Happy & Monthsary

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:03:00.000+08:00

"Life is always changing, yet as we move into 2012 there’s one thing you can count on that never changes – the law of attraction! It’s your best friend - loyal, unbending, truthful, and it will never fail you. Whatever you think, say, and feel, comes back to you every single time! So bring glory, joy, and abundance to yourself and every other person with a good heart and a positive mind! Happy New Year!" – Rhonda Byrne, Author of The Secret

kingwallpapers.com

The Happiest, Star-Studded Memory Ever

2011-11-27T12:51:00.000+08:00

Photo lifted from: http://blogs.greenville.edu/students/2010/12/01/the-observatory/

I will never forget October 31, 2011---while most people were probably out hopping from one Halloween party to the next, or visiting cemeteries, Cy and I, with our closest couple friends stayed in a farm, and literally slept underneath the stars. And for the first time in my life, I saw not one but TEN shooting stars. There's no way to describe the feeling I had that night. It was just absolutely out of this world.

Photo lifted from:
http://1700louisiana.blogspot.com/2010/09/sleeping-under-stars.html

Unfortunately, we don't have any photos to capture this most special day of our lives--it was too dark, and I did not have the sense to bring my Lumix with me and dabble with the "starry night" function of my camera.

It all started when we were just curious if there were indeed a lot of stars that night. we climbed the roof-deck to do some star gazing. We were so overwhelmed with the view, that we suddenly just decided to be spontaneous and sleep underneath the stars.

So just imagine us, in an open-air roof deck of a 4-storey dormitory, where we laid out a makeshift bed made out of mattresses, blankets, and pillows, with some candles, and our ceiling consisted of a thousand stars. For the lack of better description and photos, the photos on your left would be the best way to "reenact" this night :)

Photo lifted from:
http://mysite.verizon.net/res8lg0q/anythingairbrushedart22/id14.html

The starry night was heavenly as it is--imagine seeing one shooting star after another. I literally didn't want to close my eyes. I couldn't believe that I was really sleeping in the open air and just being enveloped by so many stars. I felt small, but felt lucky to have witnessed a piece of heaven. I couldn't help but thank the Universe several times for what I witnessed, and I felt like meditating and contemplating about life and what it is really worth.

It is precious moments like this that make you think about life--and how shallow and petty it is to be spending your hours slaving away for big corporations, influencing people to buy products, spending hours working when you can be doing more important things like basking in the sun, appreciating nature, spending time with loved ones, stripped off of material things and shallow cares. I'd give anything to break away from the rat race, don't you? And being in the presence of a thousand stars is where I will cull inspiration from--to strive for more days like this, instead of being engulfed by the daily grind.

The Spa - Richmond Hotel, Eastwood

2011-11-27T11:50:00.001+08:00

Part Four of Cy's birthday festivities was a Red Wine scrub and massage at the Spa in Richmond Hotel, Eastwood. We've tried a lot of spa places already, and I must say that even if it's a little pricey, the Spa is still one of the best in Manila. The Villas at the Spa, High Street Bonifacio is just a real treat! But since the one in Eastwood is just a 3-minute walk from our place, it was good enough too :) Each the Spa building/branch has its own theme. The one in Eastwood is like a Grecian-inspired sanctuary.

I love the colors, the minimalist, and the relaxing ambiance at the Spa. The Red Wine scrub was awesome, although I kinda expected that there would be a hint of wine during the treatment--haha! I highly recommend for you guys to give a spa-day as a gift to your loved ones. Especially if both of you need some relaxation and a little bit of escape from work. I was kinda torn between giving Cy something more permanent like a pair of Nikes instead of something as fleeting and as expensive as a Spa treatment--but I figured, Cy already has a lot of sneakers and he really needed this special day to just be pampered. Cy is always the one who treats us to spa dates--and I really wanted to be the one to do this for him, this time around :)

Cy's Bday Chapter 3 - Farmville

2011-11-07T10:51:00.000+08:00

Eating Philippine Apples at the Farm :)

Part Three

When our awesome couple friend Mica & Marc invited us to stay at Marc's parents' farm in Tanay, I was glad that we would still be able to do something new for Cy's birthday celebrations. I was really able to experiment and have fun with my Lumix for this trip, so I will keep the words to a minimum. So here's to the third part of Cy's birthday activities--farmville style :)

The best part of this overnight stay at the farm was actually not captured on camera. Which was when we slept underneath the stars in a roof deck and with just mattresses and blankets. But I'd like to blog about that magical night separately because it is one of our happiest moments ever.

As reference, read the first two parts of my blogs for Cy's birthday :)

PATIO VERA MARIKINA

CY'S BDAY CHAPTER TWO - HOOTIE PATOOTIE

Cy's Bday Chapter Two - Hootie Patootie

2011-11-02T12:14:00.001+08:00

Chapter Two

The morning of Cy's birthday, Taylor and I "conspired" while Cy was busy ordering from McDo's delivery hotline. With hushed voices, we tiptoed to the kitchen, got the hidden box of Krispy Kremes, lighted one of our scented candles (we didn't have a birthday candle) and got our giant card out!

This may not be much but the fact that Cy and I have never been able to celebrate his birthday w/ Taylor for 3 years in row makes this really a milestone. Next up, I'm blogging about our Farmville adventure!

Read the Prologue and Chapter 1 of the birthday festivities HERE :)

Patio Vera Marikina

2011-11-01T09:53:00.001+08:00

A Prologue

For those of you who have been reading my blog from way way back, you would remember that it's that time of the year for Cy's birthday and that each year, I try to make it a point to take him to a trip (Click here to read some of our birthday adventures: HERE, HERE AGAIN, and and HERE :). However for this year, the celebrations are a little bit low-key because we need to save. However, in the next few blog posts to come, you will see how his birthday was still made special--from another unique resto discovery in Marikina, to a simple sweet surprise with Taylor, to literally sleeping on a mattress in a roof deck--underneath a million stars, to a red wine scrub -- all of which make for great date ideas for all you couples out there and also makes for happy, happy memories in years to come.

Chapter 1

So let's start with the first birthday activity in which Cy's family treated us to dinner at Patio Vera--a charming house-turned restaurant tucked in the heart of Marikina.

Now before you start rolling your eyes because it's far off from your radar, just look at this place and you'll know that it's worth the trip.

As you can see in these photos, Patio Vera's got one dramatic, thematic scene after the other. I would love to go on a day trip just to be able to take nicer photos with natural light. The vibe has a mix of Filipino, Heirloom, Nostalgia with Asian influences. It's the kind of place where you can literally Eat. Pray. and Love.

As a tribute to a family legacy of shoe-making, bills are placed in heavily embellished, fabulous pumps and there's a chic interiored wall in the al fresco area dedicated to shoe-making props.

Shrimp Adobo

Strawberry Margarita

Calamari Salad

Gambas

Vaco Spicy Ribs

Seafood Paella

*Not in Picture: Salpicao

The food is equally, surprisingly delicious--the meal is hearty and the servings, generous. I particularly enjoyed the calamari salad, the gambas, the paella, and the fries included in Cy's ribs haha. I was told that the salpicao is easily the crowd favorite too.

The birthday boy was given a slice of cake, which was just as generous and just as delicious.

Patio Vera is a beautiful place. It's definitely worth the visit. It also makes for an awesome prenup/wedding venue. I am definitely creating another blog write-up on this in Rebellious Brides :)

This is just the "first chapter" on Cy's birthday celebrations. Watch out for more :)

Harry Potter Wedding Part Two

2011-10-29T11:38:00.000+08:00

Disclaimer: I am merely re-posting the following pictures/info as lifted from Green Wedding Shoes. I do not have actual, direct correspondence with those who created these weddings. I'm just a fan who wants to share this to everyone else :)
--------

It's a long Halloween weekend and I'm curious to know where everybody is off to. So where are you off to? Cy and I are starting the celebrations with a family dinner, then a farm weekend getaway. This week is also Cy's birthday so hooray for that!

In celebration of the festivities, I wanted to blog about another Harry Potter wedding inspiration as lifted from one of my favorite wedding blogs, Green Wedding Shoes. I love the idea of making a sophisticated, rustic version of this otherwise fantasy wedding theme.

Here are some photos from the shoot, and to see more, visit the link HERE

Enjoy! :)

In our Rebellious Brides blog, we also created a Harry Potter/Weasley inspired wedding inspiration feature and where to perfectly execute it. Click the pic below to know more! :)

Rebellious Idea - The Greenery/Weasley Wedding

This is also the second time I've blogged about Harry Potter weddings. To read the first one I wrote, click HERE :)

Happy weekend everyone! :)

Expecto Patronum!

Happiness is Dawson's Creek

2011-10-27T16:34:00.000+08:00

How much of a huge Dawson fan am I? I once created a signature campaign to petition for Studio 23 to air Dawson's Creek. Yes, yes. I think we have already established that I have a dorky passionate side. So when my sister tweeted these videos, it was a refreshing break to my otherwise very crazy work week.

So for those of you who are Dawsons fans, enjoy! :)

Pacey-Con with Joshua Jackson from Joshua Jackson

Vandermemes from James Van Der Beek

Hey Baby, I Think I Wanna Marry You

2011-10-25T11:54:00.000+08:00

I know this video has been circulating for quite awhile now, but who knows, maybe you haven't seen it yet. There are a lot of nice and not-so-nice comments on this video---but I say, why not just be happy for this very lucky bride?

Here's to love and creativity :)

BBQ Triple Date

2011-10-19T07:13:00.001+08:00

French Fries in Truffle Oil

With so many typhoons in recent months, combined with our new found freedom to go on our own during weekends, Cy and I have been enjoying going on group dates with our other couple friends with date ideas that are essentially out-of-town but matched with very laid back, indoor activities. In other words, we are getting old. Haha. This is actually a long overdue post, as this BBQ idea happened during one of the typhoons (they are so many, I can't keep track with their names anymore) . But how about this for your next date? Don't mind the weather--stay indoors, and think of ways to spice things up. Cooking, watching conspiracy theories (which leads to heated discussions afterwards), charades, drinking, or just talking (as Taylor would put it, usap kayo ng usap!) are just some of the simple things that we enjoy doing with our friends.

Cy used to do a lot of BBQ afternoons with friends and family in Oregon so he enjoyed doing this very much

Our friend Mikki had the steaks prepped in a "secret" place in Paranaque so we only had to grill it to perfection

Since I couldn't eat the steak, I had grilled fish instead

To contribute to our little BBQ get-together, I bought freshly baked pastries from Marks & Spencer Eastwood

After our early dinner, we watched Zeitgeist, drinking wine and scotch, which lead to a debate after. Have you ever watched Zeitgeist? It's not for the faint of heart (or faith) but it is a MUST watch.

The following day, we had lunch at Casa Marikit since we were already in the area.

Gone are the days of crazy nights spent in clubs and bars. There was even a "phase" in our lives where we would go to Embassy and party 'till like 5am and head on over to the beach afterwards. Everybody goes through that phase, I guess. And we are already in that phase where we are settling down---and I wouldn't have it any other way ;)

Bora Hop - The Red Box Edition

2011-10-17T20:17:00.000+08:00

Cy and I just celebrated our 8th monthsary last Saturday, and just in time for this wonderful occasion, we also received our Mango Red photos and album. A few months ago, we were asked to choose 250 of our favorite photos for Mango Red to post process. What we did was choose just 180 photos and allowed Mango Red to choose the rest of the photos to edit--we did this because we wanted them to also have a free hand on which photos they creatively also want to play around with. The result is a refreshing take on our wedding photos! I've seen these photos a thousand times before (and if you have been reading my blog for quite awhile, I'm sure you've seen these photos several times as well), but I am so amazed at how the photos look so fresh.

An old soul at heart, I love that we have these prints to have and hold. There's nothing quite like actual prints that show you so much more detail and depth into the photos.

Mango Red's photos even in its RAW form was so beautiful as it is--but seeing these edits give me so much more reasons to give Mango Red such high praises and raves!

Here are some of my favorite prints :)

Separately, Mango Red also gave us our very own wedding album. To know more about it, click the pic below :)

Bora Hop - The Rebellious Album Edition

The JMag Has Spoken...

2011-10-05T11:04:00.001+08:00

JMag, signing our copy of The Power 7

Having been invited to the book launch of Thunderbird's Power 7, we didn't know exactly what to expect, and truth be told, we were just excited to be out and about, and hang out with our favorite wedding celebs haha. So you can just imagine our surprise, to find out that we somehow made it to the Power 7 book as well!

Jason Magbanua was featured as one of the 7 most powerful wedding heavyweights of our time--and one of the things that were asked of him in the book was his top 3 favorite weddings of recent years. The two weddings were naturally that of Juday & Ryan's wedding, and Oscar Awardee "The King Gimp". The third, happened to be ours---and it's enough to make me and Cy all giddy and dorky!

There were a total of 5 or so paragraphs solely dedicated to the wedding! Jason recounts that what made it his favorite was the fact that we shared with our guests how we truly enjoyed Boracay. He even says it was "brief, emotional, and powerful". But if I were to add to this, I would like to think that it was memorable for Jason because we made him feel like part of the family and not just a mere supplier. Just between you and me though, I think it was also secretly his favorite because he was much of a star in the actual video as we were! JOKE LANG Jason! Hahaha!

Truly, TRULY grateful & honored by this super kilig moment!

To know more about the Power 7 book, visit: The Most Powerful Number

If you were to pick your own Power 7 wedding heavyweights, who would your 7 be? :)

More on our Jason Magbanua video from these links :)

A Jason Magbanua Video

Kai & Cy - The Bora Hop

One of the HAPPIEST Proposals EVER! :)

2011-09-28T09:38:00.001+08:00

I wrote this to thank my fiancé :). He is an innately good person. I believe in him so much. I accept him wholly. I wrote this to thank the Universe for giving us a nudge towards each other. I wrote this to tell people about crazy love, about cheesiness, about moments that blow your mind. I wrote this because I am thankful. I feel very loved and blessed in so many ways.

