1.) McDonald's no minimum delivery charge =)
2.) Janis, Mark, Jana and Hershey's Sunday visit at our apartment.
3.) Dinner with Mia and Drin at Pancake House in Alabang. Thanks Ninang Mia for Pepita's gift =)
4.) Starbuck's FREE Green Tea Frappuccino Blended Cream with Hazelnut Syrup. My taste of heaven!
5.) More Pepita clothes from Faye =)
6.) My uber supportive friends in Facebook. Their comments to my every dramatic fb status really makes me feel a lot better.
7.) American Home fan/cooler. It makes me sane during this super hot Manila summer days. Classic picture taken 10 years ago =)   Carissa's wedding in Cebu  Tagaytay Getaway 2008  Dinner with Peachy, Julius and Erwin at the Zong Restaurant The Fort  At janis' house.. forgot na the occasion..  After Faye's Graduation Lunch at Recepies in Greenbelt 2  One of my high school reunions  Just had to include this! The stuff you put at the end of the fishing rod is really icky!  First Monthsary, July 8, 2008. Dinner at Diamond Hotel =)  Batangas Getaway at this Ricky Reyes Resort. Super thankful for this trip. Major realization especially on Alvin's part =) Natigil na din ang papakipot!  Alvin: Babe, i love you and blah blah blah Nana: You mean tayo na?! Alvin: Ikaw may sabi niyan.. Hindot! This was where it happened. Botanical Garden in Baguio, June 8, 2008  At Cable Car. Had too much to drink na here =)  After Toots' Birthday Dinner at Claw Daddy in High Street Fort Bonifacio  Christmas 2008 getaway in Batangas.  My first ever fishing trip at Island Cove Cavite 2008. We were with Tita, Faye, Fonz, Fonz's sis and bro, Paul and Tin. They all werent able to catch a fish but I did!  Our first meal in Baguio at this Sizzling Steak house. Alvin didn't know yet at that time that i hate sizzling food hehe  Canyon Ranch Christmas Party 2008  Plantation Bay during our Cebu trip in 2008. Spent the one whole day at the resort.  My 29th Birthday, January 2009 celebrated at our house in Moonwalk. Alvin's family made "pamanhikan" lunchtime of this day too. My birthday party followed that night. It was attended by Alvin's cousins, my family and our friends.  Baguio Trip, June 2008. Dinner at this nice restaurant where Alvin gave me my "in a relationship" ring =)  Alvin's mother side Hat Christmas Party, December 2008  
I have to blog this. I am so thankful for this place because since I was young, this served as my sanctuary.
This 24 hour adoration chapel is located behind the Holy Eucharist Parish in Moonwalk Village Paranaque City. The place did not change much through the years except for the small renovation they did last year (i think). The red carpet was removed and replaced by white ceramic tiles. They replaced the windows with colored glass mosaic. They also placed additional single pews in front of the room. The walls were repainted but the original color was kept. They added more "dramatic" and meditation friendly lighting system. The ante room where you leave your footwear has now shelves for the shoes and slippers. They have also restricted the adorers' attire: no sando, shorts or sleeveless tops. The smell is even still the same since the first time i entered this chapel. It smelled like roses. Maybe it's due to the fresh flower that are always present at the bottom of the holy bread.
I took these pictures last Sunday. Since Im still bedrest, I cannot attend the regular Sunday mass. To compesate, Alvin and I go to the Adoration Chapel every sunday night and pray the rosary. It's less strenous for me because it only takes us 15 minutes to pray the rosary and I am seated comfortably. We can pray the rosary at home but I want to be inside a chapel when we do that.
Nostalgic memories never fail to come to me everytime i enter the chapel.
It was here where i prayed every exam week during my elementary days. During my earlier birthdays, i go here to ask God if he can still bring my mom and dad back together. This is the place where I pass time to wait for Alvin to finish his "sacristan duties" during that ongoing mass (i mistakenly attended the previous one because i thought siya yung sacristan that time! hindi pala! hehe). I felt that even if i was going to St. Jude church already to pray for my board exams, I still had to pray at this adoration chapel for guidance. This was also the place where I thank God for every volleyball game that we won, for every academic award that i received and for every blessing that He gave me.
One moment that i can never forget was when I was struggling with anxiety depression six years ago. This sickness is hard to explain to those people who does not have it. I felt like my anti-depressants and anxiety meds were not working. It was 1 o' clock in the morning. I stole my mom's car and drove all the way to Paranaque from Vito Cruz. I was the only one there and i just prayed and cried. I stayed here until our housemaid was texting me to go home already because Mama might wake up and get angry when she finds out that i got her car. The three hours that I spent at that place gave me relief that my medicines cannot give me at that time.
And now, heavy with our first baby, it's still there at this adoration chapel that i want to go and pray. As usual, i feel peaceful and happy whenever i enter its doors and smell the fresh flowers. It takes away my anxiety and worries. I really do feel God in this place. I am thankful my mom taught me to pray here and for sure, I will also teach Pepita to go here to pray or if she just wants to feel God's presence. I just want to share one of Alvin's adventures with his friends. One that he made before he and I got together. He was quite a mountaineer before. I don't allow him anymore to climb mountains because I feel na baka atakihin ako sa puso while I wait for him from his climb. Ang dami kong naiimagine na bad things na pwede mangyari! Like baka kagatin ng snake ang lolo mo, or baka may magka-crush sakanya na lamang lupa at hindi na makabalik sakin, or baka malaglag sa bangin!! Diba?! Anyways, i promised him though that he can climb in the future as long as he takes me with him. I can't mountain climb without a portalet (kadiri kaya jumebs sa grass!!!). So i guess, not unless may magdala ng portalet sa Mt. Apo, baka matagalan pa ang pagakyat namin harhar!!! Here is what happened during their trip to Daraitan: They left Manila at around 4am. Took a bus to Shaw Blvd and a jeep to the local market of Tanay, Rizal. They waited for 1 1/2 hours for a jeep to Daraitan because ang daming sumasakay and ended up riding top load. OMG, sa taas sila ng jeep sumakay! Kaloka! They arrived around lunch time at their jump off. They then had lunch at one of the carinderias at the jump off and registered their names at the local baranggay. This is a relief at least they keep track pala of people na umaakyat. They started their trek at 1pm. They trekked for 1 1/2 hours which Alvin calls a leisure climb. It was so hot daw because the trail has no trees. They passed by an old school cementery. They crossed the river on their way to the campsite. The water naman daw is low kaya no need for the rope that they bought sa baba. Although, he advised others to be careful because the river rocks' edges are sharp and slippery kaya dapat ingat. They reached the campsite at around 4pm. They pitched their tents, cooked sinigang, had few shots of hard liquor and lights out at 9pm. The next day, Alvin woke up at around 6am, went around to take pictures, had breakfast then walked again to the entrance of the Daraitan cave. The entrance of the cave is roughly 3x3 meter wide with a depth of 6 meters. He was surprised because when he entered the caver from that tiny hole, the cave inside was as big as a cathedral! They walked for 30 minutes from the entrance of the cave to the lagoon. Again, the rocks were slippery and sharp. The cave was pitch black so their head lamps were very useful. When they got to the lagoon, the water was very cold and sweet. Fresh na fresh daw talaga. After taking a dip and taking pictures, they headed back to the campsite. They had lunch at the campsite, break camp and then headed back to the foot of the mountain. They arrived back in Manila at around 7pm.  
