Quoted

Last Friday, just when we got home, I found this little package waiting for us in our room. Excited to open it because I knew exactly what it meant - I was quoted in this year's Weddings at Work Wedding Primer! :)

Actually, the surprise was already spilled by my good friend, Tine, who got her copy days ahead. So I was just extremely excited for it to be delivered and see what was quoted - extremely, like that of having a very low EQ!

W@W Wedding Primer 2013 - 2014

Quoted! :)

So grateful to have been part of this wonderful group - my wedding preps, and wedding day itself would not have been the same without this group. Again, our deepest gratitude to Ms. Benz for creating, and maintaining this community! :)

Still on a high,

Sealed with a KISS... And We're DONE!

Let me start by saying, I'll be writing this in my normal speaking ways - tagalog na minsan may english, so as to be as natural as possible to tell the story. :)

Okay, game na.

I started my day, by waking up at 3:30 am - yes! Ganun kaaga ang gising ng isang morning bride. I was never a morning person, and I have always disliked activities na super aga, but this particular activity was something I looked forward to kaya kiber na sa pag-ayaw ko ng paggising ng maaga. Plus, I actually did not have any sleep at all - di talaga ko nakatulog... Kabado ba or excited? Haha.

Anyways, right after waking up, I tried to eat a few spoonfuls of rice para di ako magutom during the preps and ceremony. Then just as I was taking my shower, my phone started ringing - napressure tuloy ako matapos agad 'cause I think it was already 4:00 am that time, and my schedule says na I should be starting my HMU. After finishing my shower, I went to answer my phone, and it was Ms. Jeanne (HMUA) who was calling kasi nasa harap na sila ng bahay namin. And true, paglabas ko andun na sila at the same time Manny & April was already there also - earliest sa suppliers namin! :)

Upon arrival nila, they went ahead to do their parts. Ms. Jeanne and I headed to my parent's room where we set up the HMU area, and then I just handed MAP all the accessories and details so they could take photos na. Ayun, start na ng busy day. Haha.

Around 4:30, wala pa din si KTG and they called to say na naligaw daw sila. :( So they came a bit late na than planned. But kahit na-late sila they were able to stay on top of things, and immediately introduced me to Sara, who became my bridal assistant that day.

Everything happened in a blur talaga. One moment, I was having my make up done, the next I was already changing to my gown na. Parang di na ko nakakain and pinilit ko nalang umihi para di ako maihi sa Church. Hahaha.

Our main PV, CGM, came in around 8am ata since they came from Island Cove pa to shoot Ron's preps naman. Well, working with their main photog was irritating at some point. No offense, but the way he treats people is very rude. Akala ko nung una ako lang nakapansin, until my mom, and Ms. Jeanne mentioned it as well. Anyways, that's going to be on another blog.

Ron's preps
Photo credits: CGM Studios

Back to the story.

After all the preparation chaos was done, we went to the Church na. I must say I was very calm and collected that time. As in I was on a high na wala ko worries or any apprehensions about the day. Ang saya lang ng feeling. While waiting sa bridal car, I saw everyone one by one as they were coming. Lalong nakakaexcite kasi ito na yun talaga! :)

When it was time for me to get out of the car, dun ko bigla naramdaman ung kaba ko. Especially the time I could here the sound of the entourage's march. Haha. I thought to myself, how do I react sweetly when the door opens? Kasi I did not want to cry, although I know naman right from the start ng preps na crying during the bridal march was something inevitable for me. Hehe.

And then I heard my bridal march song. Ayun na nga. The door opened. I was standing there seeing all these people... di ko pa makita si Ron noon because of the lights. I tell you, right that moment when the doors opened, I felt like I became deaf. Hahaha. I did not hear any sounds, not even the beating of my own heart. Everything just happened. I started to walk down the aisle, and started to tear up. Wala na ung mga hiya moments ko na baka panget ako umiyak and it will be caught on photos. Haha. I cried most when I saw my parents, and when I saw Ron crying din. We calmed down lang noong nasa altar na kami pareho.

