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..."

Kiko and I went to Hizon's Grand Foodtasting at The Pergola in Pasay on 23 January. We were hoping we can find our venue, plus some other suppliers we need. I have been looking at Pergola since I received an email from them when they launched last year. So, when we got there, we immediately asked who was the person to talk to regarding the venue. Raquel, the owner's daughter, went to our table and assisted us. We were determined to make our reservations that day. Sadly, the place is already booked on our date.I guess we just have to find another venue. Crossing our fingers that FHL is still open.

Hizon's Set-up at the entrance - the GFT's reception table

A mini bridal fair with Hizon's set-up for an event

Anyway, we were able to book two suppliers during the GFT. Since we have attended a lot of GFT, we pretty much knew who we're going to book once we're ready. After talking to Raquel, we talked to Tita Merlie of Leggiero Strings to book our music for church and reception.She was very nice and warm to talk to. Without further, we went ahead and gave her our 50% down payment for Church and Reception music. I also told her about our theme, and that we wanted something like Speakeasy-ish or jazz-bossa mood. Tita Merlie did assured me that they can accommodate that. I just need to give her our repertoire at least a week before the day, or ask her beforehand, if the song is not on the list she gave.

Just booked our Strings with Tita Merlie of Leggiero Strings

FYI: During fairs, you can book Leggiero Strings for 500Php. They also play during the events, so you get to listen to them first hand. They also have flexible terms and packages. All you have to do is ask.

I then looked for Olah, our long-time AE from Hizon's. What's funny about this is, we have been talking to Olah for some 2-3 years now, since we had our first GFT in Gazebo Royale (and it's been a long time). Just imagine this. We saw the rates go up, from some 680/head, to the current 750/head. Again, not a minute to waste. We made our down payment to reserve the date. We told her that we'll just update them of our venue. Oh Jebus... why, oh why Pergola. We could have taken your package!

Anyway, Olah was okay about. She got a special rate, and freebies. Love it!

Just booked our caterer with our AE for the past 2-3 years, Olah. She's a really patient one <3

Oh yeah, this is it... finally!

Oh yeah, by the way, the day before we went to Pergola, we went to DLS' place to confirm our date and sign our contract. It was a hiking adventure too. We walked from Welcome Rotonda to Calamba, which was kinda little long too. Well, at least we know how to get there on foot, and it's not longer than the trek we took in Bulacan a few years back (from Paradise Resort to Chowking Crossing - don't know exactly how long it was). Good thing Lei and Joannie are moving to their new home in Victoria Station near GMA by February.

So, to date, we have three major suppliers ticked from our checklist. Still have a number of things to look for. For now, I really hope to find our venue.

c",)