I have tried to put together some of our photos, taken from our first year as a couple, from our first valentine and those taken more recently. This is for our family and friends who have not seen us together as a couple yet. This is us, together.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Our Venue: The Blue Gardens
JP and I both wanted an outdoor, intimate wedding.
Actually, we both want a beach wedding, but having one would not be ideal and practical given our present financial situation. Having an out-of-town wedding would mean I would have to shoulder additional rates usually charged by Manila-based suppliers or getting a wedding planner who would direct me to the best suppliers from our chosen location and do the coordination for me. It would also require us to shoulder the overnight accommodations for my guests. Given these, we are opting for a garden wedding here in Manila instead. Maybe we will just go to the beach for one of our engagement pictorial sessions to somehow fulfill that dream of having our photos taken by the seashore at sunset.
Address & Contact Information
28 Samonte Street via Zuzuaregui Road,
Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City
Telephone: (632) 430 5982
Email: bluegardens@gmail.com
Website: http://thebluegardens.blogspot.com
Map & How to Get There
If you are coming from PHILCOA or UP Diliman, follow these directions:
Here is the map to the venue. Click on the photo below to zoom in closer.
Actually, we both want a beach wedding, but having one would not be ideal and practical given our present financial situation. Having an out-of-town wedding would mean I would have to shoulder additional rates usually charged by Manila-based suppliers or getting a wedding planner who would direct me to the best suppliers from our chosen location and do the coordination for me. It would also require us to shoulder the overnight accommodations for my guests. Given these, we are opting for a garden wedding here in Manila instead. Maybe we will just go to the beach for one of our engagement pictorial sessions to somehow fulfill that dream of having our photos taken by the seashore at sunset.
I have considered a few options such as Fernwood, the Glass Garden and Gazebo Royale, but in the end chose The Blue Gardens as our ceremony and reception venue. I feel quite drawn to some of Blue Gardens' features such as the stone wall entrance gate, wedding arch and cobblestone path. I also thought their worry-free package suits our budget best and includes so many little necessities that will help greatly reduce the stress in preparing for the wedding day.
...various photos taken at The Blue Gardens...
Address & Contact Information
28 Samonte Street via Zuzuaregui Road,
Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City
Telephone: (632) 430 5982
Email: bluegardens@gmail.com
Website: http://thebluegardens.blogspot.com
Map & How to Get There
If you are coming from PHILCOA or UP Diliman, follow these directions:
- Drive along Commonwealth Avenue, going to Fairview / Batasan.
- Make a U-turn at the U-Turn slot after Ever Gotesco (before St. Peter's Cathedral)
- Drive along Commonwealth Avenue, and gradually veer to the right side of the road.
- Drive past the Don Antonio Heights, Shell, Caltex Gasoline Station, and the JOCFER Building (which houses GCF North) .
- Turn right after JOCFER Building at Zuzuaregui Road.
- Drive along Zuzuaregui until you reach the dead end and turn left at Samonte Street.
- Blue Gardens Venue is the first structure at the left side of the street.
Here is the map to the venue. Click on the photo below to zoom in closer.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Bridal Fairs
Weddings & Beyond: The Wedding & Debut Expo, 12th edition
Venue: NBC Tent, The Fort, Global City Taguig
Dates: May 5-6, 2012
Organizer: Weddings & Beyond
Before I do: 11th Weddings and Debuts Fair
Venue: Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall
Dates: May 26-27, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
How I Met My H2B
The story of how JP and I met was actually very interesting. It was at the Avanade office in Cybergate 3. I was a Team Lead working for a short-term project and would spend most of my days corresponding to our US counterparts, resolving issues and making coffee at the pantry. Every now and then, I would break my routine and buy some snacks at the Ministop or the cafeteria downstairs.
One afternoon, a girl from Helpdesk Support approached me asking where a certain Mr. John Pope Fabrero was. Having no clue about the person she was referring to, I had to ask her to repeat the name for me. She repeated the name but added this remark, "Sya po yung nakaupo sa tapat ninyo." Puzzled with that piece of information, I blurted out, "May nakaupo pala sa tapat ko?!" I then stood up and walked over to the other side of my cubicle. It did seem like someone should have been sitting there.
The girl left and I went back to work.
Two or so days after, the same girl came back and once more asked where Mr. John Pope Fabrero was. She seemed desperate and added that Mr. Fabrero had a support ticket opened and she needed to see his desktop. At that point, I volunteered and told her that if I ever saw Mr. Fabrero, I will inform him to call and follow-up with the Helpdesk Support team.
A few days passed and one early afternoon, a man carrying a bag that seemed more like an army sack quickly rushed in, dropped his bag at his cubicle and walked out again as swiftly as when he came in. Suspecting that this was the Mr. Fabrero that Helpdesk girl was inquiring about, I ran towards him and called out his name. He seemed to have heard me and stopped, leaning against the wall of the hallway.
I asked, "Are you Mr. John Pope Fabrero?"
He smiled and said, "Yes?"
"Huy, panagutan mo na yung naghahanap sa 'yo. Ilang beses ka na kasi hinanap ng Helpdesk eh." was my response but in my mind I was thinking... Cute naman ng smile nito.
