Evidence: The SDE

This is gonna be quickie post. Just got back from the hotel hide-out after the Cosa Nostra, and I must say, we had a blast! The biggest operation was a success. Though some of the operation capos messed up a bit, things still went well. A year of preparation resulted to a day of fab mafia gathering, and perhaps, the best :)

Just wanted to share with you guys our SDE by Daniel Lei and his incredible crew.  And get those hankies handy, you might need it. ;p


Miah and Kiko - The Mafia Penguins from daniel lei studio on Vimeo.

Dear Dad

Dad and I circa 1986

Happy birthday, Dad. You would have been 78 tomorrow.

I am writing to you just to let you know that in 3 days, I will be walking down the aisle, to marry the man I love so dearly. Mom and JV will be waiting for me at the aisle, where you would have held Mom's hand, and walk down with me.

Things have been very busy lately, as the day lingers just around the corner. You know that we have been independent in preparing everything. I feel that somehow you are proud of what we have done, preparing and organizing everything. Well, what can I say, I had probably got that from you. Remember when we put up those parties as home: birthdays, Christmases and New Years, and even Sunday lunches? Somehow, I feel I'm so used to planning gatherings and parties because of those we had when I was kid. There are times that I think of how you would plan this day: What would you have done, your inputs, your vision, how would you have seen the whole thing. And I feel so sorry that you were not here to do what I think would have been one of those special occasions you would plan for months.

Operation: Cinderella

wedding shoes by Badgley Mischka

With almost three weeks to go, I realised I haven't found the perfect pair to go with the gown. Well, I actually found something in the malls, but it's either they are not in the color I want, not the design (but has the color), may have the same design (but still isn't what I'm looking for), too pricey, or simply does not fit my inconveniently small feet. In other words, I guess, I wouldn't have much of a choice but to have my shoes customised. 

A few of the advantages I see in customising shoes are they can be made to your size and fit (high-arched, for example, just like mine) and to your design. Not to mention, Mum would need her shoes customised as well, since she'll be needing an extra inch for one foot.

As usual, my place of refuge when it comes to searching for potential workers would be GT. It has been quite a talk that a certain Abbylynn's Footwear shop in Cubao makes customised shoes.

Almost a month to go

It seems that time flies fast now, and there are still a lot to do. Our to-do list are getting longer now, including our backlogs from the past months. This week: done with license application, about to pick the banns from the church (after I post this, will head to the shower na), then first fitting on Sunday. SS favors are now at hand, kept in the vault, waiting to be boxed. Invites are also done, proofs printed.

Will probably resume doing DIY soon, maybe this weekend. On our list:
 - the toppers
 - invites
 - table number holders
 - fascinators

Hopefully, we can also go back to Divi to to get our covers for the boxes.

just dropping by... now, will prep for church, then gym, then to work. See yah later.

c",)

Bridal Fairs and Events Galore: November

One more month to go before the Guins' greatest heist. I think we have all the operations covered, except for those that needs to be done at home. Well, according to the Male Guin, we are still on track with our DIYs, so I guess we can still say that we're pretty much covered.

There are just soo many things happening this month, with the holiday season coming, and Cosa Nostra. One thing I am really excited about November... if we're gonna get that cake from BIDO... 8->

Now, on with our show:

Let them bloom...

It's been a light day in the office, that it bought me some time to look for some pegs for the bouquets and other flower whatchamacallits for the entourage. I had some idea of these bouquets would look like, even before we booked the florist. It seems that there are only a few people around the globe (well, that's what our good ol' friend Google is showing me) who had made something like what I have in mind. I guess I'll just have to put them together, since I can't all these in one bouquet.

[Disclaimer: pictures may be in different colors, just got them for the arrangement :) ]

Our pegs for the Bridal Bouquet: I'm thinking of sunflower-calla lily combination (like the one at the top left), but with some feathers like the one below it. The ribbon would be black with some details. Another alternative for the arrangement so bouquet wont be too big is the vertical sunflower bouquet, where we will just need to add the calla lily.

