The Pamanhikan

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Yesterday we were able to cross out another item off our list. It's nothing else but the nerve-wrecking Pamanhikan. It is a Filipino tradition where in the groom together with his family pays a visit to the bride’s family to formally seek for the girl’s hand in marriage. In this occasion, plans for the upcoming wedding are discussed over a sumptuous meal.

With a little over a year to go before our wedding, Adrin and I already arranged for the Pamanhikan this December. It’s the best timing as most of our folks are in holiday mode (and we hope that the cheery atmosphere of Christmas would ease some awkwardness. =P). We planned out for the time, date, and food they’ll bring, but we can never seem to grasp on what will actually happen on that day.

Adrin and his family arrived at our house half past 11, and we immediately set the table with dishes they brought and the ones we prepared. Soon, the two families had lunch altogether at our yard since we wouldn’t fit inside our tiny house.

Food brought by Adrin and his family: Hamonado, Chili Prawns, Caldereta,
Amber's Pancit Malabon, and Amber's Pichi-Pichi Cheese

Food prepared by my family: Barbecue, Embutido, Chocolate Lazy Cake,
Rice, and Buko Salad (no picture of the salad)

Our lunch

With happy tummies, and dishes already stowed, all of us took our spot in the yard, engaging in casual small talk. Adrin and I were already exchanging meaningful looks by this time, with me prodding him to open the much awaited discussion. Before we can even get things started, we were interrupted by the very fickle weather, so we had to move our tables in towards the roofed area. Several minutes passed and there’s still no sign of “the program”. I knew that my family is waiting for it already so with my impatience, I discreetly messaged Adrin “Huy! Ano na?”. I know it’s not really nice to pressure him but I think it’s what he exactly needed. Haha.

Small talk after lunch

His speech went something like this, “Nagpunta po kami dito ng family ko para kunin yung blessing ng family niyo sa pagpapakasal namin ni Tine”, and it was followed by fits of laughter from my mom because Adrin was talking in such a hurry maybe because of his nervousness. Haha. My mom answered him like this, “Alam na naman ng lahat na magpapakasal kayo e. Formality na lang naman ‘to.”, to which his father seconded with “No objection”. After that his grandmother also stated “Naayos niyo na naman lahat, kaya makikikain lang naman tayo dito. Para na rin magkakila-kilala tayo”. :)

During the "program"

Adrin initiated to share the details that we’ve already ironed out like church and venue, as well as the suppliers we’ve secured. They asked about the principal sponsor line up as well as the entourage. We shared our initial list and they in turn provided some suggestions to it. After the wedding details, Adrin also brought up our planned residence. We let them know that we’ve already reserved for a house near the area and that we plan to move there right after the wedding.

Since his folks came all the way from Marikina and Makati, somebody suggested visiting the place so they can see even just the model units. And so with Adrin’s family and my mom in tow, we visited the subdivision of our eventual home. It’s like we’re going on a field trip. Hihi.

Returning to our house after being gone for an hour or two, we’re delighted to find that snacks are ready for everyone. Having an afternoon’s fill, their family prepared to leave and head home.

Whew! Finally, it’s over. We believe it hasn’t been a very awkward gathering. Adrin and I just winged it! :)

Cheers!

Makeover #1: Wedding Bible

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Last week, after office, I decided to grab some stuff for another DIY (okay, pseudo-DIY). I got these poster paints and brushes with the plan to put some color to our elegant-but-out-of-theme free bible.

My materials: Prussian Blue and Chrome Yellow

I covered the other sections with paper so they won’t be filled with paint, and just left the band, ribbon, and floret exposed.

Here’s the before and after look of our bible. So what do you think? Not bad for a makeover right?

Before and After

I even think that the after look is better. Oh yes, I’m so biased. Haha.

The final look of our bible

Watchout for more DIYs and pseudo-DIYs. :)

Cheers!

The First Step to Our Own Home

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Surreal - that's how this day is to me. Why? Because today, December 1, 2012, Adrin and I took the big leap and made a reservation for the purchase of our future house! 

