My Modern Filipiniana

"Growing up in our ancestral house meant getting well-acquainted with history and heritage - from capiz windows, to a traditional game of patintero under the summer sky, the scent of homemade gugo and coconut oil, Sampaguita garland in the altar, an afternoon of playing sungka complete with sigay, and a whole lot more.  I've always been fascinated by the beautiful terno, worn by the ladies during Santacruzan and Araw ng Kalayaan.   I've always wanted to own a terno, but the only chance I had was to wear a terno or patadyong during cultural presentations in grade school. 

Grandma always loved mornings.  She would always remind me that morning is the start of a beautiful day."

These thoughts inspired me to own a Filipiniana dress.  To me, the dress is both regal and patriotic; an intricately-made classic masterpiece which I wanted to wear on a very special day - my wedding.  I never thought it would happen until last summer. 

My wedding was set at 9:30 AM, when one could only expect the best of Tagaytay City's sunny sky and crisp summer breeze.  The church's aisle was lined with fresh white flowers. This was the picture I had in mind and I needed to find someone who could make a Filipiniana wedding gown for me. 

I could only think of one person to design my bridal gown - Ms. Carmen Papa-Reyes of 8 and a Half Trends. 

I got to know her through a blog.  She's been with the fashion industry for more than a decade.  Her company makes classic and chic ready-to-wear clothes for an upscale department store.  She has a boutique at The Podium that showcases her ready-to-fit collections. 

She first designed an elegant cocktail dress for me back in 2010.  We wanted it to fit not only my figure, but more importantly, my personality.  She is a master of fashion, both high and practical. When she delivered our first project dress, I told her that I wanted her to design my wedding dress, if ever I decide to marry.  That decision would only come two years later. 

Ms. Carmen and I started discussing about my gown, November 2012.  Since Day 1, I made it known to her the theme - modern Filipiniana.  Then, she presented three designs that fit my preference, plus sample fabrics. I love the classic appeal of lace and beaded fabrics, comfort of cotton fabric, all in different shades of blue.

With Ms. Carmen, I was at ease discussing about budget.  She is as respectful as I am of hard-earned money.  My very own Filipiniana was conceptualized - inspired by heritage with a modern twist, simple yet elegant...and I must say, practical or 'easy to wear.'   



Ms. Carmen + me + my very own Filipiniana.




My wedding gown by Ms. Carmen Papa-Reyes of 8 and a Half Trends.  Organdy - sheerest and most crisp cotton fabric. It created a silk-like effect for the detachable layer. That layer extends at the back as train. 





Close-up:  the very detailed beadworks in the panuelo.



Close-up: beadworks all over.



Made-to-order shoes, by 8 and a Half.

Hair piece: the classic payneta



A beaded pouch, made to match my dress.  Also featured in this photo is our antique Narra box that served as our Madrina de Aras. 



Ms. Carmen and her team assisted me and my entourage in preparing for the ceremony.  Everyone was awake and chirpy as early as 5 AM.



Her services did not stop when all the wedding pieces were delivered. Ms. Carmen, together with her team, drove up to Tagaytay the night before the wedding.  She assisted me and my entourage - steaming the gowns, and styling our dresses and accessories for the photo shoot that started at 5AM. She was always by my side from the time I dressed up until I walked down the aisle.  She and her team stayed on to witness my wedding. They're like family. 

BFD's Barong Tagalog, my gown, veil, and cord - by Ms. Carmen Papa-Reyes.

Our long-time, well-meaning friends as members of the entourage.  Gowns, fabric selection for the pants, over-all styling by Ms. Carmen Papa-Reyes.

Our Entourage

My modern Filipiniana - with and without the train.  I'm not a big fan of wedding gowns with long train.



