'Tis the Season to be busy... 2

We had a crazy, busy December. Just like last year. But, who's complaining? =D

December 13

FSI Christmas Party

Allan and I ended up hosting the event. Our day started as early as 9AM and ended at 4PM. Parang children's party. Hehe! I was dead tired but had a really great time.

Our intention for hosting the event was to get away from performing that day. Although I also ended up as the choreographer of our dance presentation, it was less stressful for me. After teaching them the steps, that was it for me. =D

We won second place! For the past years, we always had the worst presentation. At least second na ngayon! =D

Dinner at Tokyo Cafe

Together with my office barkada, we had dinner at Tokyo Cafe in MOA. Since Irish, Allan and I had lunch there a few days ago, we thought of bringing the other peeps there. Joven joined us after work. After loads of laughter and kwentuhan, we decided to call it a night. Joven and I went around shopping but were unsuccessful with what we want.


December 16

Last minute errands and more shopping

We started the day with a few errands - meeting his Tita and accompanying my mom for some of her holiday shopping.

As a surprise, we brought her to the appliance center to buy our gift for her. My sister and I (of course with Joven) decided to get her a brand new television. Since our TV broke down a month ago, my mom has been watching her favorite teleseryes in a 14" TV. We got her a 29" TV this time. At least di na nya huhulaan yung tao. Hehe!

Joven and I decided to get our own 29" TV as well. Now we can watch DVDs at the comfort of our bedroom. Nice! That was our big gift for each other. =D


December 17

More Shopping

Joven asked me a life-changing question a few weeks back: "Magic Sing or PS2?" Aaaaaargh! I said I needed to think about it. I ended up asking people around me.

Magic Sing it is! Haha!

We bought ours after dropping off at Nanay's. Shempre, tinest agad! I think it took them four hours to make me stop. Hahaha!


December 19

Lunch at Krua Thai

Our boss treated for us for a sumptuous lunch. The whole group went to Blue Wave and ended up at Krua Thai. Parang last meal, super busog! Minsan lang 'to, kaya dapat i-blog. Haha!

Get-Together with Lalaine from UK

My high school best friends, Con (with hubby, Arjahn), Lalaine and I (with Joven) met at SM San Lazaro. Lalaine went home for the holidays and to try to make arrangements for her wedding on 2008. Dinner was at Congo Grille and, since we cannot get a decent seat at Starbucks, coffee was at Coffee Dream. Laughter and chika non-stop. *Sigh* Miss the simple life of high school.


December 20

Vidoeke at Music Match with Office Barkada

Much awaited! We prepared for it (with matching exchange gifts) for almost a month. Videokes are never the same without these people. They sure know how to have fun. We really had a great time! =D

Unfortunately, we didn't have a camera at hand so we ended up begging for pics instead. =P

Here are the ones from Yax and Dhang.


December 21

Videoke with SML

What?? Videoke again? Haha! You'd think that partying till 1AM will stop us? Nah. I even came to the office before 9AM. Joven was in his office earlier. =D

The night was for SML this time. Richie came home after a year of studies in the US (he'll be back there in January though). We haven't had any videoke session when Richie was away. So what would be best but to welcome him with one. Ryan, Cors, The Bs were also present. It was great to hear Cors singing this time. =)


December 22

Dinner with Frenchies & Japs

There was a Frenchies dinner at Crazy Roll a few weeks back but Joven and I weren't able to join them. That was the time Joven got sick. It was great of them to fix their schedules and have dinner with us again.

Dinner this time was at Burgoo in MOA. Coffee was at Starbucks. Jera brought along her friend from Japan. It was nice how they teach her bad words. Haha!


December 24

Noche Buena

My sisters from Pasig trooped to our place for our annual Noche Buena. Mommie was busy in the kitchen all day. I took the liberty of baking a chocolate cake (which didn't stay long in the fridge. naks!) and fixing the chocolate for the fondue.

My 5-year-old nephew, Jef was soo excited in opening his gifts. He was shrieking and laughing while he was tearing off the gift wrappers. He got his ultimate dream this Christmas: WWE action figures.

