Supplier's Rating

It's my time to write down my supplier's rating... and I really do hope this will help soon to be brides like the other ratings from previous brides help me! Thanks sympre to w@w dahil everyday and for the entire preps kasama ko sila! bawat advice at bawat opinion!
My wedding will not be possible without the help of my family, siblings, relatives and friends. We didn't hire an OTD, My Mom and Dad, friends and siblings and some insan volunteered to help, I know I put a lot of stress into them and I really appreciate all the effort they gave. kaya to insan Jackie, Jay, Hen, to my brother Garry, Oli, sis Carol and my friends, Giselle, Joyce, Blue, Jays, sobrang Thank you! Sympre to my insan Karen who fill in as Veil Sponsor, love you Kar! To my parents I love you and Thank You! Words are not enough to describe how happy I am, that I got you guys!


Church: Santisimo Rosario Church - UST compound
--SUPER HAPPY and SATISFIED
We waited 9 months to booked this church... We started our preps by mid January 2007 and it was only last October 2007 that we get to book this church. They don't allow early bookings according to people in charge. We waited, because I don't want to get married to other church. I will be happy to walk on this church aisle. The Seminar is boring but informative, the connonical interview with the priest was light and funny. Manny, church coordinator, was hard to reach but was nice enough to accommodate my questions. He guided the whole mass. No big problems we had encounter. the a/c can accommodate the whole church.

Reception: Palacio de Maynila - Roxas Blvd.
-- SUPER HAPPY and Very Satisfied
If i'll do everything over again, I will still book this venue for my wedding, in fact, i'm thinking to get them again if there's another big event in the future. The place is really really nice. When we book Palacio they still don't have drapes which made me think to hire stylist but when we got back for the final payments we were shocked to see the new Palacio the place is really nice really nice. The a/c was on it's highest and everyone was raving about it. The place is simply wonderful. Joy, our AE, was so helpful, from the time we book the place to our wedding day itself! Parking is not also a problem to my guest, there are enough space to accommodate all of them!

Caterer: Robert Camba Catering
--- Set-up --- Super Happy and Very Satisfied
--- AE Connie and Neneng --- Happy and Satisfied
--- Food --- The best
--- Head Waiter --- Very Disappointed
--- Waiters --- Very Sad and Very very Disappointed
The Food is great, nothing as fancy as Hizon may offer, like a dessert buffet, but their food are much much delicious than the other caterer we have tried. Their AE's are wonderful, they accommodate us to their very best. Robert Camba, himself is very nice. The set-up was wonderful. Except, they did not follow the set-up arrangement they gave me earlier that causes all Emer's immediate family to be seated at the far left of the venue, far from the couple's table. The head waiter didn't set-up the additional tables we request and the fact that he told my brother "bakit nagbayad ba kayo?" is so damn bastos! The waiters ask tips from my guest, my auntie saw a waiter hiding meat portions of lechon. We saw them took the fresh fruit grapes of our cake. My brother caught a waiter trying to hide a bottle of wine, he scolded him and he had no choice but to give it back to my brother. When we are already paying up the bill, I was so damn angry when the head waiter was asking me to pay for the additional table they did not even set-up in the first place, That I needed to talk to them pa just to set-up the table and they are asking pa for an additional 1500 daw for the set-up fee! SOBRANG badtrip the fact that a good caterer will have a bad feedback just because of his damn and not good waiters.
Sayang sobrang sayang talaga!

Gown Designer: Jorge Palmos - shop located at Makati
--- SUPER HAPPY and Satisfied
Jorge and Olie Palmos are really really nice couple, from the time we were just inquiring to time we got the gown they never fail to satisfy me. I never felt any stress or worries for the whole time. Every gown fitting, I love my gown more and more. minor prob lang cause they weren't able to fix the parang tupi on the body of the gown, which they promise to fix, pero ok lang not picky naman ako basta the gown fits well pwde na! minor lang naman so A big NO MAJOR problem encounter.

