I'm back!!!

Hi everyone!

Wow! I just fired up my blog and realized that it has been 2 years since I last posted here. Since I already have a lot of time on my hands, I have decided to go ahead and revive this old blog of mine.

Love Lots,

Visita Iglesia 2013

Hey there peeps! I decided to go on a visita iglesia this 2013. It's actually my first time.
Visita Iglesia is usually done on a Maundy Thursday, so we decided to go on March 28, 2013 which was a Maundy Thursday.
We actually visited 7 churches and  followed the way of the cross as went through each church.

Here is the list of the churches that we visited.

1. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Palmera Spring III Susano Road, Camarin, 1400 Caloocan

-This is the local parish in our area that's why we decided to go here first.
Just click on the name above if you would like to have more information about the church, it will connect you to its facebook page.

2. Sto. Domingo Church
#537 Quezon Ave., Quezon City
 
-This is the next stop in our journey.  It is actually my first time inside this church. I must say, it's really big inside.

Here are some shots of the church that we took.

Inside Sto. Domingo Church

External view  of Sto. Domingo Church

3. Basilica de Minore de San Sebastian
 Quiapo, Manila

-We also took some pictures of the church. It was my very first time going there, and it really took my breath away. It's like your inside a European church. The pictures don't do justice to it's beauty.

San Sebastian Church

Us at the front of the church.

Inside of San Sebastian Church.

4. Manila Cathedral
General Luna Street, Manila

-The church is still being constructed as of the time being, that's why we are not able to go inside.
Here are the pictures that we took.

Manila Cathedral still in construction.

We just prayed outside the church.

That's me with the coppery hair. :)

5. San Agustin Church
General Luna Street,
Intramuros, Manila

-The church was undergoing a reconstruction of its facade. As you can see the beige colored paint has been chipped off. The church is being restored to how it looked like before. The inside of the church was still accessible though.

Church Restoration ongoing.

Inside the magnificent San Agustin Church.

Here we are following the way of the cross in SAC.

6. Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene)
910 Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila

-The traffic was really bad so we decided not to go inside anymore. It was a Maundy Thursday and there were so many devotees gathered at the front of the church that made it impossible for us to proceed inside.
7. St. Peter Parish
Block 44, Lot 7 & 8 Commonwealth Ave.

We were really tired and just decided to say the way of the cross and went home right away.


It was a great experience and it's wonderful for spiritual healing and gives you an appreciation for the grand architecture of our churches here in the Philippines. For those interested in getting more information for all of the churches that I visited, just click on their names on their list. You will be then directed to the church's main site or their facebook page or if it's not available their link in wikipedia.

I hope that everyone had a great Lenten celebration. I sure did.

Love,

Mindoro Sling: Something I want to try.

I have a hankering to go to the beach, specifically Puerto Galera. However, I am not really sure if the budget will permit that. So the next best thing that I can think of is to at least have a taste of it's very famous drink known as the Mindoro Sling.

Here are a list of the ingredients.

1 lapad of Tanduay rhum
1 can of Gina’s Mango Nectar juice
1-1/2 jigger of Sunny Orange syrup
1-1/2 jigger calamansi concentrate
1 jigger Grenadine
1 can Sprite


Just mix everything and add lots of ice and top with fresh apple and orange slices. Drink moderately.

For other versions of this just go to: Thirsty Blogger. This is where I got the recipe.

If you are more of a visual learner just check this youtube video out.

The video as well as the recipe are not mine.  Will try this out during the weekend.
Enjoy!

Love,

Movie Review: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

The Plot
Remember the first time that you saw a magic trick as a kid and was grandly amazed? That is the main premise for this movie.

