Supplier Rating 3: Queensland Catering Services

Caterer: Queensland Catering Services

Peso Power – 102, 700 for 200 guests

Rating: 8

QCS was not our top choice for caterers, but given the amount of budget that we had, they were the one we have chosen. The initial planning and discussion with them did cause us some stress due to the issue that they had with our chosen venue, which even at some point is a negative point for them. But, come wedding day, all went great! J

I’ll divide my review by 4 parts: Peso Power, Food, Styling, and Service.

Models for a Day: Our Prenuptials Shoot

For months, I have planned for this day - from the concept, clothes to wear, venue to use, down to yesterday's itinerary.. And now, IT'S A WRAP! :))

So where to begin our story? Hmmm.. This one's going to be very looonnggg... Mahaba-habang usapan... ;)

Okay, game.

I had made an itinerary for yesterday's shoot as mentioned, since I wanted everything to be well organized and because we do not have a stylist nor a coordinator on site, and sent this to everyone. I even had to make sure everyone to stick to this. Okay, so I'm a bit OC! :P

First thing in the morning, I woke up at 5am and right away texted Ron if they are already going to pick up Sir Cris and his team in Taguig. Next, I checked the things we needed to bring which I already prepared last night, had a small bite of bread, and hit the showers. At 6.20am, my cousin, who is my designated driver, came and we headed to my uncle's place to get his car since we are borrowing it for the day. All is well, and right on schedule! :)

Unfortunately, this is where the first hassle came as a surprise. We couldn't find their caretaker, from whom we'll get the keys, nor the keys! We ended up waking up my aunt for her to find it. It took about almost an hour or so to be given to us. :/

7.30am, we were able to drive back from his place to ours to get our things, so I had to hurry up since we were already running late. Call time was 8-8.30am for everyone, and we arrive at DLSU-D at 8.45! Boooo!!! So, instead of stressing myself up, I just "let go and let God"! (Special thanks to w@w for this life-chaging lesson.)

Good thing Ms. Jeanne, who was 10mins earlier than the call time, started with Ron's look and they were just finishing up when we arrived! :) Needless to say, we were still on schedule when we were done with mine. Wohooo!

Our first venue - Uganayang La Salle. Since we have a sporty concept, to tie up with our wedding theme, this was the place to be! The shoot was really fun and brought out our sporty side. At the end of the morning's schedule - we were in sweat! Hahaha!

Oh by the way, did I mention that our package with Ms. Jeanne includes a free prenup photoshoot as well? But due to our busy schedule, we had Sir Jing Gungon as a back up for yesterday's. And he was fun to work with! :)



BTS: Our team and us at work :)

 

BTS: Playtime while waiting, and also for video's (STD) sake. :)



We then had lunch and rested a bit, then started off again with our wardrobe change to which we realized that our outfits do not match. Mine seemed to be more formal than Ron. It was only a minor hassle since I had worn maong shorts on the way, and it looked fine with my top. So no biggie there! ;) Before driving off to the second location, we had our HMU retouch and changes as well.

Arriving at the second venue, second hassle of the day knocked me off my feet! I was about to change my footwear when I checked my shoebox and found the wrong set of sandals I have brought! I was already thinking of options, but luckily, Ate (my cousin's wife and our PA for the day.. btw, super thank you is not enough) was wearing her red sandals which was my size! FYI, she's a 7 and I'm an 8.5 - more luck cause this was her only size 8 and above sandals and she had wore them yesterday! Wohooo! With her red belt, my look was complete and matched Ron's casual look! Another wohooo! :))

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Side story: We paid for 5 venues (@ 500 pesos each) as I have mentioned in a previous blog, but we had requested for a revision to 3 venues (ULS, Botanical Garden and Centennial Hall), so we could use the Centennial Hall at night. Request was approved, unfortunately no refund was given.

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We made use of the Botanical Garden, and an unfinished building which was not part of the pre-approved venues. So that's a 500 peso take-back.. :P



Our surprising photo session :)



While resting and waiting for our snacks, our third and most nerve-wracking hassle placed us on halt! Ron asked some guard to have our final venue, the Centennial Hall, opened, as how he had requested to have the gym opened. To his surprise, he was declined! He immediately asked for our approved letter and copy of receipt, and I decided to come with him. It seemed that we have the wrong name for the place we wanted to use and requested- long story short, it is not named Centennial Hall, but rather CTHM COURTYARD! After showing the two letters we have and OR, the undeniable intent to use the place, the almost an hour of talking and waiting for their head of security, they finally let us use the place! Woohhh!

