HPness!

It was early Sunday morning, and my feet were pounding the familiar streets of BGC.  I stopped running for a while and this was the first in several months.  

My memory sent me back to 2005, then 2008.  It's now 2013.  I had no idea that every piece of it would soon be over after eight years.  Memories, whether good or bad, prevented me to keep track of my run time.  I was temporarily lost with thoughts from the past until I caught a glimpse of the finish line. I was trying to clear my head.  My idea of 'clearing my head today' was to race in the 3 KM category.  It never felt this good.  I was racing, winning, and having fun...moving forward to a better life.  

What made it more exciting to reach the finish line for this race - I felt I found my new second home.  HPness!  =)

My first fun run in 5 months. It was not just about winning, but gaining the autonomy and perspective as to where I wanted to grow my career.  Happy and Progressive.  HP.  

A winning partnership (by God's Grace).  <3 font="">

Time goes on and on and on...

Time flies fast.  It is fair in the sense that it does not wait for anyone.  

I've been practically living in the city in the last three months. My husband and I have (temporarily) moved to the city. Condo living it is, plus  a lot of good stuff going on in our respective career.  We work from home, too.  It could be anytime of the day as long as there is work to do, at least the urgent ones.  We follow the sun.  

I thought I was used to living life in a fast(er) pace, but time itself, over the course of time, proved to be a very fast fellow.  Doing things in a slow pace is a lost art. Today, we do a lot of things differently compared to how we did them years ago.  Midlife crisis?  No. There is one technique I have learned to embrace - it's called living in the present. It is the humility to admit that one cannot always compete with time, else run the risk of losing the essence of each and every moment.  (While emergency cases are a different story all together. )

Today, I finally caught up with myself again and nailed some precious time - holding on to it, hoping it does not run too quickly.  I'm blogging random thoughts again while enjoying music...though playing the guitar, too, would have been nicer, along with a glass of good wine to keep me company - exactly how things were not so long ago...but today should be fine, too.  It's a period of effortless peace; taking things slow even for a short period of time. Priceless.  

It's good to be back 'in the zone.'   

Part II: My Modern Filipiniana Wedding

Now, here is the sequel...

This photo blog covers the wedding reception graced by our family and closest friends.  Daves and I chose a ballroom as our blank canvas.  We intended to turn it into a cozy place that would offer a traditional-but-not-stiff ambiance; one that would allow happiness and well wishes to flow effortlessly.

Traditional + understated elegance.  Invitations by Print City, wedding bands by Suarez, arrhae by Endless Treasures.

A beautiful contrast between traditional and modern. Neo-classical.  Wedding reception - Summit Ridge, Tagaytay City.  One of the newer structures in this cool city, offering a spectacular view of the Taal Lake.

Table setting; menu is displayed in a charming wooden frame.

Blue is our color motif.  Summit Ridge used some lighting techniques to produce this bluish tint with just the right balance, not an overkill.

The buffet table.  This is Pinoy Feast minus the banderitas (colorful flags).

Catching that cool Tagaytay summer breeze after the church ceremony - Summit Ridge veranda.

Our wine toast.  I removed the train of my wedding gown.  The back is also embellished with intricate bead works.  Gown, Barong Tagalog, pants - by Ms. Carmen Papa-Reyes of 8 and a Half Trends.

The traditional garter game.  Candid moment captured by the discerning lenses of Lito Perez and team.

Our first dance.

Giddy like teenagers...yes, even grown ups could go teeny-bopper to the highest level.  

Our principal sponsors. ADD writing a message for me and Daves.

Our good friend Jake enjoying the food prepared by C2 - Summit Ridge's official caterer.

Our godfather, Capt. Geluz delivering his advice on making it work as a couple, a lifelong commitment that is marriage.  His intro?  Julio Iglesias' 'To All the Girls I Loved Before'.  

Our secondary sponsors - definitely in the list of women we love.  Our good friends of many years and in the years to come.  

My fellow baddict (badminton addict) Aileen - writing on our guest book.  

Yes, Ritz.  You're next!  True love will find you for sure. 

The next generation gals are as crazy as me.  

My 'wicked son' Lowell, still fresh-looking after a week of global work shift (Asia, EMEA, NALA) and wedding reception emcee duty.

Good friends I met at work.  They are very much part of our extended family.