Photographer: Kix Tavora
--- so far --- SUPER HAPPY and Very Very Satisfied
--- AVP of our pre-nup pics: I love It!
--- Pre-nup Pics: so HAPPY, we love love love the work
I didn't meet a lot of photographer, in fact, I only met up Kix, we love his work and decided to placed down payment on the spot. The pre-nup pictorials are lovely, the creative shots are unique. Kix is so easy to work with, after few shots of being uneasy, we felt at ease. He is a funny but man of few words, sobrang ok at sobrang galing. On the wedding day, hindi siya napapagod mag take pictures of us, he is everywhere trying to capture moments! I am so so so glad I read Kix at w@w groups. I'll just wait up for the final output, for the final ratings. Highly recommended! thumbs up!

Videographer: Playback Videos
--- so far --- SUPER HAPPY and Very Very Satisfied
--- Onsite: The best! so nakaka-cry (for me ha!)
We book them because aside from being affordable, we find their works good good. They are the first supplier we had placed DPs with. We booked them about a year ahead of our wedding, and as time goes by, as I always checked up their site, they are becoming better. I request the song Secret Garden by Bruce Springsteen, I wanted the words to be changed to our vows. I am very confident that Bim can do it without any problems, but I was happy to watch the video that the words are clear enough like it was recorded at the recording studio. All my friends and relatives are raving about it(until now po!) I love love my onsite. It was the only reason that made my tears rolling because of joy. I love it and no questions ask! Highly recommended! Big Big Big Applause!

Hair and Make Up Artist: Val Villarin
--- SUPER HAPPY and Very Very Satisfied
I undergo a lot of trials until I find Val, just as I was already loosing hope. I have tried several HMUA, some are ok some are not ok. It was only 3rd week of January when I finally booked Val on the spot. No one did a better job on my super liit na eyes except Val! I was so happy, he made me a very beautiful (walang kokontra please! :P) bride on my day! he was beside me all the time, retouch on every chance he had and take note though I was teary eyed the eyelashes was still in tact. He left just as soon as the reception starts rolling! He left making sure that the final retouch will stay until the end of the reception. He is really good with his craft. Thumbs up!

Florist: Angels of Hearts
--- Ok lang! medyo disappointed
The mock up flower was not followed. My motif was pink and violet. The flowers were ok but the problem is that the color was not followed. Instead of Pink and Violet the color was Pink and Green, far from my supposed to be motif. My friends are all praises on how the flower was neatly arranged but most of them are wondering why it is not within my motif. Badtrip diba? pero ok lang, hinayaan ko na lang cause I don't really wanna stress myself on that day!

Wedding Cake and Ninong Ninang's Cake: Gervy's Amazing Cake
--- Super Happy and Satisfied
I love how it taste and I love how it looks. It's an all edible 3 layer cake! I love love it! After trying out different cake makers we finally found Gervy! honestly, Joy San Gabriel's cake taste better but Joy's cake are much simpler, mas maganda un kay Gervy. I also love Joy and how she handle clients maybe i'll book her next time I get a chance or if I will sponsor another big party.
Gervy's cake are also affordable. Thumbs up and Apple Walnut Cake and Chocolate Cake!

Ento Gowns: Farley
--- Happy and Satisfied
Farley is good, the problem is lagi siyang late. as in an hour or more evry time he does home service, like measurement taking, second and final fitting. Aside from that no other problem encounter.

Barong: Divi
Tailor: Mang Bert
--- Ok naman!
Mang Bert is always late parang si Farley. But he really sews neatly. hindi na kelangan ng 2nd fitting.

Hotel Preps: Manila Pavilion
--- Ok lang
We booked one Ambassador Suite and one deluxe room. Mainit un Suite, we requested for a fan but they couldn't provide any. Super stressful because for the whole preps mainit talaga. we ask for room transfer and they only granted it nung Sunday ng gabi na! no use! kaya ang suggest ko if you can request for suite located at 16th floor much better. In return for the stress they cause they allow us to stay until 4 the following day!

Lights and Sound Supplier: Rejektcrew
--- SUPER HAPPY and Very Very Satisfied
Elmer made my venue so so beautiful. the Venue was wonderful, the set-up was great and plus Elmer's mood light equals lovely! the sounds are very clear, the lights are perfect! besides Elmer's very nice set-up he is also very polite and He is the only supplier who continuously gives me reminder and he reports his plans and set-up. Highly recommended!

