Pamamanhikan

January 3 was our Pamamanhikan! :)

It was, if I could say so, the easiest, lightest pamamanhikan in Philippine history. I was even nervous the night before, because of all the horror stories our friends told us about the dreaded event. But our version would probably be the lightest, most stress-free version of the tradition.

My meeting with Babe the night before the event was even more serious than the event itself!

It was fun, the food was great, the conversation was light. My parents were such gracious hosts! Papa tried to chat up every single member of Babe's family, which is a big deal, because usually my dad just goes down for a while then stays in his office every time there is a party in the house. But he sat there and talked to them while the dining room was being set. Of course, Mama made each one very comfortable like she always do. Babe's family was quiet, but very pleasant. They were on time and very well-prepared.

When the food was ready, we all proceeded to the dining area to have lunch. Papa led us all into prayer. It was short but really good. What do you expect? I got my impromptu speech and writing skills from him.

After lunch where we everyone casually chatted, Babe and I called the meeting to order. Its so like me to call everyone to their places so that we could get the agenda moving. As to be expected from this O.C. Bride, we prepared a script that I asked Babe to discuss. And as to be expected from my ever-charming groom, he brought the laughter to the table. The talk about the wedding was brief; I guess its because almost everything has been taken cared of (by Babe and I) and they didn't have to worry about anything. Plus the fact that we have a mind of our own and they don't have much say about the matter. It helped that they were all open-minded too. As long as we're happy, everybody's happy. I hope everyone had fun.

My brothers sure did. At first they were shy around Babe's family, but they loosened up eventually, even oversharing about me. All my silly quirks, my embarrassing habits, all exposed for Babe's family. They even said that they already traded me for Babe's PS3 games and a controller. In my defense, Papa said some good things about me as well, but mostly about their happiness that I was bringing a good man into the family. More embarrassing stories about me and more praises for Babe. Hahaha.

What made me happiest though is that Babe came very well-prepared. I saw three or four long-sleeves in the car, because he might need to change into something more formal. He arrived later than his family because he bought flowers for me. Its because it was our fifth anniversary; we celebrated it by having the pamamanhikan. I loved that he bought me flowers. It was really sweet , because even on our fifth year when we have gotten so comfortable with each other, he still knows what will make my day and he made an effort to make me smile. I love him to pieces. How did I get so lucky? :)

And so, with that tradition done and they have formally asked for my hand in marriage, we're even more excited for the big day and our family shares that excitement with us. :)

I know, its been a while...

This is me, re-writing.

What's my excuse for not updating this blog in a while? I know you've been hearing 'its pretty busy' a lot from me lately, but that is really the reason I'm not able to update this blog as much as I want to.

After finishing my project with work, I went on directly to being the best sister and daughter and friend that I could be: went with my sister for errands, Christmas shopping; it was a long list we needed accomplished before Babe arrives. And when he did, busy became me. I was with him almost 24/7, trying to get things done for the wedding. And making the most of his vacation here: trips to the dentist, dermatologist, physician, basketball games, out with friends, with family, out of town trips, visiting friends, buying stuff, pamamanhikan, etc. Of course, there were the holidays Christmas and New Year, and the birthday streak here in the Labayen household.

I'm catching my breath just now, after he left... and while looking for a part-time job at the same time. It's been a great month though, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

The good news is, I can finally go on full-blast with the wedding preps! :) Yaaay!!

And, while I was "on-leave," my parents got me a journal that I can bring with me anywhere. Of course, I was only able to write on it after the pamamanhikan, and you'll never guess where I do most of my writing. In basketball courts while Babe is playing basketball, or when he's still asleep in his room. I was THAT preoccupied when he's with me and he's up. I loved every bit of it though. I know I'm liking having the free time now, but I would rather have him close to me while I write.

Anyway, here are some bits about the wedding that I wrote on my journal. I'm so excited to re-write the part about my wedding dress! :))

Here is Cams the bride, and she's back on blogspot!

Learnings on Ondoy

This blog was supposed to be just about why I needed to wait for a week before I can buy a particular magazine of wedding inspirations. But then Ondoy came and devastated Manila, and then the wedding magazine became the last thing on my mind. I couldn't even talk about the wedding for sometime. It seemed insensitive and untimely to be talking about such a joyous celebration when you know people firsthand, who have been badly affected by the storm.

When I first saw and heard about it on the news, I was heartbroken. To actually hear about stories of people drowning and dying in the flood, or getting lost; families couldn't get in touch with each other and people need to go up to the roof to be rescued. Even when they have second floors. I never imagined that happening in Manila and even if it was already happening, I couldn't believe it. It was so surreal.

