On break-ups and finding someone new

I was holding this story for as long as I can. I wanted to clear things up before making any drastic move. Since everything is in its places now, I think it is just rightful to blog it.

D and I agreed to cancel our contract with Social Happenings as our OTD and Ms.Kim Valdez as our emcee. If you're reading wedding forums like w@w and GT, you'll know the issues circulating about her. With my better judgement, I still went on to hear her side of the story. I believed her, put my full trust and even bid for her services during last year's w@w auction. I won the bid for her hosting and booked her OTD. But for some reasons, which I decided not to divulge until at least after our wedding, she started to disappoint me. 

I then decided to look for replacement, which proved to be very draining because almost everyone with good feedbacks were booked already for my December wedding. So all those early planning turned to waste. But good things come to those who wait! During one of D's friends' wedding, I was impressed by a bunch of uniformed ladies talking flawlessly using their 2-way radio. There goes my solution! We met Marg Baula of Events Republic at Galleria a few weeks after that wedding. She came equipped with supporting documents about how she and her team do weddings. Right there and then, I told her our story, laid out our expectations and book her.

Marg' Events Republic is different from Kredin's Events Engineer. But Kredin came from ER.

Next bottleneck was the emcee. Since our DP for Kim was as good as gone, we do not have that much to spare. So the likes of Missy, Sweet and Mallory was never considered. I wanted to get Heidi Santos then, which was surprisingly a perfect choice because Marg said that she is ER's resident emcee. Unfortunately, she was not available anymore. My next choice was between Darlene Tan-Salazar and Ellen Celis-Timbol. Both are w@wies, so my full trust are on them. As per the feedback on w@w, Darlene is more on the prim and proper side. Ellen, on the other hand, turned out to be that famous Ellen with the 2500php wedding gown. We ended up choosing Ellen. Her personality matches ours. That would be more exciting!

Ellen on action. Photo grabbed from Ellen's fb

New OTD: Events Republic
New Emcee: Ellen Celis-Timbol

With these final changes, I then sent the long-due email to Kim informing her of our decision. We agreed to hold our inevitable confrontation with her until we find a replacement. We were kind of worried that we cannot get anyone to do the job because our wedding's on December which is just a couple of months away. But we did! So out of courtesy, we did the right thing and faced Kim - i meant emailed Kim. This morning, I sent my straight-to-the-point email sans all the details and drama. Promptly, she replied with a very short acknowledgement note -
As much as I am sadden by this series of event, thank you so much for informing me ahead of time. Wishing you all the best on your journey as husband and wife and may God's blessing over pour as you start a new journey! Happy preps and enjoy your big day! 

Thank you

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

I was expecting a little more harsh reply, as she did on some issues in the past. But she handled it with grace this time. Maybe because we didn't really treated her as bad? Good for her.

Suddenly, I compared this incident with break-ups and finding someone new. I am no first-timer in terms of parting ways with love-ones. But I was always afraid to do it with a supplier. Maybe because there is a huge deal of money involved? I guess that's it. I decided against doing it with my HMUA before, which proved to be a better choice because Belle is now one, if not my only, closest supplier. Kim, on the other hand, is a different story. I slept on it for months, but my decision is still the same. Like in actual relationships, I was that two-timing bitch. I made sure I have that fallback so when one fails I have someone to catch me. This is definitely unacceptable in an actual relationship, but totally wise and practical in the business side. But for me, the feeling after the breakup is just the same. There is that pang of guilt that you have just left someone. And an additional uneasiness for the very kind reply after the confrontation. If I see no wrong with Kim, i would think it's like giving her the line - 'It's not you, it's me'. Maybe there is really nothing wrong, or maybe not. But for my peace of mind, I think i'm better off with someone new. This is a very risky move - a gamble for some. But for me to know the outcome, I have to try. At least now, my mind is finally at ease. And if ever i'm wrong, which I really hope not, I can always stand up and try again - or in wedding preps language - I just have to let go and let God.

