ALMOST Done

I was consistently warned that a December wedding knows no weekdays, it's the busiest and the craziest season especially when the second week kicks in. With this in mind, I am convinced that I should be done by the month of May, because I would be left not only with the tira-tira but with the sky-rocketing prices for buying them out in exchange of the christmas parties.

So I put on my working clothes and shifted everything to 5th gear. Having a new mantra: "work ethics makes all the difference" (from Lance Gokongwei)

By the end of March, I was ALMOST done.

Note: I personally meet them on top of my incessant texts and mails. I'm driving them mad, I know. Well at least they're aware that I mean business.

Reception- the Hills
Flowers and Style- Badang Rueda
Coordinator and Emcee (choreographer too)- Marex Gaba
Lights and Sounds- Sensitivity
Gown- Jun Escario
Entourage- Vorge Cunanan
Caterer- Avengoza Catering
Dessert- Bizu

Cake- Joy San Gabriel

Photo and Video- Nice Print/Exige Weddings by Ms. Charisse Tinio

Save the Date- Wingdingz
Coffee bar- Al Fresco, St. Dominic TAFE
Bridal Car- c/o Ninong Masang
MUA- Toto and Ruben
Beauty- natural (echos!) Dr. Leah Martires-de Leon takes care of me ever since.

Already have a shortlist on the ff:

Invitation

Musicians

Souvenir

I have non yet for the ff:
Shoes

Will blog each and everyone of them after the big day.

Am I excited? 

VERY.

Ora et Labora

Right from the start, we were in agreement that Manila is not one of the choices.

Being the more traditional one, Ron wanted the wedding to be in Maragondon but I figured there's no decent hotel within the area. So we decided to go for either Tagaytay or Batangas. We searched high and low, spent Saturdays and Sundays, we were exhausted and I began considering St. Alphonsus at Magallanes where we usually hear mass. We considered Highlands-eks, everyone got married there. Punta Fuego-eks, needs endorsement for every 20 guests. Hamilo Coast- eks reception still looks like ballroom inside a hotel.

And then we found St. Benedict.

The solemnity in the area is solid. It really is a Benedictine community. I am reminded of our school, San Beda that taught us one good virtue we apply in life: "Ora et Labora". Prayer and Work.

Indeed, it's a deafening YES for St. Benedict Church at Ayala Westgrove, Silang Cavite.

We wanted to reserve right away, but their policy is "interview first before reserve".

We were scheduled three weeks after, we couldn't wait.

Finally, its 29 February 2012, 8am. We were interviewed by Father Isagani Avinante and we learned soooo many things. He made us comprehend fully what marriage is all about. His teachings hit right to the core.

I wish I could share EVERYTHING that he said without divulging what otherwise should be personal and confidential to couples. At least, I think it is my responsibility to let everyone know this one important logic that he said:

"Do not associate love with emotions, love is not a feeling.

Love is a decision, love is a commitment.

So that someday when you're gray and old 

and you might not feel anything for the other, 

love will make you stay."

If You Liked It Then You Shoulda Put A Ring On It

Since Ron decided to propose to my dad first, every thing became a blur.

We decided to have a family get-to-know-break-the-ice dinner before the actual pamamanhikan in the province.

The dinner was scheduled on 27 January 2012 at Casa Roces, Malacanang. Ron and I was stuck in traffic while both our families were also stuck... to converse with each other. For a first meeting, I would say it was pretty smooth sans my brother's melodramatic scene, express sentiment and love.

A month after 25 February 2012, Ron and his family went to our hometown, Bucal 2 Maragondon, Cavite. I informed everyone to be there. By everyone, means more than 60 immediate family members and about 30 Municipal employees. Good thing, Ron's family friend Avengoza Catering is prepared. Avengoza started setting up the place at 10am with Lechon Cebu and Turkey for carving, about 4 different viands, paella and some desserts.

By noon, everyone arrived and ate. (Side comment: They liked the food)

Thereafter, Ron whispered, I need to tell them something. I said you can just say it now. I felt that since we are in an open space, he might be needing a microphone for his announcement :) So I told everyone that we should go to the A/C room, more commonly referred to as our "war room" come elections season. By 'everyone' includes, my dad's 6 brothers&sisters including their children and my dad's uncle/aunts.

In the A/C room, I expected a one liner speech from Ron, like "I'm formally asking for the hand of Mariz. Period.". But no. He began telling everyone our love story, about how he came up with his decision to marry me, about assuring everyone how he feels about me and about how as grown up individuals we are deciding to tie knot.

I was moved.

Most of my family members were teary eyed as well.

Just like our Christmas parties, everyone gave speeches. I was beginning to wonder if there's a dance number per family too ;)

From the oldest in my dad's side (Uncle Pat) to the youngest (Ninong Jojo), they gave speeches of acceptance and support for our union. They welcomed Ron in the family. They said they have known Ron in most occasions and he has really helped in the campaign and 2010 election. My dad, mom and bro gave speeches as well. Ron's family, Dondee, Ate, Mom and Dad also gave theirs. They welcomed me in Reyes family; that they have known me ever since; they thanked the acceptance of the Andaman family and they expressed joy that I will be part of their family. Everyone was crying like madness! Tears of joy, I hope.

Until now, I still feel really proud.

Pamamanhikan is an old tradition. Its difficult to execute and is rare in this modern times. Usually, families just freakin' eat together with awkwardness all over.

In our case, I would say WE DID IT! With flair! ;)

From Lola Bes (Ron's grandmother)