-- Rebellious Bride Mica

I wanna share another awesome Rebellious Brides blog post because this is just so inspiring, creative, and sweet! Anyone thinking of proposing? Or maybe you are a girl and you just simply want to surprise your guy on your monthsary or his birthday? This makes for a wonderful idea! I super duper love this! :)

To read the complete article, click HERE :)

The Fozzy Book

2011-09-26T09:32:00.000+08:00

Here's something to set a happy mood for the rest of the week. The happy artwork above is from The Fozzy Book. I love wonderful fonts, handwritten notes, and colorful layouts, don't you? The Fozzy Book is actually a source of wedding calligraphy and personalized wedding logos/monograms. But once in a while, Fozzy comes up with wonderful wallpapers and inspirations as well. To know more about The Fozzy Book, click here: http://thefozzybook.com/ and to read our rebellious feature on The Fozzy Book, click here as well :) Rebellious Calligraphy Here's to "summoning" a laid back week with more time with friends and get-togethers versus work haha. Don't quote me on that :)

Purple Happy Pills :)

2011-09-23T08:38:00.000+08:00

Mica Tuano-Fuentes' DIY felt bouquet made by the bride's entourage & Badang Rueda

Photo by Mango Red

Rebellious Idea: D-I-Y

Call me "mababaw" but pretty, quirky things make me happy and giddy! For example, just looking at Rebellious Bride Mica's DIY felt bouquet photographed by uber cool team Mango Red makes me smile :) I just love all things creative! Especially Pinoy creativity!

Check out the full DIY blog feature at: REBELLIOUS BRIDES

Incidentally, because of Mica's wedding, our Rebellious Brides blog set the tonality for their Manila Bulletin wedding feature! Our blog was even cited! How cool is that? :)

How Acupuncture Changed My Life :)

2011-09-20T11:07:00.003+08:00

acupuncture-adelaide.com

I have been going to acupuncture for about 14 months now and as my title states, it has indeed changed my life--and for the better. Naturally I get asked about it a lot, and as much as I would like to convince people to at least try it, there are always the usual hesitation, doubts, and fear of the needles. But I am a firm believer of acupuncture so I would like to explain it in the most honest way I can, through my own story.

The very word "Acupuncture" drives people to have negative thoughts. Why? First, because of the needles of course, and it doesn't actually look visually appealing. Second, we have been brainwashed that western medicine is more logical, more scientific, and more effective and that acupuncture or "alternative medicine" is crude and too old school for our modern times. Third, there are those that have judged it immediately--those that have tried it once and would say that it didn't cure them, or those that have accidentally gone to acupuncturists that have dubious methods so they were turned off.

But allow me to refute these negativity with my own take on it.

First point on the needles: pain is highly subjective, don't you think? What may be painful to one person, may not be so painful to the next. The needles are thinner and the way it will be positioned is very shallow, it's not like an injection which makes use of thicker needles and goes in too deep. The needles are used to "awaken" or "simulate" a specific point, to make your body more aware of it, and circulate the natural flow of your blood and energy. It doesn't hurt or at the very least, it's not the way you are imagining it to hurt. It is all in your head. At first you might feel awkward or uncomfortable but once you start to relax, it actually feels like a spa treatment more than anything. It's like meditation, and it makes you want to sleep.

Second point is that majority or probably 99% would say that western medicine is just more effective and logical: acupuncture has been part of the Chinese civilization for THOUSANDS of years. In fact, western medicine is a younger practice. How can it not have merit if it has been in this world far longer? Yes, western medicine is scientific, but acupuncture is NATURAL--and how could NATURAL ever be the lesser good?

Let me explain this further by illustrating my own story. I have had crazy migraines as far as I can remember. As I got older, my migraines became more and more extreme, to the point that there are days when I am unable to function. It would consume me so much that I would have to go on sick leave or just lay in my bed the whole day. I have "migrated" from one pill to the next. From paracetamols, to the most hardcore medicines. But it was always the same case--the pill would work for a while, then I'd get immune to it, then I'd have to look for the next miracle pill. And they are expensive too. Apart from the migraines, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries which was supposedly incurable and I would have to depend on pills just to maintain it (CLICK FOR RELATED ARTICLE). I have reached my saturation point with western medicine because I got tired of hospitals and hospital bills. I got tired of being prescribed pills from one to the next that caused more migraines and even made me gain weight. I was tired of the "quick fix" that pills offered and I just wanted to be better and I didn't want to accept that both of these illnesses are just the way I am and that I would just have to depend on more pills.

When my former boss learned of my dilemma (and perhaps she noticed my absences hehe), she encouraged me to try acupuncture--her family was a firm believer of "alternative medicine". She shared with me the story of her kids who once had to rely on nebulizers, and when they switched to alternative medicine, her kids became better. She also shared the story of a relative that had breast cancer and became well because of acupuncture.

When I met my acupuncturist, he was sympathetic to what I was feeling. He himself was once a western medicine doctor and had a realization that there must be more than just prescribing pills. Not once did he say that my migraines or my polycistic ovaries were incurable. All he said was that I will be well, naturally, and in time. With acupuncture there are no shortcuts. It's not about the quick fix but more of looking at your body as a whole and how each are connected to each other--your blood circulation, your kidneys, the amount of heat in your body, your energy-- so maybe you are being treated for migraine but actually, it develops the healing of your body as a WHOLE. So if you ask me how I am doing, I am migraine free. Occasionally I would get a migraine attack but it doesn't linger anymore. I still take mefenamic when I am not able to go to my acupuncture but I am not dependent on it anymore. As for my polycystic ovaries, without taking pills, my monthly period has already become regular, and should I decide to get preggers, I know that I can count on acu to help me conceive, naturally. When my migraines were still very frequent, I went to my acu twice a week. Now that my migraines are better, I only go once a week. Perhaps you are asking--would you need to go once a week too? It's your choice. I go on a weekly basis because I still need to make sure my period is regular, I go to acu for all my health-related ailments from colds, to toothache, to constipation (even hang-over and even depression or anxiety!), and it's also like my "me-time", 2 hours to take care of myself to make me feel rejuvenated and relieve me of my stress.

Still not convinced? Cy is hypertensive. Last year, there was a time when his blood pressure was too high. He didn't want to become dependent on pills too. So he went to my acupuncturist. After about a month, he got well. Once in a while we'd have his blood pressure checked, or he'd go to acu but overall he is fine and dandy. There was also one time that he got sore eyes, and in just a day of bleeding out his ear, it was gone (it's not as scary as it sounds). There was also one time when he had a very serious infection on his foot so a western medicine doctor gave him antibiotics which he was to take for 1 week, but could extend to another week if it still didn't heal. He complimented his antibiotics with acupuncture so his foot got better faster and he didn't have to take the antibiotics for another week.

But don't get me wrong. I am not trying to defy western medicine. All I'm saying, is, if you have reached a point when you feel like pills are no longer appealing to you, you have other options, NATURAL options. Note as well that too much pills may have long-term effects on your body. The best way I think is to get the best of both worlds. What western medicine cannot give you, you can get from acupuncture. And what acupuncture cannot provide you, you can compliment with western medicine.

Which leads me now to my third point that people easily judge acupuncture. They say they've tried it once and it wasn't effective. Or that they went to the wrong doctor. First of all, you cannot compare western medicine to acu. Western medicine taught us "quick fixes"--that a pill should work as fast as it could. Acu is not like that. Again, it is more natural so the process is slower, but definitely will have more long-term benefits and will provide overall health. It's just like exercising! Do you expect to get sexier in just 1 hour of aerobics and in just your first class? Depending on your health concern, you may have to go to several sessions. But if you just want to try it once, then go ahead--but don't judge it at the first try.

Also, finding the right acupuncturist is the most crucial part. As my personal rule of thumb, do not be wowed by acupuncturists that have fancy, huge-ass machines or those that would concoct medicine for you. If they are also the type who would charge every needle, every additional treatment, and time you too quickly, then I wouldn't go for that either. Acu should be plain, simple, natural, and honest. My doctor for instance, not only uses acu but also gives you free ventosa and moksa treatments to compliment your session at no additional cost. He simply just wants to make sure you get the best of your time and buck. Some would charge you extra if you wanted these additional services and would go as far as charging every needle used on you. Find someone who feels genuinely and sincerely concerned of your healing.

So how has acu changed my life? I feel so much better than I used to feel before. I don't feel helpless when it comes to anything that I am feeling, especially my migraines and my ovaries. Most of all, I feel more fulfilled, happier, and more positive than ever. I look forward to going to acu every week, knowing I have 2 hours of "alone-time".

blog.myacudoc.com

Obviously I encourage you to try acu (but choose your doctor WISELY). But I also DO NOT recommend acupuncture if you are:

1. Cynical, pessimistic, and overall negative. Openness is important in acupuncture. It's like meditation. Just don't go if you are nega. Good vibes are highly important

2. Not willing to change your lifestyle. If you are still in the stage of your life where you thrive on work and stress, partying hard and the like, but can't even squeeze 2 hours of your time to do this, then I don't think you are ready for acu because this is really about giving yourself the license to take care of yourself and knowing how to say NO from work, stress, and drama.

3. If you have planned other physical activities after your treatment, then just go some other time. After acu, you will feel so relaxed that you would want to go to bed. If you fight this feeling, and start working out or exhausting yourself, then you will have defeated your purpose.

For those who want to go to my doctor, contact Dr. Jake Aniban: 0917-8224015
He as clinics in Medical Plaza Ortigas, St. Luke's, Megamall, and White Plains. I would personally recommend however, to got to White Plains for a more stress-free visit without the need to worry about parking or hospitals.

For those who are wondering what type of ailment acupuncture can heal, it can virtually help with almost everything you are feeling (even hair loss I was told! haha). It would be best to go first for a consultation.

I end this blog feature with a tweet I wrote last Saturday. I said that If I had a million dollars, I'd give free acu treatments to all my friends and family every week because that's how much I believe in it :)

7th Monthsary - Harana over Italian

2011-09-19T15:28:00.000+08:00

One of the perks of living in Eastwood is the convenience of watching their special concerts for free, while you dine in the many restaurants that have a view of the fountain area. When I saw the lamppost banners for the Ang Bagong Harana event by the Philippine Opera Company, I knew right away that it would make for an interesting 7th monthasry date :)

As some of you may already know, Cy grew up in the States--so I thought it would be interesting to introduce to him some Filipino traditions/culture such as the concept of Harana. And as for the selection on where to dine, we decided on finally trying L'Opera's Trattoria Italia which had the perfect location to enjoy the concert.

I love the idea of celebrating our monthsary with a date that had a very cultural yet modern romantic vibe. Cy went to the restaurant earlier than I did while I got dolled up. Once I was ready, I simply just hopped to go to the restaurant from our condo since it was so near---and it felt like we were on a first date all over again :)

As the concert started, our appetizers were brought to our table. And as the concert also progressed, our main courses arrived as well. It was as if everything was so orchestrated! In fact now that I think about it, it was a very clever coincidence that we actually dined at "L'Opera" to see the "Philippine Opera" :)

We ordered gambas for our appetizers, I had gnocchi, Cy had baked chicken, and we ordered pizza with mushrooms and sausages. The food was very delightful! I super loved the gnocchi and Cy swears that his chicken was absolutely cooked to perfection. The servings were very generous that we even had more than enough leftover food for breakfast the following day.

As for the concert, we later realized that it was a "sampler" with only 1 set and several songs which progressed from the most traditional songs bordering on Kundiman, to the more modern songs that even included a rendition of Anak. It was a great way though, to promote the real concert, which will be shown at the RCBC. To read a related article, click here: http://www.clickthecity.com/events/details.php?id=12315

It was a short but sweet date. We started at quarter to 7PM and ended about quarter to 9PM which gave me enough time to catch Amaya when we got home :) But it was a happy way to have celebrated our 7th :) So here's a date idea for you: Why not catch the full-blown Harana concert? Or if that is not of interest to you, how about looking up the next event lined-up in Eastwood? :)

Pipino

2011-09-15T07:51:00.001+08:00

Pipino's Low Fat Cheese-less Vegan Lasagna

Vegetarian food is relatively hard to get by here in Manila compared to the other countries. For instance, in England, I was amazed by how almost all the restaurants would have a vegetarian menu. There was one Chinese restaurant who even prepared a vegetarian equivalent of all the dishes that were ordered from our table, just for me. But hopefully, things are gonna get better from here. Because in the 5 years that I have gone vegetarian, there have also been improvements. Gone are the days when I'd have to rely on just Bodhi, Blissful Belly, Chimara, and a few obscure home-based businesses that sell veggie food. Today, supermarkets are now carrying more and more food options for our lot, and thanks to innovators like Century Tuna (yes I am pesco-lacto-ovo vegetarian) who now carries tuna tocino, tuna hotdog, tuna Vienna sausage, tuna corned beef, and tuna meat loaf, the future is brighter.

Newer (and perhaps even better?) vegetarian restaurants are also rising. Corner Tree Cafe for instance, is able to delight not just vegetarians but even non-vegetarians alike. Having liked Pino (click here for related article), I knew that their clever vegetarian version called Pipino would be sure to be just as good as well. But it was hard to find the chance to visit.

Thanks to Quick Delivery (2121212) though, I was able to try Pipino at the comforts of our own home. It was hard to order simply because I wanted to try everything. In the end, we decided on their Kamote Fries w/ Aioli Dip, Mushroom Salpicao, the Portobello Inasal, Vegan Lasagna, and Pancit Canton w/ Lumpia.