Emcee: Mallory Cosio - Through Robert Camba
--- two words--- the best!
She made the party lively and fun!

Lechon: From Bacolod
--- Ok naman
The only problem is since it was ship here in Manila medyo makunat na un balat, but it taste really good.

I got a lot of my supplier's through weddings at work and I owe them a lot. I hope in return I could help them with my very own supplier's rating.

Wedding Day

Getting married is never easy for us, especially with all the expenses we have to spend. All the Chinese tradition we have to follow makes it even harder for us But we are glad that all hardship has been paid off. There's no money or problem that can stop us from making our day special, from making our day the most important day of our lives. We just got back here in Manila, it was already 2 weeks ago but everything was still fresh, the feeling of joy and excitement, the feeling of in love.
The night before the wedding, my brother Garry, my sister Carol and I went to Wensha for pampering after all the preps we needed to relax. Got back to the hotel late that's why THEY woke up late the following day. I woke up around 630. Val Villarin, our hair and make up artist, arrived around 730am, very early from our call time 8am. Bim and his team follows, Kix and his team arrived just as soon as Bim's team set up their equipments. Angels of Hearts delivers my flowers around 9am (i was so disappointed with them). So, everything went smoothly, my Ninang 5e arrive at the hotel around 9am since her hair and make up will be done by Val also. After the pictorial, we rush ourselves and get ready to go to the UST Church.
Manny, UST coordinator was late that's why everything was so in a rush, They also waited for my veil sponsor, since it was already almost 130pm, they look for a proxy (and that was my insan Karen) to march down with Kikiam and do the Veil thinggy. The funny thing is, they played "Ye Liang Tai Piao Wo te Sin" ( a chinese song) for my entourage march, hehe not your typical ento march, I was not informed actually but anyway, it's ok.
Then, the moment I have been waiting for... marching down to the aisle... should i walk slowly? should i prevent myself to cry or should i just let it be? I should be careful coz I might trip... should i smile, look at the people watching me or should i just walk straight to meet Emer at the altar... these are the things that comes in my mind. I was so nervous, trembling, I was so happy that it almost made me cry. While walking down the aisle, I felt beautiful as if I am the most beautiful girl that time, I love my gown (by Jorge Palmos), I love my make up, I love everything. I saw the people I love smiling, I saw my insan Kim teary eyed, I tried not to cry for the make up sake, everything was still under control, I continue walking until I saw Emerson, the man I am going to marry... finally, after more than 7 years this is it! we will now be bind together, we will now be called husband and wife. Every moment was wonderful.
The mass has ended. the Pictorial follows, I was so happy to see how lucky I am to have all the people around me. My relatives and friends who came all the way from different places just to share the most important day of our lives. I so love them with all my heart!
After the mass, We went straight to the hotel ( it was raining! huhu no pictorial around the church, sad sad). Kix again was in action, took few shots and off we go to Baywalk in time for sunset pictorial. Everything was great! I wish the day won't end.
At 6pm people started to arrived at Palacio de Maynila (our reception), The place is wonderful, The setup by Robert Camba was so beautiful (not recommended coz of waiters), Everything was ready until Robert Camba's head waiter did not follow the set up arrangements that cause Emer's immediate family to sit at far left, until the head waiter did not set up the additional table because he said he was not informed, until the waiter started to steal food, started to ask for tips from our guest, until I was so disappointed at them, that I started to hate them, anyway, I don't want to remember these forever but I doubt if I can forget it.
So, aside from that everything went great, the first dance, the games and the wishes. The highlight was of course, when Emer dance his way to get the garter in a very sexy tune. Mallory Cosio was my emcee and I love her all the way.
The day has finally ended and of course, the last one to leave aside from my family was our kabarkada, they will not agree to leave without the traditional bottoms up, buti na lang we only bought wine! :P
and so the gang, went to the hotel for more tawanan at kwentuhan. at around 12:30 midnight, only Emer and I are left at the hotel, tired but happy cause after all... we're now officially couple!

Onsite Video

We just got back from Boracay and we're off to Palawan on Tuesday...
There are still a lot of stories to tell from the last minute preps to ke-tseng to the wedding day itself
for the meantime let me leave you guys with our onsite video prepared by none other than Playback videos just look for our names!

