Our Wedding Team

Church:


Sts. Peter and Paul Parish
DM Rivera St., Poblacion, Makati City








Reception Venue:

PSE Auditorium
Philippines Stocks Exchange Center
Exchange Rd., Ortigas, Pasig City






Photo and Video

The Lightshapers
Entrata Urban Complex
Civic Drve cor. Corporate Ave
Filinvest, Alabang

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheLightShapers
Website: http://www.thelightshapers.com/




Caterer

Ma Del's Cuisine
Dr. Pilapil St, Sagad, Pasig City

FB: https://www.facebook.com/madelscuisine

OTD Coordinator

Events Simplified

FB: https://www.facebook.com/EventsSimplifiedWeddings

Lights and Sounds

Rejectkrew

FB: https://www.facebook.com/elmer.bautista.1428?fref=ts





HMUA

Style Me Beautiful by Berny Tia
Ortigas Center, Pasig City

FB: https://www.facebook.com/smBeautiful






Couturier

Zen Tao Chi by Ven Ocampo

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ven-Ocampos-Zen-Tao-Chi-Couture



Florist

Fullblooms by Inah
1496B Galvani St., San Isidro, Makati City

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fullblooms-Flower-Shop-by-Inah/299851607912





Photobooth

Contact Live Photobooth

Website: www.contactlivephotography.com

Invitations

Perfect Designs
G/F Cortez Bldg., 821 EDSA
South Triangle, Quezon City

Website: www.myperfectdesigns.com

My Side of the Story - Holding Her Hand

Nasa tambayan kami, magkatabing nagsusulat. Tipikal naman ako na magulo kapag tumatabay dati, kinukulit kung sino man  ang mapagtripan, dadaldalin at hihiritan kung sino man ang makasama.

And I held her hand. For no reason at all.

Hindi ko na din  maalala kung ano ba ang pinag-uusapan namin noon. Basta pagkatapos ng usapan e hinawakan ko lang basta ang kamay nya at tumahimik na kami pareho. Di ko na din maalala kung paano kami nagbitiw. And it was never awkward (mala-Empoy sa "Bride for Rent"), walang spark, walang kahit na ano.

But the fact that she let me do it without any reaction may have left an impression to me. Siguro dahil kaya nyang sakyan yung simpleng kalokohan ko e pwede. Ayos na. Pero, huwag na lang. Hindi pwede. Saka na lang. At sa dami ng personal kong dahilan against being in a relationship that time, e natapos na lang yung moment na yun na walang kakulay kulay. Tuloy ang buhay isko kumbaga.

And soon, I will be holding her hand again. And this time, I will be doing it for all the right reasons.

From the winter wonderland,

Louie

First food taste with Ma Dels

I have shortlisted some of my preferred caterers in the market. I would love to get a caterer and stylist in one without breaking the bank. I was done with three caterers - Queensland, Quidos and Ma Dels.

By the end of my research, it was between Queensland and Ma Dels. I was leaning towards Ma Dels right from the very start and with its packages, I believe, this caterer will be the best choice. Despite some of the reviews of being unreachable, I still decided to go with Ma Dels - without meeting any of caterers first. 

The reviews are quite true - mahirap ngang kontakin si Ms. Anj - the owner of Ma Del's. I texted her and called her landline several times before succeeding on taking an initial meeting with her. I understand and somehow felt like it was a good sign that mahirap kontakin si Ms. Anj. It means she is very hands on and personally oversees the set up and preparation. 

Upon meeting her, she explained that they usually have one event per day - and good thing, wala pa silang booking on our day. With that, I knew I was on good hands. 

Our meeting turned out to be our first food taste with Ms. Anj. And this is our plate and our reviews.

Mushroom soup

1. Soup: Mushroom soup - I am a fan of mushroom soups - from instant ones to fastfood ones (ahem, KFC) to restaurants, so I am used to the taste. Ma Del's version is creamy, right mushroom taste. For me, this is resto-worthy. 

Appetizer: Chicken Empanaditas

2. Appetizer: Chicken Empanaditas. My mom (who a picky eater because she loves cooking and is the best cook ever), loved the empanaditas - to the extent that she asked for my own portion of the empanaditas. 