"Pagkahaba-haba man daw ng prusisyon, sa simbahan pa din ang tuloy." - a Filipino proverb

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For inquiries, you may contact Ms. Carmen Papa-Reyes thru:

8 and a Half Trends - The PODIUM

4th Level Markati Palazzo

ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

Contact numbers: +63 2 624 0114, 0917 579 8989

Email:  carmen.papareyes@facebook.com

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

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Photo credits:  Lito Perez and Team, Close-up Portraits and Photography

http://www.litoperez.com

Hair and make-up:  Ms. Garla Cabuco and Team

https://www.facebook.com/makeupbygarla

Florist:  Flowers of May

Ms. Evelyn Legaspi

+63 918 936 6750, +63 918 936 9438
Email:  liza_n_legaspi@yahoo.com

Bridal Make-up Review: Make-up by Garla

I'm not a big fan of make-up.  Finding the right hair and make-up artist (HMUA) for my wedding was (once) a daunting TASK.  The last wedding expo I attended in January with fiance BFD in tow, I brought a pedometer (a tiny gadget that counts steps).  I registered over 8,000 steps  in that pedometer for doing the rounds at the EXPO for about 6 hours.  We were able to book several suppliers, but not an HMUA. 

There's a lot of talented HMUA out there, but I wanted to work with someone who is very professional, flexible, and fun to work with...a good working chemistry would be easy to achieve.  I have smooth and (very) sensitive skin, a condition that limits my choice of skincare brands.  Thus, I'm really not comfortable with make-up in general.  So I put a premium in working with an HMUA whom I could fully trust. 

It was also a good thing that one of my cousins got married early this year.  I'm a happy recipient of Cousin Maricar's (first hand) wedding tips, including the HMUA.  I was able to (informally) interview and witness a live demo of the HMUA's expertise as she worked on Cousin Maricar's bridal make-up.  A deal was sealed between me and Garla - the chief make-up artist of Makeup by Garla. 

As for the trial make-up, BFD and I invited Garla to our prenuptial photo session at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.  She cheerfully obliged.  She also introduced me to Aijhay, her partner hair dresser.  Days before the pictorial, Garla asked for the theme and photos of my wardrobe.  BFD and I wanted to accomplish a timeless theme, more of a traditional/romantic-themed photos that would be suggestive of love and romance - things that never go out of style.  Classic. 

I have limited knowledge of make-up, so I told Garla to just highlight my skin's healthy glow. Since she has a full grasp of the pictorial theme, I gave her an upperhand to work on the rest of the details with Aijhay.  The make-up did not melt under the scorching heat of the sun. (Achieved na achieved!)  I didn't experience any skin breakout during and after the shoot. Make-up application followed the traditional technique, no airbrush. =)

Here's a couple of sample photos from that half-day pictorial session.  You may click on each photo for an expanded view. 



The photographers of Close Up Photography made us run like kids basking in the sun.



L-R:  Aijhay, Meowth, Garla.  Retouching make-up for the next segment. 



L-R:  Garla, BFD, Meowth, Aijhay.  It wasn't all serious work. With supportive and fun-loving people around, it would be a shame not to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime prenuptial pictorial .

About Garla

http://www.facebook.com/makeupbygarla

Ms. Garla Cabuco is the chief makeup artist of Makeup by Garla.  She is a full-time banker, but her passion for make-up drove her to pursue a Certificate Course in Beauty and Bridal, High Fashion, and Media Make-up from Make-Up Designory (MUD) Manila ('the Harvard School' for professional make-up artists; with schools established in LA and NY, and now in Serendra, Taguig City). 

Garla is young, talented, and energetic - good attributes of someone who would want to jumpstart a career in high fashion.  I got curious why she wants to specialize in weddings. She was delighted to share, "I believe that  every bride deserves to be the most beautiful lady on her wedding day...and to me it is both an honor and privilege to help make it happen."

With the level of passion and quality of training Garla has, she uses brands that are popular among Hollywood make-up artists.  For our prenup pictorial project, she used foundation and concealer by MUD, sponge by Beauty Blender (designed by Hollywood MUA Rea Ann Silva), and Banana Powder by Ben Nye (made famous by Kim Kardashian's MUA).   

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Disclaimer:  I do not work for any hair and make-up artists, or make-up distributors/manufacturers.  This is a personal review, based on experience.  This is not a paid advertisement.

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You might also be interested in these wedding-themed articles:

The Making of TIMELESS: Our Prenuptial Pictorial

On Destination Wedding, Battle of the Guest List

Tatay Ko, Nanay Ko, Si BFD, at ang Pamamanhikan

Running for Keeps

Recently, I've been receiving advice from family and friends in the medical profession.  They're trying to talk me out of an impending full marathon (FM) training.  