While snacking, they even turned on the fountain by the Church and told us that we might even want to take pictures there. Ron and I looked at each other and knew we had paid for it, so why not! Another 500 peso take-back! Haha!

Wardrobe changed, makeup was done, and it was almost sun down, so we proceeded first to the Church and had some memorable photos there. **kilig**



Kilig lang.. bow! :))



After the Church, we proceeded to the CTHM Courtyard. It is reaalllyyy pretty there! Oh and they allow the place to be rented for events and functions, just in case some will be interested. ;)

We had some of what I call "teleserye" photos here, and some of our continuing romantic shots. **kilig again**

More kilig moments... :))



At 6pm, we had finished our prenup shoot! Very tired, to say the least... But more than happy and excited for the copies as well! At the end of the day, I can say that I definitely would not change a bit of yesterday, including all of its hassles! :)

Disclaimer: All photos in this blog are courtesy of Erllen Leona (my cousin's wife).

And that's a wrap!

Tips: Prepping for Prenup

This Sunday, Dec 16th is our scheduled Pre-Nuptials Photo Shoot to be held in Dasmariñas, Cavite. All is set as planned. But, back when I was starting to prep for our wedding, I did not realize the time and effort needed for this one particular pre-wedding day.

It took me weeks before I was able to schedule the photographer and the venue. It was sort of a game of volleyball at times cause one party keeps throwing off the date. Until finally, I was able to find one common date - to which I instantly grabbed! :)

After which, the search for the hair and make up artist was needed to be done. And this did not come easily as well. Most of the artists I have asked had blocked off this date since December is the peak season for weddings, thus they entertain weddings more than prenups. Thankfully, after months of searching, I was able to book the HMUA that fits everything perfectly. :)

You might think it all ends there right? No, not at all!

We needed to look for clothes that will tie up the venue and the ideas we had. So we had to have a custom made pair of uniforms to bring our vision to life. And of course some styling was badly needed as well, thus the trip we had to Divisoria. ;)

All in all.. There are a few tips I could suggest future couples:

(1) Make sure to know, or at least have an idea of, when you would want to have your prenup, and what you want for it. This will be helpful in booking suppliers, as you could have the date blocked off at the same time that you are blocking off your wedding date. To top this, knowing what you want will help you set aside the needed budget for this particular day.

(2) Have a concrete vision.. Planning is easier when you know what you want to achieve in the end. Plus, this will help your suppliers to be prepared for your shoot, and be able to provide the services you need or more.

(3) Stick to your plan. It's nice to have Plan B, just be sure that this is not too far from your Plan A unless you have all the liberty in the world to change everything. Otherwise, changes could lead to additional costs, and of course stress for you and your fiance.

(4) Communicate. This is not just limited to you and your fiance. Have an open communication with your suppliers, especially your photographers, on how you envision your shoot. Throw ideas back and forth to know their limitations, and their capabilities, as well as yours. This will help both parties to have a better working relationship.

Lastly...

(5) Enjoy! This is hard to do when you are stressed - I know! But please do so. This will definitely help the way you perceive your prenup, and all the preparations you have done. And of course, stress makes us ugly - so who wants to be ugly on photos, right? So... No matter how stressful it gets, SMILE! :)

Just thinking,

Place and Food: Officially Booked!

After a tiring and stressful week at work, we decided to stick with our schedules, instead of lazying around the house today. Today's schedule was supposed to be as follows:
10 AM - Queensland Catering Services - Las Pinas
12 NN - 1PM - Lunch at Hypermarket in Las Pinas or in Cash and Carry in Makati
2PM - Trial Makeup - Makati
But as always, nothing went according to plan as first, I woke up late - by 9am, and second, we both felt too tired to go to Makati. Hehe. So, we just decided to go to QCS, and hopefully to Antel in the afternoon.

By 11.30am, we were in Las Pinas already and decided to have lunch in the area. After which, we proceeded to QCS' office to have the waiver signed, discuss, and hopefully book them. Arriving in QCS, we talked with the AE in-charge for our wedding, Ms. Belen, and told her that Antel already signed the waiver we made. At first, there were hesitations on their part, and they insisted the 12% add-on. Ron was quiet, and I knew he was getting pissed off already. So, as much as I can, I tried to explain the purpose of the waiver, but the discussion was still on. Ron spoke and insisted the waiver we made, and luckily one of the other AEs butted in and commented that they could use the waiver in case Antel comes after them for payments of corkage fees, and have it mention in our contracts that any costs Antel will be seeking will be referred to us. Only by then, they accepted our waiver and agreed to a no 12% add-on. Whew!