Bridal Fairs and Events: October

The Female Guin is taking this opportunity to update you with events coming our way this month. I'm so sorry I had already missed a week this month. Aside from the two events I missed last week, we still have two fairs, a handful food tasting events and a wedding photography seminar coming up. So, for those who are still out in looking for their suppliers, or want to enjoy covering a wedding, or simply get ideas for your events, check these events out. 

Ber-ly there...

Another quickie post for the uber busy Guin. It has been a long time since I last posted something, and I'm afraid it's gonna happen again this month. Barely 2 and a half months to go, and still with sooo many things to do, it seems that we are behind schedule. Not to mention, deadlines in the office and projects, grad school projects and papers to submit; it's just tiring - so many to do with so little time.


I had just updated our wedsite, and hopefully, I can complete it within the next few days. I just feel sometimes that wearing 3 hats and having a lot on my plate are taking its toll now - not really feeling well since last week.

I just wish I can do all these at the same time >.<

Bridal Fair and Events Galore: September

napped from WeddingBee

Our counter says we had already touched down with the 2-digit countdown to Cosa Nostra -- and yes, I dont feel the pressure, and yes, I am not [yet] stressed with the preps. In fact, I'm beginning to enjoy it as it sinks in that we only roughly three months to prep. Up until now, we still haven't booked the artist to make the Female Guin and the rest of the entourage look gorgeous and fab for the clan to admire (char!). Still a lot of details to go buy, but have accomplished quite a few in the past month. 

I'm sorry for posting late this month; the Guins and the some of the crew where pretty occupied with some scheduled and unexpected missions in and out the industry. It's better late than never though (too bad wasn't  able to register in this week's fair, darn it!)...

Ber Months have just begun

Today is the first weekend of September. Last Thursday marked the first day of the long Christmas season in the Philippines (well, as the society says it, when it's -ber, is Christmas). I can now hear Christmas songs playing in the mall, the radio, on tv, or even in some lifts. Everyone's excited, but I think this year, I'm gonna feel really weird about it - Christmas would mean Cosa Nostra - and the clock is ticking.

So far, these are what we have ticked off our list:

4 Months to go

It's been a while since I last posted something here. We've have just finished our gallery project photoshoot with our dear friend cum photographer Vino last weekend. That kept us really busy for past week and a half (especially the other Guin), "macheing" Greek stuff for the shoot - from Athena's aegis to her spear, to Ares' helmet and Hermes' wings. Well, I'm not complaining, in fact, we enjoyed it. I just realised yesterday, we only have roughly around 16 weekends to do everything, which include 2 out-of-towns, DIY, shoots, meetings, plus parties and celebrations we are invited to go to.

Our Greek Myth Gallery PhotoShoot Day 2: From L to R: Allan Brata aka Achilles, HMUA Alex Medina aka Modelya, Stylist Rei Raña aka Engkandyosa, PD Francis Bagunu aka The Male Guin, PM Miah aka The Female Guin, HMUA Eunice Yu-Ampil aka Mulan, Kath Angeles aka Artemis, HMUA Bing Jayari aka Buffet Queen; sitting from L to R: Ryan Francisco aka Hermes, Photog Mark Paralejas aka Ang Sugo, Photog Marvin Oriarte aka Ang May Pakana ng Lahat, Lervin Leyson aka Apollo

Well, I guess all we can do is keep track of our weekends, and really take note of our schedule. I can now feel the crunch time coming, with all the DIYs I have in mind, and tight schedule we will have in the next three months. I also see us a lot of meetings on my planner in the coming weeks, and maybe a few more trips to Divi, then a lot of trips to wherever we need to go to meet the Dons. I just wish I can still sneak in my posts (iPad should really do something about their Safari and blogspot... hmph!)

c",)

Bridal Fairs and Events Galore: August

August is just around the corner, and so are fairs. There are a couple fairs in my list month and perhaps, will get invites from caterers holding their food tasting events. Better get those rain boots, sandals or whatever rainy footwear you love, and umbrellas, because we're gonna be out on the weekends - 4 months to go people!

DIY: Save-the-Date Compres

I have been bugging the Other Guin to make our Save-The-Date card since June, but since he had a bunch of projects to finish (means more moolah for the Cosa Nostra), he only had the time to make them two weeks ago.  My idea was to make it look like a pass or an invite card for a Speakeasy pub. No names, just the date, and something that implies mafia.