Conformation at Binondo Church

We've been very busy lately that I find a hard time blogging. Last Saturday, we went to Binondo Church, it was our conformation day. Actually, I was already conformed years ago but since I lost my certificate I have to get a copy. So for less hassle I decided to just do all the process again. We reach Binondo Church around 1pm just in time for our seminar. It's a 2 hr seminar about why do catholics believe in conformation. And so at around 3pm we were all conformed.
Each person needs to pay P300 for the mass, each needs a pair of godparents and the only requirement needed is your Baptismal Certificate.
The people at Binondo Church office are really friendly and helpful so we didn't have a hard time with the transaction. On Friday, we can finally get the certificates and after that we're ready the next step and that's to go to UST Church for the new sets of requirements.

Application of Marrige License

At last! We have already finish with applying for our marriage license. The whole process took us two days! hehe

Here are the requirements (for Born in Manila)
- Latest copy of Certified true copy of Birth Certificate
- Cenomar
- Original and Xerox copy of Valid I.D.
- Original and Xerox copy of Naturalization of your parents (if Parents are not yet Filipino Citizen at the time of birth)
- Seminar at the health department
-- schedules either 830-930am or 130-230pm everyday

It took us two days since we didn't have all requirements at hand. First we thought that the original NSO copy of birth certificate is enough but we're wrong because they needed the latest. so we apply for it and we have to get back the following day to get it. The following day as soon as we got the copy we apply for marriage license paid 120 and fill up the form, after that we waited for 130pm and attend the seminar. I was quite surprised because the seminar is really entertaining and knowledgeable, the one who's giving the seminar loves what she's doing and she gladly shares brief yet important views of getting married. Anyway, after the seminar
Emer and I went to the Civil registrant and gave all the documents, they ask us the certificate of naturalization of Emer's mom since she is a chinese citizen at the time she gave birth to Emer, so we hurried back in time for their closing.
and AT LAST after all the rush and effort we finally submitted all necessary documents and already done with oath taking. We have to go back 10days after to get the license, I just hope this time we will no longer encounter other problems.

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.

My Couture: Jorge Palmos

I remember blogging about finally the search is over, the hunt is over, that I already found my gown designer. Yes, indeed I have. I went back to Jorge two weeks ago to pay for the down payment of my wedding gown. He revised the sketch. Olie took my measurements and after some chicka's and kwento we finally bid goodbye. Emer and my brother went to Amber's to buy some Pichi-Pichi and pancit for take out, so my sister and I were left with the Palmos to talk about my wedding gown. As much as I wanted to post the sketch I can't because my h2b reads my blog and I really want to surprise him with what will my gown looked like. He saw the first sketch and gladly, when Jorge made a better sketch, he wasn't there. I am so excited for my first fitting by the end of November or first week of December. I really hope to loose more more weight. Well... I am confident that the Palmos will make a good good gown, hopefully for me to look thinner too...

I saw a bride to be fit her wedding gown (not final fitting ha!) and she looks stunning. another w@wie sis, send me some pics of her second fitting and she simply looks adorable. So far no bad feedbacks about the alterations and the fittings.

Jorge have already won several awards and he took courses from other countries. One reason why I am really confident that he will meet my expectation. and also another reason why at first I thought that his gowns are impossible to reach, I am really glad that he was referred to me by a lot of co-w@wies, to name a few are sis Gailie and sis Joanne. Thanks sisses!

Palmos Wedding Couture
Jorge Palmos, owner and designer
contact person: Olie Palmos, wife
www.palmosweddings.ws
contact numbers are 09193373689/8336675
location: Royal Regent Building, 5085 Filmore corner Einthoven Streets, Palanan, Makati City

Q-Tsin - At Last!