It was after lunch when we met Tita Marisol, our broker contact, for a house-tripping to the village that we've been eyeing for quite some time now (I can no longer count the times I've checked out that place online). It's an on-going housing project nearby my parents' place with units we like at the budget we can afford. As soon as we reached the location, we checked the model houses and inquired about the specifications and details that come with each unit. The dressed-up units were all beautifully decorated and arranged that it makes you want to live in that exact same house already. Haha!

With our heart set out on the Sabine unit, we proceeded to the sales office to check the latest house inventory. We were hoping that there is one that would meet all our requirements:

   1. Total contract price within our budget!

   2. Turnover date before our wedding

   3. Manageable equity/down payments

   4. Linear park (nice to have borderline necessity). Hihi.

Sabine House Model

Anyway, as we were checking the list of available units, we noticed there were only very few Sabine units left compared to the other two models. Most of the remaining Sabine units do not meet a requirement or two. Luckily, there is one (yes, just one) meeting all of them. The only catch is, it is single attached unit instead of a single detached one. This is one we haven’t pondered on since we didn't know that there are always units like that in a block. We discussed this setup in detail with Tita Marisol and she mentioned that units like this are sturdier than the others since the firewall of the two houses are stuck together like a common wall. This settled our doubts somehow.

Given that specific unit as sample, payment options were laid out on the table. We explained to Tita Marisol all scenarios that we’d like to explore and she has been very patient explaining to us the pros and cons of each. She helped us compute and recompute everything just so we fully understand the financial hurt that we’ll experience once we pursue the house. She also mentioned of the terms and conditions of the developer as well as the policies implemented and duties imposed on the eventual homeowners.

After a lengthy discussion, she invited us to the actual site which is several hundred meters away from the office. There we saw that majority of the houses were already built, occupied even, while some are still undergoing construction. Being in the actual location gave us a glimpse into the community that we might possibly belong to (since we haven’t decided yet at this point).

Before returning to the sales office, we asked for some personal discussion time from Tita Marisol. Adrin and I went to the park near the model houses and that’s where we discussed things. Since we already know the amount to be paid should we get the house, we looked into our current pool of savings as well as fixed monthly income to compute whether we can actually afford it or not. Our immediate concern is the equity (down payments), and based on our computation, we’ll still be able to cover for it while simultaneously saving up for the wedding. The amortization is easier to solve since it's of lower value that the down payments, and by time we start with it, we’d be free from the monthly wedding save-up so we can just shift that budget to house payments.

With all our bases covered, we walked back to the office and finally gave our decision to reserve the house! Whew! What a big decision to make. Filling up the forms and formalizing the actual reservation was a breeze compared to the stringent discussion and thought process we've undergone before that.

I told you, it felt so surreal. It’s just so hard for me to believe that I'm already making decisions like this with my future better half. We really felt (at least I did) like grown-ups stirring our future closer to our childhood dreams. J

Cheers!

Love That Transcends All

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It has been part of my routine to read and browse all things wedding related. Most of the time, I find myself smiling sheepishly as I get my eyes’ content seeing how cute and lovey-dovey couples seem to be on the most awaited day of their life. But from time to time, you stumble across a depiction of love that will move you to tears. And this video is just that, probably more.

I was in awe the whole time and found myself trashing some Kleenex as I finish watching it. Their vows are one of the most heartfelt and true to the grain that I have heard.

Cheers to Elo and Mara and the wonderful and inspiring love that they share! 

Source: Jason Magbanua Videos

Cheers!

We Got Them Blings Called Rings

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It was another productive Saturday for Adrin and I, with us claiming our prize from The Wedding Library and finally booking our wedding rings. Yay! Yes, you read it right. We already got weddings rings this early. Well, it has been several bridal fairs back when we first started canvassing for rings. Since we are not connected in any way to any jeweler, we thought it best to just scout for our rings during these events.