This movie is about best-friends Burt Wonderstone/Albert Wunderstein (Steve Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi). They met as kids both mesmerized by magic and both were losers at school. A few years later, they turned their love of magic to a full-time career, complete with their own theater in Las Vegas. However, they are no longer best-friends. Thanks in part to the callousness of Burt, who has turned numb inside with all the fame and because they have being doing the same routine for many years, for the patrons of their magic show.
Cue in, street magician Steve Gray (Jim Carrey) who entertains people with his dangerous performances reminiscent of Criss Angel. This in turn causes a sudden drop in the ticket sales for the magic show of Burt and Anton. They then hatch out a plan to liven up their performance by doing a street act where they will be locked inside a transparent plastic box for an entire week while its suspended a few feet above the ground.
However, this performance caused a major rift between the two that ended up with Anton getting hospitalized and ending their partnership as well. All alone, Burt tried to go on with the show without Anton however it was an utter failure and his employer Doug Munny (James Gandolfini) decided to let him go.
After a conversation with his lawyer, Burt found out that he was not able to save anything because of his lavish lifestyle and was in fact broke.
He was kicked out of his hotel room and was forced to ask for help from his former assistant Jane (Olivia Wilde), whom he always calls as Nicole. Reluctantly, Jane helps him out. Burt was able to find work at a Nursing Home. Inside the assisted-living facility he finds out that one of the residents there was Rance Holloway (Alan Arkin), a famous magician that inspired Burt to become a magician when he was younger.

Doug invited Burt to be the magician for his kid's birthday party, Burt accepted. During the party they found out that Doug is offering a five-year magic show contract for his new casino that he will be opening. In the party,  Steve Gray was also present and did everything he can to upstage Burt during his magic show. Jane, who became Steve Gray's assistant was appalled and decided to resign from her job. This sparked the idea to join up with Anton so that they could win the contract which will be decided by a talent show. Anton and Burt decided to do a trick that they thought of years ago, The Disappearing Audience.
At the night of the talent show, Steve Gray's stunt goes terribly awry after he drills into his skull and became mentally ill after. Burt and Anton does the trick with the help of sleeping gas that they have concocted. The audience gave a standing ovation and Doug decided to give to Burt and Anton the five-year contract.

Over-all
 If you are after a movie with a storyline that will leave you guessing, then this certainly is not for you. If you are after a few laughs and would like to turn your brain off for a while, then this certainly is for you. The plot is predictable, and there are a lot of slapstick, raunchy humor, that will inspire a lot of laughs. If you have watched Anchorman before then this will certainly remind you of that. Would recommend it for guy friends and young adults.

Popcorns, anyone?
3.5 out of 5 popcorns, because it made me laugh so hard. Would recommend for everyone to just wait for it when the DVD comes out, so that you can watch it together with your friends.

My Fractional C02 experience.

Scars are debilitating, they limit you and lower down your confidence level. I have had acne since I was in highschool. Now that I have gotten older the pimples have subsided but left unsightly craters on my face. I have tried diamond peels, dermarollers, glycolic peel, skin peel but my face stayed the same, offering only minimal change.
I decided to take a more drastic approach to treat them.
I checked out some of the treatments available for removing scars and one of the most famous breakthrough right now are lasers. I did my research, looked into forums like pinoyexchange and girltalk. I then narrowed down my choices and contacted one of them. I was given a good deal by Dra. Martinez and decided to go for it.
I was scheduled for an appointment with Dra. Rhesa Martinez at the Beverly Hills Medical Group @ Makati last March 2, 2013.

When I arrived, Dra. Martinez greeted me. My first impression of her was that she was really nice and accomodating. I felt at ease the entire time.She took photos on my face for documentation purposes. The nurse then put numbing cream on my face and was asked to wait for about 30-45 minutes to allow the cream to take on its full effect. I was then ushered into the waiting room, which in my opinion is the best waiting room I have ever been to. It had good seats, a big LCD TV with cable channels that we can change. I ate my Big and Tasty burger from McDonalds.
My eyes were covered by Dr. Martinez. The session was not that painful, slight prickling sensations was what I felt while I heard the laser clicking.I smelt that my facial hair was burning as the laser passed my skin. If you have ever had cauterization done, it will remind you of that while your laying down on the bed.
Right after the procedure, Dra. Martinez gave me the medications needed after the procedure for free.
My face was not that red but there was a huge improvement on my skin texture. Dra. Martinez gave me some ice cubes on a plastic Ziploc bag. While I was going home, I applied the ice on my face as instructed by the doctor.
Later on in the day, my face turned really red. However, I still managed to get out of the house because it was already night and no one would really see me that well anyway.
On Day 2, my face was all red. It was a Sunday and I did not go out of the house anymore. Because, one of the precautions that Dra. told me was that I should not be exposed to the sun that much.
On Day 3, which was a Monday, I wnt to work and it looked like I applied a lot of bronzer on my skin. So before going to work I put on foundation on my face meticulously. I also felt that my face was really rough.
On Day 4, the grid marks on my face were noticeable. There was still darkening of the skin. Some of the skin has fallen ofd and my skin still felt rough. I applied the moisturizer liberally on my face because I felt that my face was really rough and itchy, to restrain myself I decided to just apply more moisturizer that was provided by Dra. Martinez.
On Day 5, my face was better and felt softer than before. There were less dark spots but there were still some parts which was rough to the touch.
Sorry, if I don't have photos I was really busy with work and was tired most of the time that I did not take any photos. If I get the treatment again, I will be posting pictures.

