Post Valentine kilig-moment with h2b!

(h2b – short for husband-to-be; popularly used by w@wies)

Ryan and I spent Valentines Day having dinner with his family in Heaven and Eggs in Eastwood City. No date. No teddy bears. And NO flowers (kahit na may nadadaanan na kameng nagtitinda ng flowers…hindi pa rin ako binilihan).

February 24, 2010. It’s his day off. He knew that I’m already irritated and stressed because of the measurement taking of my entourage. We are already quarreling a bit over text messages and I stopped replying ‘cause medyo naiirita na ako. Then he sent a text message saying “Anong oras ang last full show?” I answered, “Ng ano?” He replied “Yung gusto mong panoorin”

My face instantly lit up and I smiled because I was making kulit and lambing to him about two to three weeks ago about the movie of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. I know he finds the movie corny and it’s not his type of movie kaya he said “Bahala na” so I’d stop sa pangungulit. And there he was, asking me of schedule of the movie. So I immediately opened clickthecity.com and search for the viewing schedule of Miss You Like Crazy. We agreed to watch the schedule before the last full show in Sta Lucia para mas malapit sa bahay namen.

Excited about the movie date, I left my office early. But to my dismay, WALANG FX!!! Arrrggg…

They’ve closed a section of EDSA for the People Power celebration. All traffic was diverted to C5 road which resulted to a MAJOR traffic jam in all areas. Making it hard for the FX and other transportation means to return to Ayala. I’m already frustrated and so was he. Hindi na ako abot dun sa showing. I asked him if we could change venue. Eastwood City na lang. Even though he’s already in a bad mood since nasira ung original plan and hesitant to go to Eastwood, he gave in to my request.

I managed to arrive in Eastwood 30 minutes before the last full show schedule. Muntik pa kameng hindi makakuha ng seats that is seated beside each other. Buti na lang while at the ticket counter, a guy approached the counter asking to have their reservations and tickets cancelled and let us have their seats. Yey! Finally something good happened! We had a short snack before the movie starts. Hayyy sa wakas…We’re still able to watch the movie.

We went to Starbucks after the movie kahit past 1 AM na yun and I still have work in the morning. I enjoyed my coffee jelly while he enjoys his strawberries and cream. We took the cab going home. I was so sleepy then, that I leaned on his shoulders and he put his arms around me. Siguro he thought that I am already sleeping, kaya he whispered “Ilang months na lang…konting tiis na lang…” and kissed me in the forehead. I secretly smiled and kinilig deep within. =)

My OTD to the rescue…

Tita Marivic of Bridal Fantasy already pencil booked us with Kuya Elmer of RejectKrew. We just needed to meet and confirm the booking. Ryan’s friends promised to play on our wedding reception, as they have a band. This means that we have to have a full band setup for the sounds. I contacted RejectKrew about it and let him know about. Bad news, his full band setup has already been booked. OH NO! Ryan would definitely be disappointed and frustrated if he learns about it. Immediately, I contacted Tita Marivic and told her about the problem. She said she’ll try to contact one of their lights and sounds suppliers. I said okay. But then again being a sigurista that I am, I tried to contact 3 lights and sounds suppliers but to no avail, not even one replied (ang saya di ba). This stressed me even more. Two days after, Tita Marivic told me if we have time to meet with one of their trusted lights and sound suppliers. We said okay and agreed on the date and time of the meeting. January 29, 2010, we met with Ate Alice of Soundscape and she gave us a very good deal for all of our requirements. Problem solved! We have now have a lights & sounds supplier.


We have another problem. We still don’t have a florist. I’ve already inquired with about 6 or 7 florist but either I don’t like the way they do their flower arrangements or they have given us quotes that are way beyond our budget. Tita Marivic introduced us to Kuya Romy Tangcangco of 1970 event stylist. He gave us reasonable quotes that are within our budget and he gave in to every request we made especially for the church arrangement and for the reception. We already had two meetings with him, and in both meetings we usually laugh a lot. Palabiro kasi si Kuya Romy, he can even make Ryan laugh. We actually joked that he should be in front of Ryan during our photo ops so that Ryan can smile and laugh if needed. Two problems solved. Thanks to Tita Marivic.


Another problem pa pala. I don’t have anyone to sing my bridal march and we were thinking that even though Ryan’s friends promised to play at our wedding, kawawa naman sila if they would not get to enjoy our wedding since they’ll be the entertainment. And the solution is… Stradavarius. Tita Marivic introduced us to Kuya Jojo, owner of Stradavarius. We like how he deals with clients. Mabait and madaling kausap. He knows to crack a joke every once in a while. Plus he knew my bridal march! Yey!


