I'll say it straight: We have a P50,000 deficit in our wedding budget. ARUY.
Hindi kasi namin sinama sa original budget and honeymoon, documents, additional transportation, house, choir, pre-cana seminar and DIY items.
Meron kaming savings sa wedding rings at venue. Nagsponsor din ang family namin ng guest favors, wedding attires and cake. Pero all these savings went to the excess payment for the documentation and food. At ang dumali talaga samin are the items na di namin pinasok sa umpisa. So, in essence, wala kaming deficit, ng problem ay ang items na di pinasok.
Kaso lang hindi naman essence ang usapan dito.
But no worries, kaya to: P25,000 each. I am still thankful that Momon is an accountant who can figure out our budget deficit precisely, that I was and still am very diligent in writing down all our wedding expenses since we started in Jan 2009, and most importantly, that we have savings and jobs from where we can derive the deficit from.
Isa lang to sa mga pagsubok namin. Bring it on.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Solid.
It's now only 17 weeks or should I say 17 WEEKENDS till our wedding. Remove 1 weekend for a workshop our office is implementing, and another for Discovery Weekend, and possibly some more weekends for work.
It may seem like we have a lot of time, but when weekdays are spent for intense fitness regimen first thing in the morning, full-time jobs throughout the day, wedding research and tasks until we fall asleep at night, weekends are all we really have for the actual legwork.
Just this last weekend, Momon and I were supposed to be in Puerto Galera with Ben, Rhea and Vincent. But we were threatened by Friday's downpour so we decided to cancel. A blessing in disguise, I would say, cause we were able to send out our save the date cards, finalize our website for guests, visit two of our Principal Sponsor and start house-hunting.
I remember a line something like this in Bride Wars: The final weeks of wedding preparation is like a litmus test for couples. Others breakdown, while others draw strength from each other.
At this point in the preps, I'm proud to say Momon and I are the latter. Momon and I have worked on school assignments, reports, presentations, planning trips, etc. This is undoubtedly our biggest project yet, and I'm confident we'll ace it. Our teamwork is superb, our decisions on point, and our efforts focused. We don't feel rattled, but we know the urgency. We are no longer get swayed by new wedding ideas or comments by other people, because our vision for our wedding is clear, and we are confident with all our choices. And finally, we are also starting to feel not just our excitement, but also that of the people we are planning to celebrate our union with.
It may seem like we have a lot of time, but when weekdays are spent for intense fitness regimen first thing in the morning, full-time jobs throughout the day, wedding research and tasks until we fall asleep at night, weekends are all we really have for the actual legwork.
Just this last weekend, Momon and I were supposed to be in Puerto Galera with Ben, Rhea and Vincent. But we were threatened by Friday's downpour so we decided to cancel. A blessing in disguise, I would say, cause we were able to send out our save the date cards, finalize our website for guests, visit two of our Principal Sponsor and start house-hunting.
I remember a line something like this in Bride Wars: The final weeks of wedding preparation is like a litmus test for couples. Others breakdown, while others draw strength from each other.
At this point in the preps, I'm proud to say Momon and I are the latter. Momon and I have worked on school assignments, reports, presentations, planning trips, etc. This is undoubtedly our biggest project yet, and I'm confident we'll ace it. Our teamwork is superb, our decisions on point, and our efforts focused. We don't feel rattled, but we know the urgency. We are no longer get swayed by new wedding ideas or comments by other people, because our vision for our wedding is clear, and we are confident with all our choices. And finally, we are also starting to feel not just our excitement, but also that of the people we are planning to celebrate our union with.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Save the Date: October 2!
Yahoo! Finally we are ready to release our Save the Date cards.
Thank you very much to our dear friends who helped us accomplish this task. We couldn't have done it without you. Grabe, para tayong bumalik sa mga project natin nung high school!
Photos by Ben. Styling by Rhea. Expressions-coaching by Ben and Rhea. Letterings by Vincent. Layout facilitated by Hanna. Cuteness by Cello.
