Camsdcute’s Lair

Here are our wedding pictures taken by Oly Ruiz and his team (Metrophoto) last April 24, 2010.  For some reason, their lady photographer was not with them but I still felt comfortable with them taking photos of me while putting on my gown.

Btw, some of our guests have a crush on rugged Oly Ruiz and handsome Francis Yllana. Hahaha! Enjoy these great shots!

Preps: CJH The Manor
Ceremony: Our Lady of Atonement (Baguio Cathedral)
Reception: W.C. Forbes Ballroom, Baguio Country Club

If you’d like to view our wedding pics, please go to:

• Camsdcute Site – Marlon and Camille Wedding Photos
• Metrophoto Gallery

The first few sets from Metrophoto are posted there.

Now, I’d go on with the review of our wedding suppliers. I’d use 1-10, ten being the highest rating (excellent) for suppliers who deserve to be praised. *Clap clap*

For your comments, suggestions, questions, or anything in mind, feel free to leave your comments below and I’d gladly check them out if I am in the mood.

1. CEREMONY VENUE – Our Lady of Atonement (Baguio Cathedral)
RATING: 9
PRICE: ~ P3,000 (P1500 + P100/pair of sponsor + 500 electricity) You need to pay P1,500 as the reservation fee

Pros:
1.    It is where Marlon and I had our first communion.
2.    Compared to other churches and cathedrals, the Baguio Cathedral charges cheap. Other cathedrals range from P15,000 to P30,000 but we only spent around P3,000 for this.
3.    Baguio Cathedral does not have strict rules regarding the songs to be played, the flowers and decorations to be placed, the dresses to be worn by the bride and the entourage. If your bridesmaids want to wear backless, or any dress with plunging neckline, it will be acceptable. You could bring your own florist, choir and other suppliers as they do not have a list of accredited suppliers that you have to follow.
4.    The church is located conveniently on top of Session road which makes it accessible to the guests.
5.    Also, the Baguio Cathedral has a long aisle which make it more serene and sentimental for Brides to glide on during the bridal march. The longer the aisle, the longer the people will watch you in your bridal march.
6.    Lastly, the architecture is nice and it was built in 1920’s. Its distinct pink outer façade makes it one of the famous landmarks in Baguio City.

The only slight downside is that the surroundings have canopies, parking area and a nearby shopping center that distracts the tranquillity of the place, but If you have a great photographer such as Metrophoto, you wouldn’t have any problems with these obstructions.

Note: The gifts for the Offertory are not included in the package. They also have their own missalette that you have to follow.

Our Story: We really like to book Cathedral so as early as May 2009, we asked if we can already reserve our wedding date in that church. Manang Fely, the one who is in charge of the wedding ceremonies told us that we can’t reserve this date because she does not have the logbook for 2010 yet. She told us to come back in December to book our date for next year. I thought that making the reservation in December 2009 would be risky. It is very difficult to reserve Baguio Cathedral considering a lot of couples eyeing for this church. We will definitely end up looking for another one if we book late. This prompted us to hire a wedding coordinator who can do the booking for suppliers in Baguio even if we’re already in Manila. We got O.C People that very same day. Ate Rhia Darang, one of the coordinators processed the reservation in Baguio Cathedral the day after I booked them. I was so surprised and relieved at the same time when she told me that Manang Fely allowed her to book that date. That’s when I knew that these coordinators have their connections. 

2. PHOTOGRAPHY – Metro Photo
RATING: 10

I cannot think of anyone better than Oly Ruiz and his team from Metrophoto. Their works are lovely. It is non-traditional unlike several other wedding photography styles. They call their style contemporary and you must see their gallery to agree with me that they’re awesome.

Again, I’m pasting the link of our photos:

• Camsdcute Site – Marlon and Camille Wedding Photos
• Metrophoto Gallery

Our story: We’ve attended every bridal fair even if we have already booked our suppliers for the reason that I enjoy getting fliers, checking out every wedding supplier and feeling special that my fiancé takes time to accompany me in these fairs. The discounts in the wedding fairs are so attractive that it made us book Ariel Javelosa Photography on the spot. We checked their portfolio and the sample albums of actual weddings they’ve covered and they’re nice. Booking them on that wedding fair made us pay the downpayment of 25%. That was August 2009.

