Friends' Weddings

There's no doubt I love Friends. Here's a list of the weddings (of the main characters) done in the entire 10 seasons of the TV series.

1. Rachel's wedding

credit: http://www.friendsultimate.com/

Of course, Rachel didn't push through with the wedding. She realized she wasn't in love with Barry, the orthodontist. So she ran away. This is actually on the pilot episode of Friends.

2. Ross and Emily's wedding



The fateful wedding of Ross where he said Rachel's name instead of Emily's. This is also when Monica and Chandler started hooking up (well, technically they did it the night of the rehearsal dinner). I love the romantic setting of Ross and Emily's ceremony venue. The cathedral has sentimental value to Emily because this is where her parents got married. But a few days before her own wedding, the place was torn down because of renovations. Instead of postponing the wedding, they had it in the middle of the ruins and put on Christmas lights and candles everywhere.

3. Ross and Rachel's wedding



The "world's worst hangover" as Rachel puts it. Well, it was all a drunken mistake. They were all in Las Vegas and Ross and Rachel got drunk and was stupid enough to get married. It was Chandler and Monica who were "planning" to get married but were put off when they saw Ross and Rachel at the chapel.

4. Chandler and Monica's wedding



I was more excited in Monica's wedding preparations than their actual wedding. She had "the book" which she kept ever since she was a teenager. Her book had all the things you need to know in preparing for a wedding from the centerpieces to the wedding gowns. I actually love their engagement story (the proposal) more than their wedding. I cry everytime I watch that episode.

5. Mike and Phoebe's wedding

This is the wedding I love the most. From the snowstorm (yeah I thought it was so romantic to get married outside Central Perk with all the snow), to the wedding march (The Beatles' Here, There, Everywhere), to the entourage's gowns, Phoebe's wedding gown (it's so Phoebe, the wedding gown not being white), to the wedding vows(I loved it when she said Mike's her family). It was such a heartwarming wedding. I always end up crying whenever I watch this episode (like the proposal of Chandler to Monica).

It would have been wonderful to see Ross and Rachel get married. But the writers probably thought against it as it would have been so predictable. And out of all the characters it was Joey didn't marry from the start to the end of the series. Well, I guess if he has gotten married they wouldn't have the spin-off.

PTV

No not the local channel...PTV as in Phoeben Teocson Videography. Our wedding photographer is offering a promo..they're giving a 10k discount on their basic+on site AVP package to the first 10 couples who will book them under their new name.


Bim and his team were formerly known as Playback Videos. haha Can't help it...I thought of 'the artist formerly known as Prince'. Bim, you should be known...Phoeben Teocson formerly known as Playback Videos. Corny! Anyways, their style is very unobtrusive and you wouldn't even know that they're there filming your wedding. Plus since they are a bunch of young guys (I've only met Bim but I'm assuming other members of his team are around his age), their editing style is very hip and cool. Here's a confession: I watch their videos at the office (super bagal kasi ng connection dito sa bahay) and usually I mute the volume of my PC. Ganon na lang ako kabilib sa videos niya na kahit walang music e naantig pa rin ako. Naks! Lalim non ah. Another plus is that Bim is also about to get married so he's in the same shoes as any other engaged couples out there. In short, alam niya kung anong hinahanap at hahanapin ng mga couples. I remember what he said when we met him na okay daw kung iiyak yung groom dahil maganda sa video. Hay naku natumbok nya! Aside from shots of the bride (me!) syempre I want to see in our video (and photos as well) yung reaction ni Joema when I'm walking down the aisle to meet him. Minsan palang namin na-meet ni Joema si Bim but we were both at ease talking with him. Inside joke lang namin na Joema since both our videographer and photographer are skinhead na yun yung requirement namin...kumbaga testimony of being a true artist yung pagiging skinhead. Dapat daw either skinhead or long hair haha. Now if only we have the budget for an additional photo montage.

Seven Churches

We did our usual round of seven churches last Holy Thursday. We actually went to our usual churches but the seventh one was different this year. The last one we went to was Archbishop's Palace. I wanted my parents to see the church where I will be getting married. So anyway, this is where we've been to this year.

1. Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish, San Roque, Marikina - the first church we go to is usually where we recite the Stations of the Cross. A little trivia, every year that we do our Visita Iglesia (we only started a few years back) we always ALWAYS had to buy prayer books for the Stations of the Cross. This year was no different. My mother was able to keep two booklets from previous years but she still had to buy another one so that each one of us have one each (my brother didn't come this year). This church is where Penny and Pao are getting married next year. :D

2. St. Paul, SSS Village, Marikina - there was a retreat when we got there so we just got seated on one of the pews at the back. The priest was talking about Spe Salvi, the book that was released by Vatican. We didn't stay that long so I didn't get to listen more about the book. Anyways, we were already in the car when I noticed that I didn't have my phone. Shucks! I left it in my seat. Dang! Was so preoccupied taking photos (with my phone) I forgot it na pala.

3. Immaculate Conception Parish, Concepcion, Marikina - we were delighted to see that the front doors of the church were open. We usually get inside the church by the side door. Since, we really don't go here to hear mass we were also surprised that they changed their altar. From the previous simple crucifix, their altar is now gold with an image of the Lady.

4. Holy Sacrifice Parish, UP Diliman, Quezon City - the last four churches we visited were basically the same churches Joema and I went to when we were looking for the church for our wedding. I really love how airy this church is. It was so hot last Thursday but once inside this chapel I felt the coolness of the air. I was getting hungry by the time we stopped by UP Chapel so after our prayers inside the church, we bought lumpiang togi (one of my favorite meriendas in UP) outside. The price of the lumpia went up from P10 to P12 and I think it was smaller than what I usually bought.

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5. Sta. Maria della Strada, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City - I don't really go to church here at della Strada but it's not my first time either but I only realized now that it was a big church. Anyways, I especially liked their ceiling. Does it seem that I went around these churches for aesthetic reasons? haha Hindi naman. Maybe it's just the bride in me. Preparing for a wedding and looking for THE church really lets you take a different perspective in the churches that you go to. Suddenly you happen to notice the pews, the altar, the ceiling, the door, the aisle haha.

6. Our Lady of Pentecost, Varsity Hill, Quezon City - it was only my second time at this church so I was a bit worried I won't remember the way going there. Plus when Joema and I went there we rode the tricycle so we didn't bother with the directions. And this time I was able to go inside. The altar and decorations inside the church are simple and minimalist, very modern. Although the church looks small outside, it's actually big in the sense that it has three floors.

7. Archbishop's Palace, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City - this one was different from the rest because we're the only ones inside the church when we got there. Going back here, after visiting the other churches that we were choosing from before, made me realized that we really did choose the best church for us. :) Can't wait to get married here.

Big C

Those of you reading this blog or if you just happened to pass by...please, please, please say a short prayer for my cousin, Ate Floriza. She's diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. We don't have the details yet as my Tita Zeny was crying incosolably when my mother talked to her. When we went to the province this Holy Week, my lolo and lola told my mom that the cancer actually started in her liver. Tito Efren, Tita Zeny's husband, died a few years ago of liver cancer. It's just devastating news for my tita. Ate Floriza has a 5 (or 6) year old daughter, Faye. So aside from the well-being of my cousin, we're all praying for my tita and their family and of course Faye. Please help us pray for them.

Doctor Doctor I am Sick

I just got back from the doctor for the interpretation of the bloodwork, urinalysis and x-rays done for my annual physical exam administered here at the office. She said I had high triglyceride. But this is the same result from my APE last year and based on my record I was told to get another blood test after two months but I did not return. (Read: Kasalanan ko na hindi ako bumalik) I told her nobody called me to remind me. Sabi nya hindi na daw ako kailangan tawagan para bumalik dapat daw ako ang bumalik. Anyways, I then remembered that I DID return for another blood test and I told her the results was sent to my office but of course, I can not interpret it on my own. Then she proceeded by telling me that this time I should return after a month but I have to follow a strict diet - no meat, only fish and vegetables (if I want meat chicken breast without the skin), no oily and fatty foods. She explained that if after a month and the results are the same then I would have to take medicines - for life! Argh!

Now, I'm upset. I don't know if I'm upset because of what she said (i-threaten ka ba naman na pwede ka ma-stroke bigla at such a young age noh!) or because of my argument with her. Kasi naman in the middle of her explanation sabi ko "Ay hindi ako papayag! Basta bumalik ako for blood test!" Ahahahaha. Bad trip! Hay naku!

Living Space

I would love to have something like this in our condo.

We can sit..

lounge..

entertain friends...

sleep...
and work...