Thank you again! Mwah!
Thank you very much to our dear friends who helped us accomplish this task. We couldn't have done it without you. Grabe, para tayong bumalik sa mga project natin nung high school!
Photos by Ben. Styling by Rhea. Expressions-coaching by Ben and Rhea. Letterings by Vincent. Layout facilitated by Hanna. Cuteness by Cello.
Thank you again! Mwah!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Birth Certificates
Feel ko na talaga na malapit na ang wedding kasi inaayos na namin ang documents. This is really is it.
Here are our pretty NSO-issued birth certificates ordered through NSO Helpline 737 1111.
Very easy ang procedure:
1. Call 737 1111
2. Provide the following information:
Here are our pretty NSO-issued birth certificates ordered through NSO Helpline 737 1111.
Very easy ang procedure:
1. Call 737 1111
2. Provide the following information:
- Complete name of person to be certified
- Complete name of father
- Complete maiden name of mother
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Info if you were registered late or if there are corrections in your birth certificate
- Complete name and address of requesting party
- Number of copies needed
- Purpose of certificate
3. We applied for both birth certificate and CENOMAR. The customer service agent will just apply the same details to your CENOMAR application.
4. They will ask you to note down the reference number. 1 reference number per certificate. So, for us it was four reference numbers, 2 for birth certificates and 2 for CENOMARs.
5. Pay for the service in any Metrobank branch. 1 birth certificate is P330, and 1 CENOMAR is P430. We got 2 copies each... tatlo palang birth certificate para sakin dahil sa baptismal certificate issue ko (Boo!).
When filling up your Metrobank payment slip use the green slip, 1 per reference number. Use NSO Helpline as Company Name, and the name of the requesting party as the Account Name.
You can also pay in Bancnet ATM and Bayad Centers
6. Birth certificate is processed within 4 working days, and the CENOMAR within 7 working days. Make sure to provide an authorization letter in case you're not the one to receive the package. The authorized recipient also needs to have an ID.
Ay salamat, nakuha na ito. And thanks to our parents who made sure all entries are correct!
Here they are!
4. They will ask you to note down the reference number. 1 reference number per certificate. So, for us it was four reference numbers, 2 for birth certificates and 2 for CENOMARs.
5. Pay for the service in any Metrobank branch. 1 birth certificate is P330, and 1 CENOMAR is P430. We got 2 copies each... tatlo palang birth certificate para sakin dahil sa baptismal certificate issue ko (Boo!).
When filling up your Metrobank payment slip use the green slip, 1 per reference number. Use NSO Helpline as Company Name, and the name of the requesting party as the Account Name.
You can also pay in Bancnet ATM and Bayad Centers
6. Birth certificate is processed within 4 working days, and the CENOMAR within 7 working days. Make sure to provide an authorization letter in case you're not the one to receive the package. The authorized recipient also needs to have an ID.
Ay salamat, nakuha na ito. And thanks to our parents who made sure all entries are correct!
Here they are!
Friday, May 07, 2010
Monogram
Parang requirement yata sa mga ikakasal ang pagkakaron ng monogram. Sige, sali na rin ako.
Actually, ang sakto:
RM = Ros and Momon
RM = Raymund Macachor
RM = Rosana Macachor, coming soon pa lang.
Pasok! So, hanap na lang ako sa mga logo and design sites ng mga monogram na RM. I wanted something na hindi tali sa wedding, at hindi sobrang feminine. We're going to use it beyond the wedding, kaya walang date.
Eto napili namin ni Momon:
Actually, ang sakto:
RM = Ros and Momon
RM = Raymund Macachor
RM = Rosana Macachor, coming soon pa lang.
Pasok! So, hanap na lang ako sa mga logo and design sites ng mga monogram na RM. I wanted something na hindi tali sa wedding, at hindi sobrang feminine. We're going to use it beyond the wedding, kaya walang date.