And yes, Ron uttered the funniest line that time. "Sobrang iyak ako, sabog pati uhog ko!" Hahahaha. Laugh trip talaga. :P

So ayun, the ceremony went on. The only feeling I felt was it was sobrang init! Talk about wearing layers of fabric tapos wala electric fan - I thought for a second that I would faint. Buti nalang my MOH came to fix my veil and train kaya nasabi ko na ang init init. The Church was not airconditioned and it was around 9 in the morning. Ayun, may electric fan sila na inallot for us, pero di din nakatutok since baka mamatay ang mga candles.

Anyways, the ceremony went on smoothly. And we were finally MARRIED! Woot woot! :))

Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Going to the reception, nakaramdam ako ng kaunting gutom. Good thing I had animal crackers sa pouch ko so I snacked on it, while Ron did not even had a bite. So I assumed hindi sya gutom and marami sya kinain nung breakfast.

At the reception, we had our post nups with MAP, kasi nawawala si CGM. Good thing talaga that we had back up photogs kasi if not for MAP we won't have some of the photos that we have now. After the post nups, we went ahead na to the banquet na. Ang dami namin guests - well, what should I expect with a 200-guest list diba. The reception was a blast. Ang saya lang, kahit na parang roller coaster ang emotions ko. Hahaha. One moment you'll find me laughing, and the other naman I was tearing up. The best part for me was the speeches, kasi wala nagspeech ng maayos except for my brother and cousin. Hahaha. Lahat ata ng naka-assign magspeech eh nakarating sa stage only to change their minds on giving one kasi naiiyak na sila, tapos naiyak nalang din ako. Haha. And who could forget the Father-Daughter dance that I shared with my Papa...wait, let me re-phrase that "Father dance - Daughter cry". Hahaha. "#Emotional" talaga ang day na ito. :)

Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

We also had games during the reception: single games for male and female guests, and couples game naman for those na either married na or getting married palang. It was so much fun, and we're glad they enjoyed it too.

Shoe Game for our single male guests
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Saftey pin game naman for our single female guests
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Our "Him" in our Couple's game
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Our "Her" in our Couple's game
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

Our emcee, Babsie Morabe, giving us a taste of our own couple's game
Photo credits: Manny & April Photography

When it was all done, and guests had left, that's when we both realized na hindi kami nakakain. Dishes were served in our table pero wala kami nagalaw dun - I think in my case, I was only able to take a small bite of the baked salmon. Kaya when we got home, at  around 3pm, eh para kaming patay gutom kung kumain. Hahaha! Imagine a no sleep, no meal bride and peg ko kaya ipagpatawad na para kong construction worker kung kumain after the reception. :P

The day was not yet over after that. My parents arranged an after-party sa village namin for our other relatives na di naivite sa main reception. This went on until 10pm ata or so. During this reception, bangag nalang ata ako cause I honestly can't remember a thing that happened. Sorry po, wala talaga kong tulog kahapon. Ayun, after showering, I gave Ron all the gift money we had, and he started to list them all, while I started to fall asleep na pala. Hahaha. When I woke up this morning, I saw his list (accountant talaga si Ron, everything was detailed and noted) at natapos talaga nya. Good job kay hubby! :)

We also received some gifts and kahit wala pa kami bahay sa ngayon, I am excited sa mga gifts nila kasi we won't be needing to buy anything na. Complete na agad ang mga necessities like pans, plates, cups, rice cookers, iron, etc. :)

So so sorry for a very long kwento. It's just that one day, I will look back and I want to read this for me to remember everything that happened in this most special day - Our Wedding Day! :)

PS: Here is our On-Site Video by CGM Studios. Enjoy! :)

Still on a wedding high,

Week to Look Forward To

We're down to our last week before the big day! Wohoooo! :)

I still have the below check list to be done:
- Submit all documents required by the Church
- Schedule final fitting for wedding gown
- Pick up wedding gown, and gowns for everyone
- Buy a reception dress, not for the reception, but for the simple after-party at home
- Finish the guest souvenirs - this one needs to be done real quick!
- Print other statios
- Meet with KTG for our last and final detailing
- Make full payment to our caterer, and confirm set up requested
- Make sure the florist, wedding car, and van for the family had been set
- And other things I could not remember as of now - :P

Above all these, I'm just so excited to be wed!!! :)

Feeling giddily excited,

Licensed to Wed!