All in our own little space.

More of Matroshka Living Concept here.

GG

This is soooo Gossip Girl - Manila version.

Caterer Hunt

We've had a few misses when it came to finding the right caterer for us. We actually went to three food tastings but let me tell you stories about these two account executives (AE's) from different caterers first. Horrible stories I tell you! But let me say that at first, even before going to the food tasting my main concern was the set-up. I didn't really care if the food tastes great or not, I just want the venue to look pretty. And I didn't want to spend a dime on event stylists so I was on the lookout for caterers who will not only satisfy my taste buds but satisfy my visual "hunger" as well. So this is basically my category when I shortlisted my first two caterers.

AE#1: I emailed my standard queries: package, availability, details of our wedding, etc. She sent me with a standard menu with their amenities. I replied back asking if they can customize the menu and fit our budget (Our budget was lower than their cheapest package) because I really love their set-up. She emailed me that yes they do that. I then requested for a meeting. No replies after an email and a text message so I resent the email again to two different email addresses. She replied that she's not available on my preferred date and that she's free only on weekdays. I then called her up to tell her we can meet her on a Friday. Before the end of the call we agreed to meet up on a Friday at 1pm and she told me she'll send me a text message to let me know where we'll meet her. Day before our scheduled meeting, I texted her (around lunch time) to confirm our meeting and ask her where we'll meet. No reply. I again texted her around 4pm to tell her that I needed to file for a leave so please confirm if we'll push through with the meeting. Still no reply. Around 6pm I received a text from her informing me that she has been texting me all day, morning and afternoon, and has told me that she will not be available...let's move the meeting to Saturday instead. Hello? Isn't she the one who initially begged off to have the meeting on a Saturday and specifically told me she's only free during weekdays???? I didn't reply after that. Around 9pm that night, she has two missed calls on my phone. I text her oh-so-politely that we already made plans for Saturday (just so she can sleep that night and not be bothered). She replied back that she'll just email me the customized menu over the weekend and that she'll schedule us for a food tasting the following Saturday.

Until now, I haven't received that email she was talking about and I have not tasted any of their food.

AE#2: As with the first caterer, I was impressed with the styling that they do. I got a copy of their package from the bridal fair at SM Megamall last February. Their prices we're over our budget but I really wanted to get them because of their set-up. I needed to convince Joema that by getting them we are actually saving because we're getting a caterer and event stylist in one. I surfed the net and came upon a blog entry of one of their former clients - a bride who is not too happy with the way they did business with them and how the AE treated them. I left a message in the blog saying that I've met the AE and am now having second thoughts in getting the caterer after reading the bride's review. After a few days, I got a personal message at my multiply account from the AE and then another message from my personal email address. OMG! She tracked me down. Multiply has this feature where you can see the people who viewed your page and I saw her account on my page. Maybe after viewing my multiply page, she searched her documents for my email address (I did sign an info sheet on their booth during the bridal fair). I wouldn't do her any justice if I don't post her reply verbatim on this blog post...

[Name of AE] here, I've just read your comment earlier and i came up typing this message for you. What [name of bride]said was her own opinion, i wanted to answer to atleast give my side about the truth but it was not appropriate for me because i have to consider my company since i'am still connected to them. All i can say is it wasn't fair for me. I wasn't the controller of that event, i'am just a follower! Unfair to put the blame on me alone. It was a breakfast wedding but guests eat past 11am how can i assure the food was still ok? She should consider her guests before she even decide of a garden wedding, 9am is not that hot but as i said past 11am was really hot. If i'am that rude i will tell her that same date what was her guests telling about her wedding..I'm saying this to you for you to think what you really want and consider your guests always! I know the truth and that's the most important. I've been into this bussiness for about 3years and not just a [name of bride] can ruined it. We've been waiting for her to sue as but just as i thought she would do because she knows, in our letter to her it wasn't just our fault.

O di ba! Nosebleed! Magsama sila nung nanalong Binibining Pilipinas World! And to think, that before she sent me this email I already confirmed my slot in their food tasting. But after reading this, I didn't even bother going.