There all three problems resolved and the best part of the solution is that I don’t need to personally follow up much on each of my new suppliers. I can just follow up through our coordinator and she’ll do the rest. =)

Choosing and booking the suppliers Part 2

Bridal Fantasy

They were the coordinators of my friend’s wedding. They’re really not in my list before since during my friend’s wedding they didn’t cared much about the guest and focuses only on the bride & groom. I checked a number of wedding planners and their rate are the lowest so I thought why not give them a try, since they really did a great job in taking care of my friend and his husband on their wedding.

We met with them last December 6, 2009 and instantly we clicked. They were easy to talk to and they really cared about their couples. I talked with about the issues on how they will handle the guest and they said they could easily adjust with that. I’ve asked a number of question and both Ryan and I are happy with their answer. They have been a great help to us so far and Ryan said at one point that we’re already lucky that we got them as our OTD.

Niceprint

I love their shots and Ryan loved their fiberglass album =)

We checked a number of photo and video suppliers (met with a few as well) and they were the one who gave us really good price with everything that we want in it. I know mixed reviews sila sa mga forums that I am a member of, but just have to believe in your suppliers.

Choosing and booking the suppliers Part 1

Christ the King, Greenmeadows

I was eyeing on a number of church since all of it can give me the dramatic grand entrance that I want. I loved the Hispanic look of Nuestra Senora de Gracia and Santuario de San Agustin, the grand aura of Santuario de San Antonio and Manila Cathedral. As for him he only mentioned of two churches. Christ the King and Binondo Church. He liked Binondo Church since it is where his parents got married, but its too far and no parking lot available that we crossed it out of the list.

November 28, 2009, we went scouting for our church. Our first stop is Christ the King in Greenmeadows. It’s not really the church of my choice but when I entered the church I liked the ambiance of the church and I liked the set-up done by the florist for the afternoon wedding. For him, it’s because its location is convenient to most of our guest, not too big but not too small, PLUS it’s fully airconditioned.

Hizon’s Catering

Hizon’s has been my top choice already since for most functions I’ve been to that had them as the caterer, the foods were really delicious. So I asked Ryan if he would like to go to a Grand food tasting of Hizon’s held last Nov 29, 2009 at the Blue Leaf Pavillion. We tried all courses there is to taste and Ryan just loved the cheesy lasagna and the chicken teriyaki. Our AE also gave us a number of freebies that we booked at once. It’s a bit of compulsive but we simply just love their food. Added fun to this food tasting is that we get to have our photos taken in a photobooth. See the pics below.

...sira ung last shot...sayang...

La Huerta Estate

I’ve learned about La Huerta on another forum. I instantly fell in love with the place when I saw the pictures online. But I still presented to him a number of options for our reception; Glass Garden – too pricey for us, Sitio Elena – hmmm…not really our type, Clubhouses in neighboring subdivisions – we don’t anyone who could sponsors us (At this time kasi clueless pa ako about “sponsoring”. May way to go about it pala). November 30, 2009, we went to La Huerta Estate Antipolo. Upon entering the estate, I had a different feel already. The plants are all green, the place is big, it gives a homey feeling, the cool wind breeze, the view is great and the sunset…is just awesome. He searched looked on every corner of the place, even checked the restrooms. He started figuring out where to place the band and the guests. Then I asked him, “Ano ok ba?” He said “Maganda. Gusto ko din dito” I asked if we should book it. He said YES.

So there, in 3 days we were able to book our church, our caterer and our reception venue. Para kameng nagmarathon.

And the wedding preps begins… (Choosing the date)

At first, I thought we will have the wedding by 2011 since we still have to wait until his youngest sister to graduate from college before we could start preparing. One time, while having snacks in Wendy’s, he asked me if the couturier that made my sister-in-law’s wedding gown would also be doing my gown. I said, “Siguro…” Then he said we should start planning and looking for suppliers na. I was shocked and happy kasi I didn’t expected that he’ll take the initiative to start planning. I asked him when he would want to get married. December daw….Ok….What date in December? I gave him random dates in December, and December 22, 2010 is one of them. After a week or so, he just said “December 22 na lang tayo magpakasal”. I ask him why. Basta lang daw. Ok daw kasi yung date since its near Christmas vacation and we already have gotten our bonuses by then. I’m not so convinced on the date since I’m eyeing on Dec 20, 2010.