I got three bags from my two sisters and mom this Christmas. I wonder why. =P I also got a shirt from Jef. A Coelho and a Micheal V DVD from Joven. Hihi! Aliw! Joven and I got Chritsmas money from my dad which will turn into a love seat one of these days. Thanks thanks everyone!


December 25

Christmas Day!

We woke up mid-morning and were immediately swamped by inaanaks and neighborhood children. After our ninang duties, we went to mass at Lourdes church.

We were expected at Tita Nene's place by lunch time. We asked Jef if he'd come with us, surprisingly he said yes. I guess it was after enticing him with duguan (what he calls dinuguan) - his favorite viand.

When we got there, the elders were already eating lunch while the young girls were upstairs and the young boys were playing PS2. Jef immediately took his place with the boys but I urged him to eat duguan first. I guess the call of PS2 was louder because after three spoonfuls of food, he told me he was already full. He immediately made his way to the group of boys as if he'd known them since he was born.

Of course we were asked the question again, "Wala pa ba?" Ahm, I told them we're trying to get there. Insert *sigh* here.


December 26

MMFF

With nothing better to do, Joven and I, together with my mom, decided to watch a movie. We were weighing our options (nothing much really), and ended up with Ligalig. It was supposed to be rated A by the cinema board, for Joven and I it was quite predictable. There were certain scenes that were unnecessary, some scenes produced a "duh!" from me, some effects were not really that good. Oh well.


December 27

The day was spent with Lalaine, Merc, Cheche, and Tantan. I won't spill the beans. I'm keeping my mouth shut since I signed a contract. =P

We ate lunch at Tokyo Cafe. Yeah, yeah. I recommended the place. I can't help it. If we were on the north side, I would've recommended Crazy Rolls. =P

ArtBag

Joven told me he has a surprise for me when he gets home. Apparently, Leslie (Fol's wife) dropped off our finished album to his office. Of course, with our own ArtBag. Woohoo! Thanks Fol and Leslie!


Whew! That was a busy December indeed. We still have an overnight thingy tomorrow. Kwentos on that on our next blog entry.

BTW, I'm a winner again! I just got it from the mail. Apparently, I'm one of the five lucky poll voters who won gift certificates from Sanctuario Spa. Many thanks to Manila Bulletin's About Weddings and of course to Benz because it was her who e-mailed us about the poll. I've yet to get it though. =P

Merry Christmas!

As we celebrate our first Christmas together as husband and wife, we would like to thank you for being a wonderful part of our lives.

We wish you and your family a blissful Christmas and a better year ahead.

May your days be filled with love, happiness and good health.

Dionne and Joven

Credits: Shabby Princess Holiday Sampler, Fol Rana Jr. Photography

It's Up!

No, I don't have a problem with that. =P

It's this one that's finally up:

'Tis the Season to be busy...

The weekend that was was sooo tiring. I didn't get any rest at all... I had a blast anyway. =)

First off...

Saturday Morning
Joven and I went to Intramuros to scout for a new reception venue (yep, this is the announcement I was to make). Why not bayview anymore? It just didn't feel right, plus their ballroom was L-shaped, plus they have a number of restrictions, plus they have a lot of corkage, plus.. plus... 'nuf said. Anyway, first went to Kaisa Heritage Center (Cabildo cor. Anda Sts.). The venue was recommended by Tamayo's when I inquired for their rates. When we entered the place, my heart skipped a beat. This is it! I love how the place look and I could just imagine how nice it would be with all the works! It was actually being jazzed up when we went inside. An AE from Swan Catering was there and he was kindda "selling" the place to us (and of course their services). I was impressed. We went to see Ms. Vivian (our contact person) and asked for pictures of the place plus more info on booking the place.

Joven and I decided to see two of the famous reception venues in Intramuros, Teatrillo and Casa Blanca. Hmm.. I would still opt for Kaisa Heritage any day. =D

Another plus was the rates! When we computed the rates and inclusions, Kaisa Heritage turned out cheaper by thousands! Yey!

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Saturday Lunch

After going around Intramuros, we rushed to our next appointment... Christmas lunch with my friends from my French class. Alda's in Malate was the place. The food was great! (What diet???) The company of friends was truly refreshing. Unfortunately, it was a short lunch of 2 and a half hours. We had to leave immediately, and did not stay for coffee, since we have another appointment to rush to.