Kauai Vacation

Being the travel bug and beach lover that I am, nothing excites me more than the prospect of going on vacation on a deserted island and spending time with Joema. And why not spend a grand vacation at Kauai vacation rentals. Luxury homes and condos are for rent where you can spend countless hours just basking in the sun and living the life. Not only can you choose from the many vacation houses, you can also choose which part of the island you want to live in while you’re there. So what are your requirements when you go on vacation especially on a beach? I don’t really like too crowded beach fronts and of course I want soft powdery sand in between my toes when I have my afternoon walk with my honey. So I think Haena vacation rentals are perfect for me. The pristine pink beach in this area will surely take my breath away. Haena is considered to be the most gorgeous area on Kauai. This would have been perfect for our honeymoon. But since we’ve already booked our flights, I will have to put this on my wish list at the moment. Maybe we can go some other time. Now, if you want other activities other than swimming and sun bathing, like playing golf perhaps? Then Princeville resort is the one for you. You can choose from the many Princeville vacation rentals where you want to spend the night after a tiresome day of golf. Take your pick from the many choices that they have to offer.

Save-The-Date Sticker

As I mentioned last time, I started distributing our Save-The-Date stickers to some friends. I got the idea from a Martha Stewart magazine I bought from Cheryl. Shoutout to Cheryl who sold me her magazines! EDIT: The owner of SaveTheDate stickers left a comment here at my blog, and I want to credit her for her idea. Thanks for the info Deb. You may visit her site at Buzy Bee Press or SavetheDateStickers.

Below is a photo of my inspiration from the Martha Stewart website:


So let me share with you how I made our STD stickers.

1. Print out the labels on the round stickers and the card that goes with it. I had a trial-and-error print for the stickers. Couldn't find a printer template for a once-inch sticker that's 4 rows 3 columns. I used a template based on 5 rows and 4 columns and made some adjustments. It's a word document so it's pretty easy to edit. For the card, I used MS Publisher template for their 3x5 index card but made some adjustments as well. Note on the sticerks, I couldn't find colored stickers (like the one from Martha Stewart) so I opted for white ones. Well, actually there are colored ones but they are all neon. Blech! So I just made the fonts in our color motif.

2. Cut out the card and sticker. Use very sharp cutter for this. And then glue the the sticker to the card.

3. For the envelopes, I bought wonderful printed papers (used for scrapbooking) for the lining. I made a pattern based on the envelope and used it to trace the printed papers.

4. Cut the patterns and then paste it to the envelopes.


5. Voila, we have our STD stickers which are families and friends can use to label their calendars.

Materials I used:

Specialty board
Brand: Elit
Cost: P19.75 (10 sheets per pack)

1-inch round labels
Brand: Cosmo
Cost: P22.00 (6 sheets of 4x3 labels per pack)

Envelopes
Brand: Envelopes No. 4 Prestige Paper Products
Cost: P18.25 (10 pieces per pack)

Scrapbook Paper
Brand: All About Scrapbooking
Cost: P44.50 (4 plain paper and 4 printed paper per pack)

Everything bought at National Bookstore.

Losing Weight

Well, if you've been reading my blog for some time you'll know that I'm kinda vain. I feel guilty when I don't go to the gym atleast once a week. As of the moment, I'm really scared to gain weight especially now that I'm getting married in a few months. Fortunately, with proper diet and regular exercise I maintain my present weight - although I gain a few pounds once in a while. But for some people, dieting and exercising isn't enough. So a few of them opt to do the alternative - take weight loss pills like phentermine - 21phen.com. But what is phentermine? Phentermine is an appetite suppressant, that is, you lose your appetite when you take this pill. With combination of diet and exercise, the proper use of phentermine can help overweight people lose weight. I guess as with any other things, you just have to make do with what works for you. If you think you need diet pills then go ahead and buy yourself some phentermine.

Awake

In line with my "crushing" Hayden Christensen at the moment, I watched Awake last night. The movie's premise is about this phenomenon called anesthetic awareness where patients undergoing surgery are not able to go to sleep after being injected with anesthesia rather they are fully awake but paralyzed. Hayden's character experiences this phenomenon when he was operated for a heart transplant. I didn't like him here as much as in Jumper hehe. Anyways, the thought of going through anesthetic awareness just creeps me out. I was thinking what if Joema experienced this when he had his surgery. Good thing he didn't. I remember him telling me that he fell asleep during the surgery - you know how (from Grey's Anatomy) the anesthesiologist lets the patient count backwards. Anyways, I liked the story of the movie. It's a bit short though. I would have wanted to see what happened to Hayden and Jessica Alba afterwards. Oh, Jessica Alba was hot in that bath tub scene!