WC in the making

Zweed is getting married in January 2012, barely a month after Cosa Nostra. According to him, they haven't started with their preps yet. With roughly 5 months to go, I thought that I can offer a helping hand, as I am also preparing for Cosa Nostra. (Okay, I admit it, I am thinking of being a coordinator myself, and cuz is my guinea pig ;) ).

Momentarily setting my preps aside, I have been busy browsing for pegs for my cousin Zweed's wedding. I guess it's like an ice-breaker to see a different palette that I made some boards just to keep me sane at work, since, don't have much to do [yet]. I don't really have any idea on what they want, or what they have in mind, if they have a theme or what. Cuz only told me about the colors, which are still not yet final. So, I just looked for pegs that I can use for their color inspiration board. Did all this with MS PowerPoint. Enjoy :)

All images where taken from good ol' Mr Google's images.

c",)

Bridal Fairs and Events Galore: July

Photo napped from GettyImages ☺

Now after all the fairs last month (which we weren't able to go to), we suddenly hear crickets around - it seems that there wont be many bridal fairs this month. But that doesn't give you an excuse to stay home and stop hunting for things you would need for your own operations. I got here some events where you can still scout for suppliers, and a lot of end-of-season sales for your fashion needs. I also found some bridal events you guys might want to visit if you're anywhere near the south or northern areas. I would like to give Fresh Promos the credits for the sale copies and Kasal.com for the fairs' copy and photos :)

Operation Dress Up | Rei and his tape

The Other Guin: Photo by Vino

There had been some progress in one of Cosa Notra's mini operations. Last Saturday, we went to Rei's Shopartment in Mandaluyong for our initial detailing and measurements. It's MOH aka JV's first time to meet Rei [good thing she doesn't have anything better to do nowadays. :) ] We also brought my grade school classmate cum photographer friend Marvin along so that he can meet Rei for his gallery project.

22 weeks before the Operation

Tomorrow, it will be exactly 5 months to go before the Cosa Nostra. Time flies so fast, that preps can't keep up with its speed. So far, we have most of the associates positioned, just waiting for their turn to work. Still have a few positions vacant though, and already have a list of possible members.

This week, I have been quite busy looking for our getaway car. I really appreciate bosses from other operation lending a hand, and the offered their resources. The Doctor (Doc Chris from GT) offered to ask his minions to check their black book while La Donne Summer called her contacts about it. I also did my own research (and inquiry), sent off emails, and made some calls. Have some good numbers on my book, so we have quite a number of options.

Operation: Get-Away Car | Selections

I really wish I could have something like this

This will be really quick. Since we had that mishap about the Get-Away car, and that partner turned us down, the Guins have been searching for a local associate who can supply the vehicle. We have communicated with local car rentals, asked about their business, and negotiated if we can close the deal. 

One thing I learned from talking to these car rentals: You'll never have an assurance you'll get the car you want if you talk to them months before you need it. Contrary to my industry's practices, where everything has to be booked the earliest time possible, for car rentals, the earliest is a month or a week before actual use. 0_o

The criteria: "it has to be big, tough, stylish, and black. Think Cosa Nostra, people... That is what we want." We're not going back to the 20's this time, so we're staying away from the vintage. We need something that will bring us to the Speakeasy club after the ceremony fast.

Operation: Church | Mt Carmel Shrine, New Manila: Update

I thought of posting this onto a separate post, since this is more of a sharing of our experience when we attended a wedding in Mt Carmel. I do not intend to say anything negative about them, but let this serve, in some way, like a heads up if you are thinking of having your ceremony in this popular church.

I then learned that my friend was getting married in the same church and venue as we were about  a week after we visited Mt Carmel last year. That became our deciding factor whether to book them or go for option B. Friend's wedding is on a weekday, and it was a night wedding.  It was just  about in the right time, since I'll be playing reception OTD (glorified receptionist, I must say ☺) and one of her readers, I get to see how things are gonna be, both in the ceremony and the reception.