Hindi ko alam kung Q-tsin (pamamanhikan) pa bang matatawag ito but last night our family and his family have officially meet.
We are already almost done with our preparations for the wedding pero last night lang nag meet ang family namin, weird no? hehehe We had dinner at Flavor's of China at T. Morato.
well... the night naman is not boring, my parents and Emer's parents talk about nothing but about getting older, herbal medicines, etc. Since we're already almost done with the preps wala na rin naman silang importanteng pag uusapan and since lahat naman kami agreed to have a simple wedding hindi na rin nag demand ang parents ko, practical wise diba? we'd rather keep the rest of the money than spend big just for a day sympre kelangan ng isipin ang future malay natin in no time after the wedding e magka-baby na rin kami ni Emer. toinks!
For formality, his family gave us a cake, a dozen of apples and a dozen of oranges.

Our Church

After the long long wait, we already booked Santisimo Rosario Parish last week! Since our wedding is still on the feb of 2008, people in charge that they only accept reservation for 2008 starting October 1.

There are lotsa lotsa requirements, first stop is to get application form for marriage license, and then we also have to post marriage banns. There's also pre-cana seminar to be held on a whole day of Sunday. We should also get Cenomar and Conformation certificates. Emer is not yet confirmed (if that's the term) so we have to check out churches with easiest requirements.

I never thought getting married requires a lot of documents. I'm already stress out with the preps and at the same time we have to finish these documents.

But Anyways, I'm really really happy that we already booked our church

Santisimo Rosario Parish located at UST compound

telephone number: 4408257

AVP

I'm thinking to make an additional avp of me and Emer for our wedding. We got Kix to do our avp for pre-nup and Bim to do our onsite. Since we have to rent a projector, we might as well make the most of it. booking an avp supplier is not on our budget list, so I told myself that i might as well do it myself, I am not artistic and that's one big problem. God answered prayer talaga si sis Jhen (from w@w), when I read her message offering free AVP's for co-w@wies, I didn't had a second thought of asking her. I'm so so so glad that she told me she can work mine, I emailed her all the pictures and the song I wanted for the AVP, and guess what, when I checked my email today I was so happy to read that she's already finish with my AVP, (just for a night ha!)
I wanted to blab about it but I said to myself that showing AVP on our wedding day itself is more exciting... and that was few hours ago! now I'm already writing this blog, super kulit not to follow my original plan or should i? oh my! But HECK! most of my friends who are invited don't really read my blog anyway! here's the link of the video... I will not post the big file para medyo may thrill pa sa friends who saw this one, kahit papano!

EMER and MEL

special thanks to sis Jhen for all the help and for the avp! I owe her a lot! love you sis!

Gervy's Amazing Cakes

Gervy's another w@wie find. We booked Gervy's cake yesterday, we met up quarter to 10 in the morning and finish the discussion after almost 3 hours. We had cake tasting, honestly, Joy San Gabriel cakes are better but in terms of design, Gervy got an edge. If you don't know Joy you will be very happy with the taste of Gervy's chocolate cake with choco fudge but since I met Joy first, all i can say is her Kilaueia is the best!
Anyway, the reason why we decided to booked Gervy is because her cakes are so so so beautiful, I am really amazed on how she does her 3 layer all edible cakes. I am glad I met her before we decide to pay DP to Joy. I am still thinking on how to get Joy cause I really love her cakes but for now we decide to settle at Gervy's cake. Gervy also does fondant cake but being a cake fanatic, fondants are never my option. Not only it is important for me that the cake looks good it is also important for us that it taste yummy. Her price are very competitive, worth every penny we will spent.

Here's our cake inspiration:

It's a 3 layered all edible Chocolate cake with choco fudge filing. decorated with fresh fruit grapes and fresh gerbera daisies and star gazer. Cake is atop to a fountain with flowers all over the table.

Very impressive, ain't it?



Gervy's Amazing Cakes
Located at 15 Narra St. South Green Park Village Tandang Sora, Q.C.
Contact Numbers are 09178374655 and (02)9294387