Just when I got home, this sweet little paper surprised me and put smiles on may face. :)))

After the roller coaster ride it took us to get this: the cedula that cost me a day's allowance, Ron's cedula experience which was similar to a seesaw, and the seminar certificate that was just too elusive for us, now I am just the happiest at the moment.

Finally, we can say that we are licensed to get married. Wohooo! :)

Loving this day,

Fitting: Succes! :)

I still can't believe it! I sooooo love my gown! :))

Okay, brief background. When this was designed, I loved the design from the start, but was unsure of the fabric and color to be used and keeping in mind the quoted amount was. I tell you, my gown is almost Paul's basic gown price.

But today, WOW! I was star struck! I loved the details, even the color (to which I almost raised an eyebrow when initially mentioned) looked good on me. And may I say, the back and how it looked if I am walking down the aisle - well, speechless! :)) I'll need to make sure the photographer catches one good photo (or even more photos) of this! :))

I can't wait to walk down the aisle wearing that and showing you all the amazing budget friendly gown. ;)

PS: Sorry, no pictures to show... Let's all wait for June! :)

Happiness!

Single with Proof

After requesting our Cenomars last February 19th at SM, we just picked it up today. :)

Actually, I was excited to have them that I called them last week to check, as it would have been a nice monthsary present. But to no avail did I get the certificates.

But.. At least we have them now... Next stop - Marriage license! :))

Officially Single for Now,

120 Day Countdown Begins

At last, we begin our 120 day countdown. :)

I must say, I actually thought I'll be all calm and collected having booked most of our suppliers ahead, even having done with our prenup... yet I actually feel pressured! Haha!

As a control freak that I am, you may understand how this countdown set me in a panic mode. We still need to book the following:

(a) Lights and sounds - to which we already spoke to and pencil booked. Just need to pay the DP and sign the contract.

(b) Entourage gown maker - though we decided not to pay for the entourage gowns, we still need to find one for them for uniformity. This is already pre-set to be my mom's friend, but we still haven't booked her cause I want my mom to tag along so we coudk avail of "friendly" rates. ;)

(c) Wedding Rings - Okay, so we bought a voucher already months ago. However, we decided no to go with it anymore. My Tita has a jeweller friend and we could have ours custom made by them at a much reasonable cost. So we decided to go ahead with this and completely set aside the voucher. Plus, my mom will be paying for these so we are, again, waiting for her to tag along.

(d) Florist - This is pre-set to another friend of my mom, who happened to be the same florist during my debutant's ball. So going with her is also a walk in the park choice. However, since he is a mom's friend, we need her to tag along with us.

(e) Invite drafts and printouts - So we're done with the STD, however I have not yet started anything - not even a dot for our DIY invitations. :| This is the major pressure I have as of now since work had been hectic and demanding of my time even on weekends.

(f) Musicians - We are still yet to find one! We liked SJT Strings, however they are a bit over our budget. So we need to look for others, and book them soon. I wouldn't want you to hear me sing on my own wedding - you might all go home! Haha!

(g) Ron's confirmation - We are needing to have this settled SOON! The thing was, Ron sort of remember that he received the Sacrament of Confirmation, however, he could not remember when or where! So to avoid anymore hassles, we just decided for him to go through it again - to which in my opinion, he needs a "re-confirmation". Hahaha!

So there... I do hope we do get to settle all of these this month of February till March. I just want a detailing schedule by April! Fingers crossed! :)

120 days and counting,

Barongs Checked

Been a couple of weeks since Tine had set a meeting with Mang Rey Casedo to check and discuss our Barong transactions.