Training for an FM could be more challenging now, as I've been wanting to see some significant improvement with the way I run - and how far and fast I could run.  I was logging longer mileage and faster pace in 2011 - something which I wasn't able to do in 2012.  Should I pursue an FM training plan today, the gamble is in its unpredictable impact to my endocrine system (that system responsible for hormones).  In the past, I didn't bother about delivering my first baby at mid-30s...Now, I need to slow down, get fresh perspective, and enjoy life all the more.  Science is convincing, and so are those people around me who are truly concerned.  I've made a deliberate decision to cut back on training as I open myself up to living a healthier lifestyle. 

Lower mileage and almost zero badminton in the last 7 months - a scenario that allowed for unwanted pounds to inch their way into my system.  I couldn't dwell on frustration. I keep telling myself that I have every reason to stay fit - one of which is to prepare my body and mind to juggle responsibilities of being a homemaker, career woman, and life partner to BFD. There's also this exciting possibility...hopefully, in God's perfect plan (ah, next year?) - I could be running for two.

BFD and I still manage to run together, about 2 - 3 times a week. Running is already a staple in our relationship. Thus, running for keeps. 

I couldn't help but reminisce how our friendship developed through blogging and running...



Runners/bloggers exchanging thoughts...nothing else =)

August 2012.  Our first road race as a couple - 32KM - The Afroman Distance.
It was raining all throughout the course.  We called it 'blessing'.

October 2012 - Our first full marathon as a couple. Lack of training and injury did not stop me from reaching the finish line. Bothered by sprain in my left ankle, BFD wanted me to stop at KM34.  I told him that I could tolerate the pain, and we should enjoy the rest of the course as if it was a Sunday morning date - a walk in the park, literally.

November 2012 - BFD said it would be like this soon. I might need to take a break from running, in order to train for a very special finish line known as, delivery date.

January 2013 - Friends expected a prenuptial photo shoot at MOA or BGC - running gear, running shoes, lotsa' running...but we tried to depict a turn-of-the-century (circa 1900) tableu of a free-spirited couple, running in spring time bliss (though we don't have 'spring season' in 'Pinas). 

The Making of TIMELESS: Our Prenuptial Pictorial

Like a period film, we wanted our pictures to depict the elements of love and heritage - things which transcend the boundaries of time.  Simply classic. 



Timeless. In love and walking the high road together.

Candidly, BFD and Kuting. 
At first, it was difficult for us to get a real serious shot.  The photo shoot itself was fun, especially the people around us. 



Break time!!!

Fishball, anyone?

CAVITEX Billboard?  =)
Wedding: more romantic in the Philippines

With Garla and Aijhay of Makeup by Garla

Love and romance never go out of style.
Just like this mansion, first built in the 1800s and still stands in its entire grandeur to date.

BFD playing some funny antics...again.  =)

"Hanggang sa maabot ng iyong paningin..."





Photoshoot cum playtime



i-Dawn Zulueta daw ba ako???
Kung alam ko lang ikakasal ako this year, sana noon 2011 pa ako hindi kumain...

KUTING / UFC Warrior / BRIDEZILLA!!!  =)





Eloped???







Ano ang title ng movie? =)



Our signature shot =)

Another candid shot. =)



Jump! - with our hair and makeup artists: Garla and Aijhay

HMU artists at work  

Ernie and Teng of Close Up Photography




Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite, Philippines



Acknowledgment

Location:  Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite
Contact:  Mr. Angelo Aguinaldo and Team, and the Cavite Historical Society
Photography:  Mr. Lito Perez, Ernie, and Teng of Close Up Photography
Hair Stylist:  Aijhay Enriquez of Makeup by Garla
Makeup Artist:  Ms. Garla Cabuco of Makeup by Garla
Creative input:  Ms. Maricar Aman, Ms. Carmen Reyes of '8 and a half', Ms. Geri Bregonia
SPA services (post-pictorial):  Island SPA at Island Cove, Kawit, Cavite

On Destination Wedding, Battle of the Guest List

I'm taking 'an elevated level' of risk in publishing this article. Some readers might find this downright unpopular (or insensitive?) as I tackle the 'battle of the (wedding) guest list' and our reasons for planning a destination wedding. 

I  sought clearance from BFD to post this on his behalf.  Should this article fail to give you good vibes, please accept our apologies. 