Overall, the food was enjoyable and affordable! But if I were to choose my favorites, it would have to be the Vegan Lasagna and the Kamote Fries (but who doesn't love Kamote Fries?), And I can't wait to try the other dishes! Here are the menus from their blog/website: http://www.pipinovegetarian.com/

And now they also have breakfast! And Cy and I just looooove breakfast!

Have you guys tried Pipino? Can you help me choose my next delivery orders? There's so many here, I don't know what to choose! Hahah :)

THE GAME

2011-09-13T13:55:00.000+08:00

As featured on www.rebelliousbride.blogspot.com

HAPPY VIDEO!!!! :)

The highly anticipated Ian Cruz prenup video of Rebellious Bride Mica and Rebellious Groom Marc is finally here!!!

Marc and Mica | MTV from Ian Cruz Films on Vimeo.

Rebellious Bride Mica:

We wanted an entertaining AVP, so we came up with GAME. Wala lang tinotopak kame. Haha! Credits: Ian Cruz Films for the video, Pontefino Batangas for the shoot location, The Makeup of Mica, Sassa Jimenez for the clothes, Caloy and Raizel for the helmets, and Auntie Bebeth for assisting :)

We are on Wedding Essentials! :)

2011-09-09T14:57:00.000+08:00

Have you grabbed a copy of the Wedding Essentials July-December 2011 issue yet? Maybe you should! Not only is it the thickest issue ever, we also landed a feature there! Woot! :)

Having a full-page photo of yourself in a glossy magazine is just waaay beyond cool! The feature was based on one of my blog entries entitled Beauty Blog. Click here if you haven't read that one yet :)

Special thanks to my fellow Rebellious Bride Mica for this opportunity to be included in Wedding Essentials! :)

A Feature on EYP :)

2011-09-07T19:32:00.001+08:00

http://shop.eyp.ph/article/the-white-dress-party/1?comment_page=1

Loving the new feature we got at EYP for our 2 weddings! Thank you so much to Aussy Aportadera for the awesome read :)

Click HERE to read the feature (we are at the very end)

Casa Marikit in Lipa

2011-09-01T07:55:00.001+08:00

How did you spend the 4-day weekend? Cy and I did an overnight road trip to Pontefino, Batangas with 4 of our friends. During this weekend road trip, we discovered a wonderful Italian restaurant in Lipa called Casa Marikit. And finally my readers, I am excited to tell you that I have a restaurant discovery worth blogging and raving about :)

One look at these photos and I am sure I don't need to hype it up that much. The place looks absolutely refreshing and beautiful. Although this is an Italian restaurant, Casa Marikit gave me the vibe of a Mexican Telenovela--as if I were in the house of a haciendero. Rustic, romantic, and artistic, I highly recommend planning a special date in this place--be it an anniversary, a surprise, a proposal, and perhaps even a destination wedding if you are bold enough to do it :)

While we waited for our lunch, we were given house appetizers, which included a special homemade spread, with tomatoes, and freshly baked thin sliced wraps. These appetizers definitely set the tone of what we were to expect for our meal--because this was absolutely delicious--our group couldn't resist asking for more!

While waiting for the rest of our orders, we explored the compound which included several function rooms that are yet to be fully operational--but so far, each nook looked beautiful!

For our lunch, Cy & I ordered spinach ravioli, lasagna, and smoked salmon caviar pizza. Our friends on the other hand ordered a variety of dishes, including risotto, cannelloni, and several other pizzas.

The verdict? Overall, we definitely enjoyed the experience and the food. The group was much more critical that it was an Italian restaurant only because it was one of our favorite cuisines, and several of us personally have our own pasta dishes that we can cook and proudly claim to be our specialties. With that being said, we were a tough crowd to please. But pleased we were--enough to probably brave a visit to Lipa once in a while despite the long drive. Casa Marikit is located at: Banay-Banay, Concepcion, Lipa City, Batangas(in front of 300yards-Driving Range, Fernando Air Base).

For inquiries and reservations: Mobile: (0917) 869-2354
Email: casamarikit@yahoo.com
Restaurant Hours:
11am-3pm and 6pm-10pm
Everyday except Mondays

PS. If you are a fan of Gnocchi, I would suggest requesting if this could be pre-ordered for you--because the restaurant easily gets packed and we were a little sad that they ran out of this dish :)

Happy Feet w/ Cienta

2011-08-26T15:51:00.002+08:00

I will just be honest about this in telling you that I am blogging about a new brand that my brother and my sister-in-law brought here to the Philippines. But why should you believe me and why do I think this blog is worth your time? Because if there are young parents that I truly admire, it's my brother and my sister-in-law.

My wonderful nephew (Bucky) and niece (Bean) wearing Cienta shoes

My 4-year old niece who is also my godchild, Bean, is the smartest and most "cultured" four-year old I know--and I'm not just saying that because she's family. Even before she reached four, I think she was just two when she started talking in correct grammar and complete sentences--and she can already read and write. My nephew who is younger than Bean, Bucky--was the same. At a young age, he loved cars and dinosaur books and when you read to him, he can already act out the words. Just the other day I heard him say the cutest thing. He said to his sister "Bean, don't touch that otay?" And these two adorable kids are not just smart--of course as children they are quite handful and playful but you can communicate to them like adults, they do as they are told (most of the time), and get this--sing to Beatles and the Grease musical. Their parents gave them a home built on love. And my brother and my sister-in-law really are my idols and I look up to them in this aspect.

Halle Barry and Nahla (Nahla wears Cienta)

With that being said, when my brother and my sister-in-law decided to bring Cienta here in the Philippines, I knew that this brand must be really something for them to have their own kids wear it, and for them to even actually promote and sell it themselves.

Did you know that some discerning parents make their babies wear socks instead of shoes because shoes can actually hinder a child's developing feet? And get this--Cienta shoes were created and designed specifically to contribute to the proper development of a child's feet--after all, you can't always have the kids just wear socks right?

Cienta, a Spanish footwear made for kids, are made out of vulcanized rubber and other natural materials that make each pair comfortable, breathable, durable, and flexible enough to conform to a child's moving feet.

Currently here in the Philippines, available stock are for baby girls and boys from aged 1-6 years old. You can order through Facebook! You can visit through the following links:

•www.cientashoes.ph

•www.facebook.com/cientaph

Favorites Kiddie Party

2011-08-24T11:11:00.000+08:00

Nikki's Cakes & Stuff

What do you expect when your kids turn five? By this time, you can't really do the grand 1-year old party where the parents are usually the ones thinking of the bday theme. At five, the kids pretty much already know what they want for their own bday parties. Taylor's wishes were pretty simple. She picked the venue, she picked the guests, and she wanted all her favorite food and other things that she loved. So we thought of the favorites party!

For those who are planning for a party--whether it's for a children's party or your wedding, we used 2 suppliers for this party which I highly recommend.

Nikki's Cakes & Stuff

Nikki was the same supplier for our church wedding cake--which I absolutely loved. So we decided to get her as well for Taylor's cake. Nikki is very easy to work with and she gets what you want without too much coordination. We just wanted a Hello Kitty cake for Taylor and she made us one and so much more. Taylor and everybody else LOVED this fondant cupcake/cake and the best part is, it's very reasonably priced unlike the other cake suppliers out there. Our cake only costed P2,800 and that's already fondant, with 40 pcs of cupcakes included. I will definitely keep on ordering from Nikki whenever we have any cake or cupcake needs :)

Picture Picture Photobooth

This is my second best purchase from Groupon (the first was the Photobook service, click here for the blog entry). We only paid P3,500, and they were also very easy to work with. I just gave Hello Kitty as a peg and they were able to give us a wonderful template. Their staff are cordial and very pleasant to work with. They were very generous enough to give us double prints since we didn't have that much guests and they also gave us discounts for our next purchase. I also loved the way the pictures turned out. With all the photobooths out there, I tend to notice which ones take nice photos and prints...and I liked this one very much.

Taylor's 5th bday was simple--but we made sure to pay attention to detail and get every item that Taylor loves. We had Hello Kitty stuff everywhere, pink balloons and pink flowers, we had Monsters Inc. playing all throughout the party (she looooves that movie), we had a cute cake and photobooth because she loves taking pictures and she wants to have a cake, plus we had all her favorite food and snacks like tocino, tempura, sashimi, Chicken McDo, Happy Meal toys, Chupa Chups, Bread Pan, and Pringles.

The 6-Month Roundup

2011-08-19T10:51:00.002+08:00

6 months ago, we were in Boracay, just having the time of our
lives and watching our dream wedding unfold one hop at a time.
Fast forward to 6 months after and so many things that were
unplanned have unfolded. We love every minute of it.
Photo by Mango Red

We just hit our 6th monthsary last Monday! Woot! And lest you think that we haven't been celebrating our monthsaries because I haven't exactly blogged on that, we actually have. But my rule of thumb is that if the date idea kinda failed and wasn't "happy", then I wouldn't blog on it anymore. Now don't get me wrong---it's not that Cy & I are not happy per se, but I am talking about the discoveries/date ideas that we've planned out that didn't meet our expectations. For instance, for our 6th monthsary, we went to an out-of-the-way, house-style restaurant with our friends but overall the group wasn't impressed with the food so I've decided not to blog about it anymore. Another example of this is from another monthsary celebration wherein we tried to go on a road trip and try out a new hotel but again, expectations weren't met so I decided not to blog about it.

So for our 6th monthsary, I've decided to do a roundup instead---since we are halfway through our 1st year anniversary, what have we been busy with? What have we been enjoying doing? Is there a baby on the way?

To be honest, we are just playing everything by ear. This might weird you out or make you laugh, but secretly, Cy and I are a little icky about the thought of a possible end of the world in 2012 (yes we are dorky that way). So in truth, we are just enjoying things as they go along for now and trying to enjoy each other's company. After all, if 2012 is a hoax (and let's all wish it is), then that means we have our whole life ahead of us to have a baby or to finally build our home. Besides, we already have Taylor and we stay in an awesome condo so we are really not in any rush.

So anyway, here are the things that we've been doing in the past 6 months and who knows? Maybe you can get an idea or two! :)

We get by with a little help from our friends...

Surprisingly, and we didn't plan this at all, but right after our Boracay wedding, we've managed to spend more time with our married friends. This wasn't something we thought possible because we are all so busy, and we rarely saw each other in the past but now it is becoming more of a weekly/monthly thing. And if you are newlyweds, I highly recommend you do the same. Why? Because it's fun to be in the company of people who are in the same "life stage" as you. We love to talk about funny married quirks, furniture, babies, traveling (or the lack of it), planning new activities, and of course reminiscing our college/single days. When we get together, it's always about the good vibes and I think this is so important for a healthy relationship for couples and friends.

Kirby's Christening at Villa Escudero

Pia's Manila Trip May 2011

Food and Home discoveries...

Heima, LRI Makati

Another thing that we never planned after the wedding was to move out of our condo and into a whole new neighborhood. We used to live in the Makati/Greenbelt area, and now we are at the QC/Eastwood area. This was a huge change because it's an entirely different world, actually. All our friends are from Makati, and it was so much easier to get together then. Now, we are far away from everyone and we don't have friends in Eastwood yet. But we love our new place. It is really a haven, a sanctuary, a true home for me and Cy. When we just moved, we loved to discover new furniture and home stores to make our place more personal to us.

L-R: Morning Coffees at our new home, Fab cheapo Ikea chandelier at 5 Corners White Plains

With food, we'd experiment with our own recipes, and once in awhile we would still try out new restaurants.

Out of all the places that we've discovered, when it comes to home stuff we love 5 Corners in White Plains--for when we need our "Ikea fix", Heima at LRI Makati (though so far we've only been able to afford buying sipits hehe), Howards at Shangri-La--for cute chalk jars and other quirky finds, Muji at Rockwell and High Street--for when we need our fix of good 'ol minimalist, simple needs, and Shopwise--you'd be surprised.

As for food, right now our default comfort food, is fast becoming Monsee's at White Plains (click here for related article). Other noteworthy finds so far are: Vikings (Click here for related article) and Thaipan (Click here for related article).

Out-of-the-ordinary TV Series Finds...

Cy and I love to watch TV shows and movies. In fact, we ended up spending the rest of our Boracay stay (during our wedding, mind you) watching The Walking Dead--how weird is that?!? Cy and I have our own default shows that we watch. The usual series include Big Bang Theory, Dexter, Mad Men, 90120, Glee, Gossip Girl, and of course Cy has his own "manly" shows. But once in awhile, we discover not-so-mainstream shows and here are some of them that I think are noteworthy:

Misfits - A UK based TV series about a bunch of delinquents who get super powers.
The Brit humour is just too funny to pass up!

Shameless - The epitome of dysfunctional family that is just way too extreme for you not to watch also

Amaya - Okay this is too biased, I know. But even Cy admits it's a well-made local show worth watching. You learn a lot from our own culture and that's really saying something.

Taylor Weekends...

I'd like to imagine that Taylor is just in boarding school that's why we don't get to pick her up more regularly as we would want to. But when she's with us, we try as much as we can to have a good time with her. Simple things like taking her to watch The Smurfs, or going to Something Fishy when she's craving for Japanese food, or as simple as hanging out at the Condo and trying to teach her a little bit of the classics like The Sound of Music or The Little Rascals. Taylor can also be a handful since she's already 5 and she's starting to be in that "in-between" stage, and it's funny how when she's with us, that's when we realize that there really is no rush into having another little one around haha.

Weddings galore!

When we were planning for our Feb wedding, we never realized that we would soon be busy with another wedding just 4 months after Boracay. And as you all know, in just 6 months of being married, we've already had a wedding twice! And since this was just too funny and unique, we've decided to just go ahead and make it into some kind of a tradition and have another wedding on our 1st year anniversary! And that's not all---we are also attending a lot of other weddings of our friends. "I love weddings" is an understatement. Haha.

Kamusta ang buhay may asawa at may baby on the way na ba?

