A Gathering of Two Families

At last, the Pamamanhikan is done. According to tradition, the Pamamanhikan is done to announce the engagement of the couple and for the Groom to formally ask for the Bride’s hand in marriage.

Initially, we set the date of the Pamamanhikan on Christmas of this year, but coming from a traditional family, we’re told that we’re not suppose to be making arrangements for the wedding until it is done. So, months after the engagement, we realized that we’d want to do it sooner if we wanted to start booking suppliers at a lower rate, and make other necessary arrangements, and to have ample time to research for back-up suppliers. So instead of having it this Christmas, we set it on a Sunday, July 22nd 2012. Thus, it was more of a strategic move to do it earlier.

We had no idea what happens during the formalities, though we’ve attended some. So the only question we had in mind was – What food will Ron and his family bring to the said event? Period. That is all that we thought of. And since we had the date set next year, June 8th 2013, we figured everything will go on fine. As an engaged couple, we’ve discussed places, people, and other things for the upcoming wedding. But I guess nothing prepares you, for the formalities. Emotionally.

Days before Sunday, there was a typhoon, so Ron and I were not able to discuss some details alone. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck for some reason. I had butterflies in my stomach, and kept checking our checklist, so we know what to answer their questions, if there were any. My control freak alter-ego was surfacing, and I hoped that everything will go on just fine.

Then comes Sunday. Everyone came for the formalities; from Ron’s side of the family, and from mine. We had lunch first before we discussed the wedding. When Ron came with his side of the family, and brought the food to be shared, we immediately thought twice whether the food would be enough for all. So, we asked someone to buy additional roasted chicken just in case.

Ron still calm, unlike me! Haha! :)

Food for everyone - the roasted chicken hasn't arrived yet.

Lunch time!!!

Smiling the nerves away ;)

Ayiiiiii.. it's our engagement party today! Wohoooo!!!

During the discussions, Ron formally asked my Papa for my hand in marriage in front of both families – I actually felt like a little girl again, sitting next to my Papa. Emotional as I was, tears were about to fall when my Papa responded to Ron with, “Sa akin naman ay pumapayag ako. Malalaki na naman kayo. Pero isa lang ang hihilingin ko sa iyo… Huwag na huwag mong sasaktan ang anak ko.” To which Ron responded, “Opo.” I was trying hard to hold back the tears and good thing I was able to, though I’ll probably won’t be able to do the same on our wedding day. Haha!

Holding back the tears... so much like a little girl.

Ooohhh... people are serious naaaa!

Ron and his side of the family

From there, everything just flowed lightly. The date was finally set – Formally set. A lot of questions were asked like where will the ceremony will take place, where will the reception be, and a lot of other details. Even the question about where we’ll have the honeymoon. Suggestions were also being brought to the table for us. It felt surreal – Like this is it! We’re getting married and we have the blessings of both families. It was truly a blissful feeling for us – it made us, especially me, realize that we are not alone in the preparations though we plan to shoulder everything.

At the end of the day, it was tiring, but it was definitely fun. I felt relieved as well knowing that both families are in agreement of the upcoming wedding, and no objections were raised. I was a very happy girl! ;))

Tired, but definitely happy! :D

 So now… the wedding plans begin.

Cheers!

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 Booking: Deal or No Deal???

Okay. So we're engaged, and we just celebrated our First Anniversary yesterday. We haven't actually moved on from the bliss of the first year celebration and its cheesyness, but we're now going into full speed and focus for the upcoming wedding.

Automatically, I signed us up for different bridal fairs that will be held within the year, and first quarter of next year. After which, I quickly jumped into looking for photographers and videographers as they will definitely be one of the major suppliers and buys that we need to decide on. For weeks, I was able to research and choose a few photo/video suppliers that I thought would fit our budget, and our needs.

With us signed up for the Bridal Fair, and with only the Photo/Video Supplier in our checklist (aside from a little window shopping for other wedding essentials), we went to NBC Tent in hope to book one of the suppliers in my list - I wouldn't mention who it was anymore. Upon arriving at the venue, which by the way we were really at exactly 10 am, we immediately looked for that supplier's booth, and asked questions after questions. Since, the price was a bit high for us, we proceeded to the next one on our list, and so on.

First timers attending Bridal Fairs - and we're labeled as GUESTS! ;)

Until, while we were just going around the place, a certain gentleman, sales-talked his way into my attention, and I started paying attention to the package details and its price range. CGM Studios was the name of the supplier. I haven;t researched anything about them, so I was a bit hesiatant to pay attention, and after the much talk, I immediately walked after Ron and asked if we could go for lunch already to discuss all the offerings we heard. And during lunch that I realized that all the while I was listening to the gentleman offering their photo/video packages, he was looking into other suppliers in the venue. So I then discussed what I remember from the sales-talk and realized that their package fits our budget, and the needs as well.

So, right after lunch, we went back to NBC Tent, and he discussed a few items with CGM and looked over their albums and on-site which was available for viewing at the event. Ron was immediately convinced by them, but I was having second thoughts since I never heard of them, and because I wanted the other photo/video supplier.

We went outside for a while, and after a needed pros and cons discussion, Ron's pick won the debate. We then went back inside and instantly book them for our wedding. It was such a good feeling though I was really anxious having known nothing about them (I know, I'm a bit of a control-freak). It was truly a high to book a supplier for an event that we are really excited about! :)

So there. Coming out of the NBC Tent for the nth time, we now have a Photo/Video supplier - CGM Studios. :))

First Supplier Booked: CGM Studios

Cheers!

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,