Tagaytay Wedding and Travel Expo 2nd Season

It was such a big hassle to go to Tagaytay at 4:00 in the evening. I was supposed to wake up before 6:00 in the morning and by 6:00 am I'll be leaving home and travel to Tagaytay. But I woke up almost 9:00 am and to think that I'd be still doing a lot of stuff like print the bridal fair tickets and withdraw money and figure out how to go to tagaytay. I don't think I'm gonna make it. I knew I should've done those things days before the event! Hahaha! Lesson learned! :)

I was losing hope but Steven couraged me and told me that I can do it. One thing I love about my fiance is, he never fails to calm me down whenever I panic. And that is always. Yes, I always panic. Hahaha! Sorry love! ♥

I left home just before the clock reached 11:00 am. I was able to do the things I have to do in less than 2 hours including the time for commuting from home to cubao. So that means, I'm done at around 12:30 pm. But since I am gonna commute, I looked for the buses going to Tagaytay, but couldn't find one. I hate when I ask people and they just sort of like point there mouths out to some direction, I mean. Telling the direction using your voice isn't that much of an effort, right? Okay, in short I was lost because of my lack of knowledge and people that were lazy to speak. lol

I went all around cubao and even waited for a bus that never came. Waited for like an hour and half or less. But still! I'm so not glad to stand and wait there, taking all in the pollution from roaring vehicles and having a black-smoke facial care from nasty smoke belchers. Add up the 3:00 pm heat. Oh Metropolis, why thou punish me?!

I then decided to ride a bus and go to Coastal Mall. I didn't do that in the first place because I know it was time consuming but I should've done it! ARRGH. I was really annoyed that time! 

I finally rode a bus going to Tagaytay. I couldn't afford to wait for the next bus since I'm running out of time, so even if the bus was packed I still rode it. The problem is, I was seated next to a guy. Okay. I don't like sitting next to a guy on public transportations. I knew he was a perv he tried touching my side and I slapped his hand so hard and shouted "Ang bastos mo! Gago ka ba!?" and everyone looked at our way. He was kicked out of the bus after that. 

After that, I was at peace and just relaxed at the bus. I was trying to sleep but I couldn't since I don't know whether I had to get down or not. Talk about a newb. I never really went to Tagaytay alone and just by commuting. It was scary and I was so nervous because I hate long bus rides. I always think that the bus is going to crash or something. lol I'm paranoid, I know.

I finally came to Tagaytay at 6:00 pm and asked around on how I'll gonna get to Tagaytay International Convention Center. I really wanted to cry that time and was feeling helpless because I'm so scared and alone. I wanted to just find someone I know and feel safe.. But yeah, I know that's impossible so I have to go and look for it. I finally arrived at the venue and booked two of our wedding suppliers. It felt so nice and all the bad things that I experienced that day was gone. I thought of Steven and thought: "This is it! We're gonna get married!" 

I wasn't able to look around and talk to suppliers but I did talk to this one make-up artist. I also had a free trial. And wow. Look at me:

I totally hated it!!! After that trial makeup, I didn't have the face to talk and walk around so I looked for a CR and freakin wash the makeup off, but I'm scared the mascara would mess my eyes. (since, btw, she put a lot! lol!) I just used a lot of tissue to take off some of the shit she used on my eyebrows and face. 

Oh, did I also told you she shaved and trimmed my eyebrows without asking me. I mean, she should've warned me before doing it, but no. I know she's older than me but what the freakin hell, I'm a possible customer and you don't mess your relationship with a possible customer!!! lol anyway. This is what I looked like after I take it off. I looked better. I felt better. Even with tired eyes and big eyebags.

That day wasn't for me. They all wanted to piss me off. Haha!

But yeah. I went home with a smile on my face. And imagined that Steven was there with me. ♥ Everything is so much better with him. I bet he would've have laughed at my face if he saw me with that make-up on. (Laugh in a good way). That or he'll punch the girl who made my make-up. Joke. lol

An Early Wedding Gift!