Eto napili namin ni Momon:
But here is what really led me to looking for a monogram--having it applied in a DRY SEAL. Parang kumpanya lang! Magagamit ko to sa mga libro, mga sulat, Christmas card, etc.
Here are possible applications in wedding paraphernalia: table napkins, place cards, missalette covers, invitation envelopes and other stuff on paper. Love it!
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Hanna and Joseph
Hanna and JosephCandle Sponsors
No, hindi sila mag-boyfriend or mag-asawa. Uma-acting lang sila dito sa eksenang 'to na parang bagong kasal sa kanilang bagong kusina. Hahaha! Ang totoo, lagi silang nagkukulitan nagbabarahan, at nagbi-bitchesahan. Sino kaya sa kanila ang mas bitchesa? Pero ang mas totoo, kami ay magkakaibigang tunay, na hinubog ng aming mga karanasan mula sa Kabataan News Network, mapunta man ng Astoria, Antipolo, Malacanan, o saan mang dako ng Teacher's Village.
So, pano ko ba sinabi sa kanila?
HANNA
Si Hanna una ko talagang naisip para maging commentator. So, sinabi ko na sa kanya yun. Mega-enthusiastic ang lola, kailan daw ba kami magpa-practice. So, one night... kumain kami ni Hanna sa Timog Food Plaza dahil meron akong ipapa-abot sa kanya sa isa pang katrabaho. Sunod kong inabot, isang card na madrama na makwela. Na-touch naman sya. Ngayon, may kapantay na yata ako sa excitement dito sa wedding na 'to. Gusto ni Hanna lagi mag-meeting sa progress, kailan daw ba kami magpupunta sa divisoria. Grabe, heaven sent!
JOSEPH
Inisipan namin ni Hanna ng gimmick. Sabi ni Hanna, gawan ko rin daw si Joseph ng card. Sabi ko naman, baka di ma-appreciate. So, katapus-tapusan, ginawan ko na lang sya ng matchbox na may magandang pabalat, na nandun ang sort of invitation na maging candle sponsor sya. E kaso binigay namin to sa kanya sa habang kumakain ng isaw, sa dilim. Natural di n'ya mabasa! Hahaha! Akala tuloy n'ya binibigyan ko s'ya ng gagaba na nasa loob ng box ng posporo. Imagine, ako magbibigay ng gagamba!
Tapos nung pauwi na kami kinwento namin kay Joseph na dapat sana card ang ibibigay ko sa kanya. Dapat daw nakalagay, "Joseph, I love you. That's why I have chosen you to be part of my entourage." Hahaha, classic Joseph 'to! Magawa nga!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
SINGLE N.
This is not a "vent out" moment, although it may seem like it. I just want to share my recent frustration about acquiring documents from the church.
I am a non-practicing Catholic, but still Momon and I decided to get married in a church. First requirement: BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE
We're now in the 6-month home stretch in wedding preps, and finally it's time to start working on the documents.
I went to Claret last week to get my baptismal certificate with the "for marriage purpose" seal. Lo and behold, my name is mispelled. My name is ROSANA. It is often mispelled with two Ns or two S's. I've gotten quiet used to it, actually, but I still find it irritating. I often find my name mispelled in almost everywhere when the one who types it down decides that s/he knows more than I or my parents do on how to spell my name. They always assume we made the mistake of removing one N, so they just correct it for us. Che! I usually applaud silently when new friends and colleagues spell my name right even if it's the first time I've introduced myself. Hay...
So, when I got the baptismal certificate, I think, "This is not really so bad. It's not a completely new name. It's just a typo." The church still prints out the certificate and I pay P50.
They tell me to come back with a photocopy of my birth certificate. And so I did. The church then issues me a series of documents: request for partial reconstruction, affidavit something, and attaches the photocopy of my birth certificate and baptismal certificate earlier issued. All for another P150. Then they tell me to go to the QC Chancery Office to apply for the reconstruction. Imagine, at this point pa lang, the cost of getting the baptismal certificate has quadrupled.
