also take a rest. After the rain we continue the pictorial. It was already dark when they open the lights and unfortunately we also did our last shot. We are all like "may ilaw naman pala, ngayon lang binuksan". Then Jocelyn approach us and told us that they will be charging additional price per person if we still wanted to stay because they are only open until 5pm. Since we just had our last shot we just told her we are already leaving. I remember asking them clearly that if we can use the venue till evening, they didn't mention any other charges. I was a bit mad. I just let it slip though since we are all tired and wasted.
And so we settle the payments. She charge us the 120 per person as we agreed upon and 100 per pax for the food. Jocelyn told me that the owner Dr. Velasquez told her to charge us for a cabana since they require such. According to her they always charge at least 1 cabana for a group who visit the place. I was so damn angry, I felt that they have the responsibility of telling me all those thing before hand and not when we are settling our bill. Dammit! Emer and my brother told me to just let it slip, too not worth it for more arguments. If I only knew then we should just had lunch at the Cabana. Other charges are not really big deal but I just hope they told me all those when I was just inquiring.
They are still newly opened but if they will keep having hidden charges I'm sure they won't stay long, in this world it is always to best to keep your clients satisfied. I remember telling them that since I like the place I will recommend them to others but right now after the not so good encounter with them I think I will just forget about the place. Anyway, what matters most is the we enjoy the pictorial.

Trial HMU with Elaine Ganuelas

I won the prize at w@w auction. I was so sad that the prior free trial I had cause tons and tons of pimples. I'm not sure if it's because of the brush the make up artist use or because of the MAC foundation she uses. Anyway, yesterday was our pre-nup pictorial with my photographer Kix Tavora and so I decided to avail the trial hair and make up of Elaine Ganuelas in time for the shoot. I was so happy with how my make up is done, my eyes looks a little bit bigger (I know wala ng pagasa pero sympre I know kahit papaano may magagawa.. slight! hehe), I so love how my hair is done, pero nilagyan ko kasi ng hair pin at the start of the shoot coz super lakas ng hangin sa Montalban, Rizal.
I really felt beautiful yesterday, but the trial she does is meant for prenup and not the trial meant for the wedding. fine with me since my primary concern is how my eyes will looks like after the make up. She told me that for the wedding she'll be using a different shade of eye shadows and since yesterday is for prenup she said it's much lighter.
Her rates are also very affordable compared to other make up artist. it's 10k for 3 and 1800 for the trial but if you'll avail her service she's deduct the price.


Call Ms. Elaine Ganuelas at 09224829669 Her house is located at Valle Verde 5

Trip to 168 Mall

We plan on going to 168 this morning but Dang! Our trip to 168 is so worthless. We were stuck in traffic for 2 hours. Roads going to the mall are all blocked and cannot be pass. We can't find a space to park. We pass by Aurora and supposed to take Recto but since traffic are bumper to bumper we decided to just pass by Bustillos going to Bambang and then Masangkay then Soler to 168. Unfortunately, cars are also not moving. When at last we reached 168 we were so Dang frustrated that their parking lots are closed, not knowing where to park we just decided to turn back and call it quits. Grabe! I will never ever go to 168 ulit riding a car, siguro if we just took lrt and jeep maybe we will be there early, and maybe we already bought some stuff! I was so disappointed, ganun pala kagulo going to that mall! hayz!!!

Attending W@W Christmas Party!