These are two of my least favorite questions constantly asked of us, simply because it's a little tiring and boring having to constantly answer it. This is something I was never warned of--so for those of you who are just about to get married...WARNING! You will be asked these 2 questions over and over again.

So how is it to be married? First of all, there were no major adjustments for me and Cy because we are both independent to begin with. I lived on my own even before Cy and I got married, and Cy also did the same when he lived in the States. And quite honestly, I have longed to leave our family's house so I didn't have those jitters that other newbie wives had. Cy also used to hang out at the condo a lot when we were still bf/gf so again, no major adjustments. We have our own differences when it comes to home stuff which we both think are not major issues to blow out of proportion. For instance, Cy--obviously, leaves the toilet seat up--and so I put it down. No big deal. I am also assigned to clean the restroom--including the toilet--again no big deal because Cy is assigned to clean the kitchen. To me, we are equals both in providing financially and caring for the condo. Therefore I don't believe in leaving the household chores only to the lady of the house so even in my wedding vows--I was clear on this that we are both responsible for the house. I have been misinterpreted a lot of the time. People think that Cy treats me like a princess and that he serves me instead of the other way around. I think this is also not fair to me because I have my own share of things that I sacrifice and do for our home.

But to be married is pure bliss. I would much rather be bombarded with these 2 annoying questions, rather than go through single life hoping to be married someday. I have dreamed of this moment for so long, so I take it in and I'm savoring it for as long as I can--and that's why I believe that people shouldn't pressure couples--especially the ladies, to have a baby immediately.

So how has it been during the 6 months? Apart from the woes I have gone through because of my oral surgery, I love my life and I love being Cy's wife :)

A Letter from a Happy & Monthsary and Rebellious Brides Reader :)

2011-08-19T07:17:00.001+08:00

***Disclaimer: This blog post was originally from www.rebelliousbride.blogspot.com but I reckon this blog entry is very much appropriate for Happy & Monthsary because as you will read below, the latter played a role in making this possible :)
---------------

We have come to help you save your wedding! :)
http://www.themarysue.com/
We've received another wonderful email from one of our rebellious readers and we'd like to reply with a special blog post :) 

Here are snippets from her email:

Honestly, at first, my fiance and I were having second thoughts to hold our wedding in Boracay because of financial issues. But a beach wedding has been our dream wedding ever since plus our love story began in Boracay. So the place has a sentimental meaning to us. After canvassing rates in resorts in Boracay, my heart almost fell when we found out that it is way beyond our budget. (We already have 3 kids, so budget wise, we really need to squeeze it). Then 1 evening, while crying out of frustration, I came across your happymonthsary.net blog, I SWEAR YOUR BLOG IS HEAVEN SENT!!! It enlightened me so much, that after reading it, my fiance and I became firm with our decision, that we will hold our wedding in Boracay.....

....I tried calling Amanda Tirol, unfortunately, she can no longer accommodate us on our chosen wedding date (we can no longer change dates cos we have balikbayan friends who already booked their flights for that weekend only). I know I'm screwed without Amanda. :( Another "boo boo" that we came across with was when booking the church. The only available time was 5:30 PM and 10 AM. Other slots were already taken. (Again I cried after hearing this) So we just decided to get the 10AM slot but cocktails and reception still 4PM onwards. Now, I am trying to figure out how to say it nicely to our guests.

Right now, we're busy with the whole wedding preps. We decided on having a small wedding. 50 people closest to us both family and friends. Along the preps, I have discovered a lot of things that I do and don't want. Both my fiance and I don't want a traditional wedding reception. Just to give you an idea, for cocktail hours, we're not serving cold cuts, but instead, we're serving chori burger, isaw, barbecue etc. We don't want to have a program. So now, that's another issue we are trying to resolve since we don't know what to do during reception. I don't want a cake. I don't want flowers. We both don't want a pre-nuptial pictorial. And this creeps out my friends. I just simply tell them, I'm not the typical bride. :) Plus I just realized last night while reading the Rebellious Bride, I am not satisfied with the wedding gown my designer has designed for me. So now I'm thinking of changing designers. Plus I'm now having seconds thoughts about the outfit of our entourage. Original plan for the entourage was a 7 way jersey dress in Midnight blue (that's the motif). Then I saw your post about Hindy. Now I want my entourage to wear something printed and sheer! I was thinking, where else can you pull off an entourage wearing sheer other than the beach? Right? And now I don't know what I want for my wedding gown.

That's it for now. I really hope you can help me :) Your Rebellious Bride site is such a good idea :) I'm sure you'll go a long way :)

A message from Rebellious Bride Mica: 

Hi Peewee,

You are a true rebellious bride! We're proud of you for embracing being different and setting aside cares for what other people say and going with what you and your fiance really want. We've said this so many times and we'll say it again. It's your wedding ;)

I really, really love the idea of "un-cocktails" (you just made me crave for Chori burgers). Just like you, our upcoming wedding will have unconventional appetizers: fish balls, sisig and party sandwiches (with peanut butter and jelly variety!). So go for it and surprise your guests! After all, your wedding should be reflective of your one-of-a-kind personalities. Topak kung topak!

Bring the BomBom experience in your reception!
injectmewithtravel.com

For the reception, I advice that you do something as fun as your appetizers. Maybe you should serve ice cold beer to go with the chori and isaw! It can also be laid back so just hire a reggae band or the performers from BomBom (a reggae bar) to provide entertainment while you and your guests drink away. After all, people just mostly chill in Bora under stars :) You can also have a Mongolian bar, so people can make their own dish. Well, that's what I have top of mind but let us know how else can we help!

Go for it, rebellious bride! Good luck!

A message from me :)

Dear Peewee,

Thank you for your email and yes, we are here for you and we have come to your rescue! :)

First of all, congratulations on your engagement and congratulations as well for finally deciding on doing it in Boracay--I commend you for fighting for your dream wedding. We love your ideas and below you will see more recommendations from us, which we hope you will find useful.

Regarding your coordination---it's really a shame that Amanda is already booked on your date. But I would have to reiterate that coordination is very crucial ESPECIALLY for a destination wedding. Here are some suggestions on how to troubleshoot this: First, ask Amanda if she can give you a second team. Normally she wouldn't allow this because she wants to be hands-on. But again, better than not having her on board. Secondly, there are other coordinators in the island. I cannot vouch for them but it's better than not having a coordinator at all. OR, check w/ Sur if they have an in-house person who can assist you as well. They might ask for extra service fee, but again, better than not having a coordinator at all. Lastly, and this is probably your last resort, hire a coordinator from Manila--Teena Barretto, if I am not mistaken, is more than well equipped to do coordination in Boracay and she is good friends w/ Amanda. Please don't feel hopeless and try to solve it because you really need all the help you can get. I know that you are on a budget, but coordination is something you need to invest on, for your peace of mind, and so that you can enjoy your big day.

And without further adieu, here are some tips from us :)

BORACAY WEDDING ON A BUDGET

Photo by Mark Cantalejo

I completely understand the dilemma you are in when it comes to the budget because there are fixed costs that you need to set aside for such as airfares, accommodations, and per diem for your suppliers (and maybe even some of the guests), plus there are out-of-town-rates, transportation allowances, etc etc. But believe you me, my Boracay wedding is still cheaper than most weddings in Manila. So it's all about priorities.

Instead of ceremony decors, opt for usable props
http://giftsforyourguests.blogspot.com

First of all, you are in Boracay because you love the island. This is your backdrop for your wedding. Which means you won't need any further styling and other frou frou. Let the island guide you. For instance, if you are having a church ceremony, I don't think the church would need further decorating. Instead, provide your guests with beautiful handmade hand fans to help them beat the heat. This in itself can already serve as your decorations.

Since you are not fond of flowers, style your entourage instead with locally crafted shell necklaces and bracelets and again, this can already serve as your decorations + you will have eliminated the budget for bouquets + it can already serve as entourage gifts--so meaning you've already saved a lot from this!

Boracay is abundant with affordable ideas. If you haven't already done a wedding ocular trip, I suggest that you have one, and just walk around D'Mall and the Station 3 area and see what you can incorporate in your wedding :)

THE PROGRAM

Dilemma #1 is how to say it to your guests that the ceremony is at 10:00AM and the reception is at 4:00PM right? Or better yet, what to do during that downtime. Don't worry because this is perfectly fine. You guys are in Boracay my dear! The guests should be more than okay to have a laidback vibe and will enjoy the beauty of the island in all of its glory. But nevertheless, here are suggestions on what to do during this downtime:

10:00AM -11:00 AM - Wedding Ceremony

Use your downtime by giving
your guests their own
portrait session
Portrait by Mango Red

11:00AM - 1:00PM - Have a portrait session for your guests. Ask them to be in their most fabulous beach bum outfits because they will have their very own special pictorial session! I did this for my second wedding, and I think that guests appreciate that you have also taken the time to give them their own time to shine.

1:00PM - 4:00PM - For you and your husband (and kids), use this time to have your own pictorials done (since you gave the time for your guests first). You didn't want a prenup session so use this time to just have fun with your photo shoot. The photographer can just follow you around as you spend your time with your husband and kids, and let them capture this private moment with you.

As for your guests, give them this 3 hours to have an extended lunch (or maybe even an early happy hour, or massage time). To guide them, you can provide tips on where to go, and you can even give discount coupons. If you have favorite restaurants in the island, put it in a DIY flyer that says: "Our foodie list in Boracay" and then give it away. You can also provide a list that says "When in Bora..." then you put there things they can do like: Cool off with a glass of Jonah's shake, Get a massage in front of the beach, get a henna tattoo, etc. etc.

Provide tips & coupons for your guests so that
they know what to do from 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Photo by Mango Red

Heartfelt speeches are more than enough
to make a program memorable and substantial
Photo by Toto Villaruel

Dilemma #2 is what to do with the program right? Mica's suggestions are right on the mark--you are already having "un-cocktails" so continue it with an "un-reception"! Our True Food dinner, was very simple. NOOOOOO traditional reception ek ek whatsoever. But it was very heartfelt. Very powerful. We simply introduced each and every guest (since there were only 35 we wanted everyone to know each other), we had the chef talk about the food then we had dinner, then we started on the speeches. We had a total of 7 people talk about us (Our coordinator, our videographer, 2 best men, 1 matron-of-honor, my dad, and my husband's mom), then we gave away best-dressed awards, then my husband gave a speech, and them me. Then we ended it with a showing of our wedding documentary video. If you don't have an AVP, that's completely fine. But since you guys met in Boracay, it would be cute to have a video that would reenact this.

Firedance show at Bamboo Lounge
Photo by Mango Red

After our True Food dinner, we had a fire dance show at the Bamboo Lounge. Since we went there, we didn't have to pay for the fire dance show. So if you and your guests are game to have like a spur-of-the-moment detour, you guys can just walk to Bamboo Lounge to take a peek of the fire dance show. But if you are willing to spend for it, then you can hire a group to do it in your reception venue. As Mica suggested, you can also hire a performer from BomBom :)

SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS AND OTHER DETAILS

Photo by Mark Cantalejo

Mark Cantalejo for Photography

I don't know if you already have a photographer but for your wedding, we would recommend getting Cebu-based photographer, Mark Cantalejo. Mark is really, REALLY good (plus, he would be perfect for having the portrait sessions!) and his rates are very reasonable. Plus, since you are flying him from Cebu to Boracay, tickets are most likely to be cheaper for you. As added tip, get him for a service-only fee. For your album, you can easily create your own (Click here for related article).

Mica & Me
Gown by Hindy Weber Tantoco
Photo by Mango Red

Mica Tuano for Make-Up

We are not just suggesting Mica just because she's one of us. Haha. But her services are quite reasonable and she makes for great company! She'll be like a pseudo maid-of-honor who will never leave your side. PLEASE DO NOT GET A MAKE-UP ARTIST FROM THE ISLAND. I won't elaborate but just TRUST US ON THIS.

Hindy Weber Tantoco or Mitzi Q for the Bridal Gown

As you would already know by now, I am very biased and partial to my own wedding gown designer. Just meet her, let her sketch for you, then decide. It won't kill you. If you are on a budget--then try to reason with her. If your gown doesn't need that much elaborate detailing, I'm sure she'll be more than willing to give you a good price. (Click here for related article)

Now if you don't want any surprises, then just get a fabulous off-the-rack gown from Mitzi Q. It may be off-the-rack but it is still couture quality. (Click here for related article)

Gown by Mitzi Q
Photo by Mark Cantalejo

Head Pieces by Bonsai Fojas
Photo by Arnold Camacho

Bonsai Fojas for the Entourage

To further help you save on costs, I suggest you just allow the entourage to wear their own outfits. Instead, as mentioned above you can either style them with locally made shell accessories, or instead, you can have head pieces made for your entourage instead. This is cheaper than having dresses made, plus it's different, and it's super duper fab! (Click here for related article)

Now if you really would much rather have entourage dresses made, then I would suggest, buying your own fabrics and just giving this to your entourage so they can have their own dresses made. this is also cheaper for you, and it will give them their own freedom to wear what they want--you can just provide them with a look book.

Calamansi Muffins from Real Coffee
Photo by Mango Red

Real Coffee instead of the Cake

I completely agree with you if you don't want to have a cake. A Boracay trip is never complete without a trip to Real Coffee to try the Calamansi Muffins. I would suggest serving this instead of having a Cake. SIMPLY DON'T LISTEN TO YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE GIVING YOU A HARD TIME ON THIS. It's Boracay! As mentioned, let the island guide you.

From Pom Pom Pens...

To Pom Pom Bouquets!
http://www.creativejewishmom.com

Alternative Bouquet instead of Flowers

Again, I completely support you if you don't want a bridal floral bouquet. If you haven't read our feature on this yet, visit the link (Click here for related article). I also have this new idea which inspired me because of Taylor's kikay pen. What if you create a bouquet out of pom pom pens? It's super cute!