Main courses (Clockwise from top): Korean Pork, Cheesy Baked Macaroni,
Spanish Beef Caldreta, Chicken Flambe and Chopsuey

3. Pork: Korean Pork.  I am not a fan of spicy food, but I liked how this dish tastes. A little kick after every bite. The pork is tender enough. But we think we will still choose among pork dishes available on the menu. 

4. Pasta: Cheesy Baked Macaroni. My family loves my carbonara (it was a staple on every celebration since I discovered how to cook it) so pasta is definitely one of our forte. This baked macaroni is cheesy - it lived on its name. But the taste is so-so, we might get another from the pasta list. 

5. Beef: Spicy Spanish Caldereta. I love my mom's version of caldereta. And Ma Del's version is a tough competitor. My mom also liked their version of caldereta, spicy and flavorful. Gugustuhin din ng tatay ko at ng tatay-to-be ko ito bilang pulutan. 

6. Chicken: Chicken Flambe. This dish is one of their newest ones. It reminds me of Chicken Cordon Bleu, but with creamy sauce. The chicken rolled with bacon is a delightful one, and the creamy sauce is heavenly. Definitely one in our list. 

7. Vegetables: Chopsuey. This dish is ordinary, it did not stand out. Though I love how they were able to keep the vegetables crunchy and the right texture. My mom definitely makes better chopsuey so I am forgoing this one. 

Dessert: Leche Flan

8. Dessert: Leche Flan. Despite the small portion, I really liked how it tasted. Not too sweet, but with a citrus-y aftertaste. Ahem, I got a sweet tooth so lahat ng matamis, gusto ko. Mas matamis, mas okay. Mas nakaka-diabetes! My mom liked it as well, but I think we should taste their best seller - Buko Pandan Jello. 

Disclaimer: I AM NOT A FOOD CRITIC. I JUST LOVE FOOD and APPRECIATE THEM. 

Ms. Anj is a very nice and sweet lady. She will answer your questions as much as she can, and help you out on your needs. One thing that sold me to Ma Del's is that they ask for your pegs for the reception, you can share the table set up that you want, and they will try to execute it the best they can. 

My before-wedding notes

Pros: 

1. Food is delicious. Lasang lutong bahay, one thing that would remind you of home, comforting and delicious. 

2. Affordable packages. You can get few freebies (like your bridal car if you are not that choosy), bubble machine and others if you meet certain number of guests. It actually saves money and time! You can also get your tiffany chairs along with your chosen menu starting at Php 535/head. 

3. Ms. Anj is very accommodating. She understands what her client needs - affordable and swak-sa-budget weddings, without compromising the quality. I would love to meet Mama Del - the heart, soul, and hands of each dish.

4. Offers a good payment schedule. All you need is to pay your booking/ downpayment of Php 5,000.00 and you're good. You can sign the contract anytime - a month or two before your wedding, pay the 25% contract price, 50% weeks before your wedding and 25% on the day of your wedding.  

Cons: 

1. Brides are right - it takes a lot of PATIENCE to communicate with them. Either you call first thing in the morning (around 8am) or sa patay na oras - like 1 in the afternoon or 2. 

2. Ms. Anj doesn't answer text messages - which I am more convenient at. Better to call her landline to make sure somebody answers you. 

I do not have any experience with other caterers, my palette is based solely between my mom's cooking and Ma Del's. :)

Loving all the food, 

Dheng

For the Long Run

"For the long run" sung by the Company and the title of their album.

My eldest sister borrowed a cassette tape of the album and we played it often back then. Nung una ko pa lang narinig ang kanta, (elementary pa ata ako nun), I knew I had a theme song for me and my future wife.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I always do.


Happily singing along,

Louie +)

Hunt for the Reception: PSE Auditorium

After a very quick visit to Ramon Magsaysay Hall, my mom and I proceeded to PSE Auditorium for another ocular.

PSE Auditorium is just 5 minute walk from our office - maganda kasi pwede akong magtambak ng wedding things sa bodega namin and is conveniently located near SM Megamall and The Podium- para sa mga taong mabilis maligaw at sa instant buying of wedding gifts.

It is located the ground floor of Philippine Stocks Exhange Tower, also known as the Tektite, along Exchange Road. Not to be confused with the Makati Stocks Exchange, PSE is the one located in Ortigas, near San Miguel Avenue.