Photographer: Jaja Samaniego

One of the suppliers that always comes back to my head whenever I think of planning the wedding is Jaja Samaniego. If budget permits it , I would love to get her services.
Here are some of her sample pictures that I pulled from her website.

She has recently revamped her website. For those interested here is the link. http://www.jajasamaniego.com/ For an instant reply, you can text, call or email directly at hello@jajasamaniego.com: (63917) 827 1939 (632) 624 6030 

See you on my next post!

Love,

1st Supplier Booked: Suarez Wedding Rings

Me and future-hubby have been canvassing for the wedding rings for a while now. We have asked many jewelry suppliers, from the very famous ones all the way down to Meycauayan, Bulacan. However what really fit our needs was Suarez Wedding Rings. They offered competitive rates and the most flexible layaway scheme we have encountered. Since we have already decided on the date. We went to the nearest branch in our area which was SM Fairview. We actually have gone inside this branch for 3 times already, trying to find the best design that fits our budget. Here is the design that we chose.

The rings that we chose will have 1 diamond each. It will also be two-toned, yellow gold and white gold. We made a downpayment of P1,000 and had the layaway extended up to one year by just adding P300.00 to the entire price. This is perfect for us, since we don't want to lose the rings and the wedding date is really for a long time anyway. I have to say that the lady at the counter was really friendly and knew her job well. We had many, many questions that she answered promptly. The purchase we made included a free cake cutter as well as a free arrhae. Our initial transaction was wonderful and we were guided accordingly.

Here is their website, for those who are interested. http://www.suarezweddingrings.com 

 Love,

Intramuros Ocular

Me and my future-hubby decided to go around this November 3 and checked out the reception sites available around Intramuros, Manila.
Here are some of the pictures of that day.

Teatrillo, Intramuros

We first looked around the vicinity near San Agustin Church because I want the wedding ceremony to be held at San Agustin. The first venue we checked-out was Teatrillo. If you are after a vintage-themed wedding this basement venue is ideal. I also had a vision for a mafia-themed wedding since the place is sort of secluded. It might be kind of creepy for some because it's dark, and there is also a well that will remind you of Sadako from The Ring. The place also had a musty smell that will remind you that it is indeed old. But the future-hubby liked the place and said that he had a this-is-it feeling when we visited Teatrillo. At the back of mind, I thought that he might have had ghostly chills and mistook it for a this-is-it feeling.

Teatrillo is an indoor venue with a seating capacity of 200.

 The rate is P25,000 + 10% Catering Fee.

 Venue Fee is inclusive of 6 hour use and Electricity. The extension is P3,000 per hour. 

There is also an optional platform that you can rent out for P1,000.

 Set-up time is 4 hours and is free of charge.

Casa Blanca, Intramuros

We then decided to also see Casa Blanca, since it's quite a popular place for receptions. Also the price is cheaper compared to Teatrillo.The place looks like a old house and the wooden floors are creaking.That's a negative for me because I always imagined my wedding to have lots of dancing, and a creaky floor just won't do. The good thing about it is that it's indoor and sunny and has the vintage feel, for those who want a Filipinia-themed wedding.

The rates are as follows P17,000 + 10% Catering Fee for a 6 hour use of the venue. 

It also includes the electricity and Set-up time of 4 hours.Capacity is 200 persons. In case you would like to extend your stay it's P3,000 per hour. 

 For further inquiries for both venues mentioned above just contact the Plaza San Luis Office at 527-4084 or 527-4088.

 If you are O.C. bride (like me!), Booking this place will be an issue since they only open-up at least a year before the event. I need about 2 years to plot out my wedding and I don't want to be waiting for this place while other better places might increase their rates. Also, parking is an issue since there are no parking slots for both these venues.