I was a last minute registered w@wie guest. It was only last Thursday when I was sure that we can be able to go to the annual w@w Christmas party. I was so glad that our registration was confirmed.
Yesterday was very very fun and tiring day for me. I admit I didn't get to talk much with co-w@wies coz shyness got into me. But anyway, it was still worthwhile for us.
We arrived Fernwoods at exactly 1pm and we were one of the first 20 couple to arrived early, so we get to choose 1 photographer we like. I choose Mango Red. Their shots are really unique, much like the way my photographer Kix Tavora does. Not actually comparing the two but I see a lot of similarities with the way they shoot.
There are also HMUA who pledge to give free hair and make up for the pictorial. I was assigned with Miss Lorie Abraham, she's really nice, she make my super chinky eyes looks a little better. I'm just having doubt at the way her hairstylist fix my hair. It looks so old fashion. Anyway, her price are also affordable, if I'm not mistaken it's 10k plus 2. Since I still don't have HMUA for my wedding, she's one of my option. Will be having trial with Miss Elaine Ganuelas on Tuesday and will set trial with Peddy Acebo soon. I got a lot of trials already but I still haven't found the one. Maybe I'm so picky or maybe I'm just not confident by the way they had my make up done.
And so after almost 2 hours we're all set. I wanted to look for Mango Red first but they are just so nowhere insight. We first had pictures with Edwin Tuyay, he's so funny and so nice, even though he knew that we already got photographer he still gives his effort in taking pictures. Next is Jerome Agustin, he wanted to take natural posses, but we were so not the model type who can easily pose in front of the camera. We were having a hard time acting naturally, huhu!!!
We also get to shoot with Metro Photo and Ariel Javelosa Team. We are still looking for Mango Red and Dino Lara since I don't want to loose all my smile's posing with the other teams (hehehe sorry). I check my card and it also indicate Chito Cleofas name, it's an honor posing with him, he's such a perfectionist. All poses are important, even a single hair flowing through your eyes is a distraction. Very down to earth and very very nice person. He told me I might wanted to try Peddy Acebo, he's good with eyes daw! well... I'm gonna give it a try since I so trust him in being a perfectionist.
And so after our shoot with Chito, we went to Dino Lara, he's a very creative guy, he uses a game to take pictures of a couple and his ideas are good. By this time I was so desperate looking for Mango Red, we roamed every venue just to look for them but still we didn't find them. Clarrise, a w@wie volunteer, if I'm correct, told me that we can now choose to take pictures with other teams if we like, it's already open to everyone. Since I am also a fan of Fol Rana, I approach him and ask if we can have picture taking with him, and he was so kind enough to accommodate my request. We took several shots and leave his post happy.
We already got tired of looking for Mango Red, and so we look for the last person to take our pictures, my card says Marvin Natores. We approach Marvin and he's soooo nice. All his shots are really really good. I haven't heard about him before but I'd say I was really impressed at his work.
We also had picture taking with Metro Photo and Ariel Javelosa Team.
We were done with all 8 photographers around 5pm. Tired, hungry and dehaydrated HEHE!!! All the efforts are so worth it, our pre-nup with Kix Tavora will be on Tuesday and we we're so happy that at least we already got ideas on how we should cover some of our flaws (my bilbil and double chin to be exact hehe ) and idea how tired we could possible be after the shoot.
I just can't wait to see the finish product. I hope they can email it to me soon (hehe kapal no!)
It was already 6pm and the party will start soon. We saw my cousin J and his fince Charlotte, we move table and sit with them. I was shocked to know that Charlotte is also a w@wie, hehe small world. And so, the program starts. Paulo Clemente was so funny and a really good host. The highlight for me was when Mr. Tamayo of Tamayo's catering sang and dance, he's really good ha! Josiah sponsors the food. We also get to try cuptails n dreams cupcakes. and of course, a slice of Alex Franco cake, so heavenly delicious! I didn't get to have cakes from joy san gabriel sayang! (takaw e no?) hehe Oh every couple get to have 1 small fondant cake courtesy of Sugar Box.
And so the w@w supplier of the year goes to mimi and karl. They deserve it, having passion on what they do, they are one of the teams which we hope to work with if only budget permits hehe a big round of applause!!! the party ends with loot bags from w@w and a souvenir from angel winks. There's also one last prize every couple can get a chance to win, I won a bag which contains Acclaim butterfly's decorated candle and an aroma incense, and a neat necklace (i forgot the company sorry).
I was so glad to have attend an event like this! Being a part of the party is a privilege. Thanks to Ma'am Benz and Sir John for a wonderful and successful events.