I first heard of Mang Rey from our officemate and friend whom had his own wedding Barong made by him. He was highly recommended to say the least. ;)

But since we have not decided yet, whether to shoulder the Barongs for our entourage, we could not move forward. However, having the second meeting with Paul to discuss my Dad's Barong, we knew we could not afford Paul's rate and decided to go back to our original pick - Mang Rey.

So Tine's meeting was just right on time! We agreed to meet him at the early morning of Saturday.... Well, bear with me - 7 am was an early appointment for a supplier meeting. Haha!

We actually came in late, cause I think being sick the night before made me forgot to turn on the alarm. Good thing I woke up earlier than my usual wakep time on Saturdays, but still it was late as it was.

During our commute, Ron and I was actually discussing again the number of barong that we will be availing, and if we will be shouldering them. As such, we decided to shoulder the barongs for some of the entourage as well.

Anyways, when we got there, Tine and Adrin were already finished with their transactions, so we immediately proceeded with our business.

We chose the barong patterns for my Papa and for Ron's uncle, as well as for the entourage that we will be shouldering. It was actually a very fast transaction compared to our other supplier meetings. We were able to book him and pay the needed DP right then and there.

For the actual measurement taking, this will be scheduled in the coming weeks or send him the measurement for those who would not be able to make the appointment.

So there... Another item of our list! :)

Cheers,

Church Finally Booked!

After the suspense of our visit to the Church office last week, today came bearing good news. :)

Right after I woke up, I reminded my Ninang to talk to the Church secretary to try to block off our date and time. Her quick response, was that there were a lot of people since it was a Tuesday - first office day of the week.

After a couple of hours, she sent me an SMS saying, "Ok na yung date nyo". Giddily, but still a bit worried, I asked, "Pati po oras? Tnx po! :)". To which she answered, Yes! Wohooo!!! :))

Finally, the Church is booked, thanks to our little connection.. Haha!

Very excited,

 

Church Madness

New year came, and that means it's January already! :) Excited? Hell yeah! Haha!

Apart from welcoming the New Year, and 2013 itself - wedding year for us, this month we could finally book our CHURCH! :))

 

Or so we thought???

 

Earlier today, we decided to go to the Church's office to inquire and finally book the place. Upon getting there and talking to the secretary, seems our date is too far from now to be booked! Uhmm.. Hello, we're down to 5 months countdown.

 

Anyways... I wasn't going home without any discussion as to why, and no sign that we could be booked. We tried to talk to the lady and told her that we needed the date to be blocked so as to be sure since we are booking other suppliers too. Luckily, she understood. But instead of blocking our date, she gave us an appointment for the canonical interview. She said that, it is only after the interview that she could book our wedding date. Feeling frustrated, we agreed on the date, and filled up the questionnaire she gave us. And left the place.

 

I couldn't help but rant about this to every person at home, especially my mom. Then my mom suggeted to talk to my Ninang (Tita - mom's sister) since she knows people there - which I did!

Now, I am only hopeful that we could have the date and time we want and my Ninang will be able to block it off for us. It is very nerve-wracking to say the least.

 

Also, since we wanted to be sure that we'll be wedd on June 8th, we plan to inquire with our 2 other options and see if we could book any of them.

 

So far, this is the most stressful detail since this is where it will all start and we can't even put a check mark next to it. :(

Still feeling hopeful,

 

DIY # 3: Bead Works

Finally it's done! :)

It's been weeks since we bought these beads from Quiapo, and after a few nights of doing them one segment at a time, it was only last night did I get the chance to finally finish. :)

Here are a few steps into making them:

(1) Lay out the beads and bead caps according to the design you have in mind.

Arrange your beads and bead caps

(2) Place each bead and bead caps into an eye pin according to your design.

Start placing your first set of beads

(3) Place another eye pin for the next set of beads.

Be ready for the next set

(4) Create a loop to close the pin and secure the beads in place. If the pin is too long to create a loop, carefully cut it to create just the right length.

Close them tight!

