The Love Train

Friday, January 13
With less than 5 months to go until our big day, we wanted to start early on our document preparation. First up, baptismal and confirmation certificates. Before leaving Dionne's house, we already set our itinerary for the rest of the day, so as to minimize travel time. Since it was the farthest from us (and we were able to confirm that their office is already open by 8AM), our first stop was the National Shrine of Saint Michael and the Archangels (aka San Miguel) in Malacañang. We had to wait for a couple of minutes before the clerk arrived, so we had time to drop by the beautiful church... Besides Dionne, there were a couple of other applicants. There was this 40+ lady applying for a baptismal certificate, also for marriage purposes. Then there was this 70+ lady whose applying for the baptismal certificate of her husband to be used for passport application (which apparently, can't be used for such purposes). I could understand why the clerk was surprised by the lady's request, as she didn't know the exact date of baptism, so the clerk would have to go through ALL the records in 1939!

After 20 minutes or so, Dionne got her certificates (with her mother's name spelled out differently in both documents) to the tune of 120 pesos each.

Next stop, Santisimo Rosario Parish Church (aka UST Church) in España, for my confirmation certificate. Malas ko lang, they didn't have my record. But they have a listing for my brother! Buti na lang, we were corfirmed on the same day. I told them that I had a picture as I was being confirmed by Bishop Bacani. They said that if I could bring the picture, they'll add me into their records. OK, at least there's another way besides getting another confirmation...

While I was waiting for my problem to be resolved, Dionne went on to Holy Spirit Parish (aka Expiritu Santo) along Rizal Ave, to apply for my baptismal certificate (for only 30 pesos). Upon arriving, I just checked if there were any problems (I had a copy of the old certificate so there shouldn't be any), and immediately left for BPI Tayuman to enroll my credit card for online payment.

Lunch was at Jollibee. Secret na lang kung ano kinain namin. Hehe.

We then set out for LRT2 Administration Office at Santolan. We met Cri-C there. She accompanied us to the PR Office to meet Lyn, who was handling our permit (more on this later). Dionne also got some sample invites from Unifair, care of Cri-C. Surprise! One of them was for my fellow SALSA Margrette.

From Santolan, we rode the LRT2 towards Divisoria for cake tasting with Marita of Hearts and Bells. Marita gave us some sample cakes (which became dinner's dessert). We, in turn, gave her a picture of the cake we wanted. Ah, I almost forgot... We also availed of her new add-on (details of which will be revealed on our wedding, hehe).

From Hearts and Bells, we walked towards Unifair and met with Erwin. He graciously showed (and gave) us samples and discussed the different styles (and pricing) that they have had. He was kind enough to suggest a way for us to save on Thank You cards. I think we're looking at a check2be here. =)

Last stop for the day was supposed to be Narnia at SM San Lazaro. We arrived at 4:05PM. Unfortunately for us, the screening started at 4PM. We decided to skip the movie for the day (next screening was at 7PM) and decided to get some rest at Starbucks (nuninu) before buying our groceries. At Dionne's house, we started watching a copy of The 40-Year Old Virgin. Hilarious! (We decided to call it a night after the first CD and just finish it the following day...)


Saturday, January 14
It's good that church offices are also open on Saturdays... I decided to go take care of my missing confirmation certificate as soon as possible. I probably would have argued my a$$ off if they didn't accept my proof... Which, fortunately, didn't happen. =) (The certificate only cost me 40 pesos. We're still at a lost why the San Miguel ones cost 120 pesos EACH.)

From UST, I went to Aroma Chicken House in Retiro to buy Pata Tim for despedida/birthday party at Dionne's house. The despedida was for Ate Desire (set to leave for Dubai on the 23rd) while it was Ditse Dap's birthday on the 10th. Syempre, handaan na naman. You know what that means. =P

After dinner, we finally were able to finish the movie from the previous day. It's kind of hard to watch the movie when Dionne's 4-year old nephew, Jeff, keeps on popping in and out of the room...


Sunday, January 15
Dionne had allergies since Friday. The cause of which we still can't pinpoint. We thought that it would already subside since she was taking medicines. On Sunday morning, the allergies were still there. We went to Chinese General Hospital for her check-up. The doctors gave her a couple of injections. The second was incorrectly administered by the nurse (to the tune of, "O sh**, pumutok yung artery mo!"), which got Dionne dizzy that she had to lie down. Fortunately for us, the second nurse was much better and got it done properly. The medicine had their desired effect and we were able to leave the hospital before 11AM.

After an early lunch and a quick change, we set off for Cubao to meet Ara for a makeup session at Michelle's condo. At 3PM, the cast was complete as we met Mimi and Karl at Gateway. It's our pre-nups, and we're doing it at the LRT2! =)

After 4 hours of posing and smiling, we were all very tired... and thirsty and hungry (bawal uminom at kumain sa LRT)... And a lot of stares... And some inquiries by the guards and station supervisors... Keri naman. ;)

Thanks to LRT2 (especially to Cri-C and Lyn), Ara, Karl and Mimi. Pics to be posted later. Preview from Fotogra.PH