American Idol 7

Watched the Top10 guys tonight. From the start of the auditions, Michael Johns is my favorite. He blew me away when he sang Bohemian Rhapsody. But the reason for this post is actually David Archuleta, I thought it was all just hype because he was Simon's favorite. During his audition when he sang that John Mayer song I thought he was just lucky because he picked the right song, I wasn't really impressed. And then during Hollywood week, I thought he was good but not as great as how the judges saw him. I didn't get what the fuss was all about. I didn't even like his performance last week. But all that changed tonight, he won me over when he sang John Lennon's Imagine. I loved his performance and I'm totally impressed. Now I get it!

As for the girls, my fave is Asia'h Epperson. And the Fil-Am girl, Ramiele Malubay is good too. She's a better singer than Jasmine Trias, so I think it's safe to say she'll make it to the top 12 with all the Filipinos in the States voting for her. :D

Weekend Movies

Over the weekend I watched three movies, no make that four, if we’re counting Unfaithful shown at Studio23.

First up was Jumper, watched it last Friday at Trinoma. Before we headed there, we had dinner at Amici, Tomas Morato. We had dinner for FREE! Can you believe that? They gave us money to eat there. We didn’t spend a dime! Well, the ones who bought their cars paid for valet parking but that’s different. We’re so happy with the food I forgot to bring out my camera for pictures. We had pasta, pizza and gelato for dessert. Yum yum!

Back to Jumper…Hayden Christensen is so cute!!! And yummy too!! Hahaha. I didn’t even like him as Anakin in Star Wars. But he’s super duper cute in Jumper that I get all giddy just watching him. And I think I wouldn’t even like the movie if it wasn’t him in the lead role. The story was blah, his leading lady was pa-cute in the maarte kind of way – I hate her and it doesn’t help that they’re together in real life blech! Here are two quotes from Jose *spoiler alert* :

* During the scene where Hayden just "jumps" from one part of the couch to the other just to be near the remote control instead of reaching for it… Jose: Ang daya buti hindi sya tumataba.

* Me: Bakit sabi hindi sila maka-jump pag may electricity running through their brains…bakit nung nasa dulo nagawa nyang magjump? So ibig sabihin if you will it, you can still do it? Jose: It’s love!

Wahahahaha! I had fun watching the film, had fun watching Hayden.

Next was Hairspray, watched it with Joema. Well, he watched half-way through it and then slept during the other half. Poor guy was so sleepy and tired after an afternoon of wedding related errands. Hairspray is okay, I guess. I think the movie is more for kids and tweeners. If you love High School Musical then watch Hairspray.

The last movie I watched was Across the Universe. And I loved it! It’s a musical and all the songs used are Beatles songs. I feel like crying every time they sing. Ewan ko ba kung bakit. It’s also set in the 1960’s (like Hairspray). It was the love story of the two main characters during the Vietnam war. 1960’s is such an interesting decade. I guess I started loving it when we had our 1960's themed Christmas party. I did the video for our presentation and totally learned a lot about the 60’s although mostly where about the United States. Here's the video for our Christmas party presentation. I totally ripped off the idea from here and got the highlights of 1960's from here. I used the Windows Movie Maker and had so much fun doing this. (I know this is totally OT from the title of my post but what the heck!)

I'm so EXCITED!!!

Once again, thanks to Air Asia for their budget flights. So on the second week of November, Joema and I are going to:

and then soak up the sun at:

Photos from http://www.cuti.com.my/ and http://www.lantainfo.com/Beaches.htm

What do you do when you're sad?

Do you go out with friends and party like there's no tomorrow? Me, I just stay in and sleep, sleep and sleep. I don't even want to step out of my room. It's so hard to put on a happy face in front of everyone.

Does your appetite go out the window? Me, I stuff my face with food. I don't lose my appetite which is kind of weird because I know people who really can't eat.

Do you tell your closest friend about it? Me, I don't. I usually just keep it to myself. If I ever tell it to a friend, it's usually after the fact already. After all the drama when I'm already a bit happy and ready to talk about whatever happened.

Do you listen to heartbreaking music? Me, I just watch TV - shows that can make me laugh, even if it's really corny.

So what other things do you do when you're sad?