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Saturday Afternoon
We went home to change and pick up my mom. My tita (and our soon-to-be ninang) is celebrating her 60th birthday and she is celebrating it with her two apos. Next stop, 6750 in Makati. The invitation said 4:00 but the program started at 6:30! Gash! We were all hungry by then… good thing there was good old Starbucks. Haay! The food was served by 7:00… the Crispy Kangkong was not living up to its name already. =( Hizon’s catered for the occasion by the way.

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Sunday Lunch
After the usual Sunday mass, we went back in Intramuros (Villa Immaculada) for Tamayo’s food tasting. The food was as expected… yummy! Weng, one of Tamayo’s AE, patiently entertained all our questions. Their package was very attractive but we have yet to decide… nuninu.

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Sunday Afternoon

After eating at Intramuros, it’s Red Box time! Weee! It was a supposed Christmas get-together by my college barkada but turned out to be a triple (which ended up in a double) date. We had fun anyway (basta may videoke! Haha!) May Italianni’s pa! =D

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Sunday Late Evening
Not part of the original plan was going to Policarpio St. in Mandaluyong. Since my family is going there and I wanted Joven to see the lights and all, I insisted in going. People were everywhere! It was a short trip since there wasn’t much to see. We went inside the small bazaar and bought a funny hat for Joven (which was three weeks late for their Christmas party… he won anyway). =)

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A Magical Night

With the first pick, the Orlando Magic select... Shaquille O'neal!

Almost. Hehe.

A week after the W@W Chrismat Party (December 2), it was my office's turn. The party was held at Chaquiqo's Musician's Bar, just a short walk from our office. As part of the committee, Jelo and I were tasked to bring the gifts to the venue. Unfortunately, it rained while we were in transit. Fortunately for us, only the box got wet at the back of the Hilux.

At the party, everybody was in high spirits. Each wearing their hats for the Madhatter's Party. My hat? A simple, bright orange (which matches my shirt, hehe) fisherman's hat I bought from the Ladies' Accessories section at SM, with pins (from 168 mall) of all the NBA teams. This crafty hat won me the Most Colorful Hat award that night (Prize: Outback GC + cash). =)

Last year, I was lucky enough to get an NBA jersey (Jason Kidd, New Jersey) care of Michele, Project Manager and Managing Director's wife). I was only kidding when I wrote that on my wishlist, and forgot to specify the team and size for the jersey. Fortunately, kasya na size L sa akin ngayon. ;)

This year, under the guise of Shaq, I asked for his jerseys (even retro ones), a VCD and some books. The budget was only 500 pesos. Well, it's up to my daddy/mommy to decide what to give me. Swerte ko naman at si Doc Lito nakabunot sa akin.
My luck in the exchange gift was the exact opposite in the raffle. Of the 12 major prizes, I got NONE! I would have wanted the iPod Shuffle or the DVD player.

There was another game: guess the number of shoes that Ace (Asst. Managing Director) owns. The prize: 4000 pesos worth of Toby's GC. Pambili ng Wade... I guessed 32. The correct answer: 33! Lucky George.

Oh well, I still got my Shaq jersey. Hehe.

I left the party at around 11PM and went to join Dionne and her FSI friends at Redbox. Kantahan na naman!

tIdBiTs

Been tamad to blog lately kaya, here goes...


Nov. 26

• Joven, my mom and I went to SM Manila to watch The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Not that scary, it was like a long episode of Law & Order. I got curious and searched the Net after the film. I guess that's a thumbs up (but not two, hehe!).

Nov. 28

• Joven and I went to 168 to cross out some peeps from our xmas list. Nakamamatay. Grabe!

Nov. 29

• Joven and I, together with my mom, went to see my ninang (who incidentally was celebrating her birthday on that day) to ask her to be one of our principal sponsors. She said she'll be more than glad. Yey!
  
• We also went to see my other ninang to inquire about suits. Since she owns a tailoring shop and has been in this business since forever, it will only be logical for us to have the suit done by their shop. My dad wanted to know if they can do it in 10 days since he'll be arriving on the last week of May. She said they can do it. Woohoo!
  