Villa Immacula, Intramuros

Heading on out of Casa Manila, we then proceeeded to check-out the other receptions. We stumbled upon Villa Immaculada and saw a big poster outside announcing that they have a Grand Food Tasting for that day. We decided to walk-in to see what's happening. We were then promptly accommodated by one of the Account Executives of Tamayo's Catering. Tamayo's is the exclusive caterer for Villa Immaculada. We were then given an appetizer, main course dishes with rice and a fruit salad. The food was okay, but not that exceptional. The ambience of the place is the best that we have seen so far. Swag decorations with added mood lighting really enhanced the place. There were also some suppliers present during the Grand Food Tasting like a Mobile Bar, Cake Suppliers and P/Vs. After the Account Executuve discussed with me the packages that they have. Me and the future-hubby decided to check out the mobile bar. We were promptly assisted and were given non-alcoholic mojitos for us to taste.We loved it! The taste was just right and had a citrus tang that really hit the spot.I inquired and was told the rates that they have. I asked for their pamphlet as well. Villa Immaculada is okay but for me the price is too steep for only 100 guest (Come on! There is still life after the wedding.).I also want high quality suppliers that I have chosen myself. Another thing is that a cousin of mine also had their reception here, I don't want to be called a copy-cat. My hubby and I like this place but there are also a lot of cons of we get it.

As of writing the package for Villa Immaculada is P188,000 for 100 people.

 It includes 4 hours use of the venue, free parking, bridal car for 3 hours, 3 layered fondant cake, 1 bottle of sparkling wine, doves in a cage, signature frame, guestbook, flowers for the entire entourage, Tiffany chairs, free use of sound system, program emcee and free use of photobooth for 3 hours. 

 If you wish to contact Villa Immaculada just call them up at 526.2222/400.7161/ 556.6273 or shoot them an e-mail: info@tamayos.com.ph

 Hope you guys enjoyed my post.

Love,

The start of something new.

Hi guys!
 I will be posting here the things that have to do with regard to the wedding that my and boyfriend are planning for the year 2015. I know its a long way off but the expenses are all coming out of our pockets ( no help from the parents), that's why I just wanted to get an early start on it since,we would need the extra time to come up with the necessary moolah. A little backstory for y'all. Me and my boyfriend have been together for 7 years and before we get to the 10 year mark we want to make sure that we are already married, for Pete's sake we are not getting any younger.;). I will be chronicling the journey for the preparations, inspirations, rants and raves that we will encounter throughout this whole process.

Let's start on the road for 5.10.15.
See you on my next post!

Love,

Of Tifanny Blues and Chocolate Browns

You read it right! The Color motiff that we will be using is Tifanny Blue and Chocolate Brown. I have always been enamored with the calming elegance of Tifanny Blue as well as the friendly warmth of Chocolate Brown. I've checked weddings that have incorporated these two colors and they go together beautifully.

Here are some pictures to give you an idea.

Picture are from The Perfect Palette.

 




Love,

My wedding gown inspirations.

There are details that I want in my wedding gown. It should show-off my figure(something that I would need to work on:) ), because I know that some day my body will no longer look as good as when years go by.I want some bling, but not too much. And lastly, I want the fabric not too look cheap. I've seen gowns that really looked horrible when they were photographed because the fabric was super shiny. It did not flatter the bride at all. So here are the gowns that inspires me.

A Vera Wang, she really knows how to flatter a figure.

The neckline is to die for.

 After searching high and low. I have realized that the cut that I want is a mermaid- flare with a sweetheart neckline.

See you on my next post!

 Love,

My Church

I have fully decided to set the nuptials at the most beautiful church that I have ever seen and me and the future htb decided to check the place out. Here are some pictures that I took myself. Pardon if they are nit that clear, I just took them using my iPod touch.

The church is San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila.

The Altar

The Painted Ceiling

Shot from the Choir Loft

Here are the contact details for San Agustin Church.

Address:

General Luna Street,
Intramuros, Manila

E-mail:

Contact Parish Priest – info@sanagustinchurch.org

By phone :

(+63 2) 527-2746
(+63 2) 527-4052

 Website: http://sanagustinchurch.org/index.php

See you in my next post!

Love,