The venue itself is like a hotel reception hall, carpeted floors and with a huge stage. Well, it is an auditorium after all. During our first visit, may party sa venue so we saw how it looked like when prepped up. During our second visit, this time, I was with my fiance, bare na ang venue and we saw how beautiful it is.

The hall seats around 180-200 guests comfortably. Hindi kami naniniwala sa estimates ng admin - 250 guests around 25 round tables can fit in. There is a stage where the couple can sit - na naging reason ko on the first visit na hesitant ako sa venue na ito. Para kaming ga-graduate ng mapapangasawa ko. But my fiance said it looked good (malamang, nakita nya ang same set up sa wedding ng college bestfriend nya sa PICC) and with the sparkling eyes, he was convinced that PSE is our reception venue.

Below are some of the pictures we took during our visit.

First hallway. The glass door is the entrance from the main PSE Lobby.
The wooden door is the entrance to the second hallway.

Second lobby/corridor. Mirrored door is the entrance from the first hallway.
Opened door is the entrance to the auditorium.
Our registration table and photobooth will be here!

Auditorium (taken from the far left corner entrance)

The stage. May kataasan, pero okay na din. 

View from the stage.

Entrance doors.

Prepped up venue. Children's party itey.

Prepped up venue shot 2. 

Rates:
1. Peso rate: 4,480 per hour (minimum of 3 hours booking)
2. Set up rate: 168 per hour (without aircon but with lights); 1,680 (with aircon and lights)
3. Security deposit of Php 20,000 - consumable for other charges (outlets, damages, etc)
4. Pay the OT fee of servicemen (janitors and guards) at 96/ head for programs after 5pm.

Pros:
1. Very near to various locations - Megamall, Podium, Ortigas hotels (and our office, of course)
2. A large hall that can accommodate our guests.
3. With a small prep room and caterer's area.
4. With a small corridor where we can set up our registration and photobooth.
5. Sir Ghe (account manager for the auditorium) is easy to talk to and helpful.

Cons:
1. To refund your security deposit, you need to provide a letter of request for refund to the administration.
2. There are some charges not included on the contract price (such as submeter outlets, OT pay for service personnels, etc).
3. Office number is hard to contact, best if you drop by their office to talk to Sir Ghe personally.

Contact:
Philippine Stocks Exchange (PSE) Auditorium
Ground floor, PSE Tower, Exchange Rd, Ortigas, Pasig City

Telephone number: 6347482 - Look for Sir Ghe


Accomplished another supplier,

Dheng

Hunt for the Reception: Ramon Magsaysay Center Hall

All my church and reception venues were done in a day. One, we have to check how far the reception venue is from the church - via commute. So, after the last visit from Sts. Peter and Paul, my mom and I hailed a cab near the church and were on our way to Ramon Magsaysay Hall.

Since I was researcher by heart (and mind and pockets as well), I searched for possible venues as I looked for the churches. Just like my church list, I have three on my mind - Ramon Magsaysay Hall in Manila, PSE Auditorium in Ortigas and Le Parc Events Hall in Pasay. I called RMH and Le Parc first and since I work few blocks away from PSE, I will drop by personally.

Sadly, Le Parc is already booked on our wedding day, so I am down with two options. Our first stop: Ramon Magsaysay Hall.

It is located along Roxas Blvd, just across Diamond Hotel. Nearby churches include Malate Church and Ermita Church. Ramon Magsaysay Center is where the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation is, one that handles the Ramon Magsaysay Awards and Scholarship Program.

The hall is located outside the main building - left of the fountain. It is relatively a small one, which is for me can sit 100 to 120 guests comfortably. Knowing my fiance guests, we cannot have that small group! :( Wood is all over the place - wall panels and floor - giving it a rustic mood. It also have this small stage that the couple can use.

Sadly, it doesn't have the prep room, though it has a large lobby which you can set your mobile bars up and will also serve as your smoking area.

Below are the pictures we took during our visit:

Taken near the entrance door. The door on the right side is the access to a small pantry. 

Two doors and the ceiling. Middle door is the access to small pantry (office use only).
Far right is the access to the comfort rooms. 

RMH ground. Fountain at the center. 