    
1.) Dinner and catching up with Michelle Pineda-Pastoril (naks! different na ang surname hehe!). Kahit sa Betterliving lang, makapagchikahan lang =)
2.) Pizza Hut's Bacon and Mushroom Viva Pizza. 14 inches with no crust for only Php 299! 3.) Ice cold pink lemonade drink for merienda.. yummy!!! 4.) My mom's post birthday dinner tomorrow with Alvin, Toots, Noel and Elaine. Many restriction though, like the parking lot of the restaurant should be just in front of the restaurant itself because Im still not allowed to walk much. But, as long as I can go out, it's okay =) 5.) Bonding moment with Alvin before bed. Kwentuhan, joke time, sharing of dreams until it's 1:30am na pala... 6.) Faye's visits with Goldlock's Lumpiang Sariwa 7.) No brownouts yet at our place.. Hopefully there will be none because it's really really hot!!!
Time for my weekly Things I Am Grateful For List:
1.) Faye's visit to our apartment. Thank God for the EDSA holiday, no classes for kids so I was able to see her again because she's so busy with work. 2.) Unexpected visit from Katie, Nessie and Pao! I love it! 3.) Homemade Strawberry milkshake and Mango-Banana shake by Girlie 4.) Super entertaining TV soap operas: Tanging Yaman, Agua Bendita (i swear the little girl there is so cute!) and Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo. So addictive! 5.) Arrival of my online ordered Pepita things!! 6.) My good friend Alfred's job promotion. He truly deserves it and I am so happy for him! 7.) Newborn beautiful babies of Rain and Neome =) Makes me more excited to see my Pepita! 
Photo above from http://xantosw.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/hot-linked-image-cacher/upload/artfiles.art.com/images/-/Su-Omynona/Destiny-Calligraphy-Poster-C12331207.jpeg Again, from the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, I picked up something about DESTINY that struck me and I'd like to share it to you: "Destiny, I feel, is also a relationship - a play between divine grace and willful self-effort. Half of it you have no control over; half of it is absolutely in your hands, and your actions will show measurable consequences. Man is neither entirely a puppet of the gods, nor is he entirely the captain of his own destiny; he is a little of both. We gallop through our lives like circus performers balancing on two speeding side-by-side horses -one foot is on the the forse called "fate", the other on the horse called "free will". And the question you have to ask everyday is, Which horse is which? Which horse do I need to stop worrying about because it's not under my control, and which do I need to steer with concentrated effort?" It touched me because I keep on telling people that it was DESTINY that brought me and Alvin together after all these years of what-nots. What people do not know is that Destiny only gave us a push, the right circumstances and opportunities for us to realize that we were meant to be together. What people truly did not know is that "kinareer ko talaga ang Alvin!" Oh yes. I had to. You see, Alvin is a sigurista. There was this instance that happened way back when we were still young that made him jaded about me. It was a misunderstanding, him assuming and with me not explaining it to him the right way. After that, yea, he'd still make pa-cute, and keep on asking me out on our secret dates, but i felt that he had already decided against putting himself out there for me and everyone to see. Todo pakipot na talaga. So I felt it was all up to me to prove that I am the right girl for him. Destiny gave us openings but I also did some work. When we both found out that we were not seeing other people already, I made kamusta constantly (read: texting goodmorning, goodnight and the "don't forget to eat ha?" messages). I prayed hard. I shopped a lot for tight jeans and sandos to wear whenever we're together (his favorite outfit on girls). It even went to a point na I was already asking him, "Ano ba? Bakit hindi pa maging tayo kasi?!" Thankfully, during one of our conversations in one of our out of town trips, naka-realize naman ang lolo niyo. Then ako naman ang nagpakipot. Choz! No, I'm not embarrased to let people know about it (although, ikukwento ko lang kay Pepita ito pag mga 25 na siya, baka bata pa e mangarir na, katakot!). Kung walang tiyaga, walang nilaga. Kung tumunganga lang ako dati, sa malamang hindi pa din kami hanggang ngayon. In everything that we do, I believe DESTINY will give you that push or opportunity but it will be up to you if you are going to do something about it to make things happen. Pagdating sa love, wag lang medyo stalker level na ha? Yung tama lang. Lately, I'm getting addicted to travel blogs. I realized that there are a lot of beautiful places here in my own country that I haven't been to yet. Alvin keeps on nagging me that we start traveling first around the Philippines before we travel abroad. I think he wasn't too happy with our first out of the country trip to Singapore. Though i can blame it to the numerous shopping malls that we saw there (mall hopping isn't one of his favorite past time hehe). Don't get me wrong. He loved the company (thanks again to Topet and Jojo) and that temple in China town but as the outdorsy person that he is, i think he expected more.
Well, he will definitely going to be happy with the places to visit I've lined up here. I will also mention the travel blogs where i saw these pictures.
1.) BELLAROCA RESORT, MARINDUQUE
One of my must go places is Santorini, Greece. Blue water, white igloo like houses, perfect vacation atmosphere. But like most of us, I didn't know that there's this Santorini inspired resort in Marinduque!!! It's called Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa. The resort includes yacht/speedboat transfer from airport to island, private villa (with their own infinity pools and golfcart), hotel rooms, golf course, swimming pools, tea house, fitness gym, meditation sanctuary, watersports activities, spa and tours.
But mind you, this exquisite island resort does not come cheap. As of their published rates last year (when they first opened, February 2009), the cheapest hotel room rate is $420 per night (roughly around Php 18,000). Their rate is at its most expensive at $1,320 (around Php 59,000) for the two bedroom villa.
You can see more pictures here at their website:http://www.bellaroccaresorts.com
Bellaroca photos from http://www.weekendhaven.com/2009/04/dream-haven-bellaroca-island-resort-and-spa
    2.) FUNDACION PACITA IN BASCO, BATANES
Batanes is known to be the island at the that tipmost place at the north of the Philippines. According to some people who have already been there, signal number 3 storms are actually normal for people who live there. So, it is best to visit this place during summertime. But still, basing on the pictures and the people who have been there, Batanes is one of the most beautiful places they have been to. It's like Malboro Country, Pinas style.
From the travel blog www.ourawesomeplanet.com, it showed the beautiful cottages / rooms with the spacious decks where once can view the terrain, blue sea, sunset and sunrise.
According to its official website http://www.fundacionpacita.ph/, Fundacion Pacita was once home studio of internationally-acclaimed artist Pacita Abad and was turned into a well known resort by her brother.
The lowest rate is Php 6,750 for the Terrace suite while it can go as high as 10,800 for the Luxury Terrace Suite. Various rooms which are decorated magnificently can be seen at their official website. There is a minimum 2 nights stay and the room rates include a set breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers and half day Cultural Heritage Tours.