This morning, I called the QC Chancery Office to inquire about driving directions. Since I'm meticulous, I also asked the lady on the phone about the partial reconstruction. Buti na lang I called. She tells me that the aside from the endorsement from the church I need to submit the following:
1. Newly Issued Birth Certificate - So, di na pala pwede yung naka-attach.
2. Certified True Copy of School Records (Form 137 or TOR)
3. OR instead of #2, 3 valid IDs indicating my name and birthday. These IDs must be photocopied, and the photocopy must be notarized.
And the lady stressed, "Prelimenary requirements lang ito, ha? Pag sakaling di ma-satisfy ang magre-review baka humingi pa ng ibang proof of reconciliation." Wow. Bangko nga 2 valid IDs lang hinihingi e. This means I have to wait for the birth certificate with the "for marriage purpose" seal before I get my baptismal certificate. Not to mention the cost, of course. There's the additional cost for the notarization, transportation, and processing fees. P50 lang dapat to in the first place. Single N lang ang kaibahan. It does not change the number of syllables, the pronunciation, etc. Hay... they aim to complicate.
This certificate, which could have been easily crossed off our list may be the most difficult to acquire. :-(
I know other brides have more difficulties with documents than I do. This is just one bump in the road, nothing we can't handle. Go lang!
I am a non-practicing Catholic, but still Momon and I decided to get married in a church. First requirement: BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE
We're now in the 6-month home stretch in wedding preps, and finally it's time to start working on the documents.
I went to Claret last week to get my baptismal certificate with the "for marriage purpose" seal. Lo and behold, my name is mispelled. My name is ROSANA. It is often mispelled with two Ns or two S's. I've gotten quiet used to it, actually, but I still find it irritating. I often find my name mispelled in almost everywhere when the one who types it down decides that s/he knows more than I or my parents do on how to spell my name. They always assume we made the mistake of removing one N, so they just correct it for us. Che! I usually applaud silently when new friends and colleagues spell my name right even if it's the first time I've introduced myself. Hay...
So, when I got the baptismal certificate, I think, "This is not really so bad. It's not a completely new name. It's just a typo." The church still prints out the certificate and I pay P50.
They tell me to come back with a photocopy of my birth certificate. And so I did. The church then issues me a series of documents: request for partial reconstruction, affidavit something, and attaches the photocopy of my birth certificate and baptismal certificate earlier issued. All for another P150. Then they tell me to go to the QC Chancery Office to apply for the reconstruction. Imagine, at this point pa lang, the cost of getting the baptismal certificate has quadrupled.
This morning, I called the QC Chancery Office to inquire about driving directions. Since I'm meticulous, I also asked the lady on the phone about the partial reconstruction. Buti na lang I called. She tells me that the aside from the endorsement from the church I need to submit the following:
1. Newly Issued Birth Certificate - So, di na pala pwede yung naka-attach.
2. Certified True Copy of School Records (Form 137 or TOR)
3. OR instead of #2, 3 valid IDs indicating my name and birthday. These IDs must be photocopied, and the photocopy must be notarized.
And the lady stressed, "Prelimenary requirements lang ito, ha? Pag sakaling di ma-satisfy ang magre-review baka humingi pa ng ibang proof of reconciliation." Wow. Bangko nga 2 valid IDs lang hinihingi e. This means I have to wait for the birth certificate with the "for marriage purpose" seal before I get my baptismal certificate. Not to mention the cost, of course. There's the additional cost for the notarization, transportation, and processing fees. P50 lang dapat to in the first place. Single N lang ang kaibahan. It does not change the number of syllables, the pronunciation, etc. Hay... they aim to complicate.
