W@W Event

The W@W Christmas Party was a success! It's my first time to attend a W@W event and I never thought that I'll have so much fun.. I finally met and saw the faces behind the names. At first, I was not sure if I'm going since I won't have Jerry with me.. But when Toni informed me that she's going even without Paul, she convinced me.

I really enjoyed the night. Buti na lang we joined. Me and Toni had so much fun. First game pa lang Toni already won a prize from Alex Franco. We had so many goodies pa.. the calendars are so beautiful-- a collector's item indeed!

I felt so blessed also that night.. I have won an Alex Franco Wedding Anniversary cake (though to be claim on our fist wedding anniv. pa which means on 2006 pa), a cologned from Angel's wink and Paulo Clemente (i liked it!) and the best of all- - - - the photo package from Mel Cortez of Decisive Moments...Wow! It's was one of the major prizes and I never thought I'll get that one. Thanks to Clarice, it's really her prize, it just happened that she's already a client of decisive moment and she's getting married on the 18th kaya she waived it. (thanks Clarice!) When John announced that it will be given as prize again, I was hopeful. The game was to send a text message that says "I AM A W@WIE" to Benz's mobile phone... I dont't have yet her number but as the numbers were given I was quick, and I WON! When I told Jerry about it, sobra din siyang natuwa. It was really a blessing!

I really enjoyed the party and Im looking forward to another W@W event. sobrang saya.

Toxic Week

No post about wedding muna... I'm a bit depressed... small problems arises aside from sobrang daming activities that made me sobrang busy.. I digress.

Sometimes things really happen in an unexpected way. Well, because of the typhoons that hit Aurora province, Jerry can't come with me for the W@W Christmas party on the 15th. .. it's not that important naman, my main concern is he's stuck there and he doesn't know when will he be able to come to Manila... it just make me sad to know that. I digress.

Last night is one of the pits day I had! I dropped my mobile phone -- the cell phone that Jerry gave to me -- (accidentally) inside the drainage along Exchange Road in Ortigas. I felt really bad.. it went to the water so I know it's already broken --but it's the sentimental value that I cared about talaga about that phone kaya I'm really eager to save it... Buti na lang there are people who really care and they helped me atleast recover it. God is really working...

For the meantime, I won't worry about my phone, it's just a phone anyway...there are much important things that I should concentrate on.

This week is toxic.... buti na lang matatapos na.

A Recipe For Marriage

I was reading a book that my friends gave me as gift for my birthday last year entitled “Connecting: 52 Guidelines for Making Marriage Work”. As I go over the chapters, I read an article about A Recipe for Marriage. I think this one I should learn by heart. Here it goes:

A RECIPE FOR MARRIAGE

By Harold J. Sala

One of my memories of growing up was the trip to my grandmother’s house. One of the memories I will always treasure is the platter of oatmeal cookies which she always had available. After I married, I asked grandma for the recipe. ”Well,” she said, “you take about a cup of oatmeal and a couple tablespoons of this, and a pinch of that…”

There was no recipe, no precise measurements. She had years of experience and knew what mix was necessary to produce delicious cookies, batch after batch. A recipe for marriage is much like the one my grandmother had for oatmeal cookies. The success or failure depends entirely on what you put into it. Leave out an ingredient or use too little of it, and it’s just not right.

In developing a recipe for marriage, lets start with the mixing bow of faith. It’s a proven fact- leave God out of your marriage, and you’re headed for trouble. The first ingredient that goes in to the mixing bowl is the flour of commitment. In baking, nothing is more basic than flour, and in marriage nothing is more fundamental than commitment. Sadly, lacking in many marriages is the kind of commitment that was pledged at a marriage altar: “Till death do us part!” Commitment means, “God brought us together, and come high water, someway, somehow we’re going to get through this problem!”

To the flour of commitment add the oil of communication. Effective communication is the mutual exchange of ideas, thoughts, attitudes, information and feelings. It’s prerequisite to real love, and without it your love withers and dies.

Now, add the ingredient of love. In tennis love means nothing, but in marriage it means everything. No wonder Paul wrote, “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25)

Another ingredient that allows what you put in the oven to come out successfully is baking powder. Leave it out of oatmeal cookies, and you have tough, flat little wafers. Marriage, on the other hand, needs the baking powder of forgiveness. Leave this out and the marriage is apt to collapse in times of stress.

Now, add the eggs of meeting each other’s needs. In baking, eggs bind the ingredients together. In marriage, meeting each other’s needs keep temptation away, and adds joy to a relationship.