Wakwak

How would you react if someone hysterically woke you up early on a Saturday to say that your sister got into an accident? Then, you saw your sister dripping in blood, holding on to her open and very deep cut while crying out loud..

Some people will surely show mercy. I chose anger. Why? If it is the first time you see that, of course it's mind-blowing. But we've sang this tune before. Just a year ago, Chacha also got into an accident which left her with stitches on her legs. It was an accident alright, but an accident caused by hyper-activity which, in my opinion, can be avoided with proper actions. Oh yes she is a kid! And as kids they normally get into petty accidents, some with big ones like this. But this I will tell you - my sister is different! She is a walking disaster. Wounds are just normal in her skin. If I have the money to pay a shrink, for sure Cha will be diagnosed with ADHD. Cha even told me, and I quote - "Di ko kasi kaya di maglikot e". But it's alright, it already happened. I just made her promise to be careful next time because she has no healthcard to save us from all the hospital bills.

Cha's first stitches

Unfortunately, promises are really made to be broken. Just this Saturday, we again faced the same scenario. As I was angry, I didn't accompany them to the hospital. Oh BTW, Cha was brought to a private hospital on her first accident so the stitches were neatly done. They used some thread that melts - the one used in CS delivery. This time, since it's her repeat accident, she was brought to a government hospital. Actually, our pact was if she ever repeat her careless acts, I will not take her to a hospital anymore, we will just let her wound heal on its own. But of course, I just said that to scare her. Plus, the wound seriously needed stitching. Sadly, the accident happened on my Petsas de Peligros date - payday near but yet so far. So we have no choice but chose the public hospital.

paawa effect

But after seeing the stitches just last night, I regret that decision. I don't know if public hospital and poor service is proportional to each other but that was what I concluded when I saw the stitches. Unlike her first, this one looked like it was done by a gradeschool student learning how to sew on a Home Economics class. The skin  was not flat and the stitch really resembled an alupihan. The thread used was also the one which needs to be removed after a couple of days. I suddenly got scared of how it will look like when Chacha reached her teen years. Judge for yourself -

the wound uncovered

 So, do you agree with me that Chacha cannot wear her favorite pekpek shorts anymore?

Entourage Exchange

When I was younger, I always dismiss the idea of me in a bridesmaid's dress. I was really not that into girly stuff and wearing a dress made me cringe. Plus no one really bothered to get me. Maybe they were terrorized by the idea that like what happened before, I will refuse to walk down the aisle and just wail to death at the door. Well, that was what I did during my ninang's wedding! The cute flower girl didn't throw the flowers! Sad! But of course I will be such a hypocrite to say that I did not picture myself wearing Cinderella gowns. It is every girl's dream, for God sake! But unlike all the other normal girls, I was not the slim type. So when my tito married in 2002, the 18-year old me refused yet again another entourage role. I was so afraid to show off my big flabby arms in that spaghetti-strap dress. I used all the excuses I can to get away. After that, no one tried to ask.

It was not until just a few years back that my views changed. Blame it on my new-found self-love. Now I want to be the bridesmaid! I want to use the line - Always the bridesmaid, never the bride! Ohh scratch that. I want to be the bridesmaid before I myself become the bride. I can settle for bridesmaid because, as I already mentioned before, some incident happened which trashed the promise me and my ex-BFF made to each other. Obviously, she is not my MOH and I will never be hers. Anyway, it was D's sister that gave way to my dreams. But as veil sponsor. Well it was good than nothing. In fact, it was a promotion. I've got to do something instead of just making pacute in the pews. haha

But hey miracles do happen! Just 6 months before my wedding, my childhood friend, my bridesmaid, Pac (short for Mapacpac which is Lorie's lastname) gave me the news that she and Lloyd will get married. In October! 2 months before mine! This couple really knew how to surprise me. Some background for you - Lloyd, Pac and I were classmates in grade school. Pac and I went to the same highschool, but Lloyd didn't. We have no communications since then although we all went to PUP. It was when I was working in Accenture that I met Lloyd again in an elevator at the office. He told me that Pac was also in Accenture. I was in IT, both of them were in BPO. To make the long story short, we exchanged emails. The bond between us three rekindled. We even planned a series of Elementary reunions together. But I became so busy with work afterwards, that I started to bail out of our regular gimiks. Also, I was trying to get them together. Cupid mode on! After some time, my plans succeeded and I made a new couple. yey!