This certificate, which could have been easily crossed off our list may be the most difficult to acquire. :-(
I know other brides have more difficulties with documents than I do. This is just one bump in the road, nothing we can't handle. Go lang!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Joe San Antonio
6 months to go, and I've chosen my bridal gown designer: Joe San Antonio
The Story:
I've already written about my bridal gown dilemma/drama here:
http://rmacachor.multiply.com/journal/item/38
So, to finally zap myself out o that ditch, I met with two designers.
Gretchen Pichay
I went to Gretchen Pichay's house in New Manila, which is also her atelier. The whole basement/silong of her house is like her shop. Dun na rin nagtatahi.
She is very warm, simple lang, very casual. Unang ginawa n'ya was to review yung mga design pegs na binigay ko. Nagandahan sya particular sa neckline and train. So, from there, nag-sketch na sya agad.
Sketch Description:
* The neck/upper part is similar to my peg, with a sweetheart neckline. In the torso area, she put drapings in X pattern. She then put a pseudo belt with beadings. Lace with abound the drapings until the upper part of the skirt.
* At the back, she will execute my peg for the train, with electropleated cloth. She will also put a flower or ribbon at the waist.
My Choice:
JOE SAN ANTONIO
www.joesanantonio.multiply.com
I visited Joe San Antonio in her atelier in Eisenhower Tower, Greenhills.
Her office was more formal, more business like. She has all these colored pens and drawing tools. There were also a lot of magazine to browse.
From my pegs, she asked me which is my favorite--of course I say the neckline. She then sketched two designs, both applying the neckline I like.
Sketch 1
The bodice kas X pattered drapings, skimming the torso and ending in a horizontal line a bit below the butt. The skirt is a two-tiered bubble skirt, with the tiers moving in opposing directions.
Sketch 2
The neckline and bodice had the same concept, but this time she didn't have the horizontal cut. The X-pattern ended at the hips. Then, the lower portion is a combination of a-line and mermaid tiered chiffon.
Initial Thoughts:
I think what really appealed to me with Joe is her work ethic. She only accepts 4 to 5 bridal gowns per month to ensure the quality. Her office is neat. She has a cleint's info sheet, sample agreement form, rate card, her swatches were all in order, etc. In a situation where she and Gretchen were almost in the same footing, these things mattered.
The "this is it" feeling brides always refer to came to me after listing down my observations both for Gretchen and Joe.
I went alone to these meetings because I felt I needed to own this process. In the end, the decision will entirely rest on me. Since I consider this my waterloo, I feel will easily be persuaded by others, and I don't want that to happen. Therefore, I really just have to trust myself to know what it is I want.
The Story:
I've already written about my bridal gown dilemma/drama here:
http://rmacachor.multiply.com/journal/item/38
So, to finally zap myself out o that ditch, I met with two designers.
Gretchen Pichay
I went to Gretchen Pichay's house in New Manila, which is also her atelier. The whole basement/silong of her house is like her shop. Dun na rin nagtatahi.
She is very warm, simple lang, very casual. Unang ginawa n'ya was to review yung mga design pegs na binigay ko. Nagandahan sya particular sa neckline and train. So, from there, nag-sketch na sya agad.
Sketch Description:
* The neck/upper part is similar to my peg, with a sweetheart neckline. In the torso area, she put drapings in X pattern. She then put a pseudo belt with beadings. Lace with abound the drapings until the upper part of the skirt.
* At the back, she will execute my peg for the train, with electropleated cloth. She will also put a flower or ribbon at the waist.
My Choice:
JOE SAN ANTONIO
www.joesanantonio.multiply.com
I visited Joe San Antonio in her atelier in Eisenhower Tower, Greenhills.
Her office was more formal, more business like. She has all these colored pens and drawing tools. There were also a lot of magazine to browse.
From my pegs, she asked me which is my favorite--of course I say the neckline. She then sketched two designs, both applying the neckline I like.
Sketch 1
The bodice kas X pattered drapings, skimming the torso and ending in a horizontal line a bit below the butt. The skirt is a two-tiered bubble skirt, with the tiers moving in opposing directions.