Another couple of ingredients need to go into this mixing bowl - a sprinkle of humor and more than a dash of understanding. In cooking we use salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices to keep the food from tasting bland. We also need some seasoning in marriage – the kind that enables us to laugh at ourselves, our failures, and foibles. And beyond that, the graciousness that allows your mate the same latitude for human failure that you give yourself.

A final thought: None of these ingredients taste very good separately but mix them together with oatmeal, apply heat, and you have something very, very good. Grandma’s recipe works for marriage as it did for oatmeal cookies.

Flood

Typhoon "Unding" struck Baler and Jerry just informed me that their area was flooded and they are now staying at the roof top of the house. Their things were drenched in the water and they can't even save the car...my oh my!

Hope they'll be fine... I didn't know that a place like Baler (a mountenous province) will experience a flood! Geez! I hope that it will subside within the day. I'm praying for their safety.

So-so

I’ve been very busy these days that I momentarily broke off doing the wedding preparations. December is quite an eventful month and with my commitment with the upcoming Christmas Party of our comapny plus the forthcoming concert of our youth in the church…. I can’t even blog…busy busy me! So I have to lay aside for the meantime the thrill of wedding preparation and faced these obligations.

I digress. My fiance is really struggling (yes he is) to finance our wedding. He is really doing every effort. And oh, how I admire him. He just told me that he’ll be coming to Manila after Christmas and probably, after that he’ll have a discussion with his parents to schedule the “pamamanhikan” by the end of January. This will definitely finalized the remaining steps of our preparation.

"Cold-Feet"

A W@Wie vent out her feelings and fear on getting married. I felt sorry for what she's going through right now to think that her wedding is coming near. Most of the girls in the e-community shared their thoughts and pieces encouragement.

The topic caught me. I thought about it and asked my self, is it really normal to feel that way? Why haven't I felt the same yet? Hmmm...maybe good for me. Is it because I have already set my mind that Jerry is the man destined for me by God? Right. I have friends in their 30's or so who are all still singles and mukhang uunahan ko pa nga mag asawa--- but I'm happy and without regrets. To think that 1 year, 5 months and 10 days (to be exact) palang kaming mag boyfriend (though we have known each other for quite so long na rin...). It's the assurance deep inside me that we are really meant for each other. .. I never felt fear of lossing my "freedom" or individuality for I know Jerry is someone that will never deprave me of that. Granting that it's reallynormal to feel that way for soon-to-be wed, but I hope if ever, I won't go through that stage. I just pray that God will be there to always direct my thoughts and feelings.

Blessed

Since the engagement, several thoughts flood my mind, specially during these times that I'm far from Jerry. ..

I believe that every woman wishes to be wed with the man of their dreams--I'm one of them. Jerry's not the ideal tall-dark-and-handome-type of a guy, but he came into my life just in time.

I feel so blessed to have Jerry in my life. At the very starat that I decided to commit my self to him, I know that I'm entrusting myself to a person of character--i'm quite assured that I will be taken care of and I will be in good hands. I have experienced so much pain from the past where I thought I'll have to live with. I never thought that I can escape. that there would be someone who'll rescue me.. But he came. He's been there for me. He's not a person who would always show his sweetness by giving material things, gifts and expensive stuffs but I can feel how much he loves me and how much he cares about me for just the way he is.

Well, our love story is really too much of a "telenovela"... (full of drama) but we've made it this far against all odds. And now that we're going there...soon to be tying the knot, I can't explain the feeling. I know that being a pastor's wife is not going to be easy. There will be so many responsibilities.. that sometimes , I would ask my self whether I can play that big role. But I will do my best. As much as possible I want to become the best wife, friend and partner Jerry would ever had.

Our new life together is fast approaching. I know that married life is not easy but I believe, as long as God is in the center of our relationship, I know we're going to make it .. God will be glorified in our relationship, and we'll be a blessing to the people.

The preparation I'm doing gets me excited. Aside from the thought of preparing a one-of-a-kind occasion, the feeling of being with him forever, I also want people to know, through us, how good God is and how He's faithfully fulfilling His will and plan for the two of us.

Wow

Well, I've been doing the wedding preps, planning and all that but deep inside me, I'm starting to become some what skeptical about this.... is this really for real??

It's because Jerry just let me do these things all.by.my.self. My OC self! I'm starting to feel that he do not care.. Not even concern of all the efforts, brains, and sweat I'm dedicating to pull this of. He even entertains the thought that the wedding is not pushing through... it give me hives to hear nothing from him but lame comments. Nothing more. Nothing less.