Girls' Day Out

Kitakits yesterday ang mga girls. Umuwi kasi si Shawie galing ng Singapore. Nakakailang balik na sya dito magmula ng umalis sya nung September for work there hehe. Nalulungkot daw kasi sya don and naiimpluwensyahan na rin ng housemates nya na panay din ang uwi dito. Si She naman pupunta na sa Abu Dhabi, although sabi nya ayaw muna nyang maniwala hangga't wala syang visa at plane ticket. It was just the four of us - me, Sharon, Cristina and Sheryl - late pa si She. Naglunch kami sa Pizza Hut Bistro. After three hours ng pagkkwentuhan, bumili na kami ng tickets for 27 Dresses. Since the screening was at 5pm, coffee coffee muna para ituloy ang chikahan. So what did we talk about, this is in no particular order (sana walang magreact sa mga politically incorrect terms ko) :

• work, work, work
• buhay ni Sharon sa Singapore
• mga anaps at DH sa Singapore
• mga bumbay sa Abu Dhabi
• permit to purchase liquor ni She sa Abu Dhabi
• boylets nila
• men in general
• friend ni She na malamang "it's complicated" ang status sa Friendster
• wedding plans namin ni Joema
• honeymoon
• housing loans
• yung mga wala na si Reyna at Kae :P
• aksidente ni She sa El Nido

Hay naku madami pa ata...Minsan kulang ang ilang oras lang para makipagkwentuhan sa mga kaibigan.

OT: I gave them our Save-The-Date sticker. Kailangan ibang post yon. :) Will take pictures muna when I do the second batch. I left my digicam at the office over the weekend so no pictures from the first batch.

Been Busy

The weeks that passed have been almost all about wedding plans...

January 20 - With the help of my mother's friend we were able to see PSE auditorium and penthouse. I say with the help because we were initially informed that our wedding date was available but only for afternoon functions. I don't know what he did but he got to reserve the auditorium for our luncheon reception. Anyways, for some of you, like me, who didnt' know that there were two available venues for functions in Tektite Towers...well now you know haha! The auditorium is at the ground floor, the one with the stage and looks like a function room in hotels while the penthouse is at the...penthouse wahahaha! Anyways, we chose the penthouse because (1) we don't have to dress it up because it's already pretty on its own and (2) the penthouse was not available on our date. We didn't pay the deposit just yet that day so we just took pictures of the venues.

PSE auditorium

PSE penthouse...look at that view...and Joema's long hair

After that we went home as this was not the only wedding-related thing that we had to do for the day and Joema has to sleep (he met up with me straight from work). But before he had some shut-eye we visited our friendly neighborhood salon and had his hair cut. I'm happy that he finally gave in. I've been bugging him to have a haircut since Christmas but he's always reasoning that he didn't have time. He's happy with his haircut too and told me he'll have his next haircut at our salon.

When he woke up we met up with a photographer. Although we were already happy with him we decided not to make payments yet as we want to meet other photographers and compare their works. After the meeting we headed straight to the mall because Joema wanted to buy some PC games but we went home disappointed (he because he didn't get anything and I because I was tired and he didn't get anything).

January 23 - After office hours, I went to Tektite to meet up with my mom's friend. He accompanied me to pay the reservation fee for the auditorium. So yeah, now we have a reception venue. Yippii!!

January 26 - Yet another sleepless Saturday for Joema. After his shift, we met up for breakfast and then went to our condo to sign the acceptance form. Our unit is finally finished and waiting for us fill it up with furnitures and appliances. I'm more excited about furnishing the unit than dealing with the nitty-gritty of wedding preparations. Can I just say that I'm disappointed with myself coz I thought I will be so into wedding preparations because I like preparing for things, researching for the best deals. The thing I hate the most is meeting with a prospective supplier and then ending up disappointed and not booking him/her at the end. It's tiring. And we're just starting with the preparations. We're not even halfway done yet! Okay I digress.. We're so so excited with our home but at of course at the same time worried about our funds because aside from the wedding we have to set aside money for furniture and stuff for our home. But we figured we'll first buy the important pieces and register for all the rest haha. What are friends and families for, right?