Along with the news of their incoming nuptials, Pac also asked me to be her Maid of Honor. Wow this is it! The realization of my dreams! I was really not expecting that because she has a younger sister. But she told me that it should be me because I was the one who put the together. Wow!

the couple with my gown sketch

The Maid of Honor of my Bridesmaid,

Not a TROPHY Entourage?

I never knew how serious entourage's duties were, not until i'm engaged and experiencing all the stress of wedding preparations. I started to question myself why my friends weren't even texting me how's it going. But I've been in their shoes, so I understand. Maybe it is still in my shoulders to remind them that being a member of a bridal party comes with responsibilities - definitely not just to wear that awful dress or suit.

Anyway, to educate everyone of the standard Entourage Duties and Responsibilities, here it is:


WEDDING CEREMONY:THE ENTOURAGE AND THEIR ROLES
Check out the entourage members' tasks to ensure you'll assign the right people.
Posted on: 01 November 2011
Author: Kristy Texon

On your wedding day, your entourage members will play supporting roles for the ceremony. Before you start giving out roles to your family and friends, check out the members' tasks to ensure you are assigning the right person.

PRIMARY SPONSORS
Legally speaking, the primary sponsors are entourage members you cannot do without, since they will sign your marriage contract. Traditionally, couples choose the same number of ninongs and ninangs, but there is no rule specifying that clause. Your primary sponsors will serve as your godparents, so choose people who can give good advise on your marriage. Find sponsors whose marriages you want to emulate as you grow older.

SECONDARY SPONSORS
The secondary sponsors are composed of the candle, veil and cord sponsors. They play roles according to Christian practices incorporated in the wedding ceremony. The candle sponsors will light the candles beside you; the practice symbolized God's guidance. The veil sponsors will place the veil over your head and groom's shoulder to signify that you are clothed as one, while the cord sponsors will connect you with cord to symbolize the binding nature of marriage.

MAID OF HONOR/MATRON OF HONOR AND BRIDESMAIDS 
During the ceremony, the maid of honor --or Matron of Honor if she's married-- will assist you with your gown's train, bouquet and other needs. She could also sign as a witness of the ceremony. However, the role entails other tasks prior to the wedding. The maid of honor --ideally-- will help you accomplish other wedding related tasks like coordinating with the suppliers, organizing the bridal shower, packing for the honeymoon, and many other miscellaneous to-do's. The bridesmaids could help the Maid Of Honor with the tasks. To see other tasks assigned to the Maid of Honor, click here.

BEST MAN AND GROOMSMEN
When your groom gets cold feet on the wedding day, it is the best man's duty to calm down the groom. He could also sign wedding documents as a ceremony witness. Another important task of the best man is to safeguard your wedding rings until you use them for the ceremony. The other responsibilities prior to the ceremony are planning the bachelor's party, and coordinating with the other groomsmen. The groomsmen help the best man accomplish his tasks. To check other tasks for your Best Man, click here.

FLOWER GIRL
The flower girl's role is simply to shower the aisle with petals. As simple as it may sound, you still need to be discerning with this choice. Young member of the entourage could be fickle, and you never know when they'll have their tantrums.

RING BEARER
The ring bearer hold on to your wedding rings, but asking a kid to guard your rings is a risky idea. Don't give your rings to the bearer until he is about to walk down the aisle, or he might lose your rings. Another alternative is to have him carry fancy rings, and ask the best man to hold on to your wedding rings for safekeeping.