The ultimate conflict I was battling with was trying to figure out a way to help out. Each time an opportunity arises when I can donate to charity, volunteer for a cause and help the needy (in a legal way), my heart always skips a beat. I used to want to become a social worker. Its even natural that I fell in love with the most generous guy in the world, he makes me feel like a slacker in that area. Its just that, in my entire life I feel that I have been so blessed, continuously being blessed. How can I not share these blessings to others when everyday, an overflowing supply comes to me? So in a time like this, it felt like an instinct to go and reach out, and offer my time to volunteer. But alas, I was caught up in the whole corporate jungle. I had a deadline for my project at work and it needs most of my time to be able to complete it. So while my mom was cooking pansit to give to friends and families whose houses were badly hit by Ondoy, my dad and brothers were joining rescue operations, and my sister was doing volunteer work in the many relief operations area around the metro, I was either at home, stuck in front of the computer, trying to complete materials for a project, or in the office, working as usual. Two members of our team were also affected by the storm, and my boss was sick, so I had to be a team player and take on some work, stay in the office. More than anything though, my heart longed to be out there, helping and doing something relevant. Anyway, I managed to help out in my own little way as I was restless until I felt that I did my part.


And so... with the calamity that was Ondoy, and the scare that was typhoon Pepeng, I had some realizations. I know, by now, most of us have learned a thing or two because of this. I just wanted to share mine in this forum because as brides slash future (or present) homemakers, we need a firm grasp of what's important and valuable. Kinda basic, and we should all know them by now, but here they are anyway:

• When you're single, its easy to just go through life without a care in the world and take it one day at a time, but I realized that when you get married and (soon) become a mom, you will need to do so much more than exist. You need to know the proper values to teach your kids; you need to learn to lead by example. I am so much prouder and more appreciative of my mom now as I realize how much time I have left under her care. 'Charity begins at home is so true' and she is a clear manifestation of that. She always encourages us siblings to give more, be more generous with each other and those who aren't as fortunate. Same with my dad. He is not indifferent and he would extend our home, our possessions to people who need it. Growing up, we saw them devote their time, talents and treasure for worthy causes. I'm not trying to brag, but I think they did a pretty good job in instilling the value of giving to us. So while other friends and relatives were worried about their farms and pets in Farmville and Fish World (no offense to those who are into these, but really?! in times of calamity and other people are stranded and hungry?!), my siblings and I are in search of ways to be able to help, volunteer and assist those who are in need. Just like charity, apathy begins at home too. So before you dream of making and raising kids, think if you already have the right values to teach them. Do you want your kids to have the same character as you? If you're not yet sure, please do not "go forth and multiply" just yet.


• Note on giving: if you have an item in your closet that has been sitting there for more than a year, then it's not your property anymore. It's charity's. You are merely keeping it for the person who would have better use of it than closet-filler. With my hectic sched at work, getting clothes out of my closet was really the best I could do. Given how much of a packrat I am, I have clothes that I kept since my early college days, hoping I would slip back to my college girl body and wear those clothes again. But then, when my friend told me about this sermon she heard from the priest (one of the few times she was actually listening in mass), it was an eye opener. I realized, I have been keeping those clothes for so long thinking I "could" wear them again. But I know I won't. What, will I just keep them there til God knows when? While there are some girls out there who literally have nothing else to wear. So along with my sister, I took a good look at all our clothes and, with eyes half-closed, decided to give away those clothes that are still good, but we don't use anymore. Yes, you actually learn what giving is all about until it hurts. It's hard to part with old clothes, possessions you have had for years. You know when most girls are into shoes, some girls are into bags, I am most of a clothes-person. Memories about how happy I was when I got them, or how good I felt when I wore them keeps replaying in my mind. But am I gonna let that hold me back from putting a smile in another person's face? It was kinda sad to let go of that perfect pink top that I bought years ago, probably the nicest pink top I have ever had, but, in my head, I see a sigh of relief from girls who may just have found the perfect pick-me-upper that she badly needs. Anyway, the feeling was great...priceless if I may say. And I now have more room for new clothes, and a chance to update my wardrobe ;) and with the truckload of blessings that keep coming, I know a new perfect pink top will get to me soon :)
  