Prepped up hall. 

Outside venue for cocktails. 

Peso rate: 21,500 for 4 hours of program and 8 hours of ingress and egress.
Contact: Ms. Starr at 521 3166 to 85

Pros:
(1) Good location.
(2) Good price.
(3) Rental fees help the scholars of RMAF.
(4) Cocktails area

Cons:
(1) Area is small for more than 150 persons.
(2) No preparation/ holding room for couple.
(3) No set up room for the caterers.
(4) Need good lighting due to wooden finish of the walls.


Has to let go of RMH,

Deng

Hunt for THE Church: Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

STS. PETER AND PAUL PARISH MAKATI
DM RIVERA AND P. BURGOS STREET, POBLACION, MAKATI CITY


I am quite sad that my wedding time (not actually the date) is already taken in NSDG, we decided to check the last church on our list - Sts. Peter and Paul Parish located in Poblacion, few minutes away from NSDG and stone throw away from Makati Avenue.

church
How to get there

A. Via private car

From South of Metro Manila

1. Take EDSA bound for Makati. Turn left to Ayala Avenue and straight to Makati Avenue.
2. Pass by the Petron Station, turn right on the second street and drive straight to P. Burgos. Church is at the right side of the street.

From North of Metro Manila

1. Take EDSA bound for Makati. Turn right at Guadalupe cloverleaf. Drive straight to J.P. Rizal Extension.
2. Pass by Rockwell, Museo ng Makati and Poblacion Sports Complex to Makati Avenue.
3. Turn left at the street in front of A.Venue hall. Church is at the end of the street.

B. Via Commute

1. Make your way to Guadalupe MRT Station.
2. From North Bound exit, exit to EDSA. If coming from the South bound exit, make your way to the North bound exit.
3. Ride a jeep bound for Leon Guinto along EDSA. Get off at Poblacion Sports Complex.
4. Cross the street to Poblacion Barangay Hall and walk towards DM Rivera. Up the road is the church.

You wouldn't imagine that a baroque church - similar to the facade of NSDG is tucked away from the small street in Poblacion. It is actually the church beside St. Paul College Makati. It was my second choice - Louie was former student of St. Paul College in San Miguel, Bulacan - para may connect naman sa kanya ang isa sa mga venues namin.

The receptionist is a quiet type - but she is helpful in answering some of my questions. Good thing that this church is not a famous one - I don't have any one in conflict with the date and time. The 2 in the afternoon slot is still very open and its packages are few bucks cheaper than of NSDG. The facade is very much alike, mas mahaba lang ang aisle ng SPPP. Wedding packages vary from Php 5,000 to Php 11, 000 - depending on your inclusives.

The wedding primer is complete - medyo mahigpit lang sila sa suot ng entourage:
1.  no sleeveless, backless and tube dresses allowed (which is perfectly fine with me). For those who wanted them as such, they suggest to have shawls and scarves available for the guests.
2. Flower girls and ring bearers should be above 4 years old.
3. Photographers and videographers are only allowed at 2 meters from the altar.

The downside of SPPP is that it doesn't have this wide compound where you can take your post-nuptial photos. Wala ding parking area, aside from the parking area in front reserved for St. Paul service vehicles. I am not sure if we can have it opened, but I am crossing my fingers that we can request it from the parish office. We can park along the DM Rivera St or Makati Avenue - side parking nga lang.

Despite my love for NSDG, I decided to forgo the church and book SPPP. I think we can handle the parking spaces naman, and more importantly, since it is located near Makati avenue, our guests can hail a cab right in front of it to our reception venue.

Here are some of the pictures I took during our ocular:

Taken at the entrance door (ang haba ng aisle!)

The altar (taken in December)

The facade

from down below

May terrace. So my photographer can take an aisle shot. 

The golden altar (taken in December, thus the parols)

Finally found the church,

Deng

Hunt for THE Church: Nuestra Senora de Gracia

NUESTRA SENORA DE GRACIA
BERNARDINO ST., GUADALUPE VIEJO, MAKATI CITY

After a quick visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we went straight ahead to Nuestra Senora de Gracia - one of the oldest churches in Makati and Metro Manila as well. This church is strategically located near EDSA, just a stone throw away from Loyola Memorial.