For some reason, Steven has forgotten to tell me that her mommom gave us an early wedding gift! He kept forgetting it! lol! But when he finally told me about it, I was beyond happy and was so kinikilig! Now I know how it feels like to receive a wedding gift! Haha! So if you're my guest and you're reading this, you're now obliged to give us a gift! Hahahaha! *rofl*

Here are some China's from Steven's mommom ♥

I feel like it's one of our first steps towards our married life! We now have some awesome china sets. :)
It's just a part of what his mommom gave us, there are still boxes left in his car! Hahaha! *coughs* lazy.

I'm so excited to see it in person and use the teacup everyday. I can't wait to organize it in our kitchen! OMG! This is real! Hahaha! Awesome! ♥

The Rants of The Young Bride-to-be

I made a certain article here entitled "The Perks of Having Talented Friends," It is about my friend who was supposed to be our Prenup Photographer. Things happen, She has an intern on our supposed prenup date. I totally understand that and I'm willing to move it.

I was sad, because when I first asked her about it, she agreed to be our Prenup Photographer and I told her that we'll be the one to spend her transportation and entrance to Hidden Valley. Ofcourse, we'll be giving her something for her effort too! We were both excited and I even joked if she can be my boudoir photographer. Surprisingly, she said yes. But yeah, I think that's impossible by now. So yeah, I asked her if she has classes that time, ofcourse I was expecting that she won't be available that time and I might re-schedule our prenup next year, March. But she said she can't do Prenup Photography and that she's nervous. I understand that, but I was kind of disappointed, because she already agreed. For fcks sake! Don't say yes if you don't want to do it in the first place!

Doubting her started when she wasn't contacting me. She came to Marikina last holiday and she's the one who told me to meet with her grandmother so she can atleast give me a qoutation on the gown I wanted. I didn't set the meeting up, she's the one who set it. It didn't push through. I know they're busy, but why set it if you plan on ditching it, right? 

Now I know what the other brides say about letting someone close to you work for you on their wedding preparation or even the wedding day. I'm not expecting anymore that they're going to care, hehe. Although, this isn't the case for everyone. I know there are people that are reliable and keeps their word. Oh well..

I was really down.

I was still lurking on w@w and one bride-to-be posted a topic about back-up photographers. I was stalking that thread since I might see a treasure, and stalking paid off because I found a Photographer who's budget-friendly and has great shots! 

The KNOTcase Philippines, is so budget-friendly. Here are their rates:

Fairlady Package: 25,000 Php 

42 pages 10×15 coffee table-book 

250 pcs post-processed 4R prints (Raw / unedited files in DVD) 

Eleonor Package: 15,000 Php

100 Post Processed Prints in 8x8 slip-matte board (Raw / unedited files in DVD) 

Service-Only Package : 10,000 Php 

w/out album and printed pictures (Raw/ unedited files in DVD) 

ADD ONS Engagement Shoot / Prenup (with Wedding Package) - 5,000 Php

I then talked to him if he can be our back-up Photographer for our wedding. I asked them because I inquired at other photographers and they don't agree on being a back-up photographer. But luckily, he agreed and to my surprise he told me that he can give that for P5000 and P500 for gas (My question includes OOT fee for tagaytay). I was a little confused about it and asked him if the OOT fee is P5500 in total or is it all I'm going to pay for his service, and he said P5000 for backing-up the wedding and P500 for the gasoline. I was really happy when I learned that! 

I also requested something from him, and that is, if he can go to our Photoshoot during his day-off. Simply because Steven and I really wanted to do our prenup on Hidden Valley Springs Resort because it's a special place for us. And I don't want the ticket to come to a waste. It's a whole day pass and I know that Prenup lasts for only 3-4 hours and sometimes 5-6 hours. It's inclusive of two buffet meals, lunch and mirienda. So since we're paying his entrance, I wanted him to enjoy and relax there too.