• But as much as we can give away and get rid of anything we want, we also need to learn to value the things we have and see if we really need to acquire new things. With the Ondoy calamity, I have been reminded of the value of money. I always say, "I need a new top, new shoes, stuff for my room, etc." But come to think of it, they aren't really needs. They are just wants I turned into needs. I look at my current office clothes, shoes and bags and I see that they're still okay. A bit worn-out, but still wearable and functional. No need to buy new stuff just yet. Because the amount that I spend on those little things that I claimed I needed can be spent helping out those who lost all their possessions. Also, we should learn to value every single thing that we have. Use them properly, maximize them. We can't bring them to our grave, we can't have them forever; sooner or later they will just disappear and we're lucky if they won't be washed out by a flood. Lets enjoy them while they last.
• I have never been so proud to be a Filipino. Smiles, unity and heroism in spite of the tragedy. Only in the Philippines.
• Family is the most important. I'm grateful that all of my relatives were safe during the storm. You can acquire new furniture, a new car, new house, but a family is irreplaceable.
• Most of all, keep the faith. PRAY. In the face of fear and panic, prayer calms us. It gives our minds clarity and peace, even for a short period of time. Its easy to believe all the doomsday talk with the series of tragedies happening, but it will not help, lest we become more anxious and afraid. Its funny how people go to church and hear mass and say they trust the Lord, but when difficulties arise, they forget all about the goodness of God. He is our creator, master of the universe, and He is our Father. Even logic concludes that a father who loves His children will not take away something from them, especially if He created it for them. Its just impossible in my book. We are loved, and the Lord is a faithful God. He is king over the flood. He's all over the place. Just be still; have faith.

These are just some of my learnings. It may be little teachings, but its a big deal if we try to live by it everyday. I hope, that I continue to acquire these lessons, even on ordinary and beautiful sunny days that lie ahead :)

Post on my wedding preps to follow soon, I wish ;)

Last Birthday on Single Status

So last September 12, I turned 24. This age is not usually a milestone age for most people, but this pitstop for me, is kinda special because it is considered my final birthday as a "single lady." At first, even I can't believe that I will be a missus on my next birthday. Time does fly so fast. Anyway, this birthday was different from the rest, because usually my birthdays are quiet and celebrations are in the form of a simple dinner with the family in any of my favorite restos (I always prefer it that way), or a sleepover with my girlfriends (with soft tacos, cake and ice cream); I always try to cook for my guests. This year, since, its my last single birthday, we all made a conscious effort to take the bash a notch higher.

I thought it would be great to welcome my birthday by party-ing (I'm using the word party as a verb, what the heck) the night away with my homegirls. You know, "Get down and go out and just lose it all" as expressed in Black Eyed Peas' new single. Since next year, I will be responsible to someone, for someone and that someone will responsible for me. It was my last chance to be as carefree as I wanted on my birthday. The idea pleased my party-loving brothers and suggested that I throw some sort of celebration on a club, with more friends than usual. But I still didn't wanna let go of a traditional birthday dinner with my family, since they are really the ones I'd like to spend my birthday with. So it was decided that the "night-out" would happen the night before my birthday, to welcome my special day with a bang.

Meanwhile, since it will be my last birthday living with my family, my mom has decided to skip the usual intimate dinner and throw me a simple birthday party at home, inviting our relatives and close friends. I let her plan everything this time because despite the fact that we're having the party catered and with more guests than last year, it was a lot cheaper than my "simple" dinner celebration during my 23rd birthday in my favorite restaurant of all time (hey, I have expensive taste). And you know, its like a mom preparing for her kid's seventh birthday party... just this time, I'm turning 24 but it'll be her last time to throw me a birthday bash. So everything was set.

One of the reasons that I don't "celebrate" my birthday with all my friends is that, admittedly, I am not keen on blowing off that big amount of cash for just one day. I initially planned on just taking the girls out (because obviously, we don't drink that much) on a night at the club, but the guest list got bigger than I thought ( I only invited my closest friends through Facebook). Thankfully, I worked hard for that week (plus somebody gave me a really great birthday gift - cash) so I was able to get us a table in the VIP section. It was an awesome night. It was my first time though to be spending that big amount for a night out so I got kinda paranoid about it. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed it; danced the night away with girlfriends (high school and yfc barkada), reunited with a good friend, and basically watched my friends have a good time. I loved the fact that people close to me were there, all dressed up and game (even though it seemed like a really busy workday for all of us) just to welcome my birthday with me. There were instances in the night though that I longed of just chilling at home and chatting with my Babe. I then realized, that I really was not cut out for the "party every night" (or even every weekend) lifestyle. And it was great that I realized that on my birthday. It meant that I was ready to leave that phase of me behind, and move on to quieter birthdays at home with Babe.

During the night though, I loved seeing my bestfriend with her boyfriend. While I have been with the love of my life for almost five years now, it kinda took forever for Kups to find the man for her. I'm just happy that I'm leaving single country behind with Kups in good hands with her Wab. We are so over the night-out-to-meet-boys stage. I'm glad that although she's not on board the getting hitched route yet, she's getting there sooner, and with a suitable partner who seem really really in love with her. :) It made me really proud and contented to just sit there with them and bask in their kilig powers.

The night went well, and I did not go over the budget ;) thanks to my brothers who really looked out for me and put my best interests at heart. They made sure our budget was doing okay and that my friends were entertained with drinks in tow. I worried less around them.

I officially started my birthday though, by working. I literally breezed through it though, because although I just had a few drinks the night before, I still felt "hungover" because of lack of sleep. The photo shoot was great though, it was swift and I met another rich, old couple