(5) Holding your second eye pin, place the next set of beads same as process (2), and repeat the same process (3) and (4).

After a few hours, or nights like me, you will have your own wedding cord done! :)

So, here are our wedding pillow charms (to be sewn into each pillows) and our wedding cord.

Wedding pillow charms

Our Yin-and-Yang Inspired Rosary Wedding Cord

Note: Pillow charms are still missing a few dangling charms, and wedding cord is still missing our initials. But nonetheless, I am happy to have finished them - partially! :)

Easy process, right?! :) Note to first timers, like myself: Your hands and fingers will hurt and that's normal! It's part of the whole experience. No pain, no gain, right?! Haha! :)

Proud to accomplish,

Looking Back - DIY # 2: Photobook Album

Back in August, I decided to purchase 3 vouchers from an online store, Ensogo, to redeem Photobook albums that I intend to use for the wedding. Initially, I thought to use this for the following photos to be compiled into an album:

(1) Our Love Story - something that I figured could be my gift to my future husband. And since I used to make scrap books of sorts, I figured this could show him another side of myself.

(2) Our Prenuptial Photo Shoot - Since the prenup album will serve as our Guestbook, I figured this could be a way to have a prenup album without the writings of other people - just a clean photo album.

(3) Our Wedding Album - Since the wedding album that we'll be having will only contain the photos from our official photographer, I figured this to be a way to capture and collect our favorite photos that would be coming from unexpected people and guests. 'Cause let's face it, not all unforgettable moment will be captured by our official ones, and maybe a simple funny photo from a friend will capture the essence of one moment in our wedding.

Unfortunately, like all promos and offers, the vouchers have expiration period and it will end prior to our wedding. So before I purchased the other 2 vouchers, I knew change of plan was necessary. To my surprise, I thought of the most wonderful way to make use of the other 2 vouchers I plan to buy. Before I changed my mind, I hit the "Buy" button, and smiled to my excitement.

Now, to what purpose will I use the other two, right? It will be our "honoring gifts" to my parents and to Ron's sister and her husband. I figured that since they are the people that matters to us most, I would love for them to feel the same amount of love as we feel for each other during our wedding day. I hope that when they receive these albums of their own "Love Stories", that they will have their own feeling of being loved and lucky to have found someone - the same way we do. :)

Now... Having all these planned out, I started to do the first project lined up - Our Love Story. And due to our busy work schedules, and the demand of the upcoming wedding, I only get to do this during my spare time, or my me-time. :) Needless to say, it's been months already since I started doing this, and only now have I actually finished ours. And I promise to make no more revisions to this. Haha!

Sneak Peek of our Love Story Photobook

Next will be the other two "projects" that I'll be needing to finish before my vouchers expire... Crunch time - I know! Let's just hope that I could work on this secretly, without the two couples knowing. Hehehe!

Cheers!

Tuesday Shopping: Quiapo and Divisoria in One Day

Despite our busy work schedules, I was able to convince Ron to take a leave today and go to Quiapo for a quick shopping for materials for our wedding cord. As you may have read, we now decided to have this DIY-ed instead to capture the idea I had in mind and to save a few pesos.

Another item adding to the list of things we needed to buy is our souvenir material since this is a semi-DIY - but for this one, we knew we needed to go to Divisoria instead.

Now, itinerary for the day: Morning in Quiapo and after lunch in Divisoria. Fingers crossed, we hoped it wouldn't rain as there was an incoming typhoon.

Getting to Quiapo, we were able to catch the 10.00 mass then headed to Jollibee for a quick snack. After which, we headed straight to Wellmanson and wasted no time looking for the materials we needed. I spent an hour or so inside the store as I carefully looked through each materials, and I think Ron was getting impatient as it took me more than 10 minutes to choose a bead cap. Well, I had to choose carefully! Hihihi.

All the beads I bought... I can do this! Aja! :)

Right after Wellmanson, we went straight to Divisoria as it started to drizzle - I was so worried that it'll rain more towards the afternoon.