Now, I was thinking if I'll look pretty on the photos. Since, I never put make-up on. And I don't have a HMUA. If I'll have a prenup HMUA, then there would be another costs for them. I am sure there would be atleast two people, one will be doing our make-up and the other for our hair. So yeah, I think that's a no-no. Unless they agree to stay outside Hidden Valley! lol! =))

Filipino Tradition: Pamamanhikan

"The (often awkward) meeting of two families

The blueprints of wedding plans are drawn or made known during this occasion. The pamanhikan is often hosted by the bride’s family as the groom and his folks visit them to formally ask their daughter’s hand in marriage and discuss plans for the upcoming wedding over lunch or dinner. This can be an uneasy situation if it’s the first time for both parties to meet. The soon-to-weds may feel a little awkward (nervous even) seeing and listening to their parents consult each other on matters like their wedding budget, guest list and the like.

It is customary that the visiting family bring a gift (often, the best home-cooked specialty of the groom’s mom) for the hosts. Others may opt to hold the meeting on neutral grounds (a restaurant is a likely choice) or invite a mutual acquaintance to the gathering and help ease the awkwarness of the first meeting. Why do Pinoys bother with all the trouble? We all seek our parents’ blessings for a happy and trouble-free marriage. Afterall, pamanhikan is a treasured Filipino heritage which, first and foremost, avoids the embarrassing situation of having the parents see each other as strangers come wedding day."


- W@W Article

I know that this is too old-fashioned and some of the couples that are planning to get married might not be doing this anymore. And in our case, I knew this isn't possible since our family is like, half-of-the-world apart. Haha!

The thought came in while I was looking at w@w, this was just a recent topic and I wondered... Do I really want a Pamamanhikan?

I was born and raised in the Philippines and as a Filipina, I do want a Pamamanhikan. But with our set-up, I don't think it is possible. I just want that Steven would someday ask my parents for my hand, and I'll ask his parents for his hand too! Hahaha!

I know, it's given that we're getting married, and we're going to build a life together. Our parents knows that already, but wouldn't it be nice if they were asked in person? :)

I'm hoping that maybe, someday in the future it'll happen.

Wedding Thoughts

If you read this blog than you will see that Kat is visiting all of our suppliers so far, but I am still getting a feel for how our wedding will look.  I'm excited to go with her and view Rosemont Gardens in October because we really want it to be the "diz iz it" venue.  Right now we are trying to figure out caterers and desserts.  I was surprised to learn that in the Philippines, cake is usually reserved for only the couples, close family and friends.  So we are thinking of having extra desserts as well.  I really like this idea, this way if guests have a nice selection to choose from.  

Kat has worked really hard with all the supplier visiting, and I kind of feel like I'm not doing too much, so I can at least write my thoughts here.  I think our wedding will be great, no it will be Legendary just like in the title.  Kat has worked really hard so far, and we will continue to work hard in the future to make it happen.

I look forward to being able to write supplier reviews in the future, but until then I'll write my random wedding thoughts instead.  Look forward to more in the recent future.  :D

DIY: The First Attempt

Okay, I'm one of the brides who dreams on doing as much DIY as they can on their wedding day. It's still so far away but for some reason I had this lazy urge to make a paper flower. I got a paper and a scissor and Pinterest as my guide.

I cut a spiral and rolled it.

Okay, I don't know how to put it together. If I'm going to use a glue, glue gun or a double sided tape. I guess I'll figure out in the future. Haha Told you, it was a lazy urge.

Anyway, here's my peg. From Passion Cooks. :)

Couturier Alternative: The Search for the Awesome Mananahi

My mom was also looking for someone who can make her dream dress for their third wedding, since I was looking for someone who's going to make my wedding dress she told me about it and we went to Bayan, Marikina. 

I showed Ate Mel my pegs and qouted me 7k for the simple fairy dress I first fell inlove with, and qouted me 18k for the complicated fairy dress that I wanted. 

She showed me some of her works:

Although they look pretty normal, to think that everything will just be worn one day, it's still a nice catch! :) I'm going to wait til' mom gets her dress so I can see if they really work good.