Photos from http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2010/01/the-fundacion-pacita-batanes-experience.html
      3.) BATAD, BANAUE
There's this Judy Ann - Piolo movie that i can't forget because they shot in this location where the character that Judy Ann played teared up because she was so touched with the 360 degree view of the rice terraces. Alvin has already been to this place in Batad, Banaue and he swears that it is truly a magnificent place.
Photos from http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/awesome-batad-banaue.html
  4.) CAMIGUIN ISLAND
Camiguin is located at the northern tip of Mindanao. As what I saw in their website, http://www.camiguinisland.net/content/information.htm, you can stay at the Caminguin Island Beach Club.Their room rates are Php 1,100 for a family fan room (6 pax) and Php 1,600 for the AC Room with TV and fridge for the low season.
Some places to visit in Camiguin include:
*Catarman Church Ruins --these are the remains of the Old Spanish Church due to the volcanic eruption in 1871 which wiped out the Spanish settlement of Catarman
*White Island --swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling are some of the activities in this C or sometimes I shaped island with the Mount Hibok Hibok and Old Vulcan as its backdrop
*Sunken Cementery --Located in Bonbon, Catamaran, a huge cross marker was installed to mark the community cementery that sunk in 1871. You can see the gravestones when you dive here.
*Katibawasan Falls, Tanguines Lagoon, Tangub hot springs, Macao Cold spring and Sto. Nino Cold spring
Photos from Camiguin website http://www.camiguinisland.net
     5.) APO ISLAND BEACH RESORT
This place was suggested by Alvin. According to its website (http://www.apoislandresort.com/), Apo Island is rated one of the top 10 diving spots in the Philippines. Apo Island can be found in Dauin, Negros Oriental.
Activities in the island include boat tour around the island, diving and snorkeling (they have a dive shop where you can rent diving gear and hire instructors as well), hiking to the lighthouse and visit the Marine Sanctuary. You can also have fresh seafood cooked in the island's beachside restaurant and bar.
As of December 2009, their room rates ranges from Php700 (for dormitories), to Php2,800 for a two person capacity room.
Photos from http://www.apoislandresort.com/photos/index.php
     6.) BALESIN ISLAND IN POLLILIO, QUEZON PROVINCE
I dont think many people know of this beach / resort in Quezon. I just came across this at www.ourawesomeplanet.com. According to the said website, it takes 4 hours of land trip and 3 hours by boat to reach this island. I think it's worth it naman because as you can see in the pictures the crystal clear waters of the beach.
I feel this will be like Boracay but a less developed one therefore a more peaceful location for those who just want to relax.
Photos from http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2006/05/balesin_island2.html
    7.) CORON, PALAWAN
I found this place also from www.ourawesomeplanet.com (don't you just love this website?!). According to them, the things to do when in Coron is to swim in the Kayangan Lake, swim between the Twin Lagoons, snorkel at Siete Picados and dip into the Maquinit Hot Springs.
Photos from http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2008/04/coron-palawan.html
  8.) EL NIDO, PALAWAN
Okay, from the pictures below, who, in their right mind, wouldn't want to go to El Nido in Palawan?! The beach is so pristine with crystal clear waters! According to their website, you can stay at the Lagen Island Resort which is set on a cove, fringed by a thick primary forest. Or at the Miniloc Island Resort which is also set on a cove with a backdrop of limestone cliffs.
Activities in the island include snorkeling, kayaking, rock jumping, tours, etc. If I were to go there, i will just lie down on the sand and take plenty and plenty of pictures!!!
Room rates for the Lagen Island Resort starts at Php 8,000++ for the triple sharing, Php 9,000++ for twin sharing and Php 11,500++ for the single room (during low season)
Room rates for Miniloc Island Resort starts at Php 4,500++ for triple/quad sharing, Php 5,500++ for twin sharing and Php 8,000++ for single room (during low season)
You can view more pictures and their complete rates at their website: http://www.elnidoresorts.com
Photos from http://www.elnidoresorts.com
     
I've been reading Eat, Pray, Love. There's this about soul mates that caught my attention.
"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person that shows you everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probable the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come to your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then they leave. Thank God for it."
I never viewed soul mates as like this. I thought we should all find our soul mates and marry them then live happily ever after. Reading the book, that is not always the case.
Looking back, maybe I have met my soul mate before. He taught me how to love unconditionally and see beyond material things. We were a perfect fit when we were together. It was painful when he left but when I learned to let go, I became a better person. I met the love of my life and managed to do something right to keep him. I believe its all because of the lessons i learned and i somehow thank my soul mate for it.
You? Have you met your soul mate yet? =)
Even before Alvin and I got married, he already told me that we'd be bringing Girlie, their househelp, with us when we make bukod. I was okay with that because at least we're sure na may kasama na kami sa bahay. Suicide kaya pagako gagawa ng lahat ng house chores! At saka diba, anong i-uulam ng asawa ko everyday? -- sunog na kanin tska hotdog, with an occasional turon =) hehehe..
Anyways, super sulit ang Girlie. Mabait na bata, hindi assuming and masipag. Minsan nga lang tuliro but that i can tolerate kasi okay naman siya over-all. Super madiskarte pa, like the following instances:
INSTANCE #1
The gap of our house gate's bars are far apart. Si Havi tuloy nakakalabas.
GIRLIE: Ate, kelangan natin ng chicken wires na ilagay sa baba para di makalabas si Havi.
ME: Sige, I'll tell Alvin na bumili
But after 20 years, di pa din nakakabili si Alvin kasi busy. Then I woke up one day, may chicken wire na yung gate.
ME: Girlie, san galing to?
GIRLIE: Kay Ate Babes po Ate. Binigyan niya tayo ng chicken wires tpos siya na din nagkabit.
ME: Sino si Ate Babes?!
GIRLIE: Yung katulong po dyan sa malaking bahay sa tapat natin.
Odivah?!
INSTANCE #2
ME: Girlie, san galing tong Glade? (The one you spray sa clothes para mabilis i-iron. Di ako bumibili nun kasi mahal! I thought pwede naman tubig na lang)
GIRLIE: Kay Ate Babes po.
ME: Ay isoli mo na yan. Baka hanapin sayo, puno pa e..
GIRLIE: Ay hindi po Ate. Atin na daw yan. Madami daw silang ganyan.
ME: OMG! Di ba nakakahiya yun?
GIRLIE: Ganun talaga Ate. Sila naman yung nakakadami kaya magbigay naman sila sa atin..
May ganun?! hehehe!
INSTANCE #3
ME: Hay! Ang sarap siguro ng hilaw na mangga ngayon no? Pabili tayo sa palengke sa weekend
After 1 hour, Girlie came inside our house carrying 4 indian mangoes.
ME: O? San galing yan?
GIRLIE: Kay Ate Babes
ME: Binili mo sa kanya?
GIRLIE: Hindo po ate. Bigay lang niya.
Okay pala tong si Ate Babes eh! Parang fairygod mother! haha! Mas okay ang Girlie! Kilala kung kanino makikipagfriendship!
Girlie also is my source of neighborhood chismis.
