wedding over, will travel

Two-Oh-Oh-Eight was a year when we scrimped on travel because we had to allot money for our trips to the Philippines and back, and of course, the wedding. So we're really excited for 2009 because it's going to be the year we satisfy our wanderlust! It hasn't even started yet but we already booked tickets for three destinations, including one for Manila. Now we have to buy another set because WE WON FREE STAY FOR TWO NIGHTS AT THE DUSIT THANI LAGUNA RESORT IN PHUKET!!!

Our company, which is an online hotel booking company, had a small (but big on food!) year-end gathering last night at my boss' place. They raffled off round-trip tickets from Jetstar (one of our partners) as well as hotel stays, tours and dinner packages. I was praying I'd get the round trip tickets for two to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam because B and I haven't been there, but what we got was good, too. We haven't been to Phuket yet so it's another must-see off our list.

The new year hasn't even started yet but I'm loving it already!

Happy new year everyone! Mucho you all!

2009 is yours, baby

2009, Kat, will not be just another year.

It's the absolute richest I've ever imagined, with the most possibilities I've ever created, for the coolest people I've ever known, to do the greatest things that have ever been done.

Don't feel any pressure.

Let's do this,
The Universe

PS
Kat, 2009 is yours, baby. 

hub-B's Christmas present

Happy.

Thanks B! I love that you can read my mind. Hehe.

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas eve and I'm in the office! This is an absolute first!

Unlike in the Philippines, there's no Christmas frenzy in Singapore. There are decorations, yes, but the vibe is not as festive as back home. I sort of miss it but when I watch TV Patrol, I become kinda thankful I'm not in Manila. I do wish we were in San Pablo though enjoying the food, but there's next year anyway.

So, merry Christmas everyone! For those in the Philippines, enjoy the eight fattening days!

affirm your own worthiness

Hubba, hubba, hubba, Kat! Isn't this a fun time of year? Lights everywhere, mistletoe, eggnog...and all the receiving!

Indeed, because when you receive, not only do you affirm your own worthiness and open the way for more, but you make possible even greater joys for the giver.

Tallyho, ho, ho,
The Universe

PS
Kat, you can have your cake and eat it too. Go ahead, open the way for more. You owe it to your friends.

Review: Crowne Plaza Galleria

Crowne Plaza Galleria
Ortigas Avenue cor. Asian Development Bank Avenue
Quezon City 1100

Reden and I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Galleria at Ortigas Centre on December 9 and 10 for our pseudo-honeymoon (pseudo because it wasn't really a honeymoon).

The hotel was fully booked at that time due to the Philippine Council of Surgeons' event. When we were checking in, we were made to choose between a twin room and an accessible room without a bathtub. We chose the latter since we preferred having a king-size bed over a bathtub.

The room was spacious and the door to the bathroom was wide enough to fit not only a wheelchair, but two wheelchairs. The bathroom was spacious as well and had steel railings at the shower and toilet areas. Unfortunately, we only had a view of the roof of the adjacent building but it didn't matter as much as the room's cleanliness. Fortunately, the room was spotless, didn't have weird odors and everything was in order.

On our first day, we ordered bentos from for lunch. The food arrived in about 30 minutes, was warm and plated nicely. I already forgot what we ate but I remember the food being really, really salty! The dessert was good though. We went out and when we came back in the evening, the room has been cleaned and the bed was made, which was nice.

The following morning we enjoyed a buffet breakfast at Corners. The choices were overwhelming but we managed to try everything. There were traditional Filipino fare (garlic rice, crispy dried fish, longganisa and taho), Chinese food (dumplings, congee), Japanese (maki for breakfast, anyone?) Western treats and pastries. They served coffee, tea, soy milk and fruit juices as well. We were kinda expecting the food to be salty but were relieved that everything tasted the way it should. I like the breakfast food more in Corners than in Circles in Shangri-La Makati and about the same way I like breakfast fare at the Hilton in Cebu.

After breakfast we walked to the pool area. The Crowne Plaza shares their pool with Holiday Inn so we were surprised that it's so small and not very inviting. It's like an over sized kids pool! But if you're in Ortigas, you wouldn't want to swim anyway. Shop, that's what you do. We chose the hotel for its proximity to several malls, including Robinson's Galleria (which was connected to the hotel), SM Megamall and The Podium (where The Spa is located). It was also close to Eastwood City, where Ate Laddie and her family were staying. If the traffic were not so bad, travel time from Eastwood to Galleria might only be 30 minutes max. Crowne Plaza was also quite close to UP Village where my in-laws were staying.

The service was good as well. Everyone we encountered were polite and had smiles on their faces. They even spoke in English even if we spoke to them in Tagalog!