How to get there:

A. Via Private car

From South of Metro Manila
1. Take EDSA bound for Mandaluyong.
2. Turn right at the Guadalupe Cloverleaf near Guadalupe MRT Station.
3. Left turn to the stoplight, left again to the next stoplight, bound for the south.
4. Turn right before Loyola Memorial and straight to NSDG compound (passing by the flower shops).

From North of Metro Manila
1. Take EDSA bound for Makati and Pasay.
2. Turn right before Loyola Memorial and straight down the road to NSDG.

B. Via Commute
1. Take the MRT to Guadalupe, get off at Guadalupe Station.
2. Walk your way towards Loyola Memorial, turn right and pass by the flowershops to NSDG.

This is my first choice of our churches. I love the quaint church - simple, with the right aisle, with dramatic lights and with ample parking area. When a family friend of ours got married to this church, I wished I will also be wed in NSDG.

Because I am very much in love with this church, we went straight to the administration office and checked on the schedule. Sadly, my schedule is already taken - at 2 in the afternoon - at sobrang nalungkot ako noon. In all fairness to the parish secretary, he presented some other time options, but it is as early as 10am - ibig sabihin, bawal magpuyat the night before, or else, mauubos ang make up ni HMUA sa eyebags ko at maagang call time para sa suppliers namin.

The rates are within our budget as well - from 10,000 to 15,000 with different package inclusions. Weddings are usually conducted at 4 timeslots - 8 in the morning, 10 in the morning, 2 in the afternoon and 4 in the afternoon.

Here are some of the pictures I took during our ocular.

From the right side of the church

Taken at the entrance door.

The altar

the huge parking area in front of the church

church on side view. I love the stairs!

church on front view

Sad with the time,

Deng

Part 3: Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Hunt for THE Church: National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Makati City

After I came back from our anniversary trip (and where he put a ring to my ring finger), I started to look for our church. No petiks mode!

Since I was a Makati girl from the day I was born, and our families are basically within Metro Manila (aside from masyadong malayo ang provinces namin), I decided to look for a church within Makati. I don't really have a list, just because I am fixated on one church - The Nuestra Senora de Gracia church in Guadalupe. Pero dahil gusto ko lang maexperience ang church hopping, I decided on having 2 more on our list - Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Guadalupe, NSDG and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Poblacion.


OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE or the NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
1923 ORENSE ST., GUADALUPE NUEVO, MAKATI CITY

How to get there:

Via Car:
From South of Metro Manila:

1. Take EDSA. Turn left on Orense Street - the one with MMDA Office. Straight ahead is the church.

From North of Metro Manila

1. Take EDSA. Turn right at Guadalupe Cloverleaf and right to JP Rizal Extension.
2. Drive straight and turn right the second stoplight to Kalayaan Avenue. Right turn towards Kalayaan Avenue and drive straight to the next stoplight.
3. Take a right when you see 7 Eleven and drive straight to Orense street - second street to your left. Turn left and straight to NSOOLOG.


Via Commute:

From South of Metro Manila:
1. Take a bus bound for Monumento or Fairview.
2. Get off at Orense Street (with MMDA office) and walk towards the Church.

From North of Metro Manila:
1. Take a bus bound for Pasay or Ayala.
2. Get off Guadalupe. Cross the bridge to the other side. Use the small street beside SOGO hotel and ride a tricycle to NSOOLOG.

For those who will be taking the MRT.
1. Get off at Guadalupe Station.
2. Walk towards Jollibee Guadalupe. Make your way to the street at the back of Jollibee, walk straight passing by SOGO hotel.
3. Take a tricycle to NSOOLOG.


OUR OCULAR

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is relatively a small church. When we did visit the church, the altar was under construction. It didn't have this long aisle which I initially wanted. I decided to move on, but we made our way to their office and asked away some of our questions.

Sadly, since the altar is still under construction, the church secretary was unsure when it will be finished. It was a sign of relief, it being unsure of its construction date. The secretary also mentioned that after the altar, there are still some constructions and improvements to be made, thus, they may not be accepting reservations.

The only picture I took during the ocular.

Altar under construction. No doors. 

Thankful with the construction,

Deng

Onto the next church: Nuestra Senora de Gracia.