GIRLIE: Ate, grabe yung nasa kabilang bahay natin! Buntis tpos naninigarilyo pa! Tpos iyak pa ng iyak habang nasa cellphone. Bakit daw hindi siya dinadalaw nung nakabuntis sa kanya. Kelangan din daw siya ng bata!
ME: Akala ko buntis pa lang?
GIRLIE: Oo, pero may anak na siya dun sa una. Kabit lang siya tpos nagpabuntis na naman ulit!
Marunong! hehe
One day, someone was calling Girlie at our gate.
ME: Sino yun?
GIRLIE: Yung katulong po sa kabila, nanghihingi ng box, lalagyan niya ng gamit kasi maglalayas na daw siya. Sinabi ko bat siya maglalayas, eh wala naman siyang pupuntahan. Sira ulo din!
ME: Bakit daw siya maglalayas?
GIRLIE: Kasi 500pesos lang sweldo niya every month. Tpos, pinipilit pa siya nung amo niya na magtong-its. Ang pangtaya niya, yung sweldo niya. Eh hindi siya marunong magtong-its kaya lagi siyang talo. Ubos lagi yung sweldo niya. Sabi ko unfair yung ginagawa sakanya kasi dapat ang sweldo niya mga 2,000 pesos. Sabi ko wag siyang pumayag ng ganun.
ME: Eh ikaw pala may kasalanan e! Tpos magagalit ka na maglalayas siya e brinain wash mo na?
Kaloka! hahaha!
Life truly has its ups and downs, like a wheel, they say. Sometimes, if you're really malas, you get stuck with a flat tire and stay at the bottom till its all fixed up.
Being stuck in bed, having no choice but to get fatter everyday, with a zero social life, makes one come to the borderline of depression and insanity.
Oprah once said to truly appreciate what you have, we should try making a Things I Am Grateful For list everyday. Sige, i'll try to do mine at least once a week.
Here goes:
1.) ALVIN. Whenever I hit my all time low these days and just cry, he never gives up on me. He's like my life coach nowadays. When I feel walang kwenta and a burden to him, he never fails to say things that would make me feel better. I know Ive said this a thousand times but i really feel lucky i married this guy.
2.) FACEBOOK, MULTIPLY, BLOGSPOT, JENNIEPPERSON.COM, HOLLYWOODRAG.COM, PEP.COM, STYLESAMURAI.BLOGSPOT.COM, TINATAGLE.COM, TWITTER plus all those online shops. Shopping therapy is still the best whenever you are on your feet or on your back? hehehe..
3.) Visits from friends like Abbey, June, Alfred, Vangie and Mia...
4.) Alvin's crazy cousins: Katie, Blanche, Cholo, Li-Anne for spending weekends with me. I forget Im bedrest whenever they're here. (To Nessie: i understand jowa day niyo pagweekends! hahaha!)
5.) My mom for sending strawberries all the time. For Alvin's parents who keep on sending ulam to us.
6.) GIRLIE our househelp, for without her ill surely die!
7.) Selecta Ice cream (Vanilla Almond and Hazelnut Brownie) and chocolates for helping me keep my sanity.
8.) PEPITA's kicks in my tummy. I have something to look forward to everyday. Have you ever heard of mother's instincts? Yea? Well have you heard of telephatic communication between mothers and babies? Pepita and I totally have it!!!! =) Through me, she's sending to the outside world, what she would like to have when she's born =) hahahaha! Here they are!!!! NAPPY COVERS http://shoptinytots.multiply.com/photos 
BABY BURPIES http://www.dillyhearts.com/category/burp_cloths/c52 Burps, dribbles, baby spit. Life with your new little squirt is messy! Tackle the job with a burp cloth that has both great function and great style. Backed with soft, absorbent terry velour, our burp cloths measure approx. 10 x 17. Handmade, topstitched, 100% cotton, machine washable. 
GRACO METROLITE STROLLER IN MIA Lightweight aluminum frame weighs less than 20 lbs.
Height-adjustable handle lets both Mom & Dad push comfortably without stooping over
Easy access drop-down basket lets you reach in without disturbing reclined child
Parent storage tray with two cup holders keeps keys and drinks handy
One-hand fold closes simply in seconds
Multi-position reclining seat keeps Baby comfy
Canopy with peek-a-boo window lets you see Baby at all times
Lockable front swivel wheels with suspension for a smoother ride
Convertible 3- & 5-point harness grows with your child
Canopy with quilting and decorative trim 
NUBY Pacifiers 
NUBY MEDICAL ORGANIZER KIT This Nûby™ Medical Organizer Kit was created to fulfill most of your baby’s home care needs. With the patented Sure-Dose™ Medicine Dropper and Spoon you will worry less about inaccurate dosage measurements. The Medi-Nurser™ was uniquely designed to bypass most of baby’s taste buds when administering oral medicine or vitamins. Also included is a Nasal Aspirator that doubles as an ear syringe. Set also includes a Digital Thermometer. We even designed a unique scaled down Nail Clipper for your toddler’s small nails!
NUBY BOTTLES Nuby bottles are available in SnR =) Nûby™ Natural Touch The SoftFlex™ Silicone Nurser features a revolutionary new soft air™ silicone base. Made from 100% BPA free silicone, the soft air™ silicone base allows the parent to assist with feeding by giving the bottle a gentle squeeze. 
I love the butterfly designs on these bottle.. So like mommy, like baby =) 
Non-Drip™ Bottle0+ Months | Standard Neck | 10oz/300ml
These bottles are made from high grade poly propylene which means they are FREE from Bisphenol A. Our patented variable flow Non-Drip™ Nipple features anti-colic valves to reduce the risk of colic and teething nubs to massage baby’s gums. The nipple is uniquely designed so it is easy to use and prevents spills and leaks. No drips! No Spills! No mess! All smiles!
MADELINE BABY COUTURE BAG Features:
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yet compact enough for Baby's everyday needs 
ALEXIS PINK BABY COUTURE BAG This stylish tote with yummy stripes is large enough to carry all babies' necessities for that trip out… yet compact enough to fit on your shoulder without weighing you down. Details: water resistant changing mat; wipes case; dry bag; amenities bag; many pockets; internal key/pacifier holder; water resistant interior lining; exclusive Paris Couture key charm; pink/white stripes; pink interior; 14" x 13" x 5". 
NURSING MOMS http://nursingmom.multiply.com/ Nurse confidently, fashionably, and discreetly with new Nursingmom nursing covers! Each nursing cover has - an adjustable neck strap that holds the cover in place, to keep you feeling secure while feeding - an open, rigid neckline that allows you to view baby and maintain eye-contact throughout the feeding session - a roomy inner-side pocket for storing breast pads, clean-up cloths, or your cell phone All Nursingmom nursing covers are made with breathable cotton fabrics in a selection of stylish prints to suit your taste. They're made with a single layer of fabric, providing wide coverage to ensure a discreet yet comfortable nursing session for you and your baby!