Come December 2009, I was able to chat with Myra, my schoolmate in college. With all the catching up stories we exchanged, she mentioned that one of our batch mates was already married. She sent me the link of their wedding pictures by Metro Photo. Upon seeing the album, I immediately asked Metrophoto for their rates. I sent Oly Ruiz an e-mail, I texted him, I followed him on twitter and even checked if he has a Facebook account. I felt excited that time and at the same time feared that some other couple had already booked them on the date of our wedding. Surprisingly, Oly Ruiz replied to my text message and he was really friendly. I can see that through the several smileys in his text. He answered all my inquiries and through our phone calls and text message exchanges, I felt very comfortable with him. This is one thing that must be present in your relationship with your photographer. Also, I feel we have the same wavelength because he’s around the same age as mine and that made me think he’s the perfect photographer who should cover our wedding.

The only problem is Marlon. How can I persuade him (my fiancé) to get Metrophoto when we already paid the 25% downpayment to Ariel Javelosa?

I persistently begged Marlon to think about how Oly’s shots intensely beat other styles. I asked him to compare it with other albums. I challenged him to tell me how he wants our wedding to be remembered and covered – through the traditional poses, or through the contemporary kick-ass style by Metrophoto.

After a lot of hardwork, he finally said yes.

We selected the coffee table type of album which made us pay more. Couples can pay P15,000 downpayment to reserve the date then you have to fully pay the package on or before the wedding. They promised me three photographers including a lady photographer who would shoot the details and take photos of me while putting on my gown. After all, women are more inclined to details than men.

During the wedding, for some reason, there were only two main photographers – Oly Ruiz and Francis Yllana. These guys are really good-looking and a few of my friends had a crush on them. Haha!

I think we were pressed with time and we haven’t got more shots than we should. My preps and make-up ended late, I finished my lunch late, and it made Oly and Francis take shots as fast as they can. Another downside – Marlon is checked-in a nearby hotel that requires our photographers and videographers to travel a few minutes from my place so they only had a few shots of Marlon’s preps. These circumstances didn’t make the quality of their photos any less. The photos are still lovely and are really incredible.

During the on-location photoshoot, we were again pressed with time. Also, the security guard in the place always blows the whistle and shouts “You’re not allowed to shoot there!” That made us move quickly and take as many shots as we could before we get banished by the guard.

Come dinner reception, when the on-site pics were projected, all the guests were taken aback by the remarkable shots. With just a little time, I was really amazed at how Oly was able to put together these pics along with the song he selected for our on-site photoslides. I trusted Oly to choose the song for the photoslide and I was very much satisfied. Oly and his team did a great job!

4. BRIDAL GOWN – Cecilio Abad
RATING: 10
PRICE: P65,000 up

I was overly happy with my gown because everyone said “Ang ganda ng gown mo!”
I really felt like a princess. Among all, I was very happy with my gown, my make-up, my photos and my flowers.

Our Story: Initially, I thought it wouldn’t be practical to get a gown that is too expensive. After all, I will just use it for a night and then what? Either it will be stuck in our cabinet and take much space in our house or I’ll find a one in a million buyer who matches my size. This thinking made me want to just rent a gown. I asked my coordinators to scout for gown rentals and they said that there is one designer in Baguio, who makes you choose the design of your gown, then she will execute the design then you can rent it out. I thought it’s pretty good because I’ll get to choose my own design and can still pay cheap because it will only be rented. However, honestly speaking I doubted some suppliers in Baguio. That made me think of a second option – I will vigorously search through the internet and check all nice gowns that I can have designers imitate. Indeed, there were several gowns that are lovely. I searched every site, and browsed through every wedding magazine I bought. I even signed up in Disney’s Fairy Tale weddings and received the CD on our doorstep.

Halfway through my searching, my aunt contacted me and referred someone she tagged as “a good designer” but is still taking fashion design classes in La Salle. Because she was a family friend, I took time to meet with her since my aunt begged me to just check her designs even if I’m already decided to get another supplier. She sketched the design I showed her. Technically, she just copied and drew the gown in the picture I showed her. She quoted me P40,000 for the gown. I backed off a little when she told me her quote. I think this is ridiculously high when she is still studying and she still didn’t have previous customers to showcase in her portfolio. Long story short, we had a big misunderstanding especially when she got bitter that I didn’t get her as my designer. Who would get her anyway?

After that incident, I decided to talk with really good designers and just ask for their quotes. I heard a few praises for Cecilio Abad especially from my friend Merryll who showed me several gowns that were designed by Cecil. As I am known, I am an impulsive buyer. Because Cecilio Abad was the first one I talked to, I booked him on that same day.

When I entered his shop, I knew that he is a neat freak, a perfectionist and really dwells on details. Aside from that, my impression is that Cecil’s a snob and just like other famous suppliers, he is “mayabang” and overconfident. That’s because when I scheduled a consultation with him, she continued sketching other designs while talking to me.

During my fittings, I brought him snacks which made him smile and I thought “aba, hindi naman pala masungit to”.