Lawiswis Kawayan in Bulacan

Last Sunday, we went to Lawiswis Kawayan located at Calumpit Bulacan. It took us more than an hour but less than 2 hrs to reach the private resort. Lawiswis Kawayan is a private resort which are ideal for small weddings, gatherings, team building and soul searching. It is located 3kms away from the main road. The resort is ok and nice for group overnights because they only accommodate 50person max which makes it ideal for relaxing. I don't have camera with me, so I only use my camphone. The place got an ample size swimming pool, pavilion, real neat cabanas, cottage, function halls and rooms for overnight accommodation. There's not much to see at the resort but if your plans are only to relax and spend the day chatting with friends this is one good place to stay.

Lawiswis Kawayan located at Calumpit Bulacan
Contact Person: Angel
Contact Number: 09224665907
Website

Noah's Park in Montalban Rizal

In search for prenup location, I came across with a co-w@wie's (JP and Love) pictorial at Noah's Park located at Montalban Rizal, right exactly besides Avilon Zoo. I saw some of their pictures and eventually got interested about the place. I search through the internet and got to check out their websites. I know pictures can be deceiving but this time, we we're not disappointed at the place.
Originally, we wanted somewhere with a nice beach but sadly there are a lot of hindrances, we set the date on November 30, unfortunately, almost all the nice resorts in Laiya, San Juan are already fully booked and according to the managements there's a big possibility that the resorts will be crowded. And me, a very shy ( :P ) person and not so comfortable with posing in front of the camera decided to just set for another date.
The idea of beach pictorial go down to waste as we are really worried about the continuous and sudden change of the weather. so sad! Being a beach person it is really a dream come true to pose in front of the beauty of the sea, oh well...
And so, off we look for an alternative prenup location. This afternoon we went to Noah's Park. I was so overwhelmed by the warm welcome Dra. Velasquez and Jocelyn extends us. The place is not so big and you can just roam it in a few minutes but (for me) the place got a lot of nice angles to shoot at. I took some pictures, I was in a hurry since rain started to pour. There are two swimming pools, there are also cabanas where groups can sit back and relax, their accommodation will be ready by next year (sayang) and a nice spot for picture taking at their short hanging bridge.
I was thinking that if my photographer was not satisfied at the place we may also visit Avilon Zoo.
Though, I'm still thinking carefully if we will have the pictorial at Noah's Park or follow what my heart really desire. But if we will settle for a resort definitely we will have it done here. The place is recommendable!
more pics

Measurement Taking with Farley

Measurement taking... I am so excited that at last my girls will now take measurements for their gowns on our wedding. Yesterday, I gathered almost all my ento girls. Janice, my bridesmaid, who's currently at Taiwan of course can't make it, but it's ok since I will send her some guidelines for the measurement Farley need and Eki, our secondary sponsor who's not feeling well.
4pm our call time, almost everyone reach our house on time but Farley arrived 3 hours after. I was really worried because some of Uncle doubt his professionalism, I know he can deliver well, I saw some of his gowns and they are just as lovely, I just hope he delivers my girl's gown as what I have expected.
Thank God, that we prepare some snacks for my visitors, Emer cooked spaghetti, my sis made some Nacho's and my mom prepare some egg sandwiches. What a relief that even though, Farley was very late, my "bisitas" didn't get bored.
At exactly, 7pm Farley arrived! Before taking their measurements, we finalize the colors, my ento girls will be wearing lilac gown with some touch of pink. our moms will be wearing magenta fuchsia gowns, my ninangs will be wearing fuchsia gowns. My Ama will be wearing 2-toned lavander with some touch of pink gown. after that we finalize the design and at last after consulting with Farley for their different body types, they are all set for measurement taking. it took us 2 hours to finish.
After taking measurements for Emer's mom, my mom and my ento girls, we went to our Ama's house just across our house, it's her turn for measurements. She will be walking down the aisle, before me and my parents. Since she is the only Ama (lola) we got and we felt honored to have her lined up with our entourage,
So alls well that ends well... our Ama, 2 moms, 1 moh, 1 bm, 2 ss, 3 little girls already finish taking up their measurements, oh btw, and one ninang. Two girls to go and we're all set. moms will be shantung, while my ento girls will be mix chiffon and satin, my little girls on the other hand will be using organza on top of satin.
Yesterday was so busy but very exciting day, it was the first time I gather up all my girls and I really hope they get to know each other well... And at the end of the day, all I can think of is A JOB WELL DONE!