Ever since that day, we became friends. I learned that at that time JP was on bench and would normally go to the gym or join the sports activities sponsored by the company. In any case, he began to be more visible from that day onwards. We would go to the cafeteria together for lunch, at McDonald's to take our afternoon break, the Ministop to buy Yakult, the grocery to buy mineral water. I would get Absolute. He would get Wilkins. We would also sometimes hang out with my teammates after work hours. One time we went to the Accenture gym together. We were getting to know one another until one day, less than one month after, we decided to become exclusive.
I became his Bebe. And he became mine.
P. S. The story of how JP first met me was equally interesting. He told me that he had seen me and had noticed me even before, perhaps almost a year earlier. It was in a different Accenture building while he was deployed to a different project. I was wearing a brown dress. He told me he remembered me and would notice me such as when I would prepare my coffee at the pantry.
P. S. S. I do not normally wear a dress to the office however, that night when JP saw me, I just came from a wedding reception which ended earlier than I anticipated. Since the wedding reception was less than 30 minutes away from Makati, I took a bus and decided to visit some friends whom I met in Chicago at their Accenture office. One of my friend was actually JP's Team Lead back then.
One afternoon, a girl from Helpdesk Support approached me asking where a certain Mr. John Pope Fabrero was. Having no clue about the person she was referring to, I had to ask her to repeat the name for me. She repeated the name but added this remark, "Sya po yung nakaupo sa tapat ninyo." Puzzled with that piece of information, I blurted out, "May nakaupo pala sa tapat ko?!" I then stood up and walked over to the other side of my cubicle. It did seem like someone should have been sitting there.
The girl left and I went back to work.
Two or so days after, the same girl came back and once more asked where Mr. John Pope Fabrero was. She seemed desperate and added that Mr. Fabrero had a support ticket opened and she needed to see his desktop. At that point, I volunteered and told her that if I ever saw Mr. Fabrero, I will inform him to call and follow-up with the Helpdesk Support team.
A few days passed and one early afternoon, a man carrying a bag that seemed more like an army sack quickly rushed in, dropped his bag at his cubicle and walked out again as swiftly as when he came in. Suspecting that this was the Mr. Fabrero that Helpdesk girl was inquiring about, I ran towards him and called out his name. He seemed to have heard me and stopped, leaning against the wall of the hallway.
I asked, "Are you Mr. John Pope Fabrero?"
He smiled and said, "Yes?"
"Huy, panagutan mo na yung naghahanap sa 'yo. Ilang beses ka na kasi hinanap ng Helpdesk eh." was my response but in my mind I was thinking... Cute naman ng smile nito.
Ever since that day, we became friends. I learned that at that time JP was on bench and would normally go to the gym or join the sports activities sponsored by the company. In any case, he began to be more visible from that day onwards. We would go to the cafeteria together for lunch, at McDonald's to take our afternoon break, the Ministop to buy Yakult, the grocery to buy mineral water. I would get Absolute. He would get Wilkins. We would also sometimes hang out with my teammates after work hours. One time we went to the Accenture gym together. We were getting to know one another until one day, less than one month after, we decided to become exclusive.
I became his Bebe. And he became mine.
P. S. The story of how JP first met me was equally interesting. He told me that he had seen me and had noticed me even before, perhaps almost a year earlier. It was in a different Accenture building while he was deployed to a different project. I was wearing a brown dress. He told me he remembered me and would notice me such as when I would prepare my coffee at the pantry.
P. S. S. I do not normally wear a dress to the office however, that night when JP saw me, I just came from a wedding reception which ended earlier than I anticipated. Since the wedding reception was less than 30 minutes away from Makati, I took a bus and decided to visit some friends whom I met in Chicago at their Accenture office. One of my friend was actually JP's Team Lead back then.
The Pamamanhikan (Part I)
There is none yet. Since JP is based in Singapore, this part is quite challenging.
JP has already informed his mom about our plans to get married this year. But, I doubt if they have an idea how soon we plan it to be. I am praying that God will prepare the hearts & minds of his parents and mine. I also pray for God to prepare the hearts & minds of our siblings.
Just a few weeks ago, my mother declared something to this effect: "Anak, kahit wag mo na kami pakainin basta maikasal ka lang." At first I was not sure if I would be happy about that declaration or offended. In the end, I decided to take it positively. Her remark to me, meant that she is aware that JP and I are not in the best position financially. But more than that, it meant that she was emotionally and mentally ready to "hand me over" to someone who promises to have me as his wife and take care of me.
I told the above story to JP, not knowing what his reaction would be. He laughed and found the story quite entertaining. At that instant, I was so glad he does not always take things too seriously like I do.
When God would allow it to happen, here is how I envision "The Pamamanhikan" to happen:
LOGISTICS - It should be on a weekend and JP's family would fetch my mom and me from my Lola's house in Balintawak around 10:30AM in the morning. Together, we would drive all the way to Novaliches, where my Papa lives. Where I also used to live. This way, JP's family can also meet my Lola and know where my mom and I currently stays. My only concern here is that during the one-hour drive, what are we supposed to talk about?