COIN BEARER AND BIBLE BEARER
The coin bearer holds the arrhae, which in Pinoy culture stands for promise of providence of the groom for his wife and future family. The bible bearer is present in secular ceremonies; the holds the bible aloft during the processional.

Souce: http://www.bridalbook.ph/wedding-articles/the-entourage-and-their-roles/

New faces!

I got a bunch of new faces for my entourage list pictures. Yey! Finally, we were able to visit them (or have them visit us?) to give away the WYB cards.

Sunday is church day for D's sister and hubby. It's their routine to leave baby Alfonso in their mother's house during church then just pick him up after the service. So one sunday, since I was there, D gave the card to them -

We also dropped by Tita Fe's house. It was just behind D's house so I was pissed that he haven't delivered it yet. He wanted to have me join him daw to inform that we will get Tito Lee and Tita Fe as sponsors (as tradition). Actually, they already knew. We just went for formality. Anyway, we had it delivered and approved. Unfortunately, Tita Fe didn't want to be photographed the moment we were in their house. She was as kikay as me that she wanted to fix her hair first! haha. She dropped by D's house few minutes later for the picture. But we forgot to tell her to bring the card. Anyway, meet Tita Fe -

My emotions were mixed when I learned that she and Tito Lee cannot attend the wedding. Well Tito Lee is based in the US, only Tita Fe lives here. But it was planned that this year, she will fly to the US instead of the whole family to fly back. I was sad of course. But looking at the bright side of things, I can allot that seat to some on my waiting list. Not bad. Think positive! :)

There are also new faces - literally! Just no pictures yet. But we just modified our entourage list due to some unforeseen events. D's brother's wife cannot make it home on December. So Kuya Winston will have no partner doing the cord. D came up with the idea to place his kuya as bestman. It was always what he wanted. But we followed their family's tradition to put couples in the secondary sponsors. Now that Ate Rhea won't be coming home, he made the decision to make his kuya bestman. Now here comes the tricky part - we already placed Josel to be his bestman. So to make things fair, without anyone feeling demoted or something, D now has 2 best man. Or should we call them Best Men?

Now who will replace Kuya Winston as Male Cord Sponsor? It should be someone close because the role will be important. I advised him to choose outside his college friends as obviously most of his entourage are friends from UST. So he chose a childhood friend - Karl Roxas. I haven't met him though.

And Ate Rhea? D first wanted his one college friend he met through chat. I said it's ok but I also reminded him how she didn't show up during his birthday when she said she will come. aww I know I was bad here but she really made me upset. Another choice was again another college friend. But D decided otherwise because he wanted her to be a reader, which he said is a role more fit for her. He next wanted a childhood friend, but she will also get married on December so No. Then I said maybe he can get someone from work. So it was a choice between Lucky and Eva. Since Eva is already married, I told him we should choose Lucky. Let's give her a valid reason to slim down! hahaha So now Lucky Ocampo is our Female Cord Sponsor.

Also Chad backed out as Groomsmen. His tito will get married the same date as ours. Or course, family first! So we looked upon our long list of friends from Laguna. Our first choice was Dan. Unfortunately, we weren't able to contact him. Then came the thought of Tyron Garcia! Yes we almost forgot! We were closer to Tyron.

They all agreed to the appointments. :) So I'll be making new Will-You-Be cards!

Picasso!

The moment I saw The Picasso Boutiqued Serviced Residences, I instantly fell in love. I was talking about the moment I saw it captured in pictures. But I still came to check it in person. You know - pictures can be deceiving. But it was not. The rooms were exactly like that of the pictures. Maybe the pictures were just altered by a bit of Brightness. Other than that, you won't be deceived.

The first time we attempted to do ocular, the hotel was fully-booked. But I still enjoyed looking at their lobby. Small but really something. See post HERE. We checked a bunch of other hotels after that, but my preference still went for Picasso.