Rainy Friday

It has been raining for almost a week now. Today, the feel in the office is relatively lax, maybe because of the weather. I came in shorts and flipflop, which is actually the first time I ever did such a thing to work. Since I was able to submit my script conversion yesterday, and nothing on my desk this morning, I spent the whole day putting things on our wedsite.

It's now ten minutes before weekend officially starts. So far, I'm nearly done with the Operation Capos page on the wedsite. I dont have any ideas yet on what I should do next after I'm done with that page, since we haven't given out the WYBs yet to our entourage, nor haven't started with our DIYs yet. And since this is a Guin operation, maybe I'll have to keep the site with a password; the police might hear the buzz - and we don't want that.

But I would have to say that mywedding.com is a lot easier to use vs weddingannouncer.com, not to mention, mywedding has a lot of cool designs and space where you can personalise the page. Kudos to mywedding.com team! They reply fast too. I sent them an email yesterday, and got a reply from their technical expert this morning. Good job!

Four minutes now, and have to prep for home. Still raining outside, so better go early today. Enjoy the cold, wet weather every one. Grab some chips or warm soup and lots of DVDs. ☺ Stay safe.

c",)

Bridal Fairs and Events Galore: June

Here comes the wedding month of June.  For some couples, June is one of the months of the year to get married, and for some, June marks the start of prep period for December operations. Six months before the Cosa Nostra, and we still have the two crew slots vacant. Well, I must admit, May has been an awf'ly busy month for the Guins. Hopefully, we get those slots filled this month. For this month, I'm adding some out of town events, for OOT GT Belles (thanks sis patchi2012 for the request).

An Anecdote of a Mafia Matriarch

I shared this to my GT friends more than a month ago, just like anything and everything that happens through the preps. I have been meaning to share this here, but for some reason I forget it whenever I get the time to post something. Thanks to bro MrBlue from GT, I was able to go through my posts in the archive and finally found this. Copying and pasting straight from GT. Enjoy, kids!

On Wedding Registry

Napped from Today'sBride

Just yesterday, when we got home from Megamall to pay Matus this month's installment, the Other Guin asked me if we are will sign up for a bridal registry, just as we were watching an episode of Friends. I said, of course. I don't think having two gas ranges, 3 electric fans and a lot of chinas would be a good idea. Plus, we already have a few things in the kitchen, and we might not be moving out anytime soon after the Cosa Nostra. Not to mention those we need (and want) are not typically thought of as gifts (such as linens, like lots of bed sheets, pillow cases, baking pans, etc), so having a wish list would definitely help. 

Wedding Trends and Themes for 2011

Photo napped from LoveMyDress

After the Royal Wedding last April, most girls are wishing to be as stunning as the Duchess of Cambridge when she walked down Westminster Abbey's aisle, or when we she was waving to the crowd in the streets of London and everybody else around the world, with her Prince beside. Now everyone wants to have their weddings to be like the Royal Wedding. So, I thought of checking with our good friend Mr Google, and find out if this indeed followed the trends, or have probably set a new one.

Operation: Dress Up the Bride | Initial Sketches

It's been a while since I last posted about any update on our preps. I know, I have about a bunch of things still waiting to be told, and a whole lot to share. With that, I am sooo sorry. Promise, will make it up to you soon.

I just can't help but share this to you guys. We finally someone who will dress us up on Cosa Nostra Day; and yesterday, Rei sent me his sketches for my dress. I am just so happy that he got it all right. We are still thinking of another option, just in case I lose some of the extra pounds.

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting Rei Raña creations for Cosa Nostra.

Thanks, Rei.

c",)

Bridal Fair and Events Galore: May

It's now the "marry" month of May: summer-spring, flowers, fiesta, and of course, a lot of weddings and fairs to go to. Our ticker tells us that we have 7 months to go 'til Cosa Nostra, and until now, we still have two crew slots vacant. I am sooo crossing my fingers that we get these slots filled, so we can go on with planning Cosa Nostra.

We're now half-way through the year, and there are a lot of events coming up this month. Brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, and have those calendars (and cash, checkbooks, and your walking shoes too!) ready, for this month's rundown of fairs and events.