We did not hire a wedding planner.  Daves and I managed all the wedding requirements, budget, schedule, and suppliers. We enlisted the help of some friends a month into the wedding. Our runner-blogger friend Banjo took the role: on-the-day coordinator.  He extended a hand in finalizing the program and scheduling the delivery of certain items by our suppliers.  This is something I advise marrying couples to appoint - an on-the-day coordinator.  It will be tough to personally oversee everything on your wedding day.   :)

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These are the wedding suppliers featured in this blog. 

*  Reception, bridal suite, hotel accommodation for family and friends.

  Summit Ridge Hotel - Tagaytay City

  http://www.summitridgehotel.com 

  +63 2 240 6888

  +63 922 852 6800

    

*  Flowers of May - Ms. Evelyn Legaspi 

    +63 918 936 6750 

    email:  liza_n_legaspi@yahoo.com

*  Suarez Wedding Rings - SM Mall of Asia

   http://www.suarezweddingrings.com

*  Endless Treasures Wedding Arrhae - an affiliate of Golden Hills Jewelry  

   http://www.goldenhillsjewelry.com

   http://meowthlovescoffee.blogspot.com/2012/12/preview-our-wedding-arrhae.html

*  Invitations by Print City - SM Center, Las Pinas City

    http://www.printcityinvitations.com

*  Bridal gown, dresses, Barong Tagalog by Ms. Carmen Reyes

   8 and a Half Trends

   4F The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center

   +63 2 624 0114

   http://www.facebook.com/pages/8-and-a-half

   http://meowthlovescoffee.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-modern-filipiniana.html

* Hair and Make-up:  Ms. Garla Cabuco and Team

  http://www.facebook.com/makeupbygarla

  http://meowthlovescoffee.blogspot.com/2013/04/bridal-make-up-review-make-up-by-garla.html

* Photo and video:  Sir Lito Perez and Team, Close-up Portraits and Photography

  http://www.litoperez.com

* Church and choir:  Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

  Priest:  Father Jeff

  Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay City

   +63 46 413 0758

* On-the-day coordinator:  Mr. Banjo Asiddao

   http://ulikblogrunner.wordpress.com/

 * Kultura - SM Mall of Asia

*  The Wedding Library - SM Mall of Asia

-------------------



Disclaimer:  This is a personal write-up, not a paid advertisement.

-------------------

Related posts:

http://meowthlovescoffee.blogspot.com/2013/09/part-i-my-modern-filipiniana-wedding.html

http://meowthlovescoffee.blogspot.com/2013/01/on-destination-wedding-battle-of-guest.html

Part I: My Modern Filipiniana Wedding

 

A celebration of love, faith, family, and friendship.  This is a mini-compilation of photos from my modern Filipiniana-themed, Catholic wedding.


Classically decorated pair of matchbox for the ceremonial candles 
by The Wedding Library

Matte white gold on glossy yellow gold, comfort fit - wedding bands by Suarez
Bridal bouquet by Flowers of May



Gold-and-silver-plated arrhae (aras) by Endless Treasures
Arrhae, in Filipino Catholic weddings, traditionally symbolizes prosperity.
The 13 pieces of arrhae represent the following virtues:  love, forgiveness, wisdom, spirituality, respect, gratitude, perseverance, trust, optimism, integrity, discipline, gentleness, and passion.



Embroidered pouch by Ms. Carmen Reyes
Madrina de Aras (antique Narra box for storing the arrhae) - I bought this from an antique shop along Crisologo St., Vigan.



Invitation designed and printed by Print City Invitations

Filipiniana-inspired wedding gown with panuelo and detachable train
by Ms. Carmen Reyes



Intricate beadwork on the panuelo



Payneta showered with crystals - handpicked by Ms. Carmen Reyes
(Payneta is a traditional hair piece, originating from the Spanish colonial era)



Custom-made shoes embellished with native fibers and sequins by Ms. Carmen Reyes
Background - throw pillows made of Abaca (Manila hemp), gift for the primary sponsors (Ninong) - bought from Kultura.



The ever-traditional Barong Tagalog for my groom,
by Ms. Carmen Reyes. 
Barong is an embroidered formal shirt from the Philippines.  It is usually made of pina (pineapple fiber), jusi (abaca or banana fiber),  and polyester organza (synthetic fiber).   