I hope our suggestions were of help to you, Peewee. Let us know how your wedding is panning out. And just email us for anything!

Do you have more suggestions for Peewee? Comment away! :)

XOXO,

Kai :)
www.twitter.com/RebelliousBride

Happy Tips

2011-08-18T17:03:00.001+08:00

Photo by J Lucas Reyes

What do you do when you want to practice being happy and being positive then you are immediately pulled back into the negative trap because the people around you are negative?

Here's how you do it, as lifted from The Secret Daily Teachings:

If you have a friend who is going through any kind of difficult time, help them by making sure you maintain your joy. Your good feelings will help lift them. You can also help them by directing their conversations so that they speak about what they want. As they fall into speaking about what they don't want, just keep gently leading them back to speaking about what they want. You can also speak to them as though their difficult time is over, and suggest they imagine that it has all passed and worked out beautifully.

Be the conductor when you speak with them, and help them stay in tune with the Universe

-- Rhonda Byrne, The Secret Daily Teachings

Smurfawesome!

2011-08-13T23:46:00.001+08:00

Watching The Smurfs movie this weekend was the best way to end a little difficult week for me.

I remember watching the Smurfs when I was little, but remember so little about it. When I first saw the trailer, I wasn't so keen on watching it because the thought of the Smurfs mingling with humans, didn't quite make sense to me. But we wanted Taylor to see it so we still watched it.

And I am very glad we did! It was such a joy to watch. It was funny, and all-around a happy, happy movie! And here's the good news for all of you....we were fooled by the trailer. The movie really starts with the Smurfs in their own world before they landed in New York.....you will see the Enchanted Forest, with all the cute mushrooms and their little village and all the singing and humming that we all grew up with. This wasn't really communicated very well in the trailer that's why a lot were turned off by the New York angle. But don't worry---even this part was actually good fun too!

I highly recommend you all watch The Smurfs. There were so many other movies that opened this week--Planet of the Apes, Cowboys vs Aliens, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank...but this week I was feeling a bit down...so I am so glad that out of all the movies out, I got to watch The Smurfs :)

Wanna refresh your memory on all the Smurf Characters? Visit: Wiki Smurf!

And here's a Smurf Character test! Check out mine :)

The Gratitude Book

2011-08-11T13:52:00.000+08:00

Today, I went to work at 6:20AM, and decided to read words from The Secret Daily Teachings which conveniently talked about health, then I also decided to pull out my The Gratitude Book which also conveniently fell on a page about health. I felt guilty and shocked to find out, that my last entry in my Gratitude Book was last January 3, 2011. I couldn't believe that I was so caught up in the whirlwind of work, weddings, moving out, my health, more work, and other things that I have actually neglected writing in my Gratitude Book for seven whole months! That's crazy. Why is it crazy, you might ask? Because The Gratitude Book has been my "magical book" of wishes for almost 4 years now and it has worked for me like wonders! In fact, I have wished almost everything that's happened in my life in this book -- Cy, the wedding, my new job, my salary, to name a few. Cy jokingly says I actually voodoo-ed him. Hehe.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

So what exactly is a Gratitude Book and how do you use it?

The Gratitude Book is part of The Secret installment by Rhonda Byrne. It helps you and guides you to live the life of the The Secret teachings in a more specific way.

Here's a snippet from the introduction:

The Secret Gratitude Book is one of the most powerful tools you can ever use to transform your life into total joy. When you use the book every day and write about all the things in your life you are grateful for, you will be amazed at the never-ending list of thoughts that come back to you of more things to be grateful for. You just have to make a start and then the law of attraction will receive those grateful thoughts and give you more just like them. To transform your life, you must find a way of being grateful for what you have now. As you focus on sincere gratitude for several minutes at a time, you will move your frequency to one of the most powerful frequencies there is, and all-good things will begin to appear in your life!

You can also use gratitude and The Secret Gratitude Book to powerfully attract specific things that you want into your life. When you are grateful for the things that you want to come into your life (the perfect relationship, the dream job, absolute health, total abundance) before they actually appear, you are sending out a frequency to the Universe that you already have those things. The law of attraction does not know if you are imagining something or if it is real, so by giving heartfelt thanks for it now, you must attract those things to you. This is an immutable law, and when used correctly it is unfailing in its response.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

It's quite simple and sensible. The Gratitude Book comes with two pages where you write daily on. The left page is called Gratitude Now, while the right page is called Gratitude Intentions.

In the Gratitude Now page, you write everything you have NOW that you are grateful for. You may write it in like this: "Thank You Universe, for all the blessings and the abundance you have given to me today." or "I am grateful for our wonderful wedding in Boracay, just the way we envisioned it to be." Write everything you can think of, even the simple things like food, water, a restful day, until there are no more spaces to write on.

On the right page, The Gratitude Intentions is the fun part. Here, you are supposed to write the things you want to happen in your life, but you are supposed to write it as if you have already received it NOW. And believe you me--this works. In this page, I have written things like: "Thank you Universe for Cy. For his love, and for being his girlfriend" (and I wrote this BEFORE Cy asked me to be his girlfriend). "Thank you for my cool and laidback job that pays me so well" (and again, works every time because from my previous post to my current post, I have received the compensations that I have always wanted and I just have enough work load to make me happy). "Thank you Universe for Cy's proposal for me to be his wife" (and again, we all know what happened with this). I also put here things that I currently want and wish for like to win a pitch, or to have a successful and safe trip, I even put here before things like "Thank you for Taylor, for accepting me as Cy's girlfriend/wife, and thank you for my family's acceptance of Cy". And as you begin to write in this manner, believe you me, it works! Been doing it since 2007! And I would say that 95% of the things I have wished for have come true. The other 5%? Is on its way :)

http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/

Perhaps you are thinking, then I can just buy any other notebook and practice this exercise. Sure you can do that, but what makes the Gratitude Book special is that it comes with daily positive words and encouragement from the author--pockets of additional teachings to help you and inspire you.

The Gratitude Book has changed my life in so many ways--or rather, it has helped me change my life and achieve my goals and dreams. It is indeed a powerful tool. I can't believe that I have neglected it for 7 months! But I know better than to do this. I encourage you all to buy this right this very instant. It doesn't cost that much. And it's available in National, Powerbooks, and Fully Booked. Kick the habit of writing in a diary where you rant about life. Channel your energy instead in creating this new routine and see your life change for the better and see yourself receive the things you have always wanted, right before your very eyes! :)

Are you using the Gratitude Book? Comment away and inspire everyone about your story! :)

The Power and Health

2011-08-09T16:06:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I blogged about how painful I am going through right now because of my minor surgery. And last night, so far, was the most difficult stage so far. I was experiencing three different pain areas, and I was going insane, hoping for the pain to stop. I woke up, feeling miserable again, because I still felt like I looked like Shrek.

Of course I know better. I know that because of my thoughts, I am making things worse. But I was losing my positive energy. You would too, if you felt the pain I was going through since last Friday and the traumatic operation I had because I was wide awake and saw all the gory things they were doing trying to pull out my stupid wisdom tooth--cutting a portion of my gums and pulling another tooth and drilling, and sewing. Oh the horror. But anyway, I know that I am making things worse, slowing down my healing process because of my negative energy. But it was so difficult for me to think straight. So today, I'm trying a new strategy. I started the day with going to my acupuncture. My doctor actually had a more direct way of curing the trauma area but I was scared of it. So he did the best he can with going through the points that would help circulate and lessen the swelling.

I got home, and decided I would read the chapter of The Power, dedicated to health. After reading, I felt better already. Then I decided to delete my previous blog post, and delete all my negative tweets, pertaining to my surgery.

Here are some of my favorite parts of the chapter, The Power and Health:

"Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease" -- Hipocrates

What does it mean to be healthy? You may think that being healthy means that you are not sick, but being healthy is far more than that. If you feel average, or nothing much at all, you are not healthy.

Being healthy is feeling the same way as little children feel. Little children are bursting with energy every day. Their bodies feel light and flexible; moving is effortless. They're light on their feet. Their minds are clear; they're happy, and free of worry and stress. They sleep deeply and peacefully every night, and they wake up feeling completely refreshed, as if with a brand new body. They feel passionate and excited about every new day. Look at little children and you will see what being healthy really means. It is the way you used to feel, and it is the way you should still feel!

What you think in your heart is what you believe to be true. Beliefs are simply repeated thoughts with strong feelings attached to them like, "I catch colds easily," "I'm allergic to that," "Coffee keeps me awake." All these are beliefs, not facts. A belief is when you have made up your mind, the verdict is in, you've nailed the door shut and thrown away they key, and there is no room for negotiation. But whatever you believe and feel is true will be true for you, whether you beliefs help you or harm you. Whatever beliefs you give out, the law of attraction says you must receive back.

Every feeling you have saturates every cell and organ in your entire body. When you have good feelings, you are giving love and you receive the full force of health through your body at an astounding rate. When you have bad feelings, the tension causes your nerves and cells to contract, the vital chemical production in your body changes, your blood vessels contract, and your breathing becomes shallow, all of which reduces the force of health in your organs and your entire body. Disease is simply the result of a body's not being at ease over a long period of time, because of negative feelings like stress, worry, and fear.

You have a complete pharmacy operating inside you that can produce every healing chemical that a pharmaceutical company can produce.

All cells must work as a team, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for their entire life. Their sole purpose is to maintain the life and health in your body. You have around 100 trillion cells in your body. That's 100 trillion cells who are working nonstop to give you life! All 100 trillion cells are under your command, and you are commanding them and instructing them with your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.

Whatever you believe about your body, your cells believe too. They don't question anything you think, feel, or believe. In fact, they hear every thought, feeling, and belief you have.

If you think or say, "I always get jetlag when I travel," your cells receive "jetlag" as a command, and they must carry out your instructions. Think and feel that you have a weight problem, and your cells receive the order of a weight problem. They must follow your instructions and keep your body in an overweight condition. Be afraid you might catch an illness, and your cells receive the message of the illness, and they immediately get busy creating the symptoms of the illness.

What do you want? What would you love? Because that is what you must give to your body. Your cells are your most loyal subjects who serve you without question, and so whatever you think, whatever you feel, becomes the law of your body. If you want to feel as good as you did when you were a child, then give your cells those commands: "I feel amazing today." "I have so much energy." "I have perfect eyesight." "I can eat whatever I want and maintain my ideal weight." "I sleep like a baby every night." You are the ruler of a kingdom, and whatever you think and feel becomes the law of your kingdom--the law within your body.
---- The Power, Rhonda Bryne

Photobook is Happiness :)

2011-08-05T09:58:00.000+08:00

Online group shopping are aplenty nowadays. And sometimes, it gets out of hand because I see a lot of deals that really don't appeal to me and are obviously marketing stunts (please read the fine print of these deals!). But there are times also when I regret not getting a too-good-to-be-true deal (like that roundtrip ticket to NY for P37,000! Argh). Then there are deals wherein you actually think it was a great deal, but then once you receive the goods, they are not up to par in terms of quality or service. Then there are deals where they are just absolutely splendid and wonderful. One such deal I got was from Groupon, for a customizable album similar to Blurb, the only difference is I got it for only P1,300! (inclusive of delivery charge from Malaysia). For those who don't remember my Blurb blogs, I have two: BLURB BLOG 1, BLURB BLOG 2.

This deal I got is from Photobook. Quality is the same as Blurb. But I like it better because they have an office here in the Philippines so at least it makes me feel more "safe" that way. Also, I like Photobook because their software where you make your album is intuitive. Meaning, they already pre-arrange the photos for you and you just simply edit with a click of a button if you want to re-arrange again. They also have pre-defined effects which I also appreciated. I've already had a lot of personalized albums made. So to make my new one different, I decided to leave a lot of blank spaces so I can ask my friends to doodle on it--kinda like a yearbook. Here are some snippets from our album :)

Check out Photobook's website here: http://photobookphilippines.com/

Even if there's no more discounted deal for this service, it's still very affordable and worth the effort--it makes for a perfect gift guys! Go for it :)

Thaipan

2011-07-30T18:00:00.000+08:00

Note to self. Never ever take out the Lumix out of the car. In some odd twist of fate, each time that Cy and I come across an interesting restaurant, I always don't have my camera with me. And this is one of those restaurants.

Once a month, I would need Cy to go with me to the bank during my lunch break. Most of the time, he's in a rush so we don't get to have lunch. But there are days when we get lucky. And when those days come, we love to discover the very many charming hidden secrets near GMA. Pardon if you are already aware of these gems--but we are still fairly very new to the neighborhood.

Thaipan is one of those restaurants you'd accidentally pass by and would instantly be charmed by the place, stop, then without knowing what food it offers, you'd wanna come in. It sticks out like a haven in the otherwise busy streets Tomas Morato. It's as if a Tagaytay-worthy place was uprooted and dropped off from the heavens.

And one look at this jaw-dropping place, we already guessed it was designed by the Almario Sisters even before we checked with the server if we were right on the mark.

To be quite honest, Cy and I try a lot of restos but you would never really read that much blog on our latest discoveries anymore. This is because I really just want to post "happy-worthy" finds. And we were truly, happy with Thaipan.

And the food is just as charming as the place. Wonderful. I can already imagine a 70s-inspired wedding here. Haha!

I super love rotti with curry--and theirs was just delish! The catfish salad I ordered was also yummy (though I would have hoped that it had more greens), Cy ordered some meat dish which he also loved (forgive me, when it comes to meat orders, I don't really pay attention hehe), and we topped it off with an order of Buco Sherbet which was absolutely refreshing and the sherbet was the perfect way to have ended our wonderful lunch.