***pics are our gown inspirations

Sumigaw by Rivermaya

Narinig ko n itong kanta na ito way back, hmmm... siguro sa studio 23 dahil station id pala nila ito. but it was only last week when I actually listen to the song courtesy of our friend Jerome's CD. nung narinig ko itong kanta na ito I really felt that ang lalim ng song na ito. as in the lyrics are really meaningful. Being a fan of hip hop and rnb hindi nila akalain na I also love other songs, minsan ang sarap pa rin pakinggan ang mga Tunog Kalye, OPM songs sometimes mark meaning to everyone's heart. Naalala ko tuloy nung panahon ng mga Eheads at Rivermaya.
Anyway, till now strong pa rin ang bandang rivermaya, sila na nga lang ata ang natira sa mga kasabayan nila e kaya naman nung nalaman kong sila pala ang kumunta ng Sumigaw e talaga namang walang kakupas kupas!
Talagang nag iwan ng tatak sa puso ko ang kantang ito, para sa mga kaibigan kong hindi ako iniwan sa oras ng mga problema, para sa mga katropa na nagsisimula ko pa lang makilala ngunit nagpkita na ng walang iwanan sign at para sa mga magiging kaibigan ko pa. sama-sama nating pakinggan ang kantang ito. I'm sure makakarelate kayo!


Sumigaw
Artist: Rivermaya
Album: Bagong Liwanag
Video: You Tube

Wag ka na munang mag-isip
Ng kung ano mang problema
Tanggap mo na’ng mundo’y mapaglaro
Minsan lang natatabunan ng saya
Bale wala kung enjoyin’ mong mag-isa

[Chorus]
Sumigaw, tumingin
Kung saan ka nanggaling
Harapin ang hamon ng mundong ito (Handa ka na ba?)
Asahan mo na hanggang sa huli
Nandito lang kami
Wag mong isipin na hindi ka naintindihan
Sasabayan ka namin
Kahit ano pa yan
Minsan lang natatabunan ng saya
Sama-sama tayo, halina’t kumanta

(Repeat Chorus)

[Bridge]
Minsan tayo ay nadadapa
Kontra sa ihip ng tadhana (Ayos lang yan)
Wag ka munang mag-alala (Ayos lang yan)
Magkamali man, sagot kita (Ayos lang yan)
Bukas ang pintuan ng barkada
Dito ka nalang muna

(Repeat Chorus)

The Coffe Shop Restaurant

we really had a hard time finding the place since we only had slightest idea where it is located all we know is that it is located at Olongapo near White Rocks. Curiosity got into us of what's this jumbo taco all about so after an hour of driving we finally found the place. Each of us ordered 1 taco, we were really awe when we saw the taco, it is indeed the biggest taco ever serve to me. Their taco shell are a lot different than the taco we usually have, though different the shell is just so hard to resist, I so love tomatoes that's why when I had my first bite and knew that they got loads of tomatoes in it, dang, I have to have my second bite asap! for the price ranges 55-105, very worth it but I suggest you share it with someone, eating the taco alone makes me want to cry, I can't even finish the half of it. Other food are also within the budget. We finish eating taco more than an hour after! I bought taco salad to go for my pasalubong and my siblings love it!!! Next time we visit Subic I'm sure we will check out the place again! yumyum!!!!

