Of Mountains, Lasagna-flavored Ice Cream and Four Cheeses

Friday, Feb 17

Instead of V-day, we had our valentine's date on this day... I met Dionne at Pacific Star at around 5:30PM. We wanted to catch the 5:50PM movie, but because of the traffic, we missed it by a few minutes. Dang! We decided to get tickets for the next screening, at 8:10PM.

Even though it was still early, we were both quite hungry that we had an early dinner. Craving for something new, I earlier browsed through ClickTheCity and saw Cibo as one of the top picks. Curious us made our way to the small resto and had a sumptuous meal. The food was absolutely wonderful!

After dinner, I wanted to try my sweet tooth at McCafe. Too bad that I was not able to fully appreciate the frappe's taste because of the mud pie (sarap!). Which just gives me an excuse to try it one more time...

And on we went to our valentine movie, about a love that withstood time and faced the most difficult odds... a movie about two cowboys... Brokeback Mountain. How was it? Ask Dionne. Hehe!

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Saturday, Feb 18

We were set to go to Luiz's 2nd birthday celebration that afternoon, with Jeff-kulit in tow. Being a good ninang, we bought gifts for Luiz, one big box to be marked as from us and a small one, as Jeff's present. We also went to get our weekly grocery, where we got the ingredients for Dionne's pasta experiment.

At the party, we met more of Con and Arjohn's friends. Sarap nung sisig!

Of course, Luiz had his candle-blowing moment. Everyone had to remind Jeff not to interfere with this one. We told him that he'll get his chance afterwards... Kulit talaga!

We arrived a little after 4 and left at around 6. All the while munching and drinking gulaman... Again... HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUIZ!

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Sunday, Feb 19

After mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes at Retiro, we treated Mommie and Jeff to lunch at Jonas, the birthplace of the original pares. That "original" thing is debatable, nevertheless, it's still one of the best! Apparently, they already raised prices... which translated to bigger servings... Not bad. Hehe!

We then set out for Megamall, to visit the wedding expo there. Our objectives: get a look at Marita's toppers (of Hearts & Bells), and get bridal car packages. It might have been because it was the last day of the event and having arrived after lunch, we were not able to meet Marita. But we did see the new toppers... We're definitely getting one of those!

We also passed by the W@W booth and saw that they're also selling the YabangPinoy bands. We were surprised to meet Threelogy at the event, with their new display monitor, and looking like they just ate and want to go to sleep! Haha, just kidding guys. =P

After going around the hall, we had a bag full of flyers, which included two from bridal car suppliers. On a side note, that has got to be our shortest stay at a wedding fair. Nuninu.

From the expo, we went to SM department store to hunt for Dionne's wedding shoes. We found some nice ones but not the one. While walking, we got into a conversation regarding SM. That the original SM only sold shoes, like Zenco Footstep. And that it was the first to evolve and thus survive (and thrive), unlike Zenco Footstep.

We also got our dose of BTIC shakes, coffee-flavored. While waiting for our order, Dionne got me excited, saying "uy, may lasagna flavor na pala"... Of course, I jumped and hurriedly looked around the booth, "san? san?" Tsk, tsk, tsk. Dionne got me again.

By 4PM-ish, we were already at home. Benj and I were supposed to meet and do some "work". I was surprised to see him get there 10 seconds ahead of us! Come to think of it, I don't think this is possible, because, we both rode the LRT. And the intervals between trains are not that short. Unless... Unless we were on the same train... Hmm. The plot thickens!

While we were working, Dionne got into a cooking groove, preparing the fetuccini and four-cheese spaghetti sauce. Sarap! It is, promise! I'm not saying that just because Dionne cooked it, but it really is delicious. Benj can attest to this. Haha!

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Monday, Feb 20

Having less than four months to go before our wedding, we went to Manila City Hall to get our marriage license (which could be used up to four months after issuance). We got there after 8AM and went directly to the area for the application. Before 9AM, we were on our way to the Marriage Counseling seminar, where we spent the next hour or so with four other couples. During the conversation, Jude, the counselor, discussed a lot of things, notable of which is that Manila is PRO-LIFE. He only mentioned "contraceptives" to emphasize that Manila is not endorsing those products. Natural is still the best, he says. He also said that "marital rape" is not only applicable to women, but also for men. Though, it's going to be hard to prove that one...
After the seminar, we went back to get finish our application... Wow, never did I know that an incorrect name due to clerical error could cost that much time and money to correct. Anyway... We were able to complete the requirements, including the panunumpa. We're scheduled to get our license by March 3. =)

Lunch was at one of our favorite fastfoods, Karate Kid. From there, we went to see Lalaine's mother, Tita Glo and "formally" ask her to be one of our ninangs.

We got home by 2PM. I must have been very tired at this point because my power nap lasted for 2 1/2 hours!

By 6PM, I was on my way to my org's first GA. Which is weird because I never joined any group in college, except SAL. Anyway, PHISSUG's website is now up. Take note that this is still under development. (Disclaimer agad. Hehe.)