HOTSLING http://mybabyandmysling.multiply.com/ my Baby & my Sling is born out a mother’s desire to share the joys and ease she and her babies experienced with baby wearing. my Baby & my Sling brings the best baby slings in the market, Hotslings and The Peanut Shell. These imported baby slings are made of the best fabric and are one of the trendiest in designs. In addition to slings, the store also carries the Freehand Mei Tai, the Peekaru Ozone sun protective cover, as well as, Baby Banz outdoor and travel essentials. These products are carefully handpicked from hundreds to give only the best to your little one. my Baby & my Sling is committed to helping mothers and babies explore the world with ease. Modern yet timeless, the Everyday Collection features wearable fabrics, go-anywhere patterns and all the latest colors of the season. Pair them with your favorite casual clothing as a bold statement piece or an understated accessory.
Recommended for babies 8 pounds to 35 pounds.
Original Hotslings leg padding.
97% cotton sateen, 3% spandex.
Slings are machine wash cold; hang to dry. Php 2,500
BABY SOCKS
http://proudmamastore.multiply.com/ Baby's feet develop best when they are not confined by shoes. Allowing baby to be barefoot is still best, when practical and safe, enabling his or her feet to grow naturally and to develop musculature and strength. But if shoes are a no-no, what's a style-savvy mom with a footwear fetish to do? After all, your little bundle of joy's feet may not yet be ready for shoes but as every fashionista knows, an outfit just isn't complete without eye-turning footwear. Introducing FUNKYFEET Not-quite-shoes, cozy baby socks that look like shoes. Made from imported cotton, it's the closest your baby can get to barefoot comfort while completing their cool-enough-to-be-designer-duds look! Php 500 / 5 pairs 
These are baby socks! Uber cute, check out the Maryjane design =) 
H&M Baby Clothes. Sadly, there's no H&M stores yet here in Manila (is there na?) So paging, Pepita's Lolo Nanding!!! Clothes clothes clothes!!!! =) 
Cutie Onesies =) 
Hello Kitty baby clothes =) 
Valentine's Day last year, we celebrated it by having dinner at Manila Peninsula Hotel. The buffet was delicious especially the desserts!!! This year's Valentine's Day, I requested Alvin not to give me flowers anymore. How much flowers cost nowadays?! Php 1,500 for a nice bouquet? I can already buy one set of Nuby bottles for that! So instead, i requested for --- yeah, CAKES!!! hahaha! Me and my sweet tooth!!! Here are some of my requests =) 
Aren't these the cutest?! They are Emoti-cakes from Sinfully Circles. Sinfully Circles is located beside Circles Events Cafe in Makati Shangri-La. They have it in Chocolate and Lemon Cheesecake flavor. Php 380 for small and Php 680 for large. 
Nirvana Cake by Bizu's. A blend of caramel chocolate mousse and pistachio cream on a bed of crisp chocolate crunch and chocolate cake covered with homemake chocolate brilliant sauce. Prices depend on size. Php 185 / Php 765 / Php 1,575 
Strawberry Shortcake from Bizu's. Soft genoise sponge in between layers of strawberries and chantilly cream. Prices depends on size. Php 215 / Php 765 / Php 1,950 
Samba Cake from Bizu's. A combination of milk and dark chocolate mousse between layers of chocolate cake and coated with homemade brilliant sauce. Price depends on size. Php 185 / Php 710 / Php 1,435 
Mango Bravo cake from Conti's Bakeshop. It has chilled layer of sponge cake, cashew, cream, mango chunks, chocolate mousse, meringue-like-textured filling, covered with white mango cream with mango chunks on top of the cake and chocolate drippings all over. I love this!!!! I forgot the price for the whole cake though but one slice is i think less than Php 110 at Conti's.
Ice Cream Cake from Dairy Queen!!! Need I to say anything else?! =D 
This is Red Ribbon's Roses and Kisses Valentine's Day Cake. Edible sugar roses and chocolate kisses on top of this chocolate pound cake with chocolate filling!!! Yummy!! Only Php 330.00 =) Available on all Red Ribbon Bakeshops.  Call me biased but I think our baby Pepita is the cutest baby in the entire world!! Here she is in her 7th month ultrasound 3d pictorial. She's smiling!!!! A lot of our friends told me that she looks like me (tho' i can't see it yet!), my dad says she's so pretty, he'll join her in the beauty contests there in Amsterdam, my mom was surprised her apo was smiling already and she takes after her daw hehehe... We had this 3D ultrasound at In My Womb located at the 2nd floor Glorietta The Link Building in Makati. In My Womb is a 3D4D Ultrasound and Ob-Gyn Center. This was our third time there. First the transvaginal ultrasound that my OB required me to do. Second was Pepita's 5th month gender identification ultrasound. Although, a bit more expensive than the normal ones, i believe the experience was worth it. The girls there are very helpful with all the questions regarding the packages, procedure and outputs. The doctors are very informative and accomodating too. The doctor on our second visit was very patient in identifying Pepita's gender that time because of her position inside my tummy. They have 99% accuracy in determining the baby's gender =) They have various packages for the ultrasound. We got the 3D package without the DVD copy of the pictures, just hard copy of the black and white photos. It costs around Php 2,200. Alvin and I were surprised because the most expensive package was Php 20,000! But that first ever baby binge already includes 4D DVD plus album =) Inside the ultrasound room, there's this giant TV screen and for 15 to 20 minutes, you will be able to see your baby in 3D! Being first time parents, Alvin and I looked like we were hypnotized by the image in the screen. Pepita was so cute and was moving a lot! Then the doctor will check for the weight and measurements of the baby and the level of your water (amniotic fluid). Thank God, she said that Pepita's weight was just right for her age. I was worried that she'll be bigger with all the chocolates and desserts that I've been eating. After enjoying the "baby tv show", they will give you copies of the photos of your baby, just like the one i posted here. There will also be a comprehensive report regarding the baby which the parents will be giving to the OB doctor during their monthly check up. I was in a bad mood before we went to the clinic but after seeing my baby, all of my negative vibes were gone! It was an incredible experience indeed! Before Alvin & I got together, SAVINGS was a word I wasn't familiar with. Actually, I had a hide and seek relationship with it: Hide from doing it, but Seeking to have it.
The money I have in the bank only suffices me until the next pay day. Sure, i have rackets left and right but after receiving the money for it, i spend it. I keep on thinking that I deserve something out of what I worked hard for. I also kept on thinking that I'm still young and am still entitled to enjoy my money. I was already 27 years old back then. I also had four credit cards, all maxed out for being the shopaholic that I was.
And then Alvin came back to my life. He taught me the value of money and taught me how to save. I also learned from him to think twice (nay, thrice!) when buying really expensive things or investing on something which involves long term payments. Impulse buying will always be there (hello! Im a girl!) but it's not as often as before. I realized that if I concentrate harder on working and not thinking about what to buy first, I will be able to afford better things. With that, come recession time, I was still able to survive (meaning: i was still able to shop, pay for my bills and contribute to our upcoming wedding). I always get amazed by his positive thinking and constant urge to have something where he can earn money from. He looks into the future and make sure future expenses are also covered.
Now, being at rest the whole time, i came across http://www.jenniepperson.com/. I saw this book from her site that greatly reminded me of how Alvin is and I want to share them to you too.