So one weekday before dawn, we decided to revisit it. This time we made sure we can be accommodated for ocular. We managed to catch the last glimpse of sun in the room with this picture -

 When I shoot the room, I was trying to copy the picture in their website. But i was too near -

My heart pumped with excitement! So that was 'This is it!' :)

Also, although I know we can't afford, I still asked to see The Picasso Loft. BTW, the one we looked earlier was the 88-sqm Barcelona Suite. We also checked the 45-sqm Malaga Studio but decided it was too small. The Picasso Loft was the biggest they offered. It was a 93-sqm two-storey room. I was awed -

But practicality-wise we chose the Barcelona Suite. I just hope I'll be as lucky as April. :)

[TYR@5] Day4: Bohol Sea Tour

TheYELLOWRoadtrip @5: DAY4 Bohol Sea Tour 

It's our exact anniversary day! Happy Fil-Am Friendship Day to you! Happy 5th year to us! Yey!
And fortunately, the weather cooperated and we were on our boat by 6 in the morning.

early morning boatride

After maybe more than an hour of just floating around, we noticed that we were approaching an island. I was awed by its beauty from afar. But at the same time, I was confused. We were supposed to do dolphin-watching first then snorkeling at Balicasag then Virgin Island. But with the looks of it, we might be skipping the dolphins.

Balicasag Island

I learned that I was right when we reached the island. Because apparently, we were on the shore of Balicasag island. I started to feel some irritation with Kuya Aldrin. BTW, he was the one assigned by Kuya Tatsky to do our seatour. When we were in the boat, I just disregarded the fact that he was not making conversations. Of course it will be tough trying to talk with all the noises from the boat motor. Even Dand I refrained from talking. Weee I even slept in the boat! haha. But what he did (or didn't do) in the island totally irritated me. After we got off the boat, he just went back to his boat to sleep. We were clueless. So we asked his alalay - the second man on the boat, what happened and what should we do. That was only when that guy told us that they didn't take us to dolphin island because of the waves. The dolphin will not appear anyway. And we can either eat first at the eatery in the island or we can ask some boatmen to take us to the snorkeling site. Ohhh. I was expecting a little decency to at least inform us. Nothing.

That was also the cue for some boatmen to approach us. They offered P150 each for snorkeling. And a little over-priced numbers for aqua shoes rentals. Good thing I read Girltalk Bohol thread before our tour because I read that the rates will be cheaper if you walk closer to the site to the right. And true enough, the P150 price near where the boats parked turned P100 near the site. But another confusion happened. As far as I remembered it from our negotiation with Kuya Tatsky, the P1600 seatour rate includes 5 free snorkeling masks. We only have to pay the guide. But since Kuya Aldrin was so accomodating and we were meters away from them, we just chose to pay for it instead. The guides first offered it to us at P100/head. Whoa! I tawad it down to P50/head. They finally agreed so we boarded. Our guide took us just a few meters away to where we were standing during negotiation. So this is it?! I asked to take the boat farther, at least to where the others were. He just nodded. He moved but we were still close to the beach. Anyway, we just let it be. Apparently, the guide cannot speak Tagalog so it will be a waste of time to converse. We also forgot to bring bread for the fish. The guide didn't even offer to bring us to the shore again so we can buy. Some generous guides will even do it for you right? Not this one! So going back, we just submerged a little over 30minutes. D apparently didn't appreciate it much as I do. The fish as expected didn't approached the food-less us.