Adrin is more particular with the rings. His requirements are: (1) within our allotted budget; (2) wedding bands w/o stones, (3) a not too girly design. So as we scouted, I'd suggest some designs but not all would pass his taste. I did not dare contest because I thought the wedding band is an element in our wedding where he really has a stake on. For one, he’d be wearing it constantly right? And so, as we select for designs, I’d easily relent to his preferences, provided that it's nothing absurd looking. :)

Like in previous fairs, we took the time to visit each jewelry stall. In the last one, he liked a pair already and seemed to be all too willing to reserve it at that moment. The design of the rings is okay with me but I find its price a bit too steep compared with that of other stalls. I told him my concern and said that that it was quite expensive despite the 20% discount given that those are just plain bands. I encouraged him to check the other stall again so we can compare better.

As we went back to Goldenhills, we carefully scrutinized again the items on display and he found a design he liked (despite the single stone in the middle) which is just closely priced as the plain ones we saw earlier. Upon fitting the rings, even if the sizes were big for us, we really liked how it felt to our fingers. Apparently it’s a “comfort fit” ring and is really meant to sit between your fingers better than the “regular fit” ones.

Adrin forgot about the other ring altogether and made the call to reserve and pay for the ones from Goldenhills. We got 20% off from the price tag and we also have the flexibility to change designs should we find something better from their inventory as we near our wedding date. Changing of designs would still entitle us a 20% discount because we booked them in a fair. Good deal right?

Our ring supplier | View Site

We won’t be finalizing the ring sizes as well as engraved details until November 2013. It’s a full year’s time from today which means we have more than enough time to carefully think of what we’d like to be engraved on our wedding bands. 

Cheers!

Prizes from The Wedding Library

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Remember the unique story contest which we joined and won as 3rd runner up? Of course you do. As a 3rd runner up, Adrin and I are entitled to Php1,000.00 worth of products from the The Wedding Library, the contest sponsor.

That was soooo two months ago but it was only earlier today when we had the opportunity to visit their store at SM Megamall as we also went to the Before I Do bridal fair.  And so, before going to the fair, we dropped by The Wedding Library to pick out our prize.

Our loot bag

We decided on these two things -- bible and matches. Why? Because these are the items needed in the ceremony which are not yet included in the accessories I’ll get together with my gown.

Winnings

This bible looks really nice. However it doesn't fit to our theme or color motif.

Bible

 Neither do these matches.

Matches

Since I'm the OC type, I prefer for our accessories to have a distinct coordinated look. Now, how do I give these two items a makeover? I shall work that out. :)

Cheers!

Designer: Booked. I'll Be Wearing an HST!

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After several gown design research session, and 4 designer meetings, I decided to go back to my top choice so I can further discuss the details I want for my gown. I emailed Hana and asked for a second appointment. Before going there, I retrieved the initial sketch she did for me which I'm sharing with you below. Pardon the clutter in the picture; I felt the need to smudge her written details and notes.

Initial Sketch: Front View

Initial Sketch: Back and Side Views

Anyway, back to the dress, it's simply pretty right? But still, I haven't shared with her yet the second look that I want and that is something I'd like to discuss aside from minor changes in the design.

As we got there, we were again greeted by his husband and led to Hana's small office. When Hana came, we went right down to business immediately. I have pegs at hand and showed each item to her as we talked each section of the dress. We changed the neckline and back portion, as well as the type of material to be used for the skirt. 

Next, I told her that I've been toying with the idea of a "second look". That said, she designed a dress with a one-shoulder detail as an option. Since I'm not really a fan of this neckline for my wedding gown, I requested her to suggest another one. She asked me if I'm open to wear an off-shoulder number. I gladly agreed to it so she drew the dress below. I was really won over by the images, but of course we need to discuss the budget first. I learned that getting those two looks for my dress would mean I'll spend 50% more than my maximum budget.  It will cost a lot more because of the additional materials and of course labor hours that will be spent for the lace and bead work on 3 dress panels (base dress, 1st look, and 2nd look) instead of just 1. Since resources are limited, I figured that would be way too much for me to agree on, so I scrapped the idea. 