After the heated discussion, I was just happy Ron did not ask to leave the place as I knew he wasn't very happy with what happened.. Hahaha! Anyways, we were able to discuss the needs for the wedding, chose the menu and other additional amenities. After reviewing the contract, we were both satisfied and happy with the choices, and decided to book them and pay the reservation fee required.

Fourth Supplier Booked: Quuensland Catering Services

We left QCS, and decided to go to Antel to reserve the place. And so we did. Before booking the venue and paying the reservation fees, we handed them the waiver and made sure, once more, that they won't be seeking payments from QCS. As proved by the waiver, they assured us and we were just relieved. So there, with the caterer booked, and the waiver signed - we booked Antel Grand Village Clubhouse's Ballroom for our June 8, 2013 wedding. :)

Photo from Antel's webiste... No photos from us as they were having a grand open house, and the ballroom was packed!

With a place to be and food to eat, we sighed and smiled in relief! :))

Mission accomplished,

We Have Our Cake... And We'll Eat It Too

Yesterday was the opening of the two-day Wedding Expo in SMX. We were not able to attend due to a friend's wedding. So today, despite having a bad stomach, we braved the day and proceeded with the expo.

I made an itinerary for today's activities, what to do before going to the expo and what we'll be focusing while inside the expo.

First on our list is our attempt to have Antel's signature on the waiver we made. Since you all might have read our "situation", this is the only remedy we were able to come up with for us not to not pay the additional 12%. Fortunately, Antel signed the waiver, and we advised them that as soon as we get Queensland's signature we will be able to make the deposit to secure the venue for our event.

With smiles, we left Antel and headed off to SMX.

Upon arriving, and getting our name tags, we immediately proceeded to our scheduled FT with VS&F Catering. Two reasons why I made the reservation: (1) Since we are still looking for alternative caterers, I figured it is the best time to grab a free FT, and discuss their services; and (2) it's free lunch - doesn't anyone want that? Haha!

Our name tags and goodies from Themes & Motiff

During the FT, the food was good and tasty. Also, Joan - the AE in-charge of us, was very accommodating and open. It was very tempting to book them right then and there, but the amount they offer is way beyond our budget. So we told her, that we needed some time to review the packages, and we'll give her a call.

Sorry, no pictures during the FT.

After the gourmet lunch that we had, we proceeded with the second item on my list. The CAKES!

Initially, we wanted to have a grand cake, but after a delightful news from one of my co-W@Wies, we then

decided to have a simple cake and would not spend as much with something the guests might not enjoy and would only be for "display purposes" after the cutting of the cake ceremony. After all, we'll have the topper that we want and it'll be our personal keepsake.

So that limited our choices to two suppliers - Sweet Solutions and Hearts and Bells.

We talked first with Sweet Solutions, and asked for quotations for the cake we had in mind. Their offer was only a 10% discount and waiver of delivery fees. Unfortunately after computations, it was still above the budget we had - and this is the one I wanted to stick with the budget. So we moved on to our next choice.

Hearts and Bells' designs were something I loved from the start. So getting to their booth, we immediately picked one of their flyers and noticed the their cake + mini cakes + cupcakes was still on-going. This again will fall into our "strategic move" category. We discussed to whom the mini cakes and cupcakes will be for since we already have a little souvenir in mind. Plus, we asked about the delivery fees which will not be waived during the expo. After computations (I know we're both accountants, so bear with us), Hearts and Bells will still exceed our cake budget, but with the added cakes in the package, we'll be able to replace a few other details and hopefully save on these replacements. So we talked again with Ruth (who was very nice to talk to by the way), and asked a few more questions.

After another little discussion with Ron, we decided to book Hearts and Bells, since according to Ron "Wala ka naman ibang gustong supplier for the cake. So ano pa hinihintay mo?" - He knew me well! Hahaha! We instantly booked them and paid the initial deposit.

Third Supplier Booked: Hearts and Bells

After booking them, and remembering that one of my Sissies at W@W will be making our topper, I felt really really as in uber excited about our cake. :D

Still excited,

A Little Bit of Everything: FT and Venue #3

Last week, during the long weekend of Aug 18th to 21st, we were able to set a meeting with Lancaster and Queensland Catering Services (QCS). All went well, now we just needed the Lancaster to be blocked off for our date by the developers, and then we could pay the down payment. That was until this morning.