On Ysabelle's

I am really having doubts of booking Tina, don't get me wrong, I do really like her but chiffon gown is really too common for a bride. I dig up w@wies archive way before and I found out about Ysabelle's, there are tons of good feedback and a couple of bad, I know you can't please everybody but those feedbacks prevent me on calling them.
My best bud Tif, had her gown made by Ysabelle's, she got married early last year, and she only spoke nothing but raves. I said I might give them a try maybe I can find what I want with them. We went to Ysabelle's Makati branch yesterday, I talk to the owners Rhoda and Lawrence, they are very very nice and friendly. Since I don't have an idea which suits me best they ask Jaja (designer) to do some sketched for me, I ask her to draw me a sketch like the one Tina told me a v-neck flowing dress, but Jaja told me that it will more likely look great on me if I'll wear a princess cut gown. When I ask them if halter is a no-no for my body shape Rhoda ask me to fit a halter dress and commented that it looks great on me, better than a sleeveless v-neck neckline. Jaja draw me a sketch of a halter gown. I got 2 option for the cloth Bridal satin or the duchess satin, same flow, same color, almost same with everything except the texture. the bridal satin is cheaper by 5k. she said I decide.
The price is very very affordable, I am just worried about the pictures I saw on their albums. I saw some obvious glitches at the gowns. My best bud told me to just constantly remind them the things I am afraid of, so far she didn't encounter anything disaster or worth to be stressed to.
I am way beyond the schedule and I am still undecided. I will still check 3 more designers, and hopefully once and for all I can settle and book my designer.

Meeting Tina Lirag

At last, I finally met Tina Lirag of the New Yorker Gowns. I read tons and tons of good feedback from her. I first read a post of a co-w@wie sis (forgot her name) about her, her shop sounds so intimidating, the first thing I thought was her gowns might be expensive, after 2 or 3 months of hearing good feedback I decided to check her out. Honestly speaking, I only got a low low budget for the my gown, so I was hesitant to check out designers, I thought that my budget will only be possible if I had them made by an ordinary seamstress. I've exchange an email with sis Najah (from w@w) and she assure me that Tina really works on a brides budget. Tina is not as madaldal as what I expected, but she's good and she's frank, she gives and voice out her opinion. When Tina ask me what gown I wanted, I told her I wanted a halter a-line gown, no particular details only the cut and the neckline, but she ask me to try different gowns, different cut and different neckline. She told me that a halter is a no-no, one because when wearing halter I can't wear bra, only pads should support the bust area, and having 36c size boobs I can't use pads, It's either I have to be braless or I should wear one. Braless means not nice, since it will shape down. In the end we settle for a sleeveless v-neck. as for the cut an a-line is a not advisable for chubby girls, it will make us look wider, so Tina suggested an empire flowing cut. She said chiffon will be nice, since I needed to create an illusion of a just flowing gown. From there we started to talk about the design. She show me a sketch of a crush chiffon gown. I like it! I trust Tina knew what's best for me that's why if I book her I should give her my confidence that she will make me a nice gown. The only thing that's bugging me is the cloth she will use, it's a metallic crinkled chiffon. Some say, why only use chiffon, I should have use something better, like a satin. I don't know if because I only got a small budget or because that's the one that will look good on me, I am hesitant to book her because of that but otherwise I will go for it. Next week will be my deadline, and I hope by next week I am already sure to gave her all my trust. Tomorrow or Saturday, we will check our Ysabelle's, from there I will decide. Gosh! I hope I do make a wise decision. Of course, I wanted to look great on my day!