Second Look which I forego

I asked her if she can draw something else that will still fit into our budget (just like the first sketch) but still  meeting the overall look I wanted to achieve. She gladly obliged and I was really happy with what she suggested and sketched (but I'm keeping it under wraps for now). Not expecting that we'll be booking  her during that meeting, she was a bit surprised when I told her that we actually came with a plan to seal the deal. She also commented that we're the first 2014 client in her books. To which I just laughed off since I  admit that I'm uber excited for this whole thing. Haha. And so, we made the 50% downpayment requirement to formalize the transaction. 

As we are closing the meeting, she dished out that measurement taking will probably happen around May 2013. That timing is okay with me since I still plan to tone up flabby spots a bit. She even asked about Adrin's attire which we confirmed will be Barong. Her advise is for Adrin to don a number which is a cut above the rest, for him to also stand out on our big day.

Driving away from her place, my fiance and I are convinced that we made the right decision in choosing Hana. She's very accommodating and friendly and there wasn't any moment of awkwardness during our discussion. The overall feeling during the interaction is pleasant and light. I'm so looking forward to start working with her for my dress. I'm sure that she'll create me something fabulous! :)

Cheers!

We Won at W@W Auction 2012!

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Yes, another winning for us! It's in an auction this time though. This is a yearly auction activity organized by W@W for its members wherein great deals from an array of very good and reputable suppliers are up for grabs. You just have to make sure that you bid the highest for the item that caught your fancy.

Anyway, this is my first time to participate in the said activity and at first I was quite confused regarding the mechanics despite the really really long email that was sent by Ms. Benz (auction organizer and w@w  co-founder). Good thing Ms. Benz was very accommodating to answer any other queries boggling her beloved w@wies.

And so, after the week-long anticipation, the auction culminated to an emotionally and physically exhausting all-nighter. It was really amazing to see w@wies up and active until dawn just to make sure that the items they long for won’t slip their grips. Watching participants outbidding one another was not only entertaining, it was also helpful to keep sleepiness at bay. Each one was employing his own technique or strategy to keep up with the fast-changing bids. I’m sure most of us experienced the emotional roll-coaster as we battle for our dream items.

After the crazy, exciting, and fun-filled night, I was very lucky to have won the two items I wanted.

First is Prenup/E-session Venue which is Jardin de Miramar.

[Source]

I like this venue because it has several thematic spots already within the whole property. Since we're gunning for the classic elegant look for our wedding, the nooks in this garden will help us achieve a similar look for the prenup.

Next we got a Roving Photographer from Studio On Wheels. 

[Source]

The roving photographer can and will take pictures of the guests as they wish and will be printing the photo on the spot. This will serve as our souvenirs/giveaways in lieu of the usual photobooth. I hope our guests maximizes the roving photographer. :)

Thanks again to W@W and its founders for putting up such an activity which really benefits a lot of its members. I’m so looking forward to next year’s auction! =)

Cheers!

DIY #4: Rosaries for Our Principal Sponsors

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After I've completed our DIY cord, I was a bit hung over from beading. I’m craving to work with my hands more. Question is what to do? That was when I thought of creating rosaries which will serve as our token to our principal sponsors. Adrin wasn’t convinced right away so I had to do some prodding and marketing. I thought that this will be a personal gift since it’s out of our own hard work. It’s also good to note that whenever they’ll use the rosary, Adrin and I will probably cross their minds.

Once he was sold with the idea, we scheduled for another trip to Wellmanson to stock up some raw materials. Not only that, I was also finally able to source for beads for the rosaries I promised a good friend. Moreover, we brought home some good finds which will serve as gifts for the upcoming yuletide season. But that's an entirely different story. :)

When I started beading again, I prioritized the rosaries for my friend since their wedding is sooner than ours and they’ll include the rosaries in the occasion. As soon as theirs were set into the cute boxes, I started the ones for our own. To date, I’ve managed to complete half of the lot. And with more than a year left before our big day, it is very unlikely that the rest will not make it in time.