Overall, the Crowne Plaza Galleria was a good choice and we might just stay there again if we're in Manila and need to be in Ortigas.

when you know, you just know

I stumbled upon this really cool and unique wedding invitation from No Excuse for Ugly. Click on the photo so you can go to the page which will take you to the readable version:

I love the couple's story! I so agree with the bottom line: when you know, you just know.

When Reden asked me to marry him, I didn't have to think about it. I just knew that I had to say yes. There were no doubts, no second thoughts. That was among one of the very few moments in my life when I was definitely certain of what I had to do.

I should probably tune in to that instinct and apply it in other areas of my life. I should learn to stop and not do anything if I'm unsure. I guess that's new year's resolution numero uno.

Who brings you Fridays every week?

Jambo Kat, this is the Universe! The all-powerful, all-knowing, do whatever the heck I want, how I want, when I want, Universe. Yes, the very same Universe that can give you all that your heart desires... but won't.

Because that would take ALL the FUN out of it for you.

Trust me,
The Universe

PS
Of course, I'll help, Kat, haven't I always? Who brings you Fridays every week?

how about, if I may ask, we talk a little more often?

Oh, yes indeed, Kat, another holiday season is upon you, and so it is here, so I bet you're wondering what I'd like as a present. Right?!

Well, since there's already peace on earth (for those who look), since there's already goodwill toward all (mine and yours for starters), and because Kat Zuno's already in the world (took long enough), how about, if I may ask, we talk a little more often? You lean on me a bit more? You expect a few more miracles? And we never stop to look back?

Is that asking too much?

I'm there anyway,
The Universe

PS
I know, I know, Kat, why didn't I ask sooner...

early Christmas present

My boss told me that my contract will end on December 31...

--

--

but I will be absorbed by the company as a permanent employee!!! What a blessing! Thank You God!

Happy!

in the grandest scheme of things, nothing is ever lost

I can imagine that from your perspective, it must seem like some truly awful things happen in time and space. So if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to weigh in.

Kat, you live in a world of illusions. A world that springs from a much deeper and far greater reality. And while at times the illusions are indeed ugly, with your physical senses you only see the tip of the iceberg. If you could see the whole, you'd discover that the unpleasantness was only the tiniest piece of a most spectacular puzzle that was created with order, intelligence, and absolute love. You'd see that contrary to appearances, in the grandest scheme of things, nothing is ever lost, no one becomes less, and setbacks are always temporary. And you'd understand that no matter what has happened, everyone lives again, everyone laughs again, and everyone loves again, even more richly than before.

Hubba, hubba -
The Universe

PS
Time and space is your laboratory and playground, Kat. Play as hard as you study and let the good times roll. I pretty much owe you this much after the last go 'round....

Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! ®

I recently subscribed to Notes from the Universe and I really love it. That's their slogan there and it's so true. If you think about positive things and feel good inside, your life will manifest it.

Here is the note I got from The Universe today:

Kat, nothing is ever lost. Not time; for what seems to have passed, lives on in the wisdom of future decisions. Not money; for what seems to have been spent, was only invested. And not love; for what seems to have vanished, has only moved so close you must look within your heart to see it.

Here and now, Kat, whether or not it's obvious, you are the best you've ever been.

So proud,
The Universe

True enough, I feel I'm where/what I'm supposed to be at this very moment.

If you want to receive Notes from The Universe, visit www.tut.com to subscribe.

wedding suppliers' rating part 3

Barong Tagalog: Henio's Embroidery
Rating:

Henio's was the first barong shop we saw when we went to Lumban. Hindi na kami nagtingin sa loob mismo ng town proper since we thought pare-pareho na lang ng rates yan. Dito nagpagawa si Reden ng barong at bumili naman si Paolo at Miko. Mabilis naman ang turn-around. Within a week nakuha naman namin agad ang barong ni Reden.

Cord: Beautiful Bonds by Pam Sulit
Rating:

I discovered Pam through Weddings at Work. Kahit matagal siya sumagot sa e-mails, nadeliver naman niya on-time yung cord. Maganda naman ang quality and super sulit talaga.

wedding suppliers' rating part 2

Venue: Siesta Residencia de Arago
Rating:

I was happy with the venue. Maganda naman ang pagkakaayos lalo na yung staircase! Natuwa din ako na kahit nagresign yung original AE na kausap ko, maayos naman naexecute ni Archie (the other AE) yung mga requirements namin. They also helped us pack the leftovers and the cake. Okay din naman ang sound system na prinovide nila. No jologs song was played. Haha.

Gown designer: Noel "Lola" Villanueva
Rating:

I was surprised by how my dress turned out. Hindi ko talaga inexpect ang petticoat but it turned out well naman. Maganda naman at pulido ang pagkakatahi sa wedding gown ko pati dresses ni Mommy, Lia, Apple, Tita Liza at flower girls. Ang reklamo ko lang is yung train ko. I requested na sana detachable na lang siya pero sabi nila idedrape na lang daw. Hindi ako nagkaprublema sa kanya until the part when we had to dance sa reception. Nasira yung button na nag-aattach sa train dun sa supper part ng skirt kaya kinailangan kong kaladkarin. Hindi ko tuloy nasayaw ng ayos yung sayaw namin, hehehe. Aside from that, ok naman. Sila na din ang gumawa ng candles, matches, pillows at veil, with matching ribbons!