[TYR@5] Day3: Bohol Ride

TheYELLOWRoadtrip @5: DAY3 Bohol Ride 

We started the day enthusiastic. Only to change it to disappointment after we saw the scene outside. The beach was so gloomy. aww. We went to the frontdesk to ask for hot water for our milo and to buy some hot noodles. We ate our breakfast by the beach while waiting for Kuya Tatsky's text if the tour will push through.

hot milo, noodles and bread for BBF

Unfortunately, it didn't. We have to accept it because we didn't want to die either. hehe. So we just got our butts up and strolled the beach instead.

the dirty shore after the rain

And it was a perfect time to explore the famous Bohol Beach Club! Yey! The guards were generous enough to let us into their beach. 

baywatch peg

 

[TYR@5] Day2: Bohol Countryside Tour

TheYELLOWRoadtrip @5: DAY2 Bohol Countryside Tour

We woke up very early the next day. We just nudged the taxi driver sleeping outside our hotel and asked to take us to the Pier. Since we already got our tickets c/o Ate Kathy, the check-in went on smoothly. We had breakfast at the station - our Oreo baon, siopao and coffee from the store inside.

Speaking of Ate Kathy who arranged our ticket, she is Kuya Tatsky's wife. If you are into forums like me (read Girltalk), you'll know who they are. Kuya Tatsky is the most famous tourguide in Bohol. All of other friends who've been to Bohol vouched for him. So after choosing between 3 options, I settled on getting Kuya Tatsky. Why? Because of his versatility. He can provide not only tours but accomodations and ferry transfers also. Well that part is Kathy's job. Kuya Tatsky seemed to be somewhat forgetful but you just have to kulit him every now and then. hehe

For reference, here are the contact numbers of the famous people doing tours around Bohol:
RJ Intano - (0917) 324 5488
Naldix (Tatsky's brother) - (0917) 324 1511
Tatsky Cubero - (0922) 367 1051, (0915) 794 5556
Kathy Cubero - (0927) 821 8352

BTW, we chose Oceanjet because it has the earliest schedules going to Tagbilaran. It will leave at 6am and will take us to Bohol at around 8am. The sun finally showed up that morning. And as expected Kuya Michael (Kuya Tatsky's sent tour guide for us) was already waiting outside the pier. After some getting-to-know stage, we began the tour. Ah BTW, he let me withdraw some cash first in the city because according to him there are no ATMs near our resort. He also let us handle our time during the entire tour. He just advised us to manage it so we can visit all of the places in our list. And did I already tell you how jolly he was? Haha there were no dull moments with this guy.

The tour started here:

[TYR@5] Day1: Cebu City Tour

TheYELLOWRoadtrip @5: DAY1 Cebu City Tour

It's our time of the year! Our 5th year anniversary getaway! yey! And as always, since D came back from Saudi, we made sure that we celebrate it with style. haha! Just something special. :)

So this year, to top off our last year's Acuatro sa Acuatico. We booked a Cebu-Bohol tour for 4D/3N.

So after a few hours of sleep, we unwillingly greeted a very cold Sunday morning. Take note that D's bday party happened the night before. At around half past five in the morning, we were already waiting for our plane.

The plane flew! As it should be, and we were in Cebu at around 9am. As I read in the forums, we crossed the street and found the metered taxi lane. Yes! it will save you bucks to ride metered taxi than airport taxi. So ok, we have two options to reach the hotel. Either we commute, meaning transfer into 4 jeepney ride OR ride the taxi straight to the hotel's doorstep. We chose the later to save energy.

At around 10am, we were already checked-in at Westpoint Inn. It is strategically located just around the corners of Fuente Circle. It is basically almost in front of Verbena Inn and just a 2-minute walk from the famous Larsian. I booked this hotel online, used credit card to pay 10% of the room price. Their standard room cost P780 per night, so I paid P78 pesos for the reservation. The room was good enough if your purpose is just to drop your bags and explore the city. It is pretty decent for its price - 2 single beds, with towels and free soap. The only downside was it has no hot water. No big deal.

D at the lobby: WORKING!

our standard room: inset - 2 single beds put together

After a few minutes of rest, we decided to grab some lunch. We walked to Larsian, but it seemed like they were closed at lunch? The guard in Robinsons said it is under renovation. We decided to try out CNT Lechon instead. We rode a taxi, since we didn't know where it was. The taxi brought us to a branch near SM Cebu. 

the long line of waiting

Cebu's famous Lechon

Well after that, I realized that I'm not really a big fan of Lechon. Or maybe I was just overwhelmed with the super big servings! We ordered a kilo of Lechon! We didn't know that it was that many! haha I thought it will be just one plate, it turned out to be two whopping plateful. yay! We ended up taking half of it home, and we just forced ourselves to finish the other half.