From the condo, we went to SM Megamall to look at the bridal fair. We were searching for photographers and videographers so we went for their booths in the fair. Oh, I don't like the organizer of that fair coz they gave us free gift certificates because we registerd online. The girl even reminded me of the expiry date which is March of this year, if I remember correctly. But when we looked at the other GC's the expiry date printed was Dec2007. Anyways, we didn't bother going back to have it changed. We got a few brochures from the photo/video booths at the fair and discussed them before we met up with Bim Teocson of Playback Videos at the foodcourt. Most of the packages offered at the fair was photo and video packages. And they will slash off only 5thou or 9thou if we get the photo only package. So anyway, when we met up with Bim he showed us his sample videos, some onsite and some prenup videos. He discussed with us how he shoots during the wedding, who chooses the music for the videos, how his team divides the work among themselves during the day itself. We invited Bim to have lunch with us but he said he already ate. After meeting up with him, Joema and I agreed that we'll get him for our videos. We love his work, we like him and his package fits our budget. And so we're off to finding our photographer. We can't get the ones from the fair because they are way over our budget and we didn't really like any of them. We didn't get to meet the photographers personally. The only one we met we were not impressed because he was bragging about the photoshopped photo that they have. As much as possible we wanted that the raw pictures are good enough already. After eating lunch, we met up with another prospective photographer. He's such a brag! So full of himself! Let's just say I went home really disappointed because we're back to finding a photographer. I told Joema that if we don't find a photographer who's within our budget and can amaze us with his photos then I'm okay with the first one we met.

January 28 - My birthday! I didn't go on leave because I had so many things to do at work and I don't have any special plans either. So it was kind of like any other work day for me except that my cell kept on beeping for new messages - another friend or family member greeting me. And after so many years (I think it started when I turned 23), I was really happy on my birthday. No thoughts about getting old, just really excited about what this year will bring me. :)

I had to leave the office earlier than usual. Dropped by the bank to deposit the reservation fee for our videographer. Yey! And then I proceeded to the LTO license renewal kiosk at SM Megamall. We were informed the doctor was out (for the medical exam) so I transferred to Robinsons Galleria. Renewal of driver's license has never been a breeze like that. It didn't take an hour that afternooon. I had time to buy my lola's present (we have the same brithday), go back to the office and go boxing with Pam. When I got home we had KFC chicken, spaghetti and cake. I'm happy as a bee. :) Thanks to everyone who greeted me on my birthday!!! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!

February 1 - Dinner with Joel, Gary and Mands. It was Joel's birthday last Jan31 so we had a birthday dinner with Gary and Mands. As any dinner with these guys, it was full of chica and panlalait hahaha! Joel gave me a gift - in the card he wrote "Happy birthday. Eto na regalo ko ksi hindi naman ako invited sa shows mo." It was underwear from Marks & Spencer. I love it! He said he was so emabarrased to ask the sales lady the right size (because the size wasn't the usual small, medium and large but numbers 8, 10, etc.) hahaha. Thanks Joel! :) We had dinner at Capricciosa and loved their food! Mands came late because he had dinner date with another friend :p We continued our chica with dessert at Bizu.

February 2 - Joema got to sleep this time because we made dinner plans with Migs for that night. He won't be able to keep his energy the entire night if he didn't get to sleep. But before dinner, we went to Jayson Arquiza's home/office for a meeting. He was very professional, he had an outline of how the meeting will go. First, he showed us a video of how he shoots prenup pictorials. It was much like playing and goofing around. He said "Pag nagprenup tayo wag nyo isipin na pictorial yun, isipin nyo na namasyal tayo ganon lang". Then he showed us his prenup albums, the wedding albums (both hard copy and his new layouts). And then he showed us his AVP onsite and some raw pictures. All in all we were impressed and very at ease with Jayson. Immediately when we left his home, I was very excited to discuss with Joema the things I liked about Jayson and told him to book Jayson already while we're still there. Joema told me that we have to talk about it and he was kind of NR (as in no reaction) pa-cool na parang deadma lang...it turned out he was just teasing me because he said I was so excited and giddy about getting Jayson. Kaasar! It was only during dinner when our friends asked that he said our photographer is Jayson Arquiza of Redefine Weddings. Bruho! Gusto rin pala e nang-aasar pa.

We ate dinner at Dencio's Magallanes. Ja and Chelle got lost on the way over but all's good. Syempre what's a night out with Migs without poker.



February 5 - paid reservation fee for Jayson. Photographer - check!