• Went to Quiapo to buy my nephew a new bike for Christmas. We wanted to drop by the bead haven but it was just too hot outside... we ended up eating at Greenwich instead. =)

Dec. 2

• No work for us! Yey! (Good thing that DFA is in Pasay, hehe!) Office friends ended up in Red Box instead. We had a blast! But before that, dinner at Sentro. Delish! Pics here.

Dec. 3

• Watched Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. One of the best films I've seen this year. Worth every cent and more. If you haven't seen it, watch it. In my opinion, it's actually better than the film about that Potter guy. =)

Joven and the Chocolate Fountain

Last November 25, Dionne and I went to our first (and definitely not last) W@W Christmas Party, with Dulce, and Jon and Yax. The party was to be held at Villa Immaculada, at Intramuros. Along the way, we were already thinking of the food, the Alex Franco cakes, the freebies, the edible underwear, and of course, the chocolate fountain. ;)

As we were among the first to arrive, we had the liberty of choosing our seats. We chose the table nearest the stage as we wanted to "participate" (i.e. win prizes) in our fullest capacity, even if we had to be far from the buffet tables... A fair exchange, I would say. Besides, I was sure that there would be plenty of food for everyone. Did I mention that the chocolate fountain is just beside our table? More incentive to stay where we were. Hehe.

The first game was Dress-Up-The-Mannequin based on a gown design, using only cash register paper, tissue paper, pins, thumb tacks and glue. Jon and I were part of Grooms@Work, the group that won. I originally suggested that our name be "Steel-Headed Steel Pins", but any name would do. We even beat the brides group for this one. Hah!

Another game was the Cinderella, where the brides fell in line for four pairs of shoes. Whoever's foot would fit the shoes would win the pair. Unfortunately, the pair that Dionne fitted was one size larger. It would have been perfect for the... More on this later.

During dinner, our diet was tossed out the window. =P

Surprisingly, I was not able to go back for seconds as I was already full.

During the party, the Top Ten Suppliers of the Year were announced. Among them were Karl and Mimi from Fotogra.Ph (Pre-nups) and Threelogy Digital Videos. Yey!

Congratulations to Veluz Reyes for bagging the Supplier of the Year award. Yeyey!

One of the highlights of the night was courtesy of the owner of the place, Mr. Steve Tamayo. He coolly sang (and danced!) "Totoy Bibo" with his waiters. This definitely brought the house down. =D

When the audience clamored for one more song, he didn't hesitate to continue entertaining us. This time, it was "Nakaka" by the Masculados. I completely forgot that besides being near the stage means being nearer to the prizes, it also meant we were easy prey for "volunteers". At one point during the song, I was asked to join him in the singing. Of course, Dionne was with me. I sang, while she danced... Hanep! ;)

By the end of the party, there were still a lot of prizes left. No more raffles! The brides were simply asked to fall in line as the prizes were given away.

Dionne got her dream prize, a cocktail dress by Cecilio Abad. She got it from Benz because she helped distribute the earrings. She also got a chocolate cake just for standing there. Haha!

I must say that our haul from the EB pales in comparison to what we brought home this time, in no particular order:

• planner from Arnel and Khristy (via exchange gift)
• cloth from North Road
• cocktail dress from Cecilio Abad
• picture frames from Dino Lara Photography
• earrings from Angel's Wink Production
• w@w pocket calendar
• magnetic address book
• wedding ring case from Chu-u-yen Events
• bridal garter from Chu-u-yen Events
• gift certificates from Meza Bar & Resto
• w@w button pin
• beeswax pastilles from Liwanag Candles
• altar bound, 2006 w@w desktop gallery
• wallclock from Ariel Javelosa Photography
• document bag from Wedding Wonders Party Surprises
• ref magnet from C & C Creative Concepts
• picture magnets from Konsepto
• brownies from Alex Franco
• apple walnut cake from Gervy's Amazing Cakes and Great Foods
• christmas tree chocolate from Chocolate Confectioners
• white chocolate from OA Sweets
• something sweet (chocnut-like) from C& C Creative Concepts
• chocolate cake

What a night! Thanks to Benz and John, the suppliers, and the W@W community for a successful party. See you again next year! Or at the next bridal fair. ;)