Arriving at Divisoria, we scoured the entire street and had no luck finding the one we needed for the souvenirs. Feeling hopeless and starting to get wet due to the rain, we decided to have a late lunch. We did not realize that it already took us a couple of hours roaming around Divisoria, and it was only after eating we felt really tired and feet aching. After a bit of rest, it was time to go home - but we'll be sure to go back, hopefully during a better weather. :)

At the end of today, I'm just happy that my mood was not dampened by the weather, nor the fact that we did not find any materials for our souvenirs, as I am really excited to start with our DIY wedding cord, and others. :)

As always, I'll keep you posted on its progress.

Cheers,

I Have THE DRESS! :)

It's been months since I first started emailing the only designer I had in mind - Paul Rex Mateo for my wedding gown designs. He made my Senior Prom Dress and my Debutant's Ball Gown, both of which I really loved! So of course, choosing him was a no brainer. :)

But as any bride-to-be, I also scouted for other options, though I never had any meet ups with other designers, I was able to check others' works and rates. In the end of every inquiry, I somehow feel that Paul wins over the others - by design, workmanship or rates. Hehe.

Today, we were able to set an appointment with him even with his busy schedule. By the time we got to his shop, there was a bride-to-be fitting her gown and it was really pretty! I hope she won't mind that I had this photo attached to my blog, as it gave me a first-hand preview of what a wedding gown from Paul would be like. Also, honestly, I was so envious of how thin she is! Haha! Wish I could be like that in 6 months time - fingers and toes crossed. Haha! Looking at her fitting her gown and seeing how happy she is and how excited she is - I imagined myself in her shoes, and felt really really excited - super!

One of Paul's many creations

Right after they left, Paul and I started discussing my wedding pegs. He showed me a couple of designs he had sketched which were lovely, and both had its own ups and downs for my taste.

The first one is a v-neck haltered top, and the second one is a tube top with a bolero, both of which I liked, but somehow did not suite my wedding gown preference because I'm not comfortable to wear such necklines. I feel a bit short on the "upper" area, so I may not be able to do it justice.

First sketch

Second sketch

The third sketch he made was the one I fell in love with. It is simple and has the neckline that I wanted, and would feel comfortable wearing which was important since I did not ask for a second gown/look design. I'm really excited to discuss swatches for this, attend to the fittings (if my mom would allow), and of course, wear THE DRESS! But for now, all I can do is look at the photo of the sketch and dream away.. Hehe.. Oh, but sorry folks, I won't be showing this yet, and will keep this a surprise. So you'll have to patiently wait with me. ;)

PS: My mom had hers sketched and we had already picked swatches for her. My dad was also able to have his measurements taken and choose the design for his barong suit. Next in line will be fiance's side. :)

Eight Supplier Booked: The Wedding Day by Paul Rex Mateo

Happy bride-to-be,

Bridal Accessories Quest

It's been weeks since the end of the W@W auction, and just recently found out that we will have to pay an additional amount for a complete set of bridal accessories from my wedding gown designer. The amount is not really minimal since the included items will only be the two pillows, second veil, cord, pouch, garter and head piece.

Unfortunately, I did not bid for an item in the auction with the same amount since I initially assumed these to be included in the wedding gown package. I could have gone these at a cheaper rate. However, I did not. So advise to future W@Wies, please check all items you'll need prior to auction time, and be able grab such opportunity. ;)

Thus, the past weeks we've been searching the net and all other resources for suppliers to have these provided, complete with candles and Bible to match that, within our budget. We were able to narrow these to two suppliers. And of course emails are now being exchanged to have a feel as well of how they entertain our inquiries.

Also, I have toyed with the idea as well of doing things ourselves, but keeps setting this idea aside as I'm not sure I have the time to do these. Hehe.

As of today, we are still undecided, except for one item - wedding cord. So maybe, this one we could do and the rest we'll order, but we'll need to confirm first with the designer if we could bargain the bridal accessories. Hihi.