Operation: Get-away Car | Update on Fly to Manila

Hello ladies (and gentlemen)...

It's been a while since I last posted something. Been everywhere recently, all weekends in May are booked with different activities. Anyway, just wanted to share this with you guys. Last weekend, I received an email from Ronnie of Fly to Manila, asking me for my bank details so that he can refund my down payment. The last email I got from him was the one I considered, rather rude email, about the additional fee, etc.

I have been researching for other suppliers since then (which I will post as soon as I get my backlogs done) and found that there are other suppliers, maybe costs not as low as what Fly to Manila offers, but give relatively better deals.

Just wanted to say: I have learned something in this ordeal. One, suppliers tend to change their packages/rates when they learn that their services will be used for a special events vs regular affairs. Two, some suppliers may feel to proud of themselves because they are preferred by clients from a certain group, and may take other clients for granted because they are not from that group. And lastly, make sure your supplier clarifies everything. When there is an issue, they need to resolve it. If they don't, or start sounding rude (like you owe them big time), let go... just imagine how they would be come your big day *wooo... scarry*

Thank you to everyone who posted their comments in my last post about our getaway vehicle. It is indeed true that there should be a sound relationship between us and our suppliers. We'd rather spend more with someone who we can trust, than keep one who may compromise our getaway - just imagine: what if the cops learn about the Cosa Nostra - not good!

c",)

Usapang Bride: GT Grand EB at BK Part 2

I'm glad that the ladies of GT enjoyed the first installment of our post about our EB... at dahil hindi sapat ang time when I posted those, here's another round of photos for your enjoyment :)

Huli man daw at magaling, el presidente pa rin: Iba na talaga pag artista, diba sis Ruthie?

Usapang Bride: GT Grand EB at BK

Naks, Grand EB talaga! Well, this is, again, an uber delayed post, as in 2 months na yata since this happened. The 2011 brides of GT made me feel I belong, and made preps more enjoyable, since I can talk and share with not just fellow brides, but those who are tieing the knot the same year as we are. 

I must say that GT could be addicting, especially with the light load we have during day time. It's also in GT that I find, discover, and learn new things. But what I really like about GT - the ladies (and gents) who might have been immune to CTS, and just wont stop (don't get me wrong ladies... umamin na kayo!)

Operation: Church | Our Lady of Lourdes, Tagaytay

Photo snatched from OLL unofficial site

This is one of our first choices, when we were still looking at Tagaytay for the Cosa Nostra. I visited this church for the first time when the Other Guin's cousin Charm got married (I honestly can't remember what year it was). The church was not that big, but spacious.

Operation: Get-Away Car | Rant over Car Supplier

This, probably, is our first stressing-inducing issue with a supplier. Honestly, I dont want to make a big fuzz about it, but I just want to weigh things whether we should go forward or back out and dismiss them as part of our crew.

For our get-away car, we were looking at Chrysler 300c, but after searching the web for a provider, we came up with another option: a Fortuner.

ShoDocu Seminar-Workshop on Film

Last week, as I was waiting for something good to happen, I saw this post about my "Sintang Paaralan" (Dear School) PUP. I was surprised (and happy) to know that finally, we (PUPians) have our own Film Center now. I just came across their post shared in COC's group page.

I must admit, I don't really have all the info, but based on the thread on PUP-Film Center's Facebook page, they have listed some activities this year. Though they have postponed the 1st PUP National Convention on Film, moving it to 5-6 July, they will have seminar-workshop on short film and documentary film making dubbed as Shoducu on 28 April 2011 at Claro M Recto Hall, PUP Main Campus.

I asked Hector Calma of PUP-FC (I think he is one the administrators of the PUP-FC page) about the event. According to him, this activity aims to give an opportunity to the under-privileged students or professionals who have the interests on film making but could not afford to attend expensive film-related seminar-workshops and classes (which most are).

Here are the speakers for the event (reposting profiles from their respective sites, and photo-napping their pictures as well :) )

Director Jerrold Tarog on Independent Film Making

Aside from being a director, Filipino film maker and Jerrold Tarog, is also the writer, editor, composer and sound designer for most of his films. Four years after graduating from UP College of Music with a degree in Music Composition (with several semesters in film theory, 2001), he entered the world of indie films, then made his breakthrough short film, Carpool.