Sketch 2
The neckline and bodice had the same concept, but this time she didn't have the horizontal cut. The X-pattern ended at the hips. Then, the lower portion is a combination of a-line and mermaid tiered chiffon.
Initial Thoughts:
I think what really appealed to me with Joe is her work ethic. She only accepts 4 to 5 bridal gowns per month to ensure the quality. Her office is neat. She has a cleint's info sheet, sample agreement form, rate card, her swatches were all in order, etc. In a situation where she and Gretchen were almost in the same footing, these things mattered.
The "this is it" feeling brides always refer to came to me after listing down my observations both for Gretchen and Joe.
I went alone to these meetings because I felt I needed to own this process. In the end, the decision will entirely rest on me. Since I consider this my waterloo, I feel will easily be persuaded by others, and I don't want that to happen. Therefore, I really just have to trust myself to know what it is I want.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Looking for a Designer
I'm trying to get a hold of the emotions I'm feeling now. Perhaps a blog entry would help me sort things out.
My current wedding task is focused on the wedding attire. For some people, this may be the first thing on their list, but for a t-shirt and pants girl like me, it isn't. Still, I know and acknowledge that the wedding attire is as weighty as one's church, reception venue, etc. Everyone will be judging--and I really mean judging--the bridal gown, right?
So, I do the drill. I research for endless nights for my, Momon's and the entourage's wedding attire inspirations and pegs. I'm not very hard to please, I think. So, for over several months now, I already have--what I think--is my dream wedding dress. Really, it's easy to choose among designs, cuts, and beaded drama when you're only 5 foot flat, not exactly svelt, and most of all, under a tight budget.
So, on to the next step: finding someone to execute design.
CORA
Our family has a trusted seamstress. I wouldn't call her a designer. She has never referred to herself as one. Her main focus in the fashion industry is office garments production, not really bridal.
Our experience with her has always been very positive. My mom and sister are both on the heavy side, and they have office tops and pants made by her. We've also had gowns for weddings and other special occasions done by her, all to our utmost satisfaction. We would gladly referred her to anyone looking for a seamstress.
Work ethic is fabulous. She comes to our house, instead of us going to her shop. She's more of a trusted colleague and partner, rather than a distant supplier.
I've been in contact with her over email. Last Sunday, she went to our house for a meeting to decide on fabric, designs, etc. She said that all these decisions will help her make an accurate quote.
Everything went well, and at the moment, I'm just waiting for her quote.
JOE AND GRETCHEN
Now... what to do next.
I feel I need to explore. Cora has mentioned that her bridal gowns start at P35,000. Hmmm... I felt it was pricey for someone who does not focus on bridal gowns. I'm sure, with all the information I get from W@W community, I'll be able to find a designer who specializes in bridal gowns, and will do it at the same or lower cost. If so all else is equal, I'll go with the latter.
Joe San Antonio and Gretchen Pichay are two young designers. From what I've seen in their Multiply portfolios, they are talented and creative. The W@W community has also showered them with good feedback. I'm looking forward to meeting them.
Managing My Lack of Entusiasm
Perhaps, meeting someone for the first time about this bridal gown, will bring my excitement up. I feel, I should start treating this as an adventure, as a new field to conquer, rather than a Waterloo.
I should allow myself to feel OK that I'm spending P30,000 ++ for a dress I am going to wear only once. I need to feel the moment, I need to feel OK about it in order to push myself to get the best option.
I need to stop over analyzing and just go with what my heart instructs. Something tells me, this bridal gown issue can not be resolve purely on reason, like I have been doing for some suppliers.
I need to own it.
My current wedding task is focused on the wedding attire. For some people, this may be the first thing on their list, but for a t-shirt and pants girl like me, it isn't. Still, I know and acknowledge that the wedding attire is as weighty as one's church, reception venue, etc. Everyone will be judging--and I really mean judging--the bridal gown, right?