Our First Wedding Present

Today we received our first ever wedding present, and it came from one of my closest friends - Tine. She is a bride-to-be herself, and was actually engaged ahead of me to her long time boyfriend - loverboy as we fondly refer to him (Peace, Adrin! :P). However, due to my fiance being older than us, you may have guessed already that I will be walking down the aisle before her.

Nonetheless, she had already started on their wedding preps, and that includes her DIYs. Her first, if not mistaken, is their wedding cord. After finishing this, she excitedly showed this to me, and I loved how beautifully crafted it was. Then to my surprise, she offered to do ours. Unfortunately I wasn't sure if our families would allow this and so I suggested a pair of rosaries instead. :)

And now, I present to you our pair of lovingly crafted rosaries... :)

Tine's Wedding Present: Wedding Rosaries

Very grateful,

W@W Auction: An Experience I'll Never Forget

So it's time for the yearly W@W Auction. Since this is my first year as a W@Wie, this is also the first and only auction I have the privilege of joining prior to our wedding. So you may assume I was really excited about this, which by the way - I WAS! :)

A week before the auction opened, Ms. Benz (co-founder of W@W) sent us a list of the items being auctioned. Immediately, I searched the list and took note of the ones I'm willing to bid on. Naturally, I checked our ever growing list of wedding expenses, but nonetheless, I decided to join. Haha! :))

The week of the auction was thrilling to say the least! And I had only placed bids to the ones I really wanted, and kept checking if I was already outbid or not. Came Saturday, the last night of auction, and the game was getting serious. By the time my first 2 bids were about to close, I lost both items. Sad, but I kept on fighting for my last item - which was to end at 7am the following day. A couple of hours before I decided to sleep, I was actually outbid. So immediately, I asked Ron if I could raise my bid and help me get some sleep. Good thing he said yes! :)

Come Sunday morning, I was up really early - earlier than my alarm clock that was set at 6am. Yes, this is how addicted I was! No movements were being done. No one is bidding for my last item, but I was praying really hard to get it. But alas! 2 minutes before the close, someone outbid me! And so, without Ron's approval, I bid and bid till my limit was exhausted and I had no choice but to fold and accept defeat. Needless to say, it was a sad morning. But as any game I had played, it was fun and very challenging I may add - you'll need to know how far you could go with your budget! Haha!

At the end of the auction, I did lost all 3 items, but kept a smile and learned that I could actually discipline myself at some point. Hahaha!

To my surprise, Ms. Benz announced a fast and furious round 2 for everyone that night! So, of course, I did join again and tried my luck. I proxy-bid my entire budget for each item and hoped that I'll get it a lower bid. Fingers crossed! :)

Two days of pure anticipation as I did bid for another 3 items, 2 of which were the same as the 1st round, and the 3rd item being one that I really wanted. Come this day, I was at work with a lot of reports to do, that I knew I had to strategically plan my time as all of it will close while I was working. Good thing as well, that I had proxy-bid all of them. But I did made use of Ron's spare time, as I had asked him to carefully watch the items I had place a bid on. So come judgment time, I did won the first 2 items - the Silver Unity Coins and the Php 3000 GC from Hearts & Bells. The 3rd item was very tricky, and I was scared to lose it. So I tried to finish my report, but unfortunately, I wasn't finished yet when Ron said I was already outbid. So, I knew I needed to set aside something, and checked it myself. 10 minutes before closing time, I asked Ron for approval and how much more I could bid - and when he gave the approval... you may have guessed already, I did placed my bid 5 minutes before it closed! And voila, I won Purple Dish's Dessert Bar Buffet for 150 guests! :))

Silver Unity Coins

Php 3, 000 Hearts & Bells Gift Certificate

Purple Dish for our Dessert Bar

By the end of the 2nd round, I won all 3 items and felt really really happy and excited!

Again, thank you to Ms. Benz and Sir Abet for creating W@W! This is really an unforgettable place to be - maybe virtual at most times, but definitely a family in support of one another. Being a part of it is really an unforgettable experience on its own - with the likes of this auction and the upcoming xmas party as cherries on top! ;)


Very grateful,