There are distinctions from being a Millionaire and being middle class:
Millionaires think long term, the middle class thinks short term.
Millionaires talk about ideas, the middle class talks about things and other people.
Millionaires embrace change, the middle class is threatened by change.
Millionaires take calculated risks, the middle class is afraid to take risks.
Millionaires continually learn and grow, the middle class thinks learning ended with school.
Millionaires work for profits, the middle class works for wages.
Millionaires believe they must be generous, the middle class believes they can’t afford to give.
Millionaires have multiple sources of income, the middle class only has one or two.
Millionaires focus on increasing their net worth, the middle class focuses on increasing their paychecks.
Millionaires ask themselves empowering questions, the middle class ask themselves disempowering questions.
O diba? It makes sense right? I'm not saying that Alvin's a millionaire already (though I think if he didn't have me as a wife right now, he'll be one already lolz!) but based on this book, with his attitude, he will be! yey! And you can be one too!! P.S.: I want to be a Millionaire too!!! It was around 4am when i first experienced the pain. Alvin and I just called it a night around 2am, after seeing everyone home from the post birthday celebration that Alvin had that night.
I thought i just badly wanted to pee so i went downstairs and pee'd. However, when i got back to bed, it just got more painful. It's something like you really have to do number 3 plus terrible menstrual cramps. Around 5am, the pain has not subsided yet so i woke up Alvin. We went back to the bathroom but nothing was coming out but the pain was increasing. I got the book "What To Expect When You're Expecting" and it says there to go to the doctor IMMEDIATELY if you are experiencing the following:
1.) Heavy bleeding or bleeding with cramps or severe pain in the lower abnomen
2.) Severe lower abdominal pain, in the center or on one of both sides, that doesn't subside, even if it isn't accompanied by bleeding
3.) Sudden increase in thirst, accompanied by reduced urination, or no urination at all for an entire day
4.) Painful or burnign urination accompanied by chills and fever over 101.5 degrees farenheight and/or backache
5.) Fever over 101.5 degrees farenheight
6.) Very sudden and severe swellingor puffiness of hands, face and eyes accompanied by headache, vision difficulties or suddend significant weight gain not related to overeating
7.) Vision disturbances that persists for more than a few minutes
I was experiencing number 2.
Alvin carried me to the car while i was crying because of the pain. We went to Paranaque Doctors because it was the one nearest to our house. In the ER, they wanted to admit us immediately without even knowing what is wrong. Something is terribly wrong with this hospital! And also since, my OBGYN is not affiliated with that hospital, we left and proceeded to Manila Doctors Hospital. We picked up Alvin's mom along the way.
When we got to Manila Doctors ER, they wheeled me immediately to the Delivery Room. I looked at Alvin and panicked! I cried on the spot! Pepita is not due till May 1! The nurses and doctors assured me that all the medical facilities and the specialists that i needed were inside the Delivery Room. It doesn't necessarily means that i will go and labor. And so we went. They strapped me to the monitoring equipment, asked questions, did tests and asked more questions. They told us i was having preterm labor. They have to control the contractions otherwise Pepita would go out.
Alvin waited outside. I spent six grueling hours inside the Delivery Room. I watched other mothers scream in pain! I watch them labor. I just kept on shutting my eyes and praying. I was so scared! Thankfully, at around 2pm, contractions were under control and they informed Alvin that they can transfer me to a private room.
As soon as i saw Alvin, i wanted to cry. As expected, he scolded me for not being careful. He told me that my malling will be stopped, no more shopping, no more doing "sidelines", no more meeting with friends, no more stress. In short, my social life will be cut to zero.
During that time, i was just quiet. I don't know how i will be able to do it. I PALPITATE when i don't do anything. I was born to multi-task. But i guess, i just have to follow Alvin and the doctors. It's for our baby and there are only three more months of waiting. My doctor even said that its very expensive to have a premature baby. You have to be ready to spend at least 20,000 pesos a day for the baby without having the assurance that the baby would live. It will be like half a million pesos for that. So okay, bed rest it is.
Whenever i feel bad, i just look at Alvin and see how much he panicked when we were in the hospital. I saw how much he loves me and Pepita. One night, when all of our visitors left, he told me "Babe, while you were inside the delivery room, I felt so scared that i got the rosary from the car. I tried praying it but since you always lead our rosary prayers, i didnt get to memorize the mysteries. I just skipped that part and continued praying just to finish the rosary." This touched me so much. It brings tears to my eyes whenever i recall that conversation.
Now, we're home. We set up the couch at the ground floor. This is where i stay, eat and sleep. Alvin fusses over me so much. I cannot move without him rushing to my side and scolding me to be careful. I don't know if i can do this for three more months but i will surely try.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all those who prayed for us. Our families from both sides who visited and called (my dad). Our friends who provided moral support by visiting, leaving facebook messages and sending us text messages. Thank you very much!
Most especially, Alvin and I want to thank God for being with us through this.
 Everybody, we would like you to meet our baby GIRL!!! She's five months in that ultrasound picture. As of press time, she's six months already inside my tummy. We, especially Alvin, is so excited for her. Im super itching to buy her clothes and super nice things but Alvin's not allowing me yet. We plan to name her Anikha-something but everybody else is already calling her PEPITA. Lolo Pepito (Alvin's dad) is very happy with that! =) September 19, 2009 was the date I said goodbye to singlehood and married the man I know God has destined for me. Everybody knew my and Alvin's lovestory and they still cannot believe that things like that still happens in real life. The day was perfect. What made it more perfect was two weeks before the D-Day, we learned that I was two months pregnant already!! (Well, that explains my nausea and constant urge to throw up! I thought it only had to do with the pre-wedding stress! -nana) I am happy that all of the suppliers that we hired for that day worked perfectly for us. The wedding entourage and guests were all beautiful! The last minute dance number that we prepared for our visitors was greatly appreciated! Alvin rocked the dance floor!! Whew! One of the memorable things that i cannot forget was the walk down the aisle. I thought I was going to pass out already from the nervousness that i felt while waiting outside the closed doors of the church. When the doors opened, i put one feet in front of the other, towards Alvin. I saw my dear Tita Judith seated at one of the last pews, smiling at me. Halfway to the altar, I saw my mom and dad together waiting for me. When I got nearer to them, I saw my dad with a camera in his hand, and took a picture of me. It was so like him! =) And then we proceeded to walk towards the altar. There were so many people in front! The photographers, videographers, Alvin's parents, the bestmen and finally I spotted Alvin. Goosebumps ran all over my body and tears blurred my vision. I was so happy and it was finally sinking in! I am getting married to the man i love. The one I've always loved. No more saying goodbye and parting ways during nighttime. I can finally talk to him till whenever I please when we're home. I have someone to love so much without fear if he reciprocates or not. And finally, I have someone who I know will never ever leave me. "Till death do us part" touched me so much! During the reception, the feedbacks were great. The program wasn't boring, the food was delicious and the guest (and principal sponsors) did not leave until the program was finished. It was exhausting but we were very, very happy. We thank the love and support of both our parents and families and friends. Another chapter has come and we are looking forward to what tomorrow brings =) Here are some of the photos of us during that day: =)  SUPPLIER RATINGS
Highest: 5 stars
CHURCH: St. James the Great, Ayala Alabang
RATING: 4.5 Stars
PRICE: Church – Php 25,000 (with aircon); Flowers – Php 15,000 (basic package)
COMMENT: The church’s façade and interior design was perfect. People at St. James didn’t give us a hard time. They’d call us up to remind us to submit the documents and they were easy to talk to especially Ate Aycie who was the one who we were corresponding to the whole time. My only worry was the airconditioning on the day itself because there were lots of brides who were complaining that the AC was turned on late and turned off early. I made sure that the coordinators made “tutok” so happily it didn’t happen to us. The only think that we didn’t like was that we were “forced” to get their florist for the church flowers and the lowest package was Php 15k! Plus you are not allowed to bring them home!
