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If you’re planning to have a weight loss program or are thinking of buying weight loss supplement such as lipofuze, you might want to consider this.

Biggest Loser Asia is now open to auditions. After the recently concluded season 1, the show is opening its doors to new participants in the Asia region. They’re now signing up applicants from the Philippines and other countries. Schedule is as follows:

• June 5: Manila, Mall Of Asia
• June 12: Singapore, Millenia Walk
• June 13: Kuala Lumpur, The Curve
• June 19: Jakarta, Pacific Place
• June 26: Bangkok, Central Plaza Pinklao

The show has proven worldwide that weigh loss can be achieved even by the people whom other people think are can’t.

In most countries, Father’s day is celebrated on the third day of June. Elsewhere, there are defined dates to celebrate father’s day. However, the theme and purpose remains the same.

Listed below are the countries that celebrate this special day on the third day of June. As of this writing, it’s three weeks before the special day, so that gives enough time to think of some fathers day ideas to offer your dad.

Normally, I don’t feel anxious about my pimples. At one point, it was a different case because I badly needed an overnight solution for it. It’s not that I’m worried about adult acne. It’s because the next day is my wedding day. I was very lucky that somebody recommended soap and cream to me. It was as effective as I thought and I was glad that I didn’t have to worry about it during one of the most special day in my life.

Since enrolling in a fitness program, I already gained more than seven pounds. At this rate, I’m really satisfied because I did not take in any diet pills that work. Instead, I increased my food intake as recommended by my nutritionist. In addition, I also increased my physical activities by regularly visiting the gym. For the past three weeks though, I was busy on other activities at work and at home causing me to miss some sessions. I’ll be back in the gym soon though.

Three months prior to our wedding, we enrolled in separate programs in Fitness First. I urged Marlon to avail of any stomach fat loss program or any weight loss plan for that matter because he’s really getting fatter. As for myself, I needed to gain weight to have better overall figure. I consulted with a nutritionist and hired a personal trainer to assist me. Overall, I was satisfied their services because the nutritionist helped me with an effective diet plan and my trainer guided me on my physical activities.

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…

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

Now that the wedding has concluded, we’re free to spend our time doing the things that we used to do, and one of which is viewing Desperate Housewives. We’re three episodes late due to tons of work for our wedding. (Planning on a wedding is like working on a typical office project without the need project management software).

Here are the recent episode in the current season:

Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 19 – We All Deserve To Die
Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 20 – Epiphany
Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 21 – A Little Night Music
Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 22 – The Ballad of Booth (May 9, 2010)
Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 23 – I Guess This Is Goodbye (May 16, 2010)

Our recently concluded wedding was a success. So as a thank you gesture, we invited our wedding coordinators at a casual dinner. After visiting ACE hardware at SM to look for electric mosquito killer and industrial handles, we went ahead to meet the O.C People.

The conversation went over a number of topics such as the incorrect labeling of the wine as ‘strawberry wine’ instead of ‘bugnay wine’; the numerous accolades that we received from family, friends, and relatives; the flow of the program and a lot more.

Again, we want to thank the O.C people for helping us fulfill a dream wedding.

Prior to our wedding, I’ve been spending lots of time in Fitness First. I registered in one of their packages and specifically sought for a weight gain program. I was immediately introduced to my personal trainer and nutritionist.

My personal trainer helped me with the exercises. I was advised spend very limited time on treadmills and other cardio exercises. I was told to do more strength and resistance exercises. I also have a nutritionist who helps me monitor my weight, body fat index, and calorie intake. I was given a food diary which I update regularly. This contains the required number of servings, a meal plan, and a section for me to input the actual servings that took in.

I would say that the program was effective because I was able to gain weight in just a few months. My family and friends have noticed the change and gave me praises, so I plan to continue with the program though perhaps not as frequent as before.