Lawatsa sa Bataan

I had a second thought of going out on a vacation last long weekend because we're really really on a tight budget especially now that we are only few months away from our wedding but what made me change my mind is that the company we will be going out with are really awesome and nice plus I wanted more pictures for my AVP and I also think that a good vacation will help relieve our stress.
Originally, we wanted to go to Hundred Island Pangasinan then Dagupan but after lots of text and calls and talks we decided to just visit the place some other time and so off we go to our destination, we chose Bataan.
We heard Mt. Samat from our AIR buddies who visited the place few months ago, their pictures are just so nice and awesome that we, Emer, Kiam, Jays, Joyce, Ate Nene and I decided to check it out, with Joyce's son Jared with us, we took a lot of pictures and stayed there less than an hour (i Think). The place for me, is not really a wow and a place I will visit again, I'm not just a fan. It's historical landmark built sometime during Marcos regime, there are guns and canyons displayed, pictures and model of the whole Bataan. The wind is crisp and chill up there, might be because it is located at the top of the mountain and it is really really high. From the top you'll see a very beautiful view of Bataan, it's nice to stay there for a few minutes to enjoy the breeze, in fact it's nice to stay their for few hours just doing nothing but laughing and sharing stories. But since I am fascinated with beach, I was excited to reach Morong in no time.
After checking out the place, we wanted to go food tripping but we got lost along the way and ended up at the other side. We were all shock when we learned we're at the other side of Morong (our target point), we were already at Mariveles, more than an hr drive away from Morong. The road was not easy for a car, the twisties are extreme, though it's really nice for a motorcycle ride.
We reach Morong, Bataan around noon, we check out different resort such as Morong Star, White Coral, J and E, Coralview, we settled at the last. The resort is nice though a little pricey. for the 7 of us we paid 4600 for the room, 2 queen size bed and 3 extra matress. There's 2 swimming pool, a videoke machine, 2 billiard table, beach volley ball court and an obstacle course. The beach is great, not white sand though, but the sands are fine, it got a wide beach front which is really really nice, there's a breakwater which makes it safe for kids to swim at the sea, the water is clear but it's very rocky. The food is not good, if I will rate it 10 being the highest, I will rate the food around 4. The food's price is ok if only it is compensated by the taste. The food ranges from 160-180 per short order that is good for 2-3 person. I was disappointed at the fact that they ask corkage for food but they can't even deliver it well... like I just hate every meal we had there and I hate the fact that they sell imported chips only. Sodas are not allowed and I have nothing against it since resorts usually don't allow to bring in drinks other than water. But Corkage for Water? that was a little bit of something!!!! oh well...
The place is nice, I just hope they'll practice good customer service, I hate it when we have to wait for more than an hour just to have a meal, I hate it when they don't allow us to built our own bonfire if we won't buy twigs from them but BUT when we are about to pay they told us they don't have available twigs. anyway, enough of the rants!
After dinner, we had a rest and started our bonding session (sympre it means inuman na din). We started early but ended up very late. We open a bottle of Black Label courtesy of Jays and drink till we drop, unfortunately after finishing the bottle, the others are still not satisfied so while dipping at their jacuzzi we orders few bottles of SMB light. The fun didn't stop until we all decided to call it a night.
I woke up around 9 or 10am. we ordered our brunch, while waiting for the food, we play a part of the obstacle course, net climbing. Having a fear of falling I was able to reach the top in an instant but it took me quite sometime to get down. haha!!! after some picture taking and playing we all had our Brunch. We leave the resort around 3pm. By the way, Sun Cell really sucks, they don't have signal at he area, I still need to borrow my friend's globe phone just to get in touch with my family, Dang!
Our last stop was to try Jumbo Taco located at Olongapo. We took the road that leads to SBMA and from there we look for the restaurant. I'll have a separate entry for the Taco story. And so we finally reach The Coffee Shop Restaurant past 4pm. We finish our dinner at around 6 and all set to go home. Our vacation is over. Past 9pm we were already at Valenzuela exit, it was suppose to be our final stop, for goodbye's but since all of us are "BITIN" we decided to stay for a couple of hours at Jays and Joyce house. I reach home past 2am.
The outing might be a very short but there's one thing I know, that all of us have started a new friendship, another level of being just buddies, we all know that this will not be the last, instead this is the beginning. I was glad that though I am having second thought we still find way to join the gang, another indeed a treasured memory.
pics by joyce

i'll post more pics from my cam soon...