OTD Coordinator: Egay Victorio
Rating:

I know nothing about how a wedding should go so right from the start, I knew I needed an on-the-day coordinator to help me. During my first meeting with Lola, he asked if I already had a coordinator. I still didn't have one at that time but was considering several coordinators from Manila. When I told Lola that, he recommended Sir Egay. Wag na daw ako kumuha sa Manila. I texted Sir Egay after I left Lola's shop and asked if we could meet him. He said he was still in Manila (planning a wedding) but will drop by our house once he's back in San Pablo. He went that evening and I was impressed kasi kahit pagod na siya, go pa din siya sa amin (I offered to meet him sa house niya pero sabi niya siya na lang ang pupunta). Reden and I immediately decided to book him. Besides, it was better if we got someone who knew the San Pablo-based suppliers and knew his way around the city.

Sir Egay exceeded our expectations. Even if we hired him for OTD coordination, he almost did full coordination. He helped us book Sol, his former student now ABS-CBN reporter, and the bridal car, the owner of which he knew as well. Siya din ang nagrequest sa church na yung choir na gusto namin ang pakantahin sa wedding ceremony. Lahat ng iutos ko ginagawa niya agad tapos kahit hindi ko inutos gagawin, gaya ng  pagproduce at pagpapaapprove ng misallette, at paggawa ng program outline. Pinakabonus sa lahat yung pagchoreograph niya at pagtuturo ng first dance namin. On the day itself, andun sila ng team niya, bihis na bihis in their grey polo shirts and black trousers. Nakakatuwa kasi inasikaso naman nila lahat tapos sa reception, nung nasira ang audio ng MTV namin,  inutusan niya ang DJ na sabayan na lang ng ibang song yung video. Siya din ang nagdala sa instant wedding singer (although sana nasabihan na ayusin ang damit, hehehe). We love Sir and we're really thankful siya ang kinuha naming coordinator.

Florist: Ryan of Lola's Fashion House
Rating:

I originally wanted to get an event stylist but I thought it would cost too much. When Lola told me one of his "girls," Ryan, does wedding flowers, I talked to him and hired him immediately. Okay naman siya kausap but I was quite disappointed with my and the entourage's bouquets and the centerpieces at the guests' tables. I thought my bouquet was too small and he didn't use calla lilies which we talked about in our meetings. Yung mga bulaklak naman sa bouquet ng entourage nanglalaglag, and he used chopsticks! The centerpieces naman were too small. I was disappointed kasi I felt na tinipid niya ang flowers tsaka I didn't see anything spectacular with the arrangements, except for the flowers sa simbahan na okay naman.

Emcee: Sol Aragones
Rating:

Salamat kay Sir Egay at nabook namin si Sol. Although she was a bit expensive, sulit naman. She was lively naman and spontaneous and we loved her reporter approach.

Catering: Kusina Salud
Rating:

We love, love, love Kusina Salud and what better occasion to share it with people we love other than our wedding? Madali naman makipagcoordinate sa kanila. I've just exchanged e-mails with Chef Paul Poblador at nafinalize naman namin agad ang menu. I just gave him our budget per pax and the dishes we wanted to serve at siya na ang nagadjust. In Laguna, si April naman ang kausap namin ni Sir regarding the details and okay naman siya. According to some of our guests, the food was good naman. Yung food kasi namin ni Reden mabilis lumamig since tapat kami ng aircon so hindi na masyadong appetizing. Nagulat lang ako though na umalis sila kaagad even before namin sila mabayaran.

Hotel for preps: Tahanan ni Aling Meding
Rating:

Tahanan ni Aling Meding is the only hotel in San Pablo na maganda at picture-worthy and interiors. I loved the red tiles, the staircase and the details on the iron gates. Since madaming doors, airy sa loob and presko. Naappreciate ko din ang veranda nila. Although the rooms were quite small, nagkasya naman kami lahat. Masaya din ako na may heated water sa shower at malakas ang pressure ng tubig, except sa room ng friends ni Reden sa third floor. Ayos din naman ang pakikitungo sa amin ng staff doon. The only downside is wala silang sariling restaurant kaya pag nagutom ka in the middle of the night, kailangan mo pa lumabas, which is inconvenient kung wala kang sasakyan.

Cake: Gem's Cake Shop
Rating:

The cake was cute and looked exactly how we wanted it to be. Masarap din siya! It had chocolate, vanilla and mocha layers, and the icing was not too sweet. (We're sorry we were not able to share it with guests.)