His debut feature, Confessional (2007) won Best Film, First Feature Category, at the 10th Osians Cinefan in New Delhi, India, and has won acclaim from local and international critics and audiences. He has since directed a handful of feature films, all garnering rave reviews, including his much-lauded first foray into mainstream film making, an episode in the horror anthology Shake, Rattle and Roll (Regal Films, 2010). He has also composed film scores for award-winning directors such as Jeffrey Jeturian, Adolf Alix and Cannes Best Director Brillante Mendoza.

Director Aissa Peñafiel on Short Film Making

Long Live the Fearless Man by Aissa Peñafiel is one of six winners of the Democracy Video Challenge, launched online and at the United Nations on 15 September 2008. The competition invited citizens around the world to engage in an online dialogue on the nature of democracy by submitting video shorts that completed the phrase "Democracy is..." She also directed a short film on Ambisyon 2010 of the ABS-CBN News Channel.

Aissa graduated from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, with a degree on Film and Audio-Visual Communication.

Director Kiri Dalena on Documentary Film Making

35-year-old visual artist, film maker, scriptwriter and human rights activist Kiri Dalena might come off as a quiet person, but it's her work that really speaks volumes for those who cannot speak for themselves or can no longer tell their stories. Her documentaries and art installations are the voice of those with no voices: victims of human rights violations. Kiri and her fellow activists from the Southern Tagalog Exposure group ruffle some dangerous feathers, but they refuse to be silenced by fear because their message is far too important. (Taken from Cosmo.ph's Fun, Fearless Female 2010 article)

One of her successful shorts was Requiem for M, which was one of the short films in the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) special feature amBisyon 2010. According to Film Angel of cinefilipinas.blogspot.com's synopsis, Requiem for M deals with a widow's search for justice. The wailing of Myrna Reblando sends shivers. She gets to see the place where the massacre happened. The image of the backhoe brings up memories of the gory fate of her husband and 56 other people in the Maguindanao Massacre.

Event Details:
Shodocu: A Seminar-Workshop on Short and Documentary Film Making
28 April 2011
Claro M. Recto Hall, PUP Main Campus, Sta. Mesa Manila
Whole day affair, 10AM to 5PM
Registration fee: 350Php
For inquiries, call 716.4033 or +63.927.2976143

I say this is a milestone, not just for the organization, as we make our mark in the film industry, be it in short film, full length, or documentary and journalistic film making, but for the school as well. This also paves an avenue for more film enthusiasts and aspiring film makers to appreciate film with the PUP-FC, its programs and activities.

Too bad, the date falls on a weekday, and I have work, but I wish the Center can run more programs like this in the future. I am sooo looking forward to the Film Convention in July [I hope I can squeeze it in in my sched :p].

Congratulations, PUP-FC.

c",)

Bridal Fair and Events Galore: April

Here we go again with our run down of events... This is becoming like a habit for me every month. And now that I learned that I can actually update the date when posts are published, posts for events and fairs will be brought up everytime I update them (kewl, isn't it... sorry, not much of blog geek, but i dont blame if I become one. This could be addicting (0_o) )

Summer has officially begun, and with this, we have Summer sale schedules, GFTs, and of course, bridal fairs. So get that workout for the big by going to these events.

Operation: Church | Our Lady of Mt Carmel Shrine, New Manila

Kudos to MOH aka Sis Jv for taking this pic

Our Lady of Mt Carmel Shrine in New Manila was one of our first choices. Most couples in Quezon City would include this church in their lists. Mt Carmel is simply one of the romantic and sought-after churches for weddings in Quezon City, probably because of its architecture, location, ornate altar and big glass windows.

Last year, Kiko, JayVee and I went to Mt Carmel right after one of Hizon's Grandfoodtasting events in Oasis Gallery, which was about two blocks away from the church. We thought of hearing mass there when we saw its facade from Oasis' Gallery. Kiko, at the time, was somehow decided to book the Oasis-Hizon's Package, more than a year early Cosa Nostra. So, our last deciding factor was Mt Carmel's availability on our date.

