Camsdcute’s Lair

Posts Tagged ‘Baguio Cathedral’

(UPDATED)

I have been receiving some personal messages requesting for a continuation of my review. After more than a year, I’m now writing the next instalment.

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
PRICE: ~P100K

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!

3. MAKE-UP ARTIST (BRIDE) – Madge Lejano
    HAIR STYLIST – Steve Pagsanjan
RATING: 10
PRICE: P34,500 ++

Madge is the best make-up artist I’ve known so far.

Our Story: Even before Marlon proposed, I have been researching on good make-up artist. I really don’t care about the price because I want to look the best during my wedding day. I’ve read good feedback for Madge but I was sure that it is extremely difficult to book her as my make-up artist since she’s in demand. Her clients include big personalities and celebrities. She also has a lot of experience in creating beautiful brides and she studied in US specifically for this.

I have also read that a bride-to-be booked Madge three (3) years in advance!

Initially, since she seems so out-of-reach, I have lost hope in hiring her as my make-up artist that’s why I went availing trial hair and make-up (THAMU) from other professional artists. Some charge 1K to 2K for the trial make up.

On June 28, 2009, Marlon and I attended the mid-year bridal fair where 200 suppliers showcased their products and services. I had a trial make-up with Joel Miguel. Joemar from his team had my make-up done. I’m satisfied with it. I’m just waiting for Marlon’s approval. Joel Miguel, the head make-up artist is already booked until April 2010 so his other team member, Joemar, would do my hair & make-up instead. In the exhibit, we saw Grace Briton, my best friend in elementary, in Joel Miguel’s flier. I really believe Grace is pretty even without make-up so this factor has not helped increase my desire to get Joel Miguel’s team.

On August 30, 2009, we went to NBC Tent to attend another bridal fair. I had my trial make-up with Abhie who was so nice. Even if all suppliers were packing up their things because it was closing time, she did not rush my trial make up. I requested for an airbrush trial make up and she willingly applied it very well on me. The look was simple and I liked all the colors she used. I hate pink so she did not try this on me. The lip colors were great and I really liked it though I think I looked different. Here’s the photo:

I really think that one should try at least two make-up artists before making the final decision.

On November 07, 2009, at 10:00 AM, I had my trial hair and make up with Olec Josephus who was referred by OC People as ‘the best’ among the make-up artists in Baguio. THAMU rate is P1,500. I really loved the way he’d styled my hair. I also loved the overall look though I needed to hear the comments from others. Marlon and Carlo (my brother) said it was too heavy for me. At the end of the day, it went cakey and if you look closely, my face seems rough. My aunt also said that the foundation used seems to be two shades darker than my current complexion. On a plus side, I really looked great on photos. I’m uploading a sample here. I decided to check one or two more make-up artists here in Manila but I still kept Olec in view. I thought that if he’d be my make-up artist, I’ll just give my suggestions – to use a lighter shade of the foundation, and make my make-up a bit lighter so I’d look fresher.

On January 22, 2010, I decided to check if Madge Lejano’s schedule is still free on April 24^, 2010. We went to her office at G/F Oasis, San Juan. To my surprise, she is not booked on that day! I was very happy but keen at the same time because she seems “mataray.” Without any more thinking, I decided to book her as I can’t accept any chance to let her slip this time. Since it’s roughly less than 3 months to my wedding, I booked for a trial make up. I got her package for P25,000 that covers hair and make-up for the bride, groom and 2 other persons with unlimited retouch. Additional head costs P3,500. Trial make-up is pretty expensive, and it will cost you P4,000. Out-of-town charge is P7,000. Of course these are 2010 rates.

To be honest, my trial make-up seems heavy for me but I completely trusted her. To view our prenuptial photos, click here.

During my wedding day, I saw her team’s superb professionalism. They arrived very early, even before their call time. They happily set up their complete and portable make-up kit case. Madge and her team were very friendly. They are non-stop chit-chatting with my photographer Oly Ruiz and they seem very close. They know that I’m a bit nervous so they always tell some jokes. She applied make-up to my friend Joleen Miguel, and Marlon’s sister Mary Jane Dawas. They were beautiful and gorgeous after they were groomed by Madge and her team. Marlon’s sister even looked like Nicole Scherzinger.

After I was done with my hair and make-up, I was the happiest bride! I am thankful that I booked Madge. No one can be better than her.

I also wouldn’t forget this person. She helped me throughout the day. She helped me decide which earrings, necklace would look better on me, which cord to use, etc. Before my wedding march, she shared very helpful tips to me – I should smile and don’t get nervous, I should glide instead of walk, I should let my tears fall in case I cry, I shouldn’t wipe my face or it might smudge, and many more.

Before the reception, she rushed to get her own perfume and shared it to me. She said that there are several guests who would kiss me or shake hands so I need to add a few more sprays. She was really sweet. She created my 2^nd look during the reception, and it looked perfect!

I really miss Madge! When I do some shopping, I always think of what to give her because if not for her, I would not be as beautiful in my wedding day.

To top it all, when I went in last week’s bridal fair at SMX, Mall of Asia, I saw our pictures showcased by Madge’s team. Thank you so much Madge and Steve!!

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

5. WEDDING VIDEO – Ariel Javelosa
RATING: 3/10
PRICE: P30K

Our Story: We initially booked Ariel Javelosa’s team as our photographer and videographer during one wedding fair. We paid 25% downpayment totalling P18,500 and I was excited because every P1,000 spent during the bridal fair entitles us to one raffle entry. The prize was trip to Hong Kong. During that time, I was still excited until I was pissed off to learn that my contact details were just given to other companies who offer other products & services which I do not want such as insurance, time-sharing, credit cards, etc. I learned my lesson that’s why I’m more careful now when sharing my personal information.

The reason we booked Javelosa’s team is because their name rings a bell and they seem to be popular in the industry. They also have several ads, and booths during the fair and I think they haven’t missed joining even one wedding fair yet as opposed to Metrophoto who does not need to join these fairs to boast their works.

The problem with Ariel Javelosa is that there are too many photographers and videographers. You are not sure who will be assigned to cover your wedding, and if the one who will be assigned is a newbie. Yes, there are good albums and videos shown in their booth but you’re not sure who took these photos and videos. Also, I think they are showing the best, but how many are actually good over the number of not-so-good photos and videos?

Our decision to cancel them as our photographer paid off. We are right in getting Metrophoto instead. Since we already paid the 25% downpayment and we didn’t want to have it forfeited, we decided to get their photography services. We paid P30,000 in total, P22,500 for the video and P7,500 for the out-of-town charge.

Anyway, when we received the CD and watched the video, we were really disappointed. We already had three revisions and we are no longer interested to get the final output.

Here are some of the things that pissed us off:

-          It’s not even in HD

-          Several of the most memorable moments were not captured

-          One of my friends/family members who delivered his speech was not in the video, we just had it revised

-          Our dance was not captured very well. Merryll’s video through her digital camera was way better than that of Javelosa’s

-          The background music during the entrance dance in the reception does not match correct timing

-          It’s nothing special. I think even a young kid can shoot that kind of video.

We really regret not spending on a better and known videographer such as Jason Magbanua and the others. My friends’ Michelle & James, and Karon & Wayne’s videographers are way better.

to be continued…