Cake Tasting with Joy San Gabriel

I so love Joy! I've been wanting to set a meeting after reading all praises for Joy's cake at w@w, I first her raves about her from Suzzy, a fellow w@wie sis. I am almost sure that I wanted edible cake, since I am a cake lover, a dessert lover and a sucker for sweets I opt for an all layer all edible cake. Last PICC bridal fair, I had a chance to try a bite of Joy's caramel cake and Kilauea. I so love how it taste, I so love the cake, but since she is not at the site and her assistants are not capable of giving me an exact price and designs of the caramel cake, I decided to meet with her. Her kitchen is located at 20 Bayani St. Galas, Q.C.
Since, the kitchen is near our place and I prefer to see the work place, I chose to met her at her kitchen.
Emer and I, along with our sister, by the way, I tag her along for opinions for the gown sketches of Tina Lirag, reach Bayani St, exactly 10am. We had cake tasting, her cakes are really great! I so love her caramel cake, and since I am a chocolate addict, I find her Kilaueia, the best! Joy is very very nice, she discuss almost everything in detail, I wanted Kilaueia for my cake but since it's really dark it's a no-no for Chinese so we opt for caramel cake. I find 3 layer cake small so I ask if she can make me a 4 layer cake, but she reminded me that 4 might not be favorable, since 4 is "si" in chinese meaning death, she told me that my parents might object, so it is definitely a no-no, 5 layers might be too heavy for all edible cake and if ever it is more expensive than our budget so i cut it off my list.
I originally wanted this design:But since I wanted a taller cake we settle for a 3 layer with stand. It will look taller and nice. for 9500, I will have a 3 layer with stand and flowers in between the level. Cheap ain't it? Joy don't have actual picture of the cake I wanted she showed me a same design cake but using cheesecake top with strawberry, i'll post the picture, so just visualize what will my cake look like.I almost wanted to book her right then and there but I wanted to check Gervy first. I find Joy not only nice but really talented, especially when I saw her hand made cakes, the price of each cake is not as affordable as Goldilocks o Red Ribbon but her cakes got personal touch and are really really impressive. Before we bid goodbye, we bought some Revel Bars and Chocolate Crinkles first. Her Revel Bars are yummy nd her Chocolate Crinkles is the best crinkles I have ever tasted. Take not I am not a fan of chocolate coated with confectioner sugar, yet, I find her sooooo yummy!

Call Joy San Gabriel for meeting, her number is 09175278837. Kitchen Located at 20 Bayani St. Galas, Q.C. Check out her website at www.joysangabrielcakes.blogspot.com

picturan sa Tagaytay

Since we are going to Tagaytay and since I had thmu, we decided to do some picturan sa tagaytay. We frequently visit the place to relax, spend time together, do some sports, at higit sa lahat wala lang, we just love Tagaytay so much. Originally plan, we should arrive Tagaytay around 3pm, pose some shots para masanay para sa aming pictorials for wedding. I miscalculated the time, I thought my trial HMU will only last for a couple of hours pero it lasted for more or less 3 hours, hehehe!
Anyway, we arrived Royal Tagaytay around 5pm, my brother took us some pictures using our not so ok digicam, (dang! it's starting to show some signs of retirement), we haven't been able to play badminton or bowling or billiards, and we didn't swim na rin kasi lumalamig na. oh well, hindi kami nakagawa ng kahit anong sports, kahit ping pong man lang! tinamad na rin kami eh! the weather is cool and chillin which makes us so tamad to move our muscles. We had an early dinner, ordered blueberry cheesecakes and some take out (we have to consume 1500 for each member and we have 2) and off we go. the club close at 9pm but since we are the only ones left at the club my dad decide to just go to other place for tambay. it was 830 when we arrived at Sanctuario for a cup of coffee or tea or chocolate. The place is awesome! nice for picture taking to bad, our digicam starts to not function well. Anyway, I so love their hot choco and raisin bread, I started to like Sanctuario more than Bag of Beans. We call it a night when the clock reach 10pm. We still need to deliver our take outs to our Ama (lola) and Uncle.
We had a lot of fun since it's been quite a few months since we visit Royal Tagaytay, Emer and I usually drive to Tagaytay at night only to have dinner and coffee.
Check out our DIY Prenup, pics courtesy of my brother Garry.

THMU with EJ Litiatco

Yesterday, I had a trial hair and make up with EJ, I really love her, she's beautiful and nice and very easy to talk to, same goes with her sister Mara who helped her the whole time.
I woke up early and very excited. We reach EKA Salon at Visayas Ave. near Gazebo Royale at exactly 915am at my time. We started minutes after we arrived. I'm not really comfortable sitting hours just doing nothing. but anyway, since I am excited what will the outcome be, my patience got over me (a not your ordinary me). We finish almost 12nn. Personally, I find my make up nice, my h2b like it , way better than my first trial as he says. I got mixed reaction thoughe, some say the make up is too light and some say I lookfresh and radiant. They suggested to have another trial with another artist, from there I choose. Anyway, after 3 hours, the make up starts to look dull, the only make up left to notice was the eye shadow, We arrived Tagaytay 5pm and the weather is really cool so there's no reason for me to sweat. and I spend most of the time inside the car with aircon on so I guess, the make up might be really light on me. So I guess if I'll book her for my wedding, retouch is a must
I told her I don't want my hair up coz my chubby face will be enhance, so I prefer my hair down. I so love how she does with my hair, perfect! although If ever I'm gonna get her for my wedding I am going to have my hair curl using digital (for big curls, I don't exactly know the right term) so the curl will stay the whole day and I'm gonna put some bangs for more enhancement.
I'm still confuse if I'm gonna get her or not, need more reactions and I guess have to do another trial.