Don't you find them classy and elegant? :)

Cheers!

Designer Meeting #4: Elizabeth Hallie Vy

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Onto my gown designer hunt, the last designer on my list is Elizabeth Hallie Vy. She's another W@W find, whose creations suited my taste. My inspirations are on the simple, classy, romantic designs with lace craftsmanship as the star of the dress. When I saw this designer's work, I just knew I gotta inquire with her to check if her price range is within what we're willing to spend.

As I wait for her response, I learnt that a friend of mine recently commissioned Hallie for a long dress she wore to a wedding. From what I saw from the pictures, the dress of my friend was lovely; and cleanly sewn too. Days after, the email I’ve been waiting for landed in my inbox, and she quoted me a reasonable price for the design I want. Soon, the consultation date and time has been smoothly arranged via email as she was quick to reply already after the initial lag. Presto, another designer meeting in Adrin’s and mine’s calendar.

Appointment day came and after meeting for lunch, Adrin and I headed to Hallie’s place in Urdaneta Village. Hers was an expansive abode, with house staffs greeting and leading clients to the actual office. Upon seeing us, it appears to me that she’s not expecting anyone at that time. I had to remind her a bit of the appointment we set thru mail. Not sure if she actually remembered it, but she shortly seated us on her desk and started on the agenda.

Her first question to me was whether I have pegs or sample gowns I want, which I quickly answered positively while simultaneously bringing out the printouts from my bag. She asked me what I liked about those dresses so I next pointed out the details that appealed to me. After which, Hallie began sketching for the dress quietly. It was only after she finished with both the front and back views did she explain her plan. As she tells us more about it, I’m not exactly charmed as what she drew is very similar to the designs I’ve shown her. Sharing that I want a “second look”, she proceeded to draw, and it was only then that I actually got excited as I got to see her own creativity manifest in that sheet of paper without veering much from my aesthetic preferences.

We discussed as well the kinds of fabrics she’ll use and requested to see some samples. Apparently there are no fabric swatches in her office, so she had to call a staff for the fabric to be brought in there. This is where I was truly turned off, because as she phoned her staff, her tone was quite harsh for my liking.

Last agenda for the meeting is the entourage dresses. She shared us the cost for those dresses and drafted a bridal package for us to ponder on. Aside from bridal dresses and entourage, she also creates barongs for grooms which she included in the package she printed out. Commissioning her for a bridal gown though would entitle you to the standard wedding accessories like pillows, cord, primary and secondary veil and pouch. The unique item in her freebies would be the customized shoes for the bride. After that, we quickly wrapped up and we’re led out of their place.

Getting in the car, Adrin’s first question was, “Ano, nakapili ka na?”. Instantly I know that he didn’t like how the meeting went. The whole thing only lasted 20mins., and this has been the shortest meeting we ever had for a designer. It’s mainly because Hallie was not much of a talker. She barely asked us about our preparations. Whenever we ask something, her responses are somewhat one-liners, and there was no small talk whatsoever. All three other designers we met before her were not as silent as she was.  Given that I’m new to this, and am not quite a talker myself, I feel that I’ll have a hard time working with her. Working out a bridal gown is not a once or twice meet-up with the couturier. I see it as a partnership between the bride and the designer. And in this flight, I know that she’s not the right partner for me. 

Elizabeth Hallie Vy

Elizabeth Vy Designs

View Website

Email: ehlvph@gmail.com

Cheers!

DIY In Progress: Bride & Groom Signages

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I'm sure you'd be shock that this early into our wedding preps, I'm already working on the signages that we'll hang outside our wedding preps hotel door. But hey, nothing wrong with it right? Who knows how heavy my work demand will be as we near the big day. That's why I want to tick off as much DIYs as I can while I still have the time.