The one thing I appreciated most from Cecilio Abad is that he takes note of all your comments and suggestions regarding the design and the gown. I sneaked into my folder on his table and saw that he even printed out our e-mail trails and listed all my comments. He is a very organized person. Another thing – some suppliers would insist on inviting them and shoulder their accommodation. Most of them are picky. Cecil is different. He said even if they are housed in the cheapest inn, they wouldn’t mind. He also said that if I would like to save, they can just teach my maid of honor on how to help me put on my gown. I told him that I’d rather ask my maid of honor help me so I wouldn’t have to pay for their out-of-town expenses and he agreed. During my final fitting, my gown seemed so tight and it took two persons to close the zip at the back. It was my fault since I gained 3 kgs. from my last fitting. Because of this, Cecil panicked and insisted on letting her team go to Baguio and help me dress up, with NO additional charge at all. Wow, he is indeed so kind unlike other suppliers who charges so excessively.

During the wedding day, his team was ready as early as 5:00 AM. Call time is 10:00 AM and they patiently waited for 5 hours in the parking area. Marcy and Cathy from Cecil’s team were assigned to help me dress up. I asked them why they travelled so early. They said Cecil would like to ensure that they are on time. Another plus points to Cecilio Abad!

Now the gown – of course, it’s lovely. Two thumbs up!

From Cecilio Abad’s site:

“We have three weddings that day, isa si camille sa mga bride na yun na sa
baguio ang kasal… Si Marcy at Cathy ang andun naka assign.
Camille wants here gown na naka bulga… pwess, bulga gusto mo ha!
mag tulle ka… eh di bolgang bolga…. hehehehe..

Eh di nung na execute na namin ang gown, feeling ko simple sya from its
drapings, little beadings and scattered lace… siguro
di lang ako sanay na simple ang skirt…Pero yun kasi ang personality
ng bride ko, pero nag ate vi(short for atribida) ako, pwess dinagdagan ko sya
ng kunting sparkle, circle and chuva… Di mas gumanda sya, at lalo naman akong natuwa nung tumawag si madge lejano at sinabi na ang ganda ng gown ko… charrrrr….

Kong gaano ako ka happy sa wedding ni camille, na windang naman ako sa isa
kong wedding sa ormoc….. Abangan nyo, dahil pati kayo mahilo sa chika ko…” – Cecilio Abad

to be continued…

The internet has opened a lot of opportunities. One of which is that people can purchase goods with just few clicks. Compared to the traditional way of going physically to a market or mall, it’s more convenient for a person just to stay at home, search for a product, pay for it, and wait for the item to be delivered.

In order for anyone to do this, there are a few requirements. The basic one would be to have a credit card and an ‘online bank’ account like Paypal or eBillMe. These sites allow you to continently pay for your transactions. To maximize the experience, you may use of coupons and other promos that allows you to win or avail of discounts.

I did experience buying a product online and it’s very convenient indeed. The product that I bought is nowhere to be found in any local shop. Having that product bought online and delivered at my doorstep is really something amazing. I don’t think that it’s even possible years ago.

Last Tuesday, I spent the hours at work and felt really tired and hungry late in the evening. My hunger felt like the exactly opposite effect of any appetite suppressants because at that time, I really thought that I can eat any kind of food.

We eventually decided to dine at Teriyaki Boy and I’m planning to order their bento box meal, complete with rice, Teriyaki chicken, kani salad, coffee jelly, miso soup and iced tea. We were about to order when the waiter explained to us their promo every Tuesday – your meal is free if you’re lucky enough to have the heads face up (marked with their logo) upon tossing their custom made coin. This promo applies to selected meals from their menu.

To make the story short, we were lucky that night. Our food was worth P900+ and we only paid for the drinks and food that are not part of the promo. It was really a good way to end an otherwise awful day.

By the way, this promo is for the month of July only. So I plan to spend my Tuesdays in T-boy.

In a given week, I usually go to the gym just once primarily because of work. I usually don’t have enough time during the weekdays and having two consecutive sessions on weekends is too much. Given this, I really don’t maximize the monthly statement that I pay Fitness First, so I plan to finish the contract and just do a per session payment scheme instead. I’m even considering buying fitness equipment for home use.

I really do want to go to the gym on a regular basis because I really felt its effect on my body. Hopefully soon, my schedule will be more flexible so I can do so at least twice or thrice a week.

Last Sunday, we went to a gym for a one hour session. I don’t have a personal trainer but was lucky enough that one resident instructor is helping me in the proper usage of the equipments and the correct execution of some exercises.