You see, our schedule for the day was simple - go to Lancaster for a 10am meeting to finally reserve the Leighton Hall lobby, and then go to QCS for the food tasting later in the afternoon. But, as always, nothing seems to follow the plans.

When we got to Lancaster, we were able to talk to another person aside from the lady that assisted us last week. Talking to him, he was able to show us and give us a clearer picture of how much of the lobby we could use since the wedding will be on a Saturday noon. He motioned that there will be some allowance of 1 meter here and there. By the time he was finished, I just wanted to walk away from there. There's nothing left for us to occupy but the middle part! Uhmm, hello??? WE HAVE 200 GUESTS!!! I looked at Ron in dismay of what just happened, and his reaction wasn't far from mine. Politely, we just said that we'll wait for their confirmation of our date - since this wasn't confirmed yet with the developers, then we left.

Immediately, we talked about our last option (at the moment), Antel's Clubhouse. We considered this before Lancaster, but the price range was a bit far from what we could spend. But this time, we both knew we need to adjust at some point. So we went to Antel and inquired about their ballroom. The rates were fixed, whether we knew a lot owner or not, so we agreed to choose the venue above other needs. We then pencil blocked the venue, and the lady assisting us gave us the list of their accredited suppliers. We noted that QCS is one of their accredited caterers, and we were relieved knowing we will not be paying any corkage fees. With smile, and a lot of hope, we left the place.

By lunch time, we were waiting for my parents since they agreed to attend the food tasting offered by QCS. While waiting, Ron and I discussed how we will revise the budget we had. Feeling stressed, we took our minds off from the wedding by shopping! Haha! By the way, Ron shopped more than I did! :P

Before 4 in the afternoon, we arrived at Ysabel's Garden in Las Pinas where QCS held their weekly food tasting. Before the food were served, Ms. Belen (AE) approached us, and having talked to her last week, we mentioned the change in venue.

Upon the mention of Antel, she immediately brought up that they will be charging additional costs for the venue. Surprised, we asked how much and what for. Apparently, it is for the corkage fees that they will be paying Antel. So, needless to say, we ended up having to discuss and debate over as to why we need to pay them an additional of 12% - yes that's right... 12%. Frustrated, we almost wanted to leave the place, but realized that we were there to judge their food. And somehow, we could still be able to talk to Antel before booking any one of them.

The heat of the discussion simmered down as the food came. All four of us, enjoyed all the food laid out for us. As the title suggests, we had a little bit of everything. My mom even jokingly asked how come there was no rice served, it could have been dinner already. The only disappointment we had was that there were no desserts available for the food tasting. My mom took notes of the food we liked, and the ones we could choose as back up. We then scan through the packages' menu and was delighted to know that most of the food we liked are part of the choices. So my mom did the honors of choosing the menu. Good thing we brought her with us, her and my dad are both too picky when it comes to food. So by having them choose the menu for the wedding, we'll be able to avoid certain criticisms that could make the day a bit stressful. Haha! :D

Sorry, we took pictures too late :P

After the food tasting, we told Ms. Belen that we'll need to talk with Antel first before we could book them for the wedding, and she advised us to do the same as well.

Leaving Ysabel's Garden, we were satisfied with the food and the price, even with the styling that comes with the package. All in all, we were smiling as we knew we found our caterer! Good food, affordable prices, and elegant styling. :)

Stomach full,

Unexpected Day - Venue #2

A month ago, we decided to look for options for our home after the wedding. We've visited some villages and checked their model houses. And today was nothing far from this activity.

Right after lunch, we went house-tripping in one of the newly opened villages in my hometown. Unfortunately, the tripping ended early as we were both in agreement that we did not like the place and that there were no model houses to show - apparently, their model houses were located in their other project in Molino, Bacoor. So after this mis-tripping, we immediately returned home decided to just watch movies all afternoon. Or so we thought...

The moment we opened the gates, my mom told us that my Tita's friend just came home from a house-tripping in Lancaster Estates. Immediately Tita Ess (my Tita's friend) came up to us and volunteered to come drive for us to Lancaster. Of course we agreed - I mean, who would turn down an offer to drive for us? :)

While we there, we looked at all the model houses and took note of the price range for the ones we liked. After looking around, Ron's friend who was an agent came up to us to discuss the details for the houses. At the same time, Tita Ess left us as she needed to run some errands.