When Adrin and I saw the stuffed felt letters in a store called EGG (Exciting Gifts and Goodies), I was instantly inspired to DIY the same letters and have them as our signages.

Something like this [Source: Etsy]

To be able to proceed with this DIY, I immediately sourced for the materials. Looking for felt cloth in the metro was quite a challenge. Nonetheless, I was able to find the right color in the small sewing/craft store at the 3rd floor of SM Makati.

As I start this project, I printed out block letters (Font used: Showcard Gothic) in a bond paper, cut them out, and used them as patterns. I carefully traced 2 pieces for each letter onto the felt cloth. I need two since I’ll be sewing them together and put some stuffing inside, just like how the letters are in the above photo.

I’ve completed cutting all the tracings out and now they are ready for stitching. It will be a tedious and time consuming task so I need to schedule this in one of the upcoming holidays. Of course I’ll update you as soon as I complete them, so watch out for it. :)

Cheers!

Our Story Won!

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Won 3rd runner up that is, in The Wedding Library's Unique Love/Wedding/Proposal Story Contest. 

It was last August when I learned about this contest. I thought then that since we already wrote about our proposal story for this blog, might as well join the contest. Before sending our story, I first checked with Adrin if he's okay to have his blog entry submitted in a contest. I thought he'll be hesitant to join and submit his side of the story because of his booboo moment. I was wrong! Turns out he's perfectly okay with it since the story is already written and it'll just be minimal effort for us. Haha.

After seeking his approval, I tweaked the stories a bit and sent them by mid-August. When he asked me about the result 2 weeks after, I told him that the deadline for entry submission is until mid-September, and winners will be announced 2 weeks after that.

The month passed, and it was over last Thursday's dinner when Adrin remembered about this contest. I told him that I've yet to check if the winners are already out. As I checked the site of The Wedding Library that same night, I found the announcement for the contest's winners. Quickly skimming the page, it was sad not to our name in the list. BUT, after a thorough run through of the entire winners list, I FOUND OUR NAMES!!!

I hurriedly retracted to Adrin what I just reported regarding not winning. We were both really giddy and happy about it since it’s both our first time to join and win a story writing contest! Aside from the personal fulfillment (chos!) we got, we'll also get Php1,000 worth of products from The Wedding Library as our prize. Not bad right? 

I really think that this relationship, or partnership as I’d like to call it, really brings out the best in us. Read his and my side of the story and be amused. :))

Cheers!

A Gift For A Friend: Beaded Rosaries

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Three months after Adrin and I got engaged, I and my college friends were surprised by another engagement announcement within our group. This time it was Aiza’s, who accepted the marriage proposal of her then boyfriend, Jeron. We were really amazed of the announcement because of two things; (1) Aiza has been really picky with boys in the past and Jeron is her first boyfriend; and (2) at that time, they haven’t even celebrated their first dating anniversary! Haha. Nonetheless, we were very happy for them of course, especially me since I am also a soon-to-wed. I’m excited to exchange stories with her as we plan for our own dream wedding.

Fast forward to August, while Aiz (as we fondly call her) and I were texting away about the wedding cord that I just completed, I told her we can also DIY theirs. She liked the idea but beneath the excitement, I sensed a hint of hesitation. So since I’d like to contribute in making her wedding special, unique, and personal – I offered her to do the job and give it to them as my personal gift for their upcoming union. The next reply I received was pure delight! Knowing how traditional their families are, I reminded her to check first if they’ll be allowed to use a beaded wedding cord.

Just this month, before going back to Wellmanson for additional materials, she asked me to make rosaries for them instead of wedding cord just to be on the safe side. She didn’t want me making something that they eventually will not use. I also noted of their color motif which is Aqua Blue and Navy Blue.

After a couple of nights spent beading, these are the rosaries (I made them each) I lovingly crafted for them. 

I haven't had the opportunity yet to hand these to the couple. They just saw pictures of these in Facebook, and both of them found them beautiful. I bet they're already thrilled to have it. How about you, what do think of these rosaries? 

Cheers!