RECEPTION: The Bellevue Manila
RATING: 3.5 Stars
PRICE: Php 280k ++ for 200 guests buffet meal, 2 nights bridal suite, bridal car, 2 reception ballrooms with floral arrangement, bridal cake (without cake topper)
COMMENT: I could have given 5 for Bellevue but we weren’t satisfied with their customer service and their post event service. At start, everything was going on well but during the finalization part, it was only then that they told us that almost all that we have requested have additional charge! They should have told us that beforehand. Then after the wedding, I forgot my Doopod’s charger and their gift for us in our room. When I was trying to contact our Account Manager for that, she didn’t even bother to text or call back. Well aside from that, on the day itself, everything went well naman. The waiters were great to the guests.
COORDINATOR: DNDC Events Planner and Coordinator
RATING: 5 Stars
PRICE: Php 18,000 for on the day coordination
COMMENT: This was the supplier that I was most maselan to book. I love weddings and I have already planned my own wedding years before I have even decided that I will marry someday. Confused? Haha! Join the others! Anyways, when I met with Dindi, I immediately liked her. I told her that I’d be her easiest bride because I have already arranged all the details. I just needed somebody to execute and not mess up. And she didn’t disappoint me. I was eight weeks pregnant on my wedding day and hindi ako nahirapan sa kanila. I let go of everything and they did really well. I highly recommend her to other future brides
http://dndc.multiply.com/photos/album/100/Alvin_and_Fleur
PHOTOGRAPHER: Split Image Didital
RATING: 5 Stars
COMMENT: From the start, I knew Split Image will be my main photographer. First, madaling kausap. Second, their work looks so nice!!! Have you guys seen our pre-nup pictorial?! You will be amazed! Some of our official wedding photos are uploaded in my facebook account and I will be uploading some in our wedding website soon. And third, they are very affordable and flexible. Kasi nga madali kausap. On the day itself, the photographers were nice and “kwela”. Efficient din sila and pinagbigyan naman nila ako sa mga requests ko. Right after the wedding, they gave us na agad the CDs for the wedding’s raw pictures. Galing galing talaga! They are also highly recommended by us!
Prenup Photos: http://www.mywedding.com/alvinandfleur/galleries.html
Wedding Photos: Please view it in my facebook account: Fleur Rubio-Sombrero (Official Photos 1)
VIDEOGRAPHER: Phoeben Teocson Wedding Videographer
RATING: 4 Stars
PRICE: Php 25,000 (On-the-go package: Onsite video with raw footage of wedding)
COMMENT: The guy’s a genius. Sadly for the future brides, the package we availed is not available anymore for this supplier. But I can assure you that he’s SULIT. Our onsite video was excellent. We wanted parang like Judy Ann’s wedding video na old film ang effect with an OPM song. Kuhang kuha and our guests loved it! I didn’t give them a perfect score because I was quite disappointed with the PR of Bim on the day. Correct me if I’m wrong pero parang wala siyang gana magshoot. I felt (and my family too) that parang tinatamad siya. Baka pagod or puyat sa dami ng client. Oh well but at the end okay ang on site video naming so okay na din. I have yet to receive the raw footage because I want to have it mailed na lang to us rather to go all the way to Quezon City to pick it up.
Onsite Video: http://phoebenteocson.com/?p=139
BACK UP PHOTOGRAPHER: Raymond Fortun Photography
RATING: 5 Stars
PRICE: Php 5,000
COMMENT: Hay! I heart Atty. Fortun! I don’t have any reklamo with him, how he works nor the output of the photos. He’s a real professional and hindi boring ang shoot because of him. When you correspond with him, sasagot siya agad. Super nice grabe! Plus after the wedding, while shooting the after party, parang naki-mingle na din siya. He’s patient enough to shoot the party guest while posing with them for some of the shots na din. The pictures from him were great!!
http://raymond42n.multiply.com/photos/album/242/AlvinFleur
BRIDAL GOWN: Merlene Marcelo Couture
RATING: 3 Stars
PRICE: Php 38,000 for the wedding gown plus Php 5,000 for my mom’s gown
COMMENT: I was disappointed with Merlene as a supplier. At first, she was so “maboka” that she won my mom at that instant and booked her on the spot. We didn’t go na to the other dress maker that we have scheduled that day. There were a lot of people telling me not to get her because she has a not so good reputation in the industry but I refused to believe them giving her the benefit of the doubt. However after our first meeting, things started to go downhill. Good thing that I was so tutok with my gown. I was the one who calls them if pwede na ako magfitting. Siguro kung di ko sila tawagan, hindi na ako magfifitting. They have lots of miscommunication between them. On one meeting, we decide on something, then sa next fitting hindi siya marereflect. So sayang yung punta namin. Another is the frufru design for my gown. I told Merlene about it and she said that she’ll give me daw 3 designs to choose from. I even gave them sample pictures of the design. After three months, wala pa din. Dinidikit nila yung flowers sa gown ko which looked “barriotic”! Wala naman daw dinedesign si Merlene and wala din daw instructions! Imagine! So para matapos lang, I was the one who designed it. Imagine I paid extra pa for that na ako din pala magdedesign! Kung hindi lang talaga mabait yung mga tao niya, I would have given them a 1 star lang. Buti na lang talaga, super tutok ako sa gown ko and sa gown ng mom ko. I can’t imagine what could have happened kung hindi.
SOUVENIRS: Fotoloco by Konsepto
RATING: 5 Stars
PRICE: discounted because I won the package from the w@w auction
COMMENT: They’re okay. I gave them my idea for the backdrop and the design of the photo souvenir and they executed it well. No problem with them
ENTOURAGE GOWN: YSP Dress Shop
RATING: 3.5 Stars
RATE: Php 5,000 for Alvin’s mom’s gown, Php 3,000 each for the entourage gowns
COMMENT: Gowns thankfully turned out okay except for Divs’ which was the most difficult one to make. Buti na lang, Divs’ mom knows how to mend and rectify clothes and her gown came out great. I had the gowns made early para I wont panic when the wedding’s near na. Pero parang bale wala lang because she started the gowns late and finished days lang after my wedding. That I don’t like. Pero they go naman where the fitting is and they wait until all my girls came so pwede na din.