We proceeded to the clubhouse lobby to discuss the houses. During which, I noticed the dramatic lights in the lobby. Instantly, I looked around to check the place while Ron was busy listening to the offer. Going back to discuss the offer, we both agreed that we need more options for the house, and more time to think it through. After turning it down, I quickly asked about the clubhouse. The lady with Ron's friend was kind enough to go the admin office and get us a copy of the rates.

While waiting for her, we checked the function room in the 2nd floor and the ballroom hall in the 3rd floor. We knew right away, that it was either the lobby or the ballroom that could fit a 200 guest list.

Leighton Hall Lobby

Sorry, no photos of the Ballroom.. It was dark and we just sneaked in.. Hehe..

Coming back to the lobby, the lady gave us the rates and browsing the paper, we immediately saw that the price is within our possible budget for the venue in case we decided to have a different supplier for the venue and the caterer. But having a limited budget for the wedding, we knew we needed to wait it out and find ourselves a caterer before booking the venue. Plus, we wanted the opinions of our families before we pick the place.

At the end of it, I was just happy to have found an alternative to Island Cove. :)

First Supplier Meeting: Island Cove

Weeks ago, I called Island Cove to ask for their wedding packages. During the same day, they were able to send us the wedding packages. We scanned the packages and realized that their rates are beyond our allotted budget for the reception. So earlier today, I called their Sales Office let them know that we will be coming and will be inquiring about the wedding. Also, I was able to talk to Mami Sharon on the phone, and I immediately told her of our concern. She then sent me a revised wedding package good for 100 persons - which is for Food and Venue alone. Again, we scanned the package quotation, computed it at 200 guests, and still it would exceed our budget, but only on a small margin.

Right after work hours, Ron and I immediately went to Kawit to talk with Mami Sharon. We got there just in time before they closed the Sales Office. Immediately, she entertained us and we told her again of the same concern we had. Being close to her (I used to work at Island Cove), she asked us about our budget, to which I showed her the excel file I made (Geeky!). She raised her concerns about the budget we had, as we will be having 200 guests at the minimum - yes, ,that's right... it's the minimum.

So, she went inside their office again, and recomputed the package for us, now set at a minimum of 200 guests. The price seemed reasonable, but the food inclusions in the package were very ordinary. She knew it was my concern (maybe I do not have a poker face after all), and told me that we could still be able to fix the menu as the wedding will still be a year from now. "That's just an estimate. Don't worry too much. We could talk about this next year, or end of this year for a more accurate rate." - this is her reassuring statement.

Island Cove's revised package for minimum of 200 guests

In addition to this, she pencil booked us for the Tejeros Grand Ballroom, and told us to take as much as time as we need. They will let us know if someone will try to book the venue, and only by then do we need to decide. I knew Mami Sharon will take good care of our wedding, and I believe that with all my heart. But I had my own worries about the food, and at the rate they gave us I knew we could find a good caterer. The only problem would be is the venue.

Suddenly feeling undecided about Island Cove, we left the place and decided to look for alternatives.

With hope and faith,

Our Whereabouts

After getting engaged just a couple of weeks ago and having decided on when the wedding will be, we immediately jumped into looking for venues and possible Church.

The Church was an easy pick - Holy Cross Parish Church in our home town of Tanza. Historical on its own, this is the Church where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Philippines' first President took his oath of office. It also houses the famous and miraculous St. Augustine - Patron Saint of Tanza.

I also had my personal reasons for my picking this Church: This is located beside the school I went to, and so all my personal milestones were witnessed here - graduations, first communion, and others. But you know the major reason behind this pick? It is the same Church where my parents were married 26 years ago. ;) And next year, this is where we will vow, to love each other and be each other's partner, before God and our families and friends.

Holy Cross Parish Church

Next on our list is the venue. We only had one venue in mind - Island Cove Hotel & Leisure Park. This was a strategic choice for us. I used to work there for about 3 years, and I know the people and the services they offer. Thus, supplier relationship is a lot easier to build. The only thing that worries us is the time it takes to get from the Church to here. Since our wedding will be on a Saturday morning, and hoping that there will be no traffic, we estimated it to be at around a 20-30minute drive. We know it might take longer if there'll be traffic, but we're very much optimistic about it since we're not aware of other venues closer to the Church.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park

So there, the next thing to do is contact them to inquire and hopefully reserve our dates. :)

Fingers crossed,