One exercise that was taught is stomach crunching. As per the instructor, this works better compared to sit-ups in terms of helping in stomach weight loss. There are two ways to do this. One is by doing what seems to be a half sit-up by lying flat and raising your upper body without your head or elbow touching your knees. The second way is exactly the opposite. You have to lay flat, extend your arms on the floor and then raise the lower part of the body. Three sets of 15-count repetitions every other day is what you need to do.

I guess it’s worth the try.

Yahoo just published 18 tricks to help improve memory. Out of those eighteen, I personally chose some that I strongly recommend. I actually practice this four steps at some point when I want to memorize or try to remember anything – from names of people, titles of books or films, some new information and more.

1. Pay attention. When you’re introduced to someone, really listen to the person’s name. Then, to get a better grasp, picture the spelling. Ask, “Is that Kathy with a K or a C?” Make a remark about the name to help lock it in (“Oh, Carpenter — that was my childhood best friend’s last name”), and use the name a few times during the conversation and when you say goodbye.

3. Create memorable associations. Picture Joe Everett standing atop Mount Everest. If you want to remember that Erin Curtis is the CEO of an architectural firm, imagine her curtsying in front of a large building, suggests Gini Graham Scott, PhD, author of 30 Days to a More Powerful Memory.

4. Cheat a little. Supplement these tips with some more concrete actions. When you get a business card, after the meeting, jot down a few notes on the back of the card (“red glasses, lives in Springfield, went to my alma mater”) to help you out when you need a reminder.

15. Practice your ABCs. Say you just can’t remember the name of that movie. Recite the alphabet (aloud or in your head). When you get to the letter R, it should trigger the name that’s escaping you: Ratatouille. This trick works when taking tests too

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/workingwomen/18-memory-tricks-you-need-to-know-1750663/

These steps may not be as effective as some best weight loss supplements, but practicing it will eventually help. It may take some time for you this to be part of your ritual, but if done frequently these will eventually be a habit.

Serena Williams just claimed this year’s Wimbledon Women’s Singles title by defeating Russian Vera Zvonareva in straight sets. This is her 4th Wimbledon Title and her 13th Grand Slam.

Up next: The Men’s Finals will be between Nadal and Berdych. Berdych was responsible of upsetting Roger Federer in the Quarterfinals.

I personally watched Nadal’s win over Petzschner. At some point, Rafa called for his trainer to attend to his injuries and these extended rests may have caused Petzschner’s momentum to slow down. Federer on the other hand mentioned about some injuries that could have been a factor in his defeat from the hands of Berdych. These athletes may not need health savings accounts, but their health issues may signal a change of dominance in the sport in the upcoming years.

After victories over the lone African country Ghana and the favorite Brazil, Uruguay and Netherlands will face of in one of semis matches. Teams for the other half is yet to be determined as Argentina and Germany will face-off, as well as Paraguay and Spain.

Here’s how the matches looks like as of now:

The defeat of Brazil just exposed the weakness of powerhouse football countries. While some countries were a big surprise, other countries that were expected to reach higher rankings were a disappointment.

The tournament was a venue for unexpected outcomes. First was France who just imploded as they can’t resolve internal issues. Then came Italy whose campaign might be considered lackluster. These teams seems to be like safe effective diet pills who unfortunately, did not click. They may be good on paper and in other tournaments, but they were beaten be better teams.

Last weekend, we attended another lovely wedding. It’s definitely one of the memories that we’ll cherish as it’s one of my favorites. Overall, the wedding was well-organized from the ceremony to the reception – especially the games.

The event actually paved the way to a mini-reunion with my former officemates since we rarely have the chance to get together. This one was special because it’s out of town, so we had more time to be together. The four day trip was enough for us to catch up and tell stories.

Again, congratulations to Mich and James!

Up next: Another Baguio Wedding for Karon & Wayne.

PS. We’re lucky enough to bring home a unique wedding party gift from the couples. Thanks for the tokens!

A day in advance, I’m writing this to greet all the fathers out there – particularly to my father and my father-in-law. My husband is not yet one as of now, but we’re planning to be parents soon. Hopefully, on the next father’s day, I’ll be able to formally greet him as well.

For those looking for a gift for their dads, there are father’s day sale both online and at different shops. You just have to do some work on choosing the perfect gift for a special person in your life.

Happy Father’s Day!

If you’re one of those addicted to Zynga’s Treasure Isles in Facebook, then by now you should have known about the mysterious egg – and you’re probably searching how to hatch it. Some hints will point you to the fire god mountain. Some forums will say that it’s a phoenix egg that if hatched, will take you to the said mountain.

Right now, nobody has the right answer. We only have hints/clues. Soon, the answer might be known faster than apidexin’s effects. Hopefully, we’ll get to know more information in the coming weeks.