A few moments before I walked down the aisle...
Hair:  AJ of Make-up by Garla
Make-up:  Ms. Garla Cabuco, chief make-up artist of Make-up by Garla

 

Pagmamano - this is a Filipino custom, a practice of respect by asking for an elder's hand and touching one's forehead while bowing.  The elder blesses the person.

Fisheye shot by Sir Lito Perez of Close-Up Photography
- a solemn Catholic wedding ceremony -

Father Jeff of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Tagaytay City

Veil - signifies union and oneness.  Together we will build a future for ourselves (and our children to come) through love and perseverance.  Cord - signifies strength.

Our closest 'couple-friends' cum Secondary Sponsors (candle, veil, cord)
Gowns by Ms. Carmen Reyes



Our 'HHWW' moment, enjoying the gentle summer breeze at the patio of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. HHWW is part of the Filipino pop culture.  HHWW = Holding hands while walking. :) 



Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Tagaytay City

 ------------------------------------

 

BFD and I were hands-on in our wedding preparation. We did not hire a wedding planner until the final stage of preparation.  Our good friend Banjo was our on-the-day coordinator. We have had three meetings with him before the big day.  He made sure the plan was properly executed. 

 

Until today, by just looking at the photos, we are still overwhelmed by the level of support our suppliers had (whole-heartedly) given us.  We were in good hands.  All our transactions were done in a professional manner.  We did not have to worry about timelines and budget overrun. Our suppliers are so much in the know, not only on trends, but also about the dynamics behind weddings. 

 

These are the wedding suppliers featured in this blog. 

  

*  Flowers of May - Ms. Evelyn Legaspi 

    +63 918 936 6750 

    email:  liza_n_legaspi@yahoo.com

 

*  Suarez Wedding Rings - SM Mall of Asia

   http://www.suarezweddingrings.com

 

*  Endless Treasures Wedding Arrhae - an affiliate of Golden Hills Jewelry  

   http://www.goldenhillsjewelry.com

   http://meowthlovescoffee.blogspot.com/2012/12/preview-our-wedding-arrhae.html

 

*  Invitations by Print City - SM Center, Las Pinas City

    http://www.printcityinvitations.com

 

*  Bridal gown, dresses, Barong Tagalog by Ms. Carmen Reyes

   8 and a Half Trends

   4F The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center

   +63 2 624 0114

   http://www.facebook.com/pages/8-and-a-half

   http://meowthlovescoffee.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-modern-filipiniana.html

 

* Hair and Make-up:  Ms. Garla Cabuco and Team

  http://www.facebook.com/makeupbygarla

  http://meowthlovescoffee.blogspot.com/2013/04/bridal-make-up-review-make-up-by-garla.html

 

* Photo and video:  Sir Lito Perez and Team, Close-up Portraits and Photography

  http://www.litoperez.com

 

* Church and choir:  Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

  Priest:  Father Jeff

  Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay City

   +63 46 413 0758

 

* On-the-day coordinator:  Mr. Banjo Asiddao

   http://ulikblogrunner.wordpress.com/

 

 * Kultura - SM Mall of Asia

 

*  The Wedding Library - SM Mall of Asia

  



 

Macaroons for a Cause only at Red Ribbon

It was a gloomy but calm afternoon, and yet, my tummy was behaving otherwise.  I was craving for some Filipino merienda (snacks).  The meal must be quite heavy because I might skip dinner in favor of the FIBA Asia Championship match between Iran and the Philippines' SMART GILAS.  Of course, I support GILAS 100%.  I'm all-out Filipino today than ever, more so in terms of food and basketball.  Puso!!!   

Okay, the food part...my taste buds are always willing, but my tummy has limited space. There were interesting food choices, but the steering wheel brought me and BFD to Red Ribbon. 

 

This poster greeted me at the entrance.  Nice! 

I couldn't produce a good colored output from my camera.  I opted for a black-and-white effect.

I headed to the counter and ordered my favorite Palabok with a slice of Mocha.  From here, I spotted these yummy macaroons screaming 'creamy perfection!'.  This sustained my interest, initially generated by the poster at the entrance.

With Macaroons for a Cause, reaching out is made simple, enjoyable, and yes, even filling for the tummy.  All you need to do - buy and enjoy these true-to-the-taste coconut macaroons.  For every pack of 10  creamy macaroons you buy, PHP 7.00 goes to the school project of the APL.DE.AP Foundation. A pack of 10 sells at PHP 50.00 only. 