I told Cy that I hope our "bank day" would always have enough time for lunch. We really wanna discover new places in this area. My next mission is to take Cy to Romulo. Do you have more suggestions you can give to us? Preferably not the mainstream restos please :)

A Cool Gift Idea

2011-07-28T07:08:00.000+08:00

Here's a cool and unique gift idea for all you guys out there looking for suggestions for the next special occasion. This was actually given to us by my brother and my sister-in-law as a wedding gift but I reckon it also makes for a wonderful monthsary or anniversary idea because it's very thoughtful and is more than the usual.

An interesting, creative, graphic artwork of me and Cy

My bother and my sister-in-law did all the brainstorming for this. Then once they agreed on the concept, my brother made the artwork. Afterwards, they had it printed on art paper. They didn't have it framed because they said it can be displayed in various orientations so they allowed us to decide on that part instead.

Cy and I love anything creative, and anything graphic. We've always wanted to own our own artwork but never really got around to actually purchasing one or having one made. So this is the perfect way to possibly start our own "collection" :)

My brother gave us a soft copy of the artwork. To have it framed, would be a new project that Cy and I can collaborate on. Perhaps on our next monthsary? :)

The Nestle Short Films Anthology

2011-07-25T11:10:00.000+08:00

As part of Nestle's Centennial celebration in the Philippines, Nestle commissioned the directors that have worked with them in the past, to pitch for ideas for short films that would portray Filipino life, and of course, weave in their core brands into the stories. I am proud to have witnessed their historical gala night, and even more proud to have this kind advertising project that is very Filipino and definitely, Cannes-worthy. Some people have chosen to critique the short films, which I think is so, inappropriate and unnecessary. Let's just all be proud of what Pinoy talents are capable of, shall we? Here are my top 5 favorite short films on the basis of the fact that this makes me smile and inspired, and makes me proud to be Pinoy. I particulary love The Howl and the Fussyket because when I feel down, all I have to do is watch this for an instant pick-me-upper :)

The Howl and The Fussyket (Bear Brand)

Sign Seeker (Nestle Fruit Selection)

Isang Tasakng Pangarap (Nescafe)

Downtown (Coffeemate)

Tingala sa Baba (Koko Crunch, Nestle Ice Cream)

What's your favorite short film?

Rebellious Brides - Shameless Plugging

2011-07-21T10:28:00.001+08:00

Rebellious Bride by Hindy Weber Tantoco

Please bare with me my Happy & Monthsary readers. This week is the soft launch of our new blog, so naturally, I am dedicating a lot of my posts about The Rebellious Brides. I promise to continue w/ my Happy & Monthsary regular programming next week. In the meantime, I'd like to encourage you all to read our awesome rebellious posts which I am sure you will enjoy. If you are a traditional bride, please don't get offended by our ideas. This is really more of giving moral support to brides who are rebellious as we are--because there are not enough blogs that support our cause :)

REBELLIOUS, bordering perhaps on "blasphemous" Wedding Ideas:

Are YOU a Rebellious Bride?

NON-BRIDAL WEBSITE ADVENTURES

Rebellious Bouquet Alternatives

Rebellious Idea - Moulin Rouge Wedding

Rebellious Idea - Noypi Wedding

Rebellious Entourage Themes

Definition of The Rebellious Bride

The Birth of Something Totally Rebellious

REBELLIOUS FEATURES:

Rebellious Celebrity Brides

Rebellious Bride - Nadine

Civil Weddings RULE!

Rebellious Bunch - J Lucas Reyes

Rebellious Groom - Ramil

Rebellious Bunch - Pat Dy

Rebellious Bunch - Mitzi Q

Rebellious Bunch: Toto Villaruel

Rebellious Bride/Wife - Hazel

About Us

Rebellious Bunch

Rebellious Promo Alert!

2011-07-20T08:58:00.002+08:00

Participate and be heard!

To my wonderful Happy & Monthasry readers, our new blog, The Rebellious Brides is getting wonderful feedback in just 4 days of launching it! We've received wonderful emails from fellow Rebellious Brides that have "come forward" -- awesome! :)

How would you define being a "Rebellious Bride"? Participate, create your own definition, and share it in the comments part through this link: http://rebelliousbride.blogspot.com/2011/06/definition-of-rebellious-bride.html

And get a chance to win a "special prize" -- I won't say what it is but to give you a hint, if you win, we would have to get your shoe size, and your favorite color! *wink*

Rebellious Bride by Hindy Weber Tantoco
Photo by: JC Cerilla, Model: Lou Munoz

Here's a teaser of how Mica defines a Rebellious Bride:

The Rebellious Bride is not aiming for a "timeless" wedding. She is aiming to capture her wedding in a "time capsule."

Here's a teaser on how I define the Rebellious Bride:

Being a Rebellious Bride, is about creating your own rules and your own traditions for YOUR OWN WEDDING because you feel it in your heart that this is what YOU and YOUR GROOM want and not what society, your parents, or the wedding magazines have carved out for you.

Here's a teaser on how PAT DY, defines a Rebellious Bride:

It does not have to be totally radical but it should be different from everybody else in his/her own interpretation.

Here's a teaser on how my own husband defines a Rebellious Bride:

I am very lucky to find a woman like this. I married one of these so-called-rare of a creature labeled as a “Rebellious Bride”.

Share us your own definition! :)

Click the picture below!

http://rebelliousbride.blogspot.com/2011/06/definition-of-rebellious-bride.html

Tales from the REBELLIOUS BRIDES

2011-07-18T07:59:00.003+08:00

From the "maker" of Happy & Monthsary, comes another wonderful blog, this time around, collaborated with one of my awesome and gorgeous friends -- Mica Tuano (soon-to-be Mica Tuano-Fuentes).

I have had happymonthsary.net for about 2 years now, and I am deeply overwhelmed that I have reached readership numbers that I didn't think was possible. Of course, I am no "mainstream" blogger who has page visits and views by the six and seven digits, but decent figures nonetheless. While other blogs thrive in readers who comment a lot, I have come to observe that you, my readers, don't comment a lot--haha. So sometimes I wonder if I really have readers...but I look at my analytics from time to time, and you guys are there--silent readers, but present just the same. So with that, I THANK YOU. My blog somehow became more popular when my wedding posts became more regular. And the top 10 popular blog posts you see below my pages, could attest that you guys really are into weddings. While I would still continue to blog about weddings at Happy & Monthsary, Mica and I have been inspired to create a new project, solely dedicated to a certain, special, unique, bride.....THE REBELLIOUS BRIDE.

http://rebelliousbride.blogspot.com/

Rebellious Entourage Themes
http://rebelliousbride.blogspot.com/2011/07/rebellious-entourage-themes.html

Why you may ask? We want to find out if Pinay brides are ready. Ready to plunge into creative weddings where traditions are evaluated independently and where ideas and decisions solely made by the bride and groom can thrive. We observed that rebellious, creative weddings are mostly, and unfortunately seen only in foreign wedding blogs where we take bits and pieces of ideas but never really making a full-blown, out-of-this-world wedding out of it. In this blog you will see entries that will really question so-called wedding rules, you will see blog entries that write it as it is--without sugar-coating it, you will see blogs about wedding vendors tailor-fitted for the Rebellious Bride and not some cut and paste press releases. A blog where, this time around, we enjoin everyone to ACTIVELY comment and participate, a blog where wedding discussions and questions can co-exist with our blog entries and features.

Rebellious Idea - Moulin Rouge Wedding
http://rebelliousbride.blogspot.com/2011/07/rebellious-idea-moulin-rouge-wedding.html

Rebellious Bunch - Pat Dy
http://rebelliousbride.blogspot.com/2011/07/rebellious-bunch-pat-dy.html

We will be upfront though. This is not for the traditional bride. This does not mean we are against traditional brides, or that we don't celebrate traditional brides, but we feel that traditional brides already have enough websites and blogs to support their weddings. As mentioned, from time-to-time I will still feature beautiful weddings here in Happy & Monthsary. But aything "beautiful, bordering on rebellious" will be housed in this new blog instead. If you want to "unleash" your rebellious bride side, or you're just curious on what we have to say and want to be "entertained", or you know of soon-to-be-brides, I ask of you this one tiny favor my beloved Happy & Monthsary readers--to be so kind as to support our new blog, and to recommend it to your friends. Thank you so much in advance.

So without further adieu, here's one of our entries for REBELLIOUS BRIDES:

http://rebelliousbride.blogspot.com/

A little bit of perspective is in order. I truly believe, that to fully appreciate something, whatever it may be, it is important to know the insights and stories behind it. So, for better appreciation on why we were suddenly compelled to create this blog, let's read this:

On Feb. 15, 2011 and on June 4, 2011, I got married twice (a third on the way), and called myself a "Rebellious Bride", and the results were a little something like this:

The Bora Hop by Jason Magbanua

The Brunch by Ian Cruz

Cy and Kai | The Brunch from Ian Cruz Films on Vimeo.

Mica on the other hand, is getting married this September in a "secret, undisclosed" venue. All I know is that her wedding is inspired by The Little Rascals and that Mica and Marc (her fiance), came out with a wicked prenup shoot w/ ultimate Rebellious Gang, MangoRed.

Mango Red 2011-2012 Album Series

Mica and I are quite proud of the fact na may sayad kami sa utak. I don't know if it's because of years and years of being exposed to the magazine and advertising industry, or that we just happened to have acquired this "abnormality"

But because of our rebelliousness, we receive constant calls (parang wedding hotline), for wedding planning advice. We were even hired to develop creative wedding concepts by a soon-to-wed couple! (if interested email us! hehe) Once I was asked to create a blog out of "Rebellious Bride" but at that time, I didn't think of it that much. But Mica and I are just oooozing with all these rebellious ideas and are very supportive of the Philippine Wedding Industry so we've finally decided to go ahead and finally start this blog.

So there you have it folks. The story of why we created the Rebellious Bride blog. And now you know.

XOXO,
Kai :)

Kai and Mica. Rebellious Brides.

Spreading irreverence.

One rebellious bride at a time =P

5th Monthsary - A whole lot of Randomness :)

2011-07-16T10:53:00.000+08:00

Our 5th monthsary celebration, is what I would call, a "whirlwind of a messy blissful randomness". This included a failed "road trip", a 2012 documentary, Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 3D, Buenisimo, a Sidebar affair, and in the end, we woke up to the simpleness of McDonald's breakfast, coffee, and nostalgic DVDs.

Sometimes, all the plans in the world, end up with the best of the simple things. Here's what I got from Amazon to end our monthsary with the good 'ol film viewing DVD marathon :)

Other DVD titles I wanna add to our nostalgic collection....at the top of my head.....there's The Jetson's, Smurfs, California Dreams, Beverly Hills 90210, Mr. Belvedere, Ghostwriter, Ready or Not, Sister Act 1 and 2, Dawson's Creek, Buffy, Now & Then, My Girl...hmmm...anything else? :)

2012 Bucket List

2011-07-13T08:31:00.004+08:00

I have been fascinated with the 2012 theory since the movie came out. Why you may ask? For one thing, I have always been interested with National Geographic and Discovery Channel episodes that talked about the Ice Age, the natural disasters, and about Earth in general--each of which, concluded an inevitable end, based on scientific research and based on the Earth's history. The second reason why I became interested in 2012 is because the very thought that my 31st birthday, Dec. 21, 2012 is also the date of doomsday was just so dramatic and ironic for me.

In History Channel's Nostradamus 2012 feature, scary and more shocking revelations unfolded which showed evidence that Nostradamus' 2012 prediction is also believed by the Mayan & Egyptian civilization, the Holy Bible and its other counterparts from religions all over the world, Alchemy, Freemasons, and Science. The conclusion is that whether 2012 is really doomsday or the beginning of the end, the fact is, it is the end of an old age and that changes in our galaxy are sure to happen--now as to whether this will lead to the the demise of the human race as well, thought leaders are hopefull that we have been equipped to choose our destiny.

Am I being too morbid on a Wednesday morning? On the contrary, I am blogging about this to create a 2012 bucket list. Actually, I already have a bucket list since before. But I want to update it since a lot of what I have written before have already been checked. A bucket list that needs to be accomplished in less than 2 years--if indeed 2012 is the end.

Kai's 2012 Bucket List:

HAPPY ACTIVITIES:
~~1. Get married in Boracay~~
2. Get married by Elvis - to be completed by Feb. 2012
3. Go to the Harry Potter theme park - to be completed by Feb. 2012
4. Go to Cy's hometown in Oregon - to be completed by Feb. 2012
5. Live in Boracay

http://www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/blanket-bay-lodge

PLACES TO RE-VISIT WITH CY:
6. Go to England w/ Cy, take him to see London, Liverpool, and the country side, and perhaps visit new places I haven't seen as well.
7. Go to Hong Kong for the last time - perhaps take Taylor to visit Disneyland?
8. Go to New York w/ Cy, take him to watch Wicked and the Lion King, and kiss like there's no one watching, right in the middle of Time Square - To be completed hopefully by Feb 2012 as well.

http://www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/kasbah-tamadot-hotel-sir-richard-branson

NEW PLACES TO VISIT WITH CY:
9. Go to Blanket Bay, New Zealand and just marvel at nature's beauty. Read the Hobbit at the front porch.
10. Go to Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco and ride a Camel

RANDOM STUFF TO DO:
11. Read as much books as I can (and of course, read HP again from 1 to 7)
12. Buy a new playstation and play all the Resident Evil games I can play like there's no tomorrow

If 2012 hopefully doesn't mean the end, then I will have achieved all these things with pure bliss. And I shall add more to my bucket list which includes:

THINGS TO DO AFTER 2012:

1. Have a baby, preferably a son, named Santiago Bauer Cruz by 2014

2. Retire and build our home in Laguna by 2015

3. Visit more places which includes: Sri Lanka, Amanpulo, Batanes, and Europe

4. Celebrate wedding anniversaries with a wedding on every 5th interval

5. And of course my ultimate goal -- become an AB housewife, to just do lunches and charity.

While the 2012 possibility is looming over our heads, my goal is to live life to the fullest--which I have tried to do since the late 2007 when I overcame my depression and read the book The Secret. Every day I try to live life with a happy tune, without a care in the world. Over the course of changing my beliefs, I have lost friends along the way--friends who choose to be negative, who choose to be eaten by work, stress, and drama alive. I simply don't want this in my life and so there have been "parting of the ways". I choose to look ahead--spend what is left with my time without being too shrewd. Money and time are both fleeting so I believe in enjoying and maximizing what we can do with these two resources. Today, I am proud to say that I love my job, I love my friends -- friends who share the same happy positive vibe as me (friends to me also include family members that are "friends"), I love my husband, and I am grateful for what the Universe has given me and what the Universe is continually giving me.