So, I do the drill. I research for endless nights for my, Momon's and the entourage's wedding attire inspirations and pegs. I'm not very hard to please, I think. So, for over several months now, I already have--what I think--is my dream wedding dress. Really, it's easy to choose among designs, cuts, and beaded drama when you're only 5 foot flat, not exactly svelt, and most of all, under a tight budget.
So, on to the next step: finding someone to execute design.
CORA
Our family has a trusted seamstress. I wouldn't call her a designer. She has never referred to herself as one. Her main focus in the fashion industry is office garments production, not really bridal.
Our experience with her has always been very positive. My mom and sister are both on the heavy side, and they have office tops and pants made by her. We've also had gowns for weddings and other special occasions done by her, all to our utmost satisfaction. We would gladly referred her to anyone looking for a seamstress.
Work ethic is fabulous. She comes to our house, instead of us going to her shop. She's more of a trusted colleague and partner, rather than a distant supplier.
I've been in contact with her over email. Last Sunday, she went to our house for a meeting to decide on fabric, designs, etc. She said that all these decisions will help her make an accurate quote.
Everything went well, and at the moment, I'm just waiting for her quote.
JOE AND GRETCHEN
Now... what to do next.
I feel I need to explore. Cora has mentioned that her bridal gowns start at P35,000. Hmmm... I felt it was pricey for someone who does not focus on bridal gowns. I'm sure, with all the information I get from W@W community, I'll be able to find a designer who specializes in bridal gowns, and will do it at the same or lower cost. If so all else is equal, I'll go with the latter.
Joe San Antonio and Gretchen Pichay are two young designers. From what I've seen in their Multiply portfolios, they are talented and creative. The W@W community has also showered them with good feedback. I'm looking forward to meeting them.
Managing My Lack of Entusiasm
Perhaps, meeting someone for the first time about this bridal gown, will bring my excitement up. I feel, I should start treating this as an adventure, as a new field to conquer, rather than a Waterloo.
I should allow myself to feel OK that I'm spending P30,000 ++ for a dress I am going to wear only once. I need to feel the moment, I need to feel OK about it in order to push myself to get the best option.
I need to stop over analyzing and just go with what my heart instructs. Something tells me, this bridal gown issue can not be resolve purely on reason, like I have been doing for some suppliers.
I need to own it.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
The Feast
An unexpected accomplishment yesterday, Momon and I finalized the menu for our dinner party with Chef Giney Villar of Adarna Food and Culture.
I'm so glad to finally hurdle this task. I went to Adarna thrice to have lunch and dinner dates with the ulterior motive of tasting Chef Giney's concoctions, once with C5 and twice with bridesmaid Hanna. Ayoko nang bumalik, because I don't want the place to feel too familiar. I'm sure there will be more visits to come to finalize more things.
In the meantime, may I present our menu:
Some photos of the food HERE.
I'm so glad to finally hurdle this task. I went to Adarna thrice to have lunch and dinner dates with the ulterior motive of tasting Chef Giney's concoctions, once with C5 and twice with bridesmaid Hanna. Ayoko nang bumalik, because I don't want the place to feel too familiar. I'm sure there will be more visits to come to finalize more things.
In the meantime, may I present our menu:
Almondigas Soup
Savory beafballs with fine misua. A certified comfort food.
Torta Espesyal
The goodness of fresh eggs steamed with olive oil and spices on a banana leaf with ground pork and shrimp. Served with Pan de Sal.
Sulu Piassok
Experience this exotic Sulu dish of beef chunks slow-cooked in smoked coconut cream and ten spices till tender--buttered, grilled and sliced just before serving.
Buyabes Bicolano
Fresh vegetables and grilled seafood (fish, shrimp and squid) cooked with smoked coconut cream, spices and a hint of fish bagoong to remind one of a homespun Southern beach picnic.
Kangkong and Bagoong
Stir-fried kankong with bagoong topped with sweet and spicy dilis. Two quick Chinese-inspired concoctions in one!