Bridal Fair and other Events Galore: March

Here we go again... March has a lot of events lined-up, so better keep that calendar updated, because our weekends may not be as free as we thought it would be. I thought of including other events which we may find useful, and slightly related to Cosa Nostra.

For Japan, With Love

We are shortly interrupting this publication for a quick public service announcement:

The Guins are taking part in this project by the blogging community. The Other Guin had made a campaign early this week on Facebook, having our profile pictures changed to this with this cry:

"Lets us all unite in prayers for the people in japan regardless of our race, faith, creed and nationality. use this image as your profile pic to show your hope for the recovery and healing of a nation. the sun will rise as hope does."

Now, I just saw this project from The Perfect Palette, and a post from MyWedding.com on twitter. This project, which started by the kind hearts of the peeps behind Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours, is spreading throughout the net community, reaching out to bloggers all over the world. We can just do so much for, and this is just the right time to do our part, even in our simplest ways.

You can either show your support by participating in bloggers day of silence today (Friday in Manila) or tomorrow (Friday in the other side of the world). You can also share some of your loots, which will really help finance rescue operations in Japan. If you'd like to find out more info on how to help this operation, click here. 


Despite the devastating images we see on the news and the sad stories we hear about what happened to Japan, let's not lose hope... Miracles happen, and we see this happen everyday. Let's keep the faith and hope burning, as the sun rises again. 


c",)

Operation: Dress-Up the Bride | Inspirations

Craig Sillitoe/Sydney Morning Herald

Now that we have booked almost more than 50% of our suppliers, I guess it's just about time that we talk about "the dress." We are to meet up with a designer this Sunday, so I thought of sharing my gown's inspiration design. 

Since Cosa Nostra will be living up to the Mafioso, I'd like to have something that will honor the glam and roaring era of 1920's. The time when women started to think liberated, jazz and art deco became popular, flappers, the Great Gatsby (which I haven't read yet), and Prohibition. 

When I was thinking about our theme, and was researching it online, I found both positive and some not-so-good reactions about the idea. Along with these are reviews on the era's fabulous fashion and signature looks. That is what I'm talking about, as I wanted ours unique and not-the-usual wedding. 

Bridal Fair Chronicles: Weddings and Debut Fair 2011 Day 3

We weren't able to visit all the stalls on Saturday, so we went back to the Weddings and Debut Fair in Megamall the next day. It was the last day of the fair, and we have a few more suppliers to look for. Kiko has decided to consider Ms Ven Ocampo to do our gowns. So now, on with our HMUA (Hair and Make Up Artist - for those new to the lingo) and wedding rings hunt. But first, we went to the secretariat's booth to get our raffle ticket from the on-site booking we made the day before.

Bridal Fair Chronicles: Weddings and Debut Fair 2011 Day 2

Almost a week after the recent bridal fair. Quite a number of accomplishment, I might say. We had a number of things lined up last weekend, starting with Kiko's grade school friends' reunion, the Bagunu-Alcala matriarch in the hospital, and the bridal fair in Megamall. These, I guess, are all a breather for me. 

Anyway, since we woke up late on Saturday, we got in Megamall at around noon time, so we decided to have lunch for before we go the fair. After our buffet at Cabalen, we went up to the Megatrade Hall to register. All Megatrade gates were open for registration and entrance to the event. From the registration booth, I could hear Leggiero playing from the Hall 2; and they never fail. ☺ I finally got my tickets, and just waited for Kiko at the gates.

Operation: Reception | Endramada

Again, this is one of the my uber late posts. We actually have started looking for venues as early as August, a month before the Guin popped the ring out of his pocket and made me cry, and Endramada was one of the first ones we visited.

We found Endramada online, while searching for possible venues in Mandaluyong, since we ditched the idea of getting married in QC. Endramada is situated within the residential community of Brgy Zaniga in Mandaluyong City
.