One day, my friend and I went to Quiapo to get quotations for invitations since I am drafting our budget. We also had a chance to visit a Feng Shui master so I can consult them for an auspicious date for our wedding. The Feng Shui master told us, that Dec 11 and Dec 25 are the lucky dates for us. I asked if Dec 20 is ok. He automatically said NO. Then I asked how about Dec 22, he said that although it is not the luckier date for us, it is still the favorable date for us. (ok..talo ung Dec 20 ko). He also told me and my friend that we should avoid the color violet or purple ‘cause it will bring bad luck to us. So for my guests no color shades of violet please. Sorry Mai, I know you love purple. =)

 A week after my Quiapo escapade, Ryan and I went to scout for a church. His top choice, Christ the King in Greenmeadows. We asked the parish officer, Ms Lily, for the dates that are still available. Dec 11, and all the weekend dates for 2010, are already booked. I asked for Dec 20 (hindi ko pa rin gini-give up ung Dec 20 ehehehe) Booked na din! We asked for Dec 22. It’s still available and all time slots are still free. Its one of the few remaining dates of December that still have available slots (Para talagang sinadya na Dec 22 lang choice namen). We contemplated for a few moments if we will book the date or not. Finally he said, “Sige na. I-book na naten.”

So there, the date has been chosen....

DECEMBER 22, 2010, in front of all of our families and friends, we will be saying our I DOs. =)

A trip to Coron

Just two weeks after the typhoon Ondoy, Ryan and I, together with four of our friends, went to Coron, Palawan. I was a bit hesitant in pushing through with the plans because of the recent typhoon, but with the plane tickets and reservations already paid, I just said “Go na. Bahala na si batman.”


Day 1 – The adventure begins

Left the Manila International Airport at 9:45 AM and landed in Busuanga International Airport at 10:45 AM. It was a bit of a long drive going to the town of Coron but the scenery along the way is just plain beautiful that you won’t mind seating in the van for a 45 min drive. We arrived at Mt Tapyas Hotel a few minutes before 12 noon. Since we no longer have time to go island hopping, we opted to tour the town, going up the 724 steps of Mt. Tapyas (super nakakapagod to and masakit sa tuhod to promise) and taking a dip in the Maquinit Hotsprings ( the only salt water hotspring I’ve been to)

...Town Tour....Coron Day 1...

Day 2 – Enjoying the sea and the rain


I thought day 2 wouldn’t be as tiring as day 1. But I was dead wrong about it. Our first stop…Siete Picados. We enjoyed snorkeling and fooling around with a bit of a drizzle of rain. Went to another stop (which I have forgotten the name) before going to Cayangan Lake. This lake is just awesome and so peaceful but getting here is a bit of a challenge. We have to go up and down through uneven make-shift steps to reach this place. The drizzling rain added extra challenge in climbing and going down as the steps are slippery (Another reason para sumakit ang mga binti namen =) ) After the trip to Cayangan lake, we went to 91 beach to have lunch and enjoy snorkeling by the beach then off to the sunken ship spots (snorkeling within this area gives me the creeps as I can imagine ghostly figures coming out of those old and beaten WWII ships…hahahaha…adik lang). Our last stop was the twin lagoon, where we enjoyed viewing the rock formation while all six of us are riding a bamboo raft being maneuvered by our guide.

...fun in the sea..Coron day 2...

Day 3 – a less tiring day

By this time super sakit na ng leg muscles ko because of the activities from the last two days. I even put salonpas strips on my lower legs to ease the pain. But it’s not only me who’s legs are aching from the previous activities. Pati si Ryan. He can barely lift his legs when getting in to the van (my poor baby). Another challenge was presented before us in getting to the dock where the boat was waiting to bring us to the Calauit Island Reserve. The steps were not steep and but it was all muddy and slippery that you have to use all of your leg muscles to balance your way down and up (Super kawawa yung baby ko kasi among all of us sya yung pinakamasakit na ung mga binti). After a few more minutes, we reached the Calauit Island reserve, fed the giraffes, seen some zebras up close, took some funny shots, joked around and played around. After which, we went back to the hotel and went to the town to buy some souvenirs for our families and friends back home.

...in the wild...Coron Day 3 (kita nyo ung salonpas sa binti ko and friend kong naninira ng nature..hehehe..)