 

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This is not about BFD vs. Meowth, face off round  This is similar to a conventional plot in a story where the protagonist finds him/herself in conflict - man vs. himself...BFD + Meowth conquering the task of filling up 100 seats for their wedding. 

We could easily fill up the list, but we're afraid that we're going to talk about 200 guests at the minimum. 

We could have kept everything confidential...but why?  What's there to hide? 

BFD and I are not in trouble with the law...and what we're set to do is lawful in the eyes of the State and the Church.  One of the most natural things in this planet is for two legally single individuals to fall in-love, set an altar date, and have their union blessed by the Church.  It's no secret.  Happiness shared is happiness multiplied - I read this somewhere. 

Sabi nila, ang wedding ceremony daw ay 'call' ng bride.  Baka hanggang 80 guests na lang kami kung 'call' ko lahat!  Though I'm from a big clan, I'm not fond of big weddings. 

Why plan a destination wedding? 

1.  We want to keep our wedding ceremony + reception small, cozy, and intimate. 

Intimate, in the sense that we are inclined to invite only family members and (super-duper) close friends. 

Here's the math, in worded equations:

*  My mother has 11 siblings.  I have 14 cousins, 7 cousins-in-law (that's how I call it), 2 future cousins-in-law, 7 nieces, and 4 nephews - including those in the US.  My father has 4 siblings.  I have a brother, and a cat-chasing-no-gf-since-birth pet dog (my parents' grandson/pet).  I'm close to everyone in our family. 

*  BFD has about 20 people under the 'family category' in our guest list.  My share of headcount in this category has already reached 45. 

*  BFD and I are both social beings with big network of friends.  I'm writing this again - filling up the guest list is tough.  We're not even done yet. 

*  In the roster of our blogger-runner-friends or  runner-friends, only one person is given full access to the wedding (at this point)...because he has to fulfll the role of being our on-the-day wedding coordinator. 

2.  We don't have any politicians or high-ranking generals in our guest list. 

We don't want any political spectacles in our wedding.  We don't want to be identified with any politicians.  No offense meant. 

Our entourage is lean.  As in, very lean.

3.  The choice of destination is somewhere close to our hearts. 

Singapore could have been the top choice, if not for the overwhelming and uber expensive logistics. 

We found a place that is more charming, reminiscent of our Pinoy heritage, timeless...where our guests can relax and celebrate with us.  Like our relationship, this place offers the proverbial 'breath of fresh air.' 

4.  We're keeping the expenses at a reasonable level. 

Though BFD and I are both financially stable, we don't want to start our marriage in the red.  We are applying a 50/50 split on our wedding expenses.  We didn't ask for a single centavo from our family.  It's not about pride, but it's more of keeping us responsible for the cost and outcome of any task or 'project' that we are to handle as a couple. 

5.  "We cannot turn water into wine."

Remember the story of the Wedding in Cana?  Only Jesus can perform such miracle of turning water into wine.  His gesture saved the couple from embarassment - they almost ran out of wine for their guests.  Jesus wasn't inclined to perform his first public miracle in that event, but he was moved through the intercession of Mother Mary. 

We cannot please everyone, and we don't want to entertain this kind of pressure. 

We want to move around our wedding reception and mingle with our guests - make them feel comfortable, everyone enjoys the food in generous serving.  Our guests would drive for about 1.5 hours to destination, and another 1.5 - 2hrs to drive home.  We cannot assure our guests of a comfy reception, if there are over 200 guests in the event.  It's not feasible for a 3-hour reception. 

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The Venue

It took BFD and I over 2 months to finalize the reception venue.  It was tough - we had to consider the accessibility of the venue, weather, accomodation, caterer, menu, budget, expected number of guests, and the wedding theme, of course.

We are now finalizing the layout.  One of our requirements is to put our table closer to our guests - cozy, not stiff-formal.  The rest is about putting the right accents, for the arrangement to follow a single theme. My beloved Groomzilla BFD volunteered to draft a layout and work on the details, together with the Banquet Manager and Coordinators. =)

     Our Top 3 Picks
     (I will publish another article about our wedding suppliers and why we chose to work with them.)

     A. Quaint, rustic charm

     B. Blank canvas for a modern Filipiniana theme

     C.  I love flowers.  BFD wants to give me a garden. Moment naman ito.  (E.g. Louis XVI to Marie Antoinette, Gardens of Versailles)