Endramada (photo from their website)

Venue and Caterer Hunt Guidelines from GT

Photo © iStockPhoto

Last night, I posted our EB with GT girls. As you all know, I have been quite active in the group for a while now, which I am really enjoying. Just wanted to share this with the rest of the world, as I find this very informative. I got this from a reply from one of our sisses (thanks sis mystiqshannen for sharing this to the group), when everyone else was looking for a venue. I just made a few edits for the benefit of our friends outside the Philippines.

Usapang Bride: EB with GT Brides

As usual, it has been another busy weekend for us. At dahil hindi masyadong busy sa office, namantala lang para makapagsulat ng mga keme para sa blog at para sa kung saan saan lang. At dahil jan, mega-research na rin ako ng kung anu-ano pang kaylangan namin. Pero, what made this weekend fun, aside from the gimik we had last Friday, was the EB our GT sisses were sooo looking forward too last week pa.

Bridal Fair Chronicles : The Ultimate Wedding Fair 2011 Megatrade Hall

This blog is sooo long overdue. This should have been posted weeks ago, but I think was "frantically" busy (i guess for the lack of a better way to describe) that week, plus our Puerto Princesa holiday we had the week after. 

Anyhoo, just wanted to share what happened when I went to the fair.

Bridal Fair Chronicles: Hizon's GFT at Pergola plus P/V booked!

30 January 2011

While waiting for anyone to become available

The last week of January has been very busy, not to mention, very stressful. I guess this is just the first of many for the next 11 months. It's been almost a month now since we started the preps, and so far we only have three suppliers ticked off our list. I know we still have a long way to go, and time is running out. Just like how the Other Guin would say it, "Parang Amazing Race..."

6 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Date

Image courtesy of GettyImages.com

I, personally, am in a dilemma, whether to change the date, or keep looking for venue fee on our original date. I have been frustrated since I learned two weeks ago the venue we were looking at has already been booked. Darn it. We were eyeing on Pergola, but we knew that they are no longer available on our date as early as last year. But FHL... why have you turned me down?

Oh well, I dunno. Maybe FHL wasn't really for us. Or the date is not for us? I then remembered this article I stumbled upon in FemaleNetwork and BridalBook.ph, which I think is useful, especially those who are still trying to make up their mind.

Bridal Fair and other Events Galore: February

It's February now... Time flies so fast. And until now, we are still looking for our reception venue. =( Oh well, I guess, we just need to work harder. I'm still crossing my fingers that FHL will be available, or Pergola.

Anyway, I am always on the look out for upcoming bridal fairs and events. Here's what's coming up this month:

In Search of an Ideal Wedsite: What's an Ideal Wedsite?

Kiko's bro, Earl, and Debbie's wedsite,
19 Dec 2007 weddingannouncer.com

In my last related post, I mentioned that I'm looking for an ideal wedsite for web dev-and-html-and-css birdbrains like me. I had my share of playing with free website providers online, like webs.com. I'm not sure, but I think, blogsites are also similar to websites, since these are like blank canvasses, only with some limitations compared to websites. The truth is, I understand how websites work, like how to customise a site, given that the site has templates to choose from, and has options where you simply click on what you want to change and what to change it with. Then again, getting a personal website for weddings alone, can be something useful.

This is really is it!

Photo by catholicpinoyblogger.blogspot.com

This is really is it... The date has been blocked.

We just made our reservations for the church ceremony at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Makati yesterday. Now, let me just clarify: this is not the famous and historical Nuestra Señora de Gracia in Makai ruins. This is Our Lady's Minor Basilica on the peak of Guadalupe plateau, Orense St, near the MMDA office.

Bridal Fair Galore | January

With the reservation schedule fast approaching, we thought we should also start hunting for suppliers now. Once we get the date nailed, that's it... everything should follow. Since that's the case, I'm now keeping track of bridal fairs and events where we can find resources, get discounts and lots of freebies. I wouldn't mind winning in raffles too; who knows, we might just get something really, really nice. *wink wink*

This month, according to my best friend Google, and to my inbox, here are what's happening in Megatrade, SMX and other venues for couples-to-be:

Checklist for Your Maid of Honor

I just want to share this with you, which I really find informative. Most people, both entourage and the bride, don't really know what their roles are in the celebration. There's more to being a bride's maid, or in this case, a Maid of Honor, than just walking down the aisle with your escort.