FOOD - I plan to bake cupcakes before that day and cook oven-baked chicken, which I hope JP would love. Knowing that JP's mom and dad likes to have red wine, I plan to buy a bottle also. I also plan to buy flowers from Dangwa that morning so that I can decorate our dining table beautifully.
SOUVENIR - If possible, I hope to buy a "Polaroid" camera before the event. So we can have souvenir photos taken that day.
THINGS TO DISCUSS - To facilitate lighter conversations, I have created a photo album that will show our parents our whereabouts as a couple since 2008 when we first met. I am not sure how to start the more serious topics, but I am anticipating the following questions will be discussed:
I really have no idea what goes on in a pamamanhikan. In my case, this would be the hardest part. I continue to pray for God to honor our good intentions and go before us, helping us and strengthening us as we go about our preparations.
JP has already informed his mom about our plans to get married this year. But, I doubt if they have an idea how soon we plan it to be. I am praying that God will prepare the hearts & minds of his parents and mine. I also pray for God to prepare the hearts & minds of our siblings.
Just a few weeks ago, my mother declared something to this effect: "Anak, kahit wag mo na kami pakainin basta maikasal ka lang." At first I was not sure if I would be happy about that declaration or offended. In the end, I decided to take it positively. Her remark to me, meant that she is aware that JP and I are not in the best position financially. But more than that, it meant that she was emotionally and mentally ready to "hand me over" to someone who promises to have me as his wife and take care of me.
I told the above story to JP, not knowing what his reaction would be. He laughed and found the story quite entertaining. At that instant, I was so glad he does not always take things too seriously like I do.
When God would allow it to happen, here is how I envision "The Pamamanhikan" to happen:
LOGISTICS - It should be on a weekend and JP's family would fetch my mom and me from my Lola's house in Balintawak around 10:30AM in the morning. Together, we would drive all the way to Novaliches, where my Papa lives. Where I also used to live. This way, JP's family can also meet my Lola and know where my mom and I currently stays. My only concern here is that during the one-hour drive, what are we supposed to talk about?
FOOD - I plan to bake cupcakes before that day and cook oven-baked chicken, which I hope JP would love. Knowing that JP's mom and dad likes to have red wine, I plan to buy a bottle also. I also plan to buy flowers from Dangwa that morning so that I can decorate our dining table beautifully.
SOUVENIR - If possible, I hope to buy a "Polaroid" camera before the event. So we can have souvenir photos taken that day.
THINGS TO DISCUSS - To facilitate lighter conversations, I have created a photo album that will show our parents our whereabouts as a couple since 2008 when we first met. I am not sure how to start the more serious topics, but I am anticipating the following questions will be discussed:
- When and where do we plan to get married?
- How much is our wedding budget?
- Who will pay for the wedding? What will the parents role be in the wedding plans?
- Where will we live after the wedding?
- Will there be a honeymoon?
- Are we going to have kids anytime soon? If not, when do we plan to have kids?
- Where do we plan to raise the kids and build a family? How many kids are we planning to have?
- Will the kids be baptized as Catholic?
I really have no idea what goes on in a pamamanhikan. In my case, this would be the hardest part. I continue to pray for God to honor our good intentions and go before us, helping us and strengthening us as we go about our preparations.
The Proposal
Actually, there wasn't any.
JP has made it clear to me even before that I was the one for him. He would often tell me that I was the only one he can see himself growing old with. And I felt the same about him.
I guess we always knew. We just weren't sure when.
But one weekday afternoon, sometime January 2012, while on a train from Changi bound to Tampines where we usually have dinner, I was asked this question : "When would you like to get married?" I smiled and jokingly answered, "Tomorrow!"
He smiled his usual smile and asked again, this time a little more seriously, "So... kelan nga?" I replied, this time also more seriously, "Before my next birthday." Without erasing that smile on his face, he said a hopeful, "Okay."
Fast forward to a few weeks later, the Sunday before Valentine's day, JP bought us couples rings. I was with him when he bought it and had mentioned this to me previously so I was not really surprised. I thought it was a sweet gesture nonetheless, especially when he decided that we would have our names engraved on them.
From then on, I knew we were heading towards a path to forever.
JP has made it clear to me even before that I was the one for him. He would often tell me that I was the only one he can see himself growing old with. And I felt the same about him.
I guess we always knew. We just weren't sure when.
But one weekday afternoon, sometime January 2012, while on a train from Changi bound to Tampines where we usually have dinner, I was asked this question : "When would you like to get married?" I smiled and jokingly answered, "Tomorrow!"
He smiled his usual smile and asked again, this time a little more seriously, "So... kelan nga?" I replied, this time also more seriously, "Before my next birthday." Without erasing that smile on his face, he said a hopeful, "Okay."
Fast forward to a few weeks later, the Sunday before Valentine's day, JP bought us couples rings. I was with him when he bought it and had mentioned this to me previously so I was not really surprised. I thought it was a sweet gesture nonetheless, especially when he decided that we would have our names engraved on them.
From then on, I knew we were heading towards a path to forever.
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