Last Dinner at Coron – a pleasant suprise

After the trip to Calauit, we had a short rest at the hotel and then I schemed with my friends, Jojo and Froi, to have a surprise cake prepared for us during dinner. It was our 3rd year anniversary. Little did I know that he was also scheming with Jigs for a surprise for me, using Ces’ birthday as an excuse (coincidentally it’s also Ces birthday). Come dinner time, we had a full meal and enjoyed each course in the meal. Then Ryan asked if we wanted some dessert, then came a

waiter with three bowls of chocolate ice cream. I signaled my friend to queue the waiter to bring out the cake we prepared for our anniversary. We blew our anniversary cake and time to eat my ice cream. = ) It was only then when I noticed the ring on top of one of the ice cream bowl. (Kaya pala nung parang mali ang kinuha ko ino-offer nya agad sa iba ung kinuha ko kasi wala dun yung ring. I was just too busy signaling my friend to have the cake brought out kaya hindi ko napansin agad). I didn’t know how to react. I was happy of course and kilig pero it is not a romantic proposal. It’s a funny one actually kasi when he’s about to kneel he stopped and cursed ‘cause his legs are really killing the hell out of him. =) and while popping the question he had his hands on my shoulder and rocking me back and forth. Parang “kinukuyog” ung dating. He was so nervous then siguro that he did not notice that he’s actually doing it. Until now he’s denying that he did it that way. Hahahaha… I said YES of course (kahit na “kinukuyog” nya ako while proposing…ehehehe) and so on October 15, 2010, we became engaged. The realization that I am already engaged didn’t sink in to me until the next day after, it was only then that I realized that I will soon be MRS. RYAN PAUL HUNG. =)

...I am now soon to be MRS. RYAN PAUL HUNG...(kita nyo ung ring sa ice cream???)..

The story of us (bride-to-be talking)

Ryan and I met through our common friend. We met in Agnes Café in Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, where they usually hang out. My first impression??? “May dating sya and cute naman…kaya lang ang lakas mang-asar” . We were literally teasing and kidding each other on our first meeting. Our common friend and I were able to persuade him to go on-leave from his work and just watch a movie with us. We watched a cartoon film, Over the Hedge. After the movie, he started teasing me that I looked like “Stella” (one of the characters from the movie) because of her bangs and when she raises her eyebrows. I had bangs back then kasi, and I have a mannerism of raising my eyebrow. Of course, I would not stay still and not fight back with him calling me “Stella”. I started calling him “butiking-pasay” kasi he was so thin back then. But then I changed it to “iguana”, just can’t remember my reason in calling him that. =) From “iguana”, I came up with his petname, “Iggy”. So there, “Stella & Iggy” were born. (His name used to be registered as Iggy on my mobile phone when we’re not yet a couple.)

I know my friend likes him since they were in college, but I didn’t know he liked me the first time we met. And every time he and my friend would meet, he would ask me to tag along. Until one time, I noticed our common friend started acting a bit nasty towards me, yun pala he asked her if she would allow him to court me since she’s my friend. It caused conflict among us. Up to the point where my friend started ignoring me. She felt hurt and betrayed which I understand naman. But little by little naayos din naman. So after all the dramas between the three of us, we finally became a couple. Ryan & Apple was finally an item. = )

...some memories of us a couple...

....boracay galore...

...bohol adventure..

Meet the couple

Full Name: Ryan Paul Hung a.k.a “Rye”
Role in this wedding: THE GROOM


Facts:
- second in the sibling of three
- loves computer games (sort of addicted to it)
- loves rubber shoes and baggy clothes
- suplado
- malakas mang-asar (his friends can attest to this)
- a loyal friend
- a nice boyfriend
- sweet?? In his own ways (ehehehe…love you baby)




Fullname: Lovely Anabo a.k.a “Apple”
Role in this wedding: THE BRIDE


Facts:
- youngest in the sibling of three
- addicted to shoes and asian novelas
- loves make up and fashion
- no household chores skills
- sort of suplada and may katarayang taglay
- makulit and madaldal
- a sweet girlfriend

I now have a wedding blog site!

This would be my very first post. After being bugged by my good friend to make wedding site, I finally managed to create this wedding blogsite (with the help na rin of my makulit na friend). Hmmmm….why “thelovelybride”? Actually, my friend created this blog for me. Toying with my legal name, this blog site was born. But then again, I think it’s also because all brides are at their “loveliest” during their wedding day. I am now officially a blogging bride. =) Goodluck with me blogging.