here's my before and after


Here's my hair naman:
nice divah! papalagay ako ng bangs and will have my hair done at digital curl


More Pics


EJ Belen Litiatco - 09175300423
www.ekasalon.multiply.com or www.ejblitiatco.multiply.com or
http://ejblitiatco.blogspot.com/

EKA Salon Located at Visayas Avenue Ext. Q. C.

Angels of Heart

Yesterday, my sis and I went to Dangwa to meet up Lawrence dela Rosa. It was already 5pm that's why he doesn't have any sample flower arrangement ready. We look at his work through his album and laptop. Me as a super noob with flowers needed the help of my sister, she knew so much about them. I confused a white anturium with calla lily, sunflower with a yellow gerbera daisy, I really suck with knowing flowers. Anyway, Lawrence patiently show me the difference of each flowers and not being a fan of tulips, he suggested Columbian Rose. I originally wanted a carnation and a daisy for my bouquet but he suggested that I use an expensive flower since I will not be married a lot of times, It's still best to use a unique flower. he said a tulip cost a hundred a piece and the columbian rose cost 150. He show me some samples of his works of columbian rose and he also show me his book of different kinds of flowers. Finally, after an hour and half of confusing with all flowers we decided to not use tulips. For my bouquet we will use a pink Columbian Rose with some touch of purple hyacinth, for my entourage, ninangs and flower girls we will use gerbera daisy, carnation, paper roses and roses, for the mother we will be using star gazer, daisy, carnation and roses, there will be freebies like tossing bouquet, he will use local roses for that, boutonniere for the groom, offertory bouquet using carnations and daisy and loose petals. there will also be a mock up so no misunderstanding will occur. As for the styling of my venue he wanted for me to give him the layout first before we finally decide the price and the design. Lawrence is such a doll, he is nice and patiently answers every question I have. After reading w@wies rating for Lawrence and after meeting him I know I made the right choice. There might be a couple of bad feedbacks but I know the situation was just misunderstanding. I can't wait to see the finish products of my flowers. 6 more months to go!!!
*** picture above is our inspiration
For more information about Angels of hearts you may call Lawrence dela Rosa at 0920-9384610

Edwin Diaz - HMUA

Last Sunday is Deo and Shine's day and since I will be one of the bridesmaid we look for a HMU artist. Edwin Diaz was the one who do the make up of Pamela during her engagement day. I tried calling other HMUA under my list of choices but unfortunately almost all of them are either not available on the day or not available on my big day. So Edwin was our last choice. He is nice and kind but I find my make up not good, I know there's something not right. Emer didn't like my make up either. I like how he does with my eyelids though. Well, when I reached home and washed my face I was was furious to see that he accidentally shave off the tip of my eyebrow. argh! I just hope it grows back, if not I will be very very mad! Dang! every time I look at the mirror I just can't help but cry. If I will get him for my wedding? nah!

***picture courtesy of Pame, Im the one at the right!

Elmer and Mang Rey

I get to meet Elmer of Rejektcrew 2 weeks ago. He explain to me a lot of differences between par lights. He told me he can upgrade the par38 to par56 with out extra cost. he's very magalang and very nice, patiently explains to me all my queries. We were supposed to meet this week for our ocular visit at Palacio de Maynila but we're both on a very tight sched so we opt to meet on June 1.
Last week I met Rey Casedo of Analie's Embroidery, he's a man of few words. Me not knowing anything about barongs think all his designs are the same. my h2b wants a simpler design, i want something different not only the tela but also the design so we will choose the pina with some embroidery at the back. he really charges a lot cheaper than other. Mang Rey only charges 1200 for pina jusi, 600 for kids and 5300 for pina with much more detailed design. I saw his finished work and I think he did a great job.