 

Macaroons for a Cause is launched to raise PHP 4.2M, in order to build a public school in Zamboanga.  The proponents of this project are:  the APL.DE.AP Foundation (established by Pinoy Pride APL.DE.AP of the Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas);  high-quality Pinoy bakeshop Red Ribbon; and leading manufacturer of natural quality ingredients Franklin Baker (US). 

 

BFD and I enjoyed our merienda all the more. 

 

 

 

Experience Franklin Baker's world class desiccated coconut in these Macaroons for a Cause.



Palabok!!!  :)

 

Rice meal for merienda??? Why not??? 'Pinoy-style' Salisbury steak, plus slices of Ube and Mocha cakes. Sweet!  =)

 

As I was writing this blog, I knew I would go back to Red Ribbon for another pack of Macaroons...or a few more to share with fellow GILAS fans in the office.  =)

 

Please do spread the word.  Macaroons for a Cause, only at Red Ribbon.  For more information, please visit their website.

 

-----------------------------

Disclaimer:  This is a personal write-up, not a paid advertisement.  I do not work for Red Ribbon, APL.DE.AP Foundation, Franklin Baker or any of their trade partners.

For the Love of Cars

Old school + muscle cars + fast cars. 

These are hard-core, eye candies. 

 

I've always been fascinated by fast cars.  Before I could even drive, I would always stare out the window of the car to watch other cars passed by. My designated seat was, of course, the back seat.  I would always tell my uncle that I would someday drive a fast car, as far as I could.  I wanted to finish college, work, and buy my own car - dress it up a little and drive like there's no tomorrow.  I followed this dream.  It didn't stop at owning and driving a car.  Every year, I would have a favorite or 'crush'.  I remember my first crush - a Toyota Land Cruiser - big, black, and boosted.

 

This 'feeling' I have towards cars hasn't changed over the years.  Though I haven't been watching any live drag races or auto cross events  for sometime, I make sure that I get to (at least) attend auto shows.  Hubby and I went to the Phoenix Trans Sport Show (TSS) a couple of weeks ago at SMX.  I was delighted to walk in an entire section dedicated to Corvette...and more delighted to see my (current) 'major crush' up close - Corvette C6.  Love!

 

 Corvette 'fantasy' land...

 

1995 Chevrolet Corvette - Official Pace Car - 79th Indianapolis 500 - May 28, 1995

1978 Chevrolet Corvette. Nostalgic.

  

 

60 Years of Corvette

 

C1 - The Original Corvette (1953 - 1962)

C2 - The Age of Muscle (1963 - 1967)

C3 - The Stingray Era (1968 - 1982)

C4 - A Good Starter Corvette (1984 - 1996)

C5 - Return to Glory (1997 - 2004)

C6 - Redefining Technology (2005 - 2013)

C7 - The Future Generation (2014 -     )

 

(Jeffrey Zurschmeide, Wikipedia)

 

 

The posh and high-performing Porsche was also present in the exhibit, as Porsche 911 marks its 50th year in the market.

      "The Porsche 911 (pronounced Nine Eleven or German: Neunelfer) is the flagship of the current line up of Porsche. It is a two-door grand tourer made by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. It has a distinctive design, rear-engined and with independent rear suspension, an evolution of the swing axle on the Porsche 356. Since its introduction in 1963, it has undergone continuous development, though the basic concept has remained little changed. " - Wikipedia
 

 

I've also been dreaming about driving my own Mini (Cooper S), but reality does bite. It could be a heartbeat-stopping stunt to pull off if I'm to drive along EDSA to join the rush hour traffic.  Dream.  =)

Almond green Mark I MINI (if I'm not mistaken). Classic.



Designed by MINI for the British Motor Corporation, MINI MOKE was produced between 1964-1989. 
It was initially designed as a light military vehicle.  Due to its low ground clearance, it was marketed as an off-road utility vehicle.

I was hoping to find a Maserati in the exhibit hall, but I found this, instead - His Royal Hotness GT...

 

 

I also missed the days of JDM and karting...

 

 

All-that JAZZ! 

 

 

 

 

By:  AUTSRacing



Hubby and I are looking forward to the next motoring event. We're thinking time trials!  A fun, romantic date on the race circuit is in order. Happiness!  =)