Steamed Pandan Rice
Banana Peanut Roll
Ripe saba banana with roasted peanut cream in a crisp wrapper drizzled with old fashioned caramelo sauce.
Softdrinks
-------Savory beafballs with fine misua. A certified comfort food.
Torta Espesyal
The goodness of fresh eggs steamed with olive oil and spices on a banana leaf with ground pork and shrimp. Served with Pan de Sal.
Sulu Piassok
Experience this exotic Sulu dish of beef chunks slow-cooked in smoked coconut cream and ten spices till tender--buttered, grilled and sliced just before serving.
Buyabes Bicolano
Fresh vegetables and grilled seafood (fish, shrimp and squid) cooked with smoked coconut cream, spices and a hint of fish bagoong to remind one of a homespun Southern beach picnic.
Kangkong and Bagoong
Stir-fried kankong with bagoong topped with sweet and spicy dilis. Two quick Chinese-inspired concoctions in one!
Steamed Pandan Rice
Banana Peanut Roll
Ripe saba banana with roasted peanut cream in a crisp wrapper drizzled with old fashioned caramelo sauce.
Softdrinks
Yay! Just a few thoughts on how we finally nailed it:
- Adarna has their set menus, but because I'm a brat, I wanted to have my own menu. Haha. What we did was to read through Adarna's ala carte menu and we made a shortlist. From this shortlist, we had several food tastings and proposed a menu to Chef Giney. She advised us on certain things, but in the end made some adjustments to fit the things that we already chose. She then made a costing for us. Pasok naman sa banga.
- We chose dishes based on the description, and whether they can be shared when served family-style, paired with other dishes, and the most important of all--the price.
- We also decided to forego the salad and noodles. Deadma na. We are not big vegetable eaters and we want to eat what we want to eat at our wedding. As for the pancit, it was a bit expensive, and slashing it was an easy choice.
- I was also agonizing about serving seafood. My dad doesn't eat pork anymore and is steering away from beef and chicken. So, a fish/seafood dish is a must. And I also think this is respectful to your guest who are similar to my dad. I am so glad that I tasted Buyabes at that exact time when we were just looking for something to complete the menu. Hanna and I had a moment.
- We chose softdrinks because it is the cheapest. Kung hindi ka umiinom ng softdrinks, magtubig ka na lang. Sorry po. Excuse na rin namin na "Pag softdrink, they get to choose pa kung cola, white cola, orange, rootbeer, etc. Meron pang light options! O di mas parang feeling nila na may choice sila kaysa kung ihain na lang ang walang kamatayang iced tea." Taray.
- Upon reading the menu again, hmmm... di naman kami masyadong mahilig sa smoked coconut cream, ano? Pero as long as Chef Giney said that this is a good combination, go! No worries, the Piassok doesn't really taste like it's cooked in coconut cream, basta nandun na lang s'ya. Hay... nagugutom ako.
- Pero nung nabasa ko ang menu, gusto ko lang magpaka-profound, deep, analytical, etc. Nadi-dissonance ako. Napansin ko we chose pieces na hindi naman talaga fancy: almondigas, torta, kangkong with bagoong, babana peanut roll e turon lang ito! Pero, wait till you see and try them... yun yon e! Meron silang twist! Pati kanin, steamed pandan rice pa talaga sya! O di ba? Hahaha! Mutual admiration society yata ang hanap ko.
- So there, we're quite pleased with ourselves. Sana magustuhan din ng mga bisita. Dami ko nang narinig na kahit anong ganda ng wedding kung pangit ang pagkain, wala rin. Kailangan daw memorable ang food. So, sige. I'm confident na kaya nating i-achieve ito. Pero ayoko na magpa-pressure. This is just one meal of their lives, at dahil mahal kami ng guests namin, kung anuman ang drama nila sa pagkain, patatawarin nila kami.
Some photos of the food HERE.
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