UP Survey

1. Student number? 96-29299. I still remember it and probably won't forget it.

2. College? College of Science

3. Ano ang course mo? Math

4. Nag-shift ka ba o na-kickout? Nope

5. Saan ka kumuha ng UPCAT? Sa NIGS

6. Favorite GE subject? Does foreign language count as GE subject? If yes, German 10 and 11.

7. Favorite PE? Line dancing haha!

8. Saan ka nag-aabang ng hot guy sa UP? Not really nag-aabang pero may nakasabay ako dati sa pila ng Katips na super cute guy. Inabangan ko kung san sya bumaba.

9. Favorite prof(s) Felix and Almazar.

10. Pinaka-ayaw na GE subject. Humanities...hina ako sa arts and literature e. Duh!

11. Kumuha ka ba ng Wed or Sat classes? Wednesday class for PE. Kaasar! Naubusan kasi ako ng slot. Then Saturday class for Math subjects.

12. Nakapag-field trip ka ba? Yep. We went to Rizal and Laguna (Morong, Paete, et al) for a Hum class. Tapos nagpunta din kaming Calamba for PI kasi di ako pinayagang mag-Banahaw

13. Naging CS ka na ba or US sa UP? Yes hehe

14. Ano ang Org/Frat/Soro mo? Sums-UP na kami ang founder

15. Saan ka tumatambay palagi? Kung hindi sa Math bldg...sa CS lib natutulog hehe

16. Dorm, Boarding house, o Bahay? Bahay. Lapit lang e pero traffic dahil naabutan ko yung road widening ng Katips dati tapos non yung construction naman ng LRT2.

17. Kung walang UPCAT test at malaya kang nakapili ng kurso mo sa UP, ano yun? Computer Science

18. Sino ang pinaka-una mong nakilala sa UP? Si Ning!

19. First play na napanood mo sa UP? Di ko matandaan.

20. Name the 5 most conyo orgs in UP. Mga org sa BA and AS.

21. Name 5 of the coolest orgs/frats/soro in UP. Sums-UP all the way! Charing!

22. May frat/soro bang nag-recruit sa yo? Wala

23. Saan ka madalas mag-lunch? Bukod sa cafeteria sa Math...CASAA and Beach House.

24. Masaya ba sa UP? Super!

25. Nakasama ka na ba sa rally? Not really rally but I attended a "gathering" when a student died because of fraternity related violence. His name escapes me at the moment but he died as a result of mistaken identity. Biruin mo yon nakatambay lang sa AS steps nagbabantay ng table ng org mo tapos binaril ka dahil akala member ka nung kabilang frat. Kaasar di ba! As in naiyak ako nung time na yon because I really felt for the family and friends of that student.

26. Ilang beses ka bumoto sa Student Council? Once siguro nung freshman tapos nung tumakbo kong college rep haha. Gosh! kung ano-ano palang pinaggagawa ko nung college.

27. Name at least 5 leftist groups in UP? Samasa. LFS. di ko na alam.

28. Pinangarap mo rin bang mag-laude nung freshman ka? Opo

29. Kanino ka pinaka-patay sa UP? Kay Joema? Yihiii!!! ahahaha

30. Kung di ka UP, anong school ka? Ateneo or should I say the Ateneo.

Apology

Dear Credit Card Guy,

Sorry if I snapped at you when you called a while ago here at our house. I don't like it that you call here...here at home where I am supposed to be resting after a hard day's work. Please don't call me here at home. I hate it when you do that! Honestly, I don't like it when you call at work either. That is why I don't answer your counterpart from another credit card company because I already know his number (it appears in our caller ID haha!). Also, I got irritated at your voice. While some telemarketers are trying their best to sound perky and have that colegiala-English twang, you sounded like someone who's not even interested in what he's offering. After I told you that I'm not interested, you don't have to tell me again what you are offering. What in the "I'm not interested" did you not understand?

I know you must be cursing me after that call. I was a b*tch. But in fairness to me, I don't play favorites. I am a b*tch to other credit card guys/girls. If I don't let you finish your spiels, that's only because I don't want to waste your time and effort because I'm not getting anything you are offering anyway. By cutting you off, you can immediately proceed to the next one in your list. And no I won't refer you to any of my friends. Unless they're not really my friends and want to irritate them too.

So there, I am sorry. Really I am. I'm sorry you had to make that call, and you had to ruin my night, and in turn I ruined your night.

Not loving your calls,
Cris