How about you? What is in your bucket list?

Mark the Spot by Madge

2011-07-11T16:36:00.001+08:00

Happiness is make-up, don't you agree? Or as Madge would put it, happiness is BEAUTY and seeing beauty in every person :)

Every girl has a relationship with makeup....but at varying levels. My first revelation at how little Filipinas knew about makeup was during a trip in the US--I was surprised at how teeny bopper girls could already do their own makeup at such a young age, and girls going to their proms applying their own makeup. When I was growing up at a Catholic girl school, you were labelled as "maarte" if you had as much as face powder on and if you plucked your eyebrows. So naturally, girls at least during my time, avoided makeup and learning to apply it. Then in college, you begin to realize that it is actually a disadvantage not knowing to apply makeup so you buy books to teach yoursef, buy loads of MAC products then end up applying heavy eye shadow in class. Some ladies finally discover the joys of makeup and learning to apply it very naturally, while others just avoid it like a plague, scared to even dable with it. But makeup is fun! Especially during your "experimental" stage when you hoard and try to find out what works for you. On special ocassions, and when I am not in the mood, I really prefer having my makeup done. But when the situation calls for it, I apply my own makeup and even went as far as doing my models' makeup during my Yellow days. But my knowledge is very basic, based on trial and error. I know a lot of my friends who would love to learn how to do makeup or take what they know to the next level. Are you?

Rightfully called as Madge the Madgician, and known as one of the "top tiered" vendors of the wedding industry scene, Madge Landrito (formerly Lejano) is known to have the magic to beautify every human being possible in this planet, with tricks that we can only wonder where it came from. So anyway, Madge is coming out with her seminar soon and so this is your chance to finally get on with one of your bucket lists to learn to do makeup.

Here's what Madge had to say about "Mark the Spot"

Madge: The workshop will focus on corrective and bridal makeup techniques. The coverage is extensive and thorough, including facial reconstruction and color study as well as marketing and business practices for the professional makeup artist. Definitely for professionals but advanced enthusiasts are also welcome.

TOPICS: BRIDAL MAKEUP/ CORRECTIVE / LOGISTICS OF BUSINESS

PROGRAM

1st DAY

BACK TO BASIC

History of makeup

Cosmetic Fundamentals

Tools of the Trade

Cleaning and Maintenance

COLOR STUDY

Understanding color theory

Color psychology in makeup

Selection and application of color

FACIAL AND SKIN ANALYSIS

Skin analysis

Facial Analysis and Characteristics

Sculptural Light Theory

Color Theory - Shade and Undertone

Base Matching and Application Techniques

Corrective and Camouflage Theory

2nd DAY

THE POWER OF EYE BROWS / RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FACE.

Eye Brow Shaping and Trimming

Eye Brow Defining Technique

Corrective Eye Brow Technique

Reshaping/Framing of the face

CORRECTIVE MAKEUP

Natural and Corrective Eye Shadow Positions

Blending Techniques

Natural and Corrective Eyeliner Positions

Cheek Color Theory and Application Techniques

Lip Color Application and Correcting Problematic Lip Shapes

Highlight and Contouring Techniques

Overlay Drawing Techniques

False Eye Lash Application-Strips, Individuals and Lower Lashes

3rd DAY

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICS IN THE MAKEUP WEDDING INDUSTRY

Job Seeking Skills

Professional Communication Skills

Psychological Aspects of Makeup Consultant Team Attitude

Customer Service and Relations

MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS

Creating a strong image for yourself and your work

Developing an effective portfolio

The importance of an online presence

Taking advantage of social networks

Business cards and resumes

Talking and understanding clients

Goal Setting

Photo by Jay Jay Lucas

Kai: What made you do a seminar?

Madge: I strongly believe that professionals should continually educate themselves with proper knowledge and techniques. Techniques na I never learned in school, that you learned it through experience. I want to share, the more I share, the more I improve, parang lahat will improve. And honestly gusto kong mabago ang views nila about makeup eh.

Kai: What can students/attendees expect?

Madge: Methods, technique not offered by school (guarantee haha) by learning the method and technique you save a lot of money and time.

Kai: What got you passionate about makeup?

Madge: Curiously enough, I am more passionate about BEAUTY, rather than makeup. I firmly believe that everybody is beautiful in her own way. An artist just needs to bring it out and enhance it further. Its hard to explain, pero I'm so blessed that I can see beauty. Parang walang panget sakin hahaha!

Happiness is pursuing a passion, or learning a new talent that you never knew you had. Perhaps this is a moment to just go with it, and grabbing the opportunity :)

Thank You JK Rowling

2011-07-08T08:45:00.000+08:00

I knew this was going to happen. Knew that when the final Harry Potter movie comes out, it will be "the end". Though Daniel Radcliffe says it's not the end and that the stories will live on, really...it's not the same. It really IS the end unless Jo comes to her senses and writes another one. And Jo, even if it's just the "Memoirs of Peeves", we will love it.

As I watch the speeches from the cast and JK Rowling from the London premiere of the final movie, I couldn't help but cry. Very, very emotional indeed.

The magic of Harry Potter is really nothing quite like anything in the world. It has a different meaning for different people. To me? On a shallow level, discovering Harry Potter was re-discovering the joys of reading and making it an inspiration for creativity. On a deeper level, Harry Potter became my "escape" and my joy as I went through trying times in my life -- whether it was stress from school, from work, from the family, from love. And when Deathly Hallows came out, it was the height of my depression and the time when I cut myself from the world. And much like Harry, inside his cupboard, I found myself devouring every word and page of Deathly Hallows, cramped in my then, 3-month old niece's nursery room, my makeshift bed on the floor, inside Harry Potter's world.

It is an emotional Friday morning seeing the farewell speeches from Trafalgar. And I know that even if JK doesn't plan on writing another book, I know that I can always go back to the world of Harry Potter if ever I needed time for myself. Thank you JK Rowling for opening up Hogwarts to every child (and child at heart) in this world, who needed a home, who needed comfort.

Dumbledore's Army, through and through.

Temptation Island Remake 101....Careful Now....

2011-07-07T10:18:00.008+08:00

When GMA Films and Regal Films announced that the cult 80s film Temptation Island was finally having a remake, eyebrows were raised, and without even seeing the movie yet, the likes of Marian Rivera was already being criticized. "They have no right", "Hindi sila bagay" were just some of the few things that were sadly said.

But on the very release date, my friends and I trooped to Greenbelt 1 and watched the movie--even with our husbands/fiances. Cy, who as some of you may already know, is an Amboy and is not fond of Filipino movies, found himself laughing and enjoying the movie--and to me, that's already an indication that the remake was a hit.

http://photo-my-lens.blogspot.com/

It was a good movie. A damn good movie! Direk/Writer Chris Martinez, promised that he will be true to the original--he is after all, a fan himself...so it is actually very absurd to think he will destroy the movie. Before you watch it, here are some basic "101" tidbits on the remake for your better appreciation. My info is based on YES!' article on the remake, and the BTS feature GMA came out with.

"Virgina P! Virginia P!"

1. Direk Chris was very true to the original--all the silly, famous, lovable lines are intact. There were a few additions though to the movie. One of which is the new names given to the girls in the cast. Soon you will find out that in this version of the movie, even the names and how they are called is "silly" and funny. Our friends and I are already calling ourselves in the same manner already. This change in the characters' names is actually a TRIBUTE to the original director, Joey Gosiengfiao. Names of the girls are in reference to his other movies such as "Virginia P" (Heart) from Direk Joey's "The Rape of Virginia P" movie.

Miss Manila Sunshine Lotion's Search for the Next Supermodel!
http://riveramarian.blogspot.com/

2. Other slight changes made in the movie were done only to make it contemporary. Instead of the Miss Manila Sunshine Beauty Pageant, it is now a search of Miss Manila Sunshine Lotion's Supermodel. Also, reference to technology such as "text votes" were incorporated as well. Because of the "supermodel search", there are a lot of fashion tributes in the movie. In fact each character was assigned her own designer, the likes of Ivarluski Aseron. And for the final walk-off, gowns were made by Fanny Serrano, who actually did the make-up for the original film.

L-R: Queen Melo Esguerra immortalized as the new "Joswa" (read or said very fast)
http://blogs.stylebible.ph/rajosblog

3. One of the violent reactions on the casting was getting John "Sweet" Lapuz. What peole FAIL to realize is that his character is not inspired by the original but by celebrated and famous, the one and only, "Queen" Melo Esguerra---and it was one of those improvements to modernize the movie that was fab! The look they made for Sweet is soooo uncanny! Of course, the lines from the original movie are in tact! Rubadubdub, two bitches in a tub!

Watch out for Aljur's WINNER line! Wahahaha!

4. Lastly, watch out for Aljur and his new funny, silly line! My friends and I can't help using it and quoting it now! Hahahahahah! :) If you already watched, can anybody guess which one is this? ***Kai's additional note: Correction, upon reviewing the original movie, the line I am referring to pala is not new--rather, the way it was rendered and directed was just so much more hilarious that it seemed like a new line! Props to Direk Chris and Aljur!

5. Wait for the credits. Just to PROVE a point that the remake was very true to the original, the credits will show "goosebumps" worthy scenes as they show side-by-side comparisons of both versions.

6. Some of the girls from the original cast had cameos. In fact, they only accepted the cameos knowing that it was Direk Chris Martinez who was doing the remake. I think that in itself proves that this remake is worthy.

Verdict? We loved it! It was good fun! First scene palang and wow, it was spot on. Favorites? Lovi Poe as Serafina, Marian Rivera as Christina G., and of course, the dead giveaway Ruffa Mae and John Lapuz. Final trivia--cut Solenn some slack because her casting was actually perfect--not only did she have the same demeanor of the original character, they also both had accents.

http://pinoymovieblog.com/

You will definitely laugh your heart out! The only reason you will not, is if you are nega. So no to nega! Careful now (airy voice)..... --- "KAI C." -- hehe :)

Oh Happy Day

2011-07-05T09:22:00.001+08:00

How do we fight a day that is turning out to be dreadful? Or how do we make sure, an important day will not be ruined? The worse thing you could do, is think about this particular day and dwell on how miserable it is or will be. Fear of a dreadful day, attracts exactly and precisely, a dreadful day!

And admittedly, it is hard to avoid fearing a bad day, especially if that's all you can think about. So my advice? Create your own happy playlist which I call, A FORCE FIELD MADE OUT OF CHEESY SONGS. It works like a MIRACLE.

Two weeks before our wedding in Boracay, I started monitoring the weather. I was worried about it months ago, when Amanda's staff told me, that the weather in Boracay has become unpredictable. Months that aren't supposed to be rainy, are rainy, and the infamous "Hanging Habagat" was delayed. I chose February for my wedding exactly because it was supposed to be the "perfect wedding month" on the basis of great weather. No rains, not too hot, no lumot, and it's offpeak. But Mother Nature has been having mood swings, as we all know, so then, all of a sudden, it was rainy in Boracay in February--and it was a very odd thing to have happened. Nevertheless, I was freaked out. Scared. Sad. Confused. All of a sudden, Cy and I had to do some last minute troubleshooting ordering parasols and coordinating with Amanda on a "Plan B" -- in case it rains. But that was only the initial fear. Knowing that my fear WILL attract rain on the wedding day, I had to focus on positivizing the situation.

I started off with visualizing a fun sun. I changed my profile pic on Facebook and Twitter, my wallpapers in my laptop, desktop, and blackberry to this image of a happy sun shining brightly, and wearing shades. Then I started downloading songs that pumped me up. And this really worked wonders! Here are the various "types of songs" that I added in my Happy Playlist:

IN PRAISE OF THE SUN - To call the sun and attract it, I downloaded songs that talked about a sunny day, or glorifying the sun, or just summoning the perfect weather.

CHEESY LOVE SONGS - Nothing can ever make me happy and giddy with silliness than good 'ol cheesy love songs. Visualizing equally cheesy scenes wth the cheesy songs as the music bed, speeds up the "positive process" too!

MORAL SUPPORT SONGS - I also imagine myself in my boxing gloves, fighting negativity. And what better way to dramatize this than with songs that give out moral support like Rocky's song, Eye of the Tiger!

As a last "ballsy" move, Cy and I decided not to have a Plan B for the wedding---because we felt that the very ACT of creating a Plan B, WILL attract rains. So we dropped it all together and just really hoped, prayed, and visualized the perfect weather.

It was gloomy when we arrived Kalibo. Windy and drizzling all the way to Caticlan. I started listening to my happy songs, starting off with "In Praise of the Sun" -- the result was the sun, suddenly peeking at us, in just minutes of playing the song. Coincidence? I think not. It was a message from the Universe, that I need to continue on with my positive mode if I wanted this to be a success. It still rained. All the way to the night before the wedding--it rained and it poured.

Then all of a sudden, we had the sunniest day in Boracay on the wedding day--so sunny in fact that it became too hot--hahaha! So sunny as well that people had to use our parasols not for the rains but to shade themselves from the playful sun. The heat was on! Then? Right after the wedding, it rained. My friends started to laugh. To them, it was obvious that The Universe just gave us what we wanted for our wedding, then it was back to the regular "rainy" programming. It was really a miracle. There's no other way to describe it.

I enjoin everyone to create your own FORCE FIELD MADE OUT OF CHEESY SONGS -- that's how I call it. A force field that shields you from negative people, negative situations, and negative thoughts. If someone is ranting to you about their life? Listen to them, lend them your ears, but shield yourself by singing a happy song under your breath.

Here are the other songs that were included in my playlist:

"I Feel Good" by James Brown
'Let me Think About It" by Ida Corr
"Up Where We Belong" by Jim Crocker
"Joyful, Joyful" from Sister Act 2
"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrine & The Waves
"I'm a Believer" by Smash Mouth
"Stand by Me" by Marvin Gaye
"Oh Happy Day" from Sister Act 2
"Eye of the Tiger" from Rocky
"Aint no Mountain High Enough" from Sister Act 2
"Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin
"Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
"Thubthumpin" by Chumbawamba
"We are the Champions" by Queen

Incidentally, I also enjoin you to listen to these songs when there is a storm in Manila and floods are everywhere. I know it is a bit "weird" to be listening to happy songs when there is a typhoon but each time you tweet or rant about the rains, and you listen to gloomy songs, all the more that we are attracting the likes of Ondoy. So PLEASE spare us the negativity and channel positive vibes and say a little prayer to St. Medard, the patron saint against bad weather.

As added inspiration, here are WONDERFUL weddings that transpired during a bad weather.

Aimee and Kendrick (Same Day Edit) from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

Leah and David : Same Day Edit from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

Can you suggest more songs that can be added to our Happy Playlist? Comment away! :)

Bridal Book's Ambassador Hunt

2011-07-04T20:31:00.001+08:00

Bridal Book launched a wonderful campaign to get an ambassador for their website from their own pool of real couples that they have featured in their site. One of these couples happen to be my dear friends, Nina and Mikki. Their wedding, set in Tagaytay Midlands is one of the most beautiful weddings that I have seen so far, to date. This couple deserves to win because they are beautiful inside and out. And their wedding was just impeccably executed and to-die-for!

Here's a glimpse of their wonderful ambassador-worthy wedding. PLEASE VOTE! Click here: VOTE NINA & MIKKI

Photos by Pat Dy

Ed Westwick for Penshoppe, by Jason Magbanua

2011-07-01T18:29:00.000+08:00

Being Jason Magbanua has a lot of perks. One of which, is getting to shoot Chuck Bass no less. For Gossip Girl fans like me, it's crazy being the last to know that Chuck was here--at Salon de Ning at Manila Pen! Wowza. Very cool behind-the-scenes video by Jason. Props to Penshoppe for an interesting campaign, though it would have been more interesting to have had a shoot w/ Ed in a very Pinoy setting like Boracay or something, rather than mimicking a very Chuck image at a place like Salon de Ning. Here you go! Happy Friday everyone! :)

What say you?

Project Wedding Gown (Confessions of a Polycystic)

2011-06-30T13:30:00.002+08:00

This is me in 2008 -- The last year, when I was in my "ideal" weight

Let me start off this blog entry by saying, that if you are the type who would burst someone's happy bubble just to say "tumataba ka", shame on you because you don't know the story behind every person in this world therefore, be careful with your negative thoughts, and the possible karma that might go along with it.

Also, forgive the initial nega undertones of my blog entry, it is essential to tell the story but I promise this will end very positively :)

I have struggled with my weight since grade 4. If my math is correct, that means, I have had a body image issue for almost 20 years. Being pressured and being the butt of all jokes by society and my own relatives and family, lead me to do the following things for 15 or so years: anorexia, bulimia, anorexia-bulimia-exercise-to-death-triple-combo, dance classes of all shapes and sizes, gym memberships, pills that range from bangkok pills, hydroxicut, xenadrine, l-carnatine, generic chinese pills, and all kinds of popular diets from a to z.

This is me in 2009
Chunkier but still, fab and pretty :)
Makeup by Mica Tuano (hahaha--pa din?!?!)

But the Universe seems to have a twisted sense of humor. In 2009, I started gaining weight uncontrollably. At first I thought, it was probably the good 'ol saying "hiyang sa jowa", or that it was simply age and the good 'ol belief that age makes it harder to lose weight. But when I say uncontrollably gaining weight, it got to a really scary point. Imagine me having to buy new clothes every week cuz I don't fit in the ones I bought last week. Imagine going to radio frequency sessions only to find out that the inches that were lost, magically came back a few days after. Imagine not eating and working my ass off on the elliptical bike, combined with the radio frequency sessions but gain more weight. It was enough to make me cry myself to sleep.

I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries and it is supposedly incurable. This illness has various side effects and may vary from one lady to the next. Unfortunately for me, mine was weight gain and regular migraines. I would research on google on exercise tricks for polycystics like me and the websites I would land into would say that it was virtually close to impossible to lose weight if you had polycystic ovaries--- regardless of diet or exercise regime.

So what is a girl to do besides Belo? Nothing but a positive outlook in life. My acupuncturist once told me, "Let it go Kai, let the natural flow of life happen and let's focus on making you healthy instead. Just let it go". "Western Medicine" may have already sentenced me to a lifelong illness, but "Alternative Medicine" or acupuncture tells me there is hope, as long as I take baby steps and believe (Separately, I'd like to plug "Alternative Medicine here as well--because I have already given up on dependence on perscription pills--and so far, I am doing so much better with acupuncture). In the books The Secret and The Power, Rhonda Byrne says, it's not food that makes you fat--it's your "fat thoughts that make you fat". For instance, the very use of the words "losing weight" is negative so you keep attracting having to lose more weight.

PROJECT WEDDING GOWN

So I have created a new positive goal which I will call: Project Wedding Gown. Project wedding gown is about positivizing my situation with a new goal. When I was still planning the wedding, people often told me "every bride naturally shrink before the wedding" -- I didn't believe it. I thought, maybe every NON-polycystic bride will shrink, but not me". But guess what? I DID shrink! In fact, Hindy had to revise my gown weeks before the wedding because it was too big for me!

My goal therefore, is to be able to fit in my wedding gown for each and every wedding anniversary that we are to celebrate, year on year--without altering the gown whatsoever. Whether it is to take the gown for a spin in some fancy dinner with the hubby, or a photo session with a wedding photographer, my goal is to make sure I get to wear my gown every year! This way, I don't focus on "losing weight" rather, I focus on a more positive goal just by visualizing and tricking my mind, that I am still a bride, and should therefore, naturally shrink. This goal also allows me to make sure that I take care of myself because most brides naturally also don't fit in their gowns, right after their weddings (in fact, I am this close to not being able to fit in mine so the timing of my new project is just perfect!). At the same time, this goal makes it so much more fun to follow rather than always being depressed. The first year anniversary is easy...because I DO have a third wedding on our 1st year anniversary, and it's 7 months before the anniversary! So I can give myself a proper schedule and plan on how to make sure I fit in the gown before then. I am excited with my new goal, and my new, positive way of fighting my polycystic "situation".

So here's to a new goal, which I wish and hope, with all my might, to go well every year :)

PS. Do you work for Belo and want to experiment on a polycystic patient? I don't mind volunteering for that too! Hehe :)

Round Two on Bridal Book!

2011-06-28T18:04:00.000+08:00

Photo by J Lucas Reyes

We're on Bridal Book once again! This time, for the brunch and the second wedding! How awesome is that? Click the pic above to go to the feature, or CLICK HERE :)

Many thanks to Bridal Book and to Keisha Uy for having us once again :)

Kim Lee's Hindy W. Tantoco Bridal Gown

2011-06-27T08:10:00.000+08:00

All photos are by Jayson Arquiza

"Kim dresses casually almost every day but for her once-in-a-lifetime wedding, I wanted her to feel extra special. I went for luxurious elegance and pure romance. Her dress had a pleated silk chiffon bodice and a bouffant skirt in french lace with gold and blush pink embroidery. She looked beautiful!" -- Hindy

What a wonderful Monday! Here's a beautiful dose of inspiration for all you brides (and perhaps even grooms), out there, to start the weekend right :)

How many bridal gowns do you know, have french lace with gold and blush pink embroidery? I love it when brides and designers agree or collaborate on an idea to add a touch of color to an otherwise traditional white gown. We've read what Hindy had to say about Kim and her gown, now let's take a look at Kim's own recollection of her bridal gown experiences and moments :)

Kai: Why did you choose Hindy?

Kim: "I wanted my wedding to be very personal, so I wanted someone who knows me to make my gown.

I look up to Hindy both as a person and a designer. I've always admired Hindy for the things she creates and how she works -- having worked with her for several years. I was super excited to see what she'll come up for me. I've always wanted her to design something for me, and the wedding was my chance so to speak hehe."

"There was no other choice for me to make my gown but her."

Kai: How was it like working with Hindy?

Kim: "I looked forward to each fitting session with her! I remember her kids were there while I fit and sometimes I would even play with them first, Anouck or Zoey, while waiting for the gown-maker or if I was early. Some of our officemates/friends were also with me when we were first conceptualizing the design so working together on the gown helped ease my nervousness on the wedding and hyped up my excitement. I also liked that she paid attention to every detail of the gown that even I didn't notice. From choosing fabrics until the last fitting, working on the gown were one of the things I missed after the wedding."

Kai: What makes your gown special or unique to you?

Kim: "I just feel like it had a more personal thing to it. That it was created by someone who knew me. I felt like it fits my personality, I really liked it a lot and I felt so special on the day of my wedding because of the gown."

Kai: What is your favorite "fashion moment" or "gown moment" during your wedding?

Kim: "When the doors in the church opened for me, I think my veil was billowing in the wind which kind of created some sort of drama. :) Even my dad said that my gown looked nice, and I have never heard him say anything about my clothes or anything related to clothes. That's what I remember."

Kai: Any advice for bride-to-bes when looking for their wedding gown designer?

Kim: "All brides want to look their best on their wedding day and they deserve to be so. So when they're in the process of choosing, they'll feel it once they meet their designer that that's the person who is rightfully the one who should design what they will wear on the one day in their lifetime they will never forget."

More photos of Kim Lee's beautiful Hindy bridal gown:

I don't want to sound very presumptuous but I can't help but wonder why some bridal gowns right now look almost the same? Even displays from wedding boutiques and mannequin displays from bridal expos have almost the same look? I will not pinpoint this "particular" bridal gown design, but I know of the exact celebrity wedding this came from last year, and that it suddenly became the "it" bridal gown. And I won't be surprised, if Kate Middleton's gown will be the new "it" bridal gown for next year. My guess is that either local designers look too much to other foreign designers or celebrity weddings as a peg, or it's the bride who demands it of them. Either way folks, why would you want a bridal gown that is not uniquely yours? I look at my own Hindy bridal gown, Hindy's entourage gowns for Nicole Yap Gaw's wedding, and now Kim Lee's Hindy bridal gown and each are so unique and very signature of Hindy's own creations that it just gives so much more depth into it. My advice to you, is if you hired a great designer to make your gown, then allow him or her to create a look for you--that's why you got them in the first place. And I commend brides who have the courage to allow their designers to create a look for them because I think it takes a lot of guts to do so, and hey, you deserve it! :)

If you have any queries for Hindy, feel free to leave a comment here. I'd like to take this opportunity to let you guys in on a little project I am brewing right now. Definitely about weddings. Coming Soon! :)

The OTHER Cy & Kai

2011-06-24T18:55:00.000+08:00

Cy discovered that there was another couple named Cy & Kai. This "Cy" even has a blog! One of his blog posts even had a title called: "Cy & Kai Napping". Here they are!

From L-R: Kai & Cy :)
Photo lifted from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/halcyonic/4991255393/in/photostream/lightbox/

awwwwwww :)

I wonder if they celebrate their monthsaries too? :)

Kate Spade Caribbean

2011-06-24T17:52:00.001+08:00

I love turquoise. Looking at anything turquoise makes me happy! :) And in case you haven't noticed it yet, I am absolutely in love with Kate Spade. Combine those two things together and I'm in a happy, happy mood! :)

Unfortunately, I lost my only Kate Spade, turquoise-colored bag :(

There are a lot of new, wonderful arrivals from Kate Spade right now, turquoise-colored bags which Kate Spade calls "Caribbean". So Universe? I hope to attract any of these babies without as much as a cent to pay for it. Hehe. Oh happy day! :)

The "Bixby Bag" is called the new "it" summer bag and I want one!!!
The Bixby bag, is made of a matte goat leather resin trim, 14-k light gold plated hardware
inspired by the architecture and cliffs of the California coastline

More turquoise love :)

Let's do this, Universe! :)

musamanila

2011-06-24T12:22:00.000+08:00

http://musamanila.blogspot.com/

I have a confession to make. I am a blogger who rarely reads blogs. I had 1 or 2 favorites before, which I frequently visited, but I've lost the interest.

Now, I found a new-found favorite which, is not only good, and not only a blogger I personally know, but a blog (and a blogger) who is quite inspiring and so unique!

I myself toyed with the idea of creating a blog on Pinoy love. I actually went as far as naming it, and writing about 3 entries for it--but I simply can't manage multiple blogs!

So I want to personally recommend, and give a shout-out to Knox--miss musamanila. I couldn't seem to figure out how to leave a comment in your blog so I decided to just blog about you hehe.

I will not try to elaborate on what makes musamanila empowering, creative, and overall--amazing. Because I hope I rouse your curiosity, enough for you to click the screenshot and read away :)

To Knox...you are awesome! I am proud to say I actually know you. Pa-autograph? Heheheh :)

Pottermore Revealed!

2011-06-23T19:54:00.000+08:00

Goosebumps.

Exciting. JK promises to participate in this "first-ever" online book experience where she will be sharing more information about the world of HP, which she has "hoarded" all these years. I am still trying to digest everything she explained here. I have my doubts but I remain to be positive about this new project.

What say you?