DESSERT: Choco Fountain my Sweet Affair
RATING: 5 Stars
RATE: discounted because I won the package from the w@w auction
COMMENT: They were okay to correspond with and wala namang reklamo with their service.
HAIR AND MAKE UP: Eddie Bruan
RATING: 5 Stars
RATE: Php 12,000 – bride plus two mothers
COMMENT: Tito Eddie was great and everybody loved my make up. Super professional silang lahat. Medyo expensive nga lang yung per head nila but they make up is really nice.
INVITATION & MISALETTE: Printed Matter
RATING: 4.5 Stars
RATE: Php 55 for each invitation; Php 50 for each misalette
COMMENT: Our invitations were how we liked it. Simple and elegant. For me, it’s not practical to spend a lot for the invitations which itatapon lang din naman diba? So we were pretty happy with how our invitation and misalette turned out.
ENOURAGE FLOWERS: Scenta Flowers
RATING: 4.5 Stars
RATE: Php 15,000 for 2 mothers, 5 bridesmaids, 3 secondary sponsors, 10 fans with flowers for the ninangs, flowers on the bear and the bridal bouquet.
COMMENT: Affordable na diba? I so love my bouquet. Equadorian roses with feathers!! They flowers were fresh and madali ding kausap ang Scenta =)
BAND, SOUND SYSTEM AND LIGHTS: Glisten Band
RATING: 4 Stars
RATE: Php 30,000
COMMENT: Jessica of the Glisten Band was easy to talk to. They followed naman my instructions for the church songs and the reception songs. The guests enjoyed the songs played. We followed an OPM song list for the reception. My only comment is that their sound system didn’t have slow songs for the receiving of guests!!! When Alvin and I arrived at the ballroom, I panicked because I was hearing disco / gimik sounds as in loud super fast thub thumping songs coming out from our ballroom!!! Kaloka!!! The coordinator said that they don’t have daw slow / romantic songs with them.
UNITY COINS: from Weddings at Work
RATING: 5 Stars
RATE: Php 1,200 (discounted because I won them from the w@w auction)
HEADPIECES: made by my Tita Judith Rubio
RATING: 5 Stars
COMMENT: I super duper love them!!!!
GROOM’S ROOM: The Bellevue Manila
RATING: Price offset with the strings
CAKE TOPPER: Joy San Gabriel
RATING: 5 Stars
RATE: Php 2,500
COMMENT: Joy’s really a pleasant and nice person. She even gave me free samples of her cakes which were super delicious!!! The cake topper was cute!!!
http://dndc.multiply.com/photos/album/100/Alvin_and_Fleur#photo=7
WEDDING RINGS: My Diamond
RATING: 3.5 Stars
RATE: Php 17,000 for both rings
COMMENT: The initial rings that they gave us were so wrong. Ang pangit lang dun, they were insisting that they were right!!! Ay, I cried talaga dun sa store nila because the rings were really ugly! Buti na lang the headoffice acknowledged their mistake and replaced them. AUDIO VISUAL PRESENTATION: by Mark and Janis Dilao
RATING: 5 Stars
RATE: it was a gift from them =)
COMMENT: It was beautiful!!!! Mark's definitely got talent in making our AVP. It wasn't done like those homemade AVP that friends do for newlyweds. It was done professionally and we love it!!! Alvin and I attended the Discovery Weekend last July 17-19 at the OMI Retreat House. It was a gift from my mom. I am thankful so much to her because she sent us to this retreat. I know she loves us both very much and would not want what happened to her and Papa, happen to us.
So at first, I was so nervous. It was because they said that in attending this weekend retreat / seminar, it can make or break your relationship. Come careful thinking, I said to myself, why not try it. Even if we have already booked and paid ALL of our wedding suppliers, we decided to be brave enough and attend this seminar and see if we were really ready to get married.
On Friday morning, we proceeded to St. James the Great first for our Canonical Interview. I have to mention here that i highly commend the service of the parish staff of St. James. They are very acommodating and understanding to their clients. Unlike the Cathedral of St. Andrew's in La Huerta Paranaque, where, aside from being so rude to Alvin, they have this "i don't care if you're getting married. I will release your baptismal certificate when i feel like it" attitude. Grabe! Somebody really has to write to the Monsignor in that church. Cathedral pa naman sila! Instead of welcoming people to their church, they drive them away with their attitude! Seriously.
Anyways, happy thoughts. The Canonical Interview went well. The Monsignor that interviewed us was Bicolano and was so nice and patient with Alvin and Me.
It was raining really hard that day. After the interview, we picked up Alvin's mom in RITM, had lunch at Festival mall and went back to our houses to pack. At around 4pm, we left for Fairview where the Discovery Weekend will be held. They gave us a map that was so easy to follow. Therefore, we didnt have a hard time getting there.
We arrived at the OMI Retreat house at around 6pm. It was a very peaceful place with lots of trees and grass. Alvin cant believe that there's such a place in the middle of Metro Manila. After registration, we were pointed to our separate rooms. Yes, girls stay on the second floor while boys stay in the ground floor. The room was tidy with two beds and its own CR. Except for the pillow (which was hard as a cement bag), i love the acommodations.
The bell rang at 7pm for dinner. This bell will control our actions althroughout our weekend. It will signal the waking up time, meals, ending of the dialogues and whatever reason our chaplain says. After dinner, we had a session with DW graduate couple sharing their experience. It was nice. We ended at around 11 pm and after saying our goodnights, went to sleep. Well on my part, I TRIED sleeping. It was so difficult not sleeping on your own bed.
The next day was full of activities. Two sessions in the morning and two at the afternoon. We were never hungry though. There was always food and in fairness, the food was okay. They never repeated a viand =) Every after sessions, Alvin and I would dialogue about the questionnaire given. We were not allowed to talk to other couples. If you see the place, there are a lot of chairs in pair scattered around. You would just have to find your spot so that you can talk with your love one. There was no sharing of feelings with other couples. You do not share your problems with the group. It was just you and your partner. They have also requested us to leave our cell phones and watches in our room. The whole weekend will be just about the both of us. Alvin was so busy with work and I was so busy whining and doing the wedding preparations all these weeks so this was a good break for us to focus on each other. Like what they said there, you should not only prepare for your wedding but also for your marriage.
We had confession that Saturday night and before we finished on Sunday, we celebrated Mass.
I think that this was the most sulit thing that we have ever spent on. We got to talk about things that we haven't talked about before. I came to understand Alvin and myself. We were taught how to fight without damaging the relationship. The DW graduate couples shared their real experiences and most of them were really entertaining.
Our chaplains Tito Jojo and Tita Dixie really did a great job.
There after we have graduated, I felt closer to Alvin. I am more convinced that we made the right choice of getting married. Some of us weren't that successful. With the experience, they realized that they are not ready to get married and decided just to be friends. However, one cannot say that they lost in that aspect. Its still a win win situation because you discovered yourself, your partner and your relationship. Whatever decision you will make after the seminar/retreat, it will be for your own good. It removed the possibility of you getting married and later realize that you made a mistake.
We highly recommend this experience to the other couples. It will worth your time and your money =) | |