But then something came, as if things turned a hundred-eighty degrees. When he arrived from the province last Nov. 1, I "softly" told him that we need to visit the venues now. He just said a plain "okay". But after visiting the places, he take me to dinner at Kenny Rogers and strut to the mall. On our way home, he asked me questions like where would I want my gown made.. what are the designs I want for the rest of the entourage... details of his suit...what caterer did I chose...so many questions. I was surprised! Hearing these things from him told me that he is concerned about the details of the wedding. It made me so happy and giddy.

He left again last Friday for Baler and yesterday he told me that he visited our primary sponsors (to-be) and informed them in advance about the coming event. At least, this has lessen much of my being skeptic over him :)

Fabulous!!

At last! we're able to visit two venues and it was so great! I have already set our agenda: to visit La Veranda but I was able to know of another venue by accident! I called Marikina hotline and asked for a telephone number of a certain garden but they told me that it's not existing. Instead, he gave me the number of Villa Ronar! Thank God I called! (thanks to the operator).

So, we went. We visited first La Veranda. It's such a dream garden! Lots of plants, cozy, and the artificial waterfalls adds a romantic touch to the place. The drawback is that, they have a list of accredited caterers and Batis Asul is not one of them. Aside from the cost of rent. But the owner told me that it's negotiable naman if I already have my caterer, we just have to pay 13% of the their package. (quite expensive!) But on the contrary, the place is really really nice. I can't beleive there's a place like this one ever existed in Marikina. I have talked to the owner and she's very accomodating to all my questions.

The following day, we went to Villa Ronar. This place is not so much of a garden but also a nice place to hold a wedding. They have a garden outside (quite big!) with minimal plants but the landscaping is nicely done. Then there's a portion which they call "Adonis hall" its quite big also but the cieling is a bit low. There's an old piano, but I think its included in their package. There's also a small pool at the back and a chapel. Villa Ronar will definitely fit in to our budget (I'm referring to the garden) because the rent is just Php 5,000 but the drawback is that the garden is open so I'm having second thought since June is a rainy month. Also, there is a 10% charge (or 7,000, which ever is higher) for the outside caterer. Hmmm, I'm beginning to feel confused na. But the good things is we're able to visit my preferred places. . We'll just decide na lang which one....... hmmmm... but I think, we'll choose Villa Ronar, it's quite nice and affordable if rent lang, though they have a package that's all in.

Wow! Really exciting!

Weddings etc..

Wedding preparation is really exciting.. well, for me sort of exciting but uncertain... but I believe everything is possible with God (all things work together for good to them that love the Lord...) I know that our resources are limited but I still hope and pray that my dreams would come to pass.

For the past weeks after Jerry and I decided about our wedding, I've been really busy ..as in really! I would visit my e-mail daily and get ideas from fellow brides-to-be at W@W... go to the website of certain wedding suppliers, call them and asked for their packages.. emails, i would print them out... etc. ( I have this clear book thing where I compile all the infos I got from the venue down to miscellaneous things I would need for the wedding and it's getting thicker and thicker!). At the end of the day, I'm so happy to at least accomplished something. I might say, that just getting information on/and from the supplier that I'm eyeing is well enough for now. At night, when I get home, (coz this will be my only time to text him...) I would tell Jerry about this and that, and how are my preparations going on...He would say how much he appreciate everythin' I'm doing, (kaya ko naman daw kahit ako lang muna mag-isa)...he would give his ideas about certain things and sometimes he would pick on me..

Though uncertain, I still have the joy and excitement inside of me and on the things that I'm doing. At least, I already have prospects and ideas in mind

Theme:

I want to have a really nice and unique wedding. Unique in a way that nobody among my relatives have done and friends have witnessed before. Something with fairies and stuffs like that. I want to have my flower girls dressed in really nice gowns in lavender and pink (our motif) with guess what???...wings on their backs! Good thing to know that wings can be brought in divi for as much as 150-180/pc! I want my wedding in a really nice garden... with lots of plants . A place that is cozy and romantic.

Venue:

As much as possible I want to hold my wedding in Marikina... where I live. Transportation for my guest would be much easier as well as my self going there and home. I'm considering La Veranda which is located in Marikina Heights (very near). It's just that the rental is quite expensive and without any inclusions. But I think I'd go for this one if Callospa Farm Resort (in Antipolo) will not be good... Compare to Orchidarium (located in Rizal Park, Manila), La Veranda is accessible for me and my guests and almost half the price. Well, I will see for my self coz we're planning to visit the two on Monday. (Jerry will be coming on Nov. 1 from Baler, so he'll be able to accompany me this time --- buti naman..)