D Last 'SINGLE' Bday

This event was a proof that if I super love someone I can be generous. Look at this guys!

The occasion was D's birthday. It was his 28th. And his last birthday as a 'single' man. He will be married on his next birthday! hahaha

I know it's kinda special to him. So I made one of his greatest dream come true that night.

That was to gather all of his friends into their house for a party.

Well, I managed to gather almost everyone. Of course I am not God so I cannot control all of his friends.

There were some who were more excited to help me pull off my plan. While there were some who really didn't care. Oh well that's life. We really couldn't have it all.

So going back. First thing I did was a facebook greeting. No signs of party yet.

KAHAPON
Ako: miel hindi ka ba nalulungkot pag bday mo? ako kasi nalulungkot kasi tatanda na naman ako. hehe
D: hindi. masaya nga ako e kasi bday ko.
KANI-KANINA LANG
D: ayan nalulungkot na ako..
Ako: kasi tatanda ka na?
D: hindi. kasi walang nagtetext greeting saken.
Ako: e kasi may facebook na!
D: e bakit last year kahit may facebook pagkagising ko may 30 texts pa rin ako nung midnight.

awww! guys!!! may old-school bday boy dito. mas bet ang text! hehehe
Anyway, Happy happy birthday Miel! I love you always.. inspite of the ever changing technology! ♥♥♥

 — with Darnz Logus.

I dropped by his house in the afternoon to help his mama prepare for the party at night. Then I met up with him at Megamall. The weather was really not cooperating. It was raining hard. Tsk. Since Tita Nitz told him during breakfast to go home early because they will be having a family dinner that night, we didn't watch The Amazing Spiderman. Instead, we decided to go home. I told him not yet (the visitors were not yet in their house! Of course I didn't say that hahaha). So I told him I forgot my ATM at home so we need to get it because I'll be needing that for our Cebu-Bohol tour early the next day. So we jumped on the motorcycle and faced the rain (he wanted to bathe in the rain for some reasons I didn't dare ask). We spent a good one hour for us to get to my house then back to his house. When we get to their house, D has no signs of surprise in his face. Apparently, he got some clues that I'm up to something because I kept on texting on our way. He said it was so unusual of me to text while riding. Plus it was raining! Imagine me letting my Iphone gets wet?! Argh someone's at fault here. Someone who pestered me to give him directions on how to get to D's house even though I already texted it to  him earlier. He was calling me! But I cannot answer the phone because I'm with D! At the end he didn't come. Grrrrr

Enough of that talkshit. So there. I guess the party went on smoothly. A lot came to join in to the surprise!

1 - college barkada; 2 - college classmates too; 3,4,5 - Club CB110; 6 - family; 7 - childhood friends

There were a bunch of people who confirmed but didn't came (and without notice too! talk about RSVP!). But it's ok. I'll make a mental note to not invite them in any future events. hehehe. 

More guests meant more gifts also! :) Thank you!

1 - tarp from Tita Nitz; 2,3 - Jinri picture from me; 4 - cake from Lani&Jubs; 5 - yellow umbrella from Kaye; 6,7,8 - Cards from the kids

I guess this is also the right time to make some special thanks. Aside from all the gifts above, I would like to express my gratitude to D' mom - Tita Nitz. Without her help, the party will not be possible. Also, Jinri's picture was from Jerico and Rhina Montemayor. They were also helping me contact Jinri for the autograph but I failed. Which turned out to be better because D can have it signed by Jinri himself. And the food were catered by CCME. I specially liked their Beef Caldereta. yum!

And of course for all those who came - THANK YOU! :)