Caterer:

I'd go for Batis Asul. No doubt about it. But the thing is.. if I would choose La Veranda for our venue, they will be charging me an additional 13% of the package I would get from Batis since they're not listed on their list of accredited caterers. This is quite a problem to me, but I think kaya naman... I would not take the risk on other caterers kasi. But I will still weigh things over..

Photo and Video:

I'm thinking of choosing Roland Roldan of Abbey Manila . His rate is quite affrodable and I've seen his works and so far I like them. I just hope he's schedule is still open on June 2005.

Invites:

Well, I really want to just D-I-Y my invites but I'm not confident enough (though i know how to do it). Just this morning I printed my boss' invites for his mom's b-day celebration. I made them through Microsoft Publisher yesterday.. Co-employees saw them and told me it's good. They even joked to make business out of it (haha!). Well, that convinced me well to just do it my self na lang talaga. Any ways, I've heard alot of W@Wies who did their invites by them selves. Its just a matter of creativity lang naman di ba? (I believe creative naman ako...ha ha ha!)

Gowns:

This is something that I'm really having a hard time (thinking how and where!)... But had an idea already to have them done in Taal. Mec, one of the w@wie (hi Mec!) told me that its much cheaper there compare to Laguna or Divi!!! (wow!) I will see....I will just have to really sacrifice for the travel.

Number of guests:

I'm trying to squeezed in my guest to 100 or 120....I know this is kinda hard since Jerry had lots.. and lots.. and lots of relatives and friends from different areas of the Philippines! (He's a pastor.. so that's expected) I remember when I asked him to list down his guests one time, (we are supposed to have 150 guests then..) I was really shocked because he seems to be inviting alot and the number rolled down to 100!!! Can you believe that!? The slots remaining and would be available for my guests alone is just 50!...no more..no less. So, I asked him (in a very very nice way talaga) to trim down his guests since we have to limit them to 100-120 at yun na yun! Siguro he was a bit carried away mag list ng names (ha ha ha!).. Walang angal, he said he will (thank God!). I think that's how far our budget can go (but really not sure though).

So far, these are all I have in mind. Nothing final but I know where to start and I will get into them... One at a time...

Caterer

I was so convinced to get Batis Asul for our caterer. Thanks to Clarice for recommending = ) this saturday, I'm gonna be joining the free food tasting with my sister... (sad lang Jerry won't be there with me) siyempre my MOH should be with me di ba? I just hope that magustuhan ko talaga ang food nila, kasi gusto ko na talaga ang Batis Asul. Based from feedbacks from co-W@Wie, sobrang okay sila. : )

If ever, they will be my official caterer na and just have to visit the Patio in Marikina for the venue... medyo mahaba pa naman ang preparations ko...

I'm excited.. : )

What It's Like to Love You

Jerry.....

To love you is to daydream of you often, think of you so much, speak of you proudly, and miss you terribly when we are apart.

To love you is to cherish the warmth of your arms, the sweetness of your kiss, the friendliness of your smile, the loving sound in your voice, and the happiness we share.

To love you is to never forget the adversity we have overcome, the tears we have shed, the plans we have made, the problems we have solved, and the pain of separation.

To love you is to remember joyfully the days we made memorable, the moments that will live forever in our hearts, the dreams we hope for, the feelings we have for each other, the caresses and touches of love, and the exhilaration of love that fills our hearts.

To love you is to need you, want you, hold you, and know you as no one else can.

To love you is to realize that life without you would be no life at all....

That's a little of what it's like to be in love with you!

Love...

This is jerry...my friend, my confidante, my love. The man whom I'll share my life with ...forever.

Dream Gowns

These are my dream gowns..I imagine my self wearing one of these...haaaay. I can't wait!

Website

I started doing our website..whew! hirap pala...I'm new on this thing kasi (i spent almost the whole day) but still didn't finish it yet. Atleast, I've started. Jerry is attending his sister's wedding so he's in Mindoro, helping on the preparation. I told him about the website..natutuwa daw siya : ) Buti naman, pinaghirapan ko yata 'to. I'm excited to show him our web and blog site.

This is it!

I was so happy! I've been planning and envisioning my dream wedding since last year (though no details as to when, where or how???)... my sisters even got tired of me whenever I talked to them about it..but alas! Jerry already gave me a date...

October 7, it was just a normal day... while Jerry and I exchanged text messages,(because he's staying now in Baler) we happen to discuss about the wedding. I was surprised when he told me that it's going to be on June of 2005! I thought he's joking because last year he's never been serious about it. But he said "totoo na 'to".. i can't explain the feeling. I was just so excited!

then... I told myself, I have to start na my planning and start gathering details for that BIG DAY!

It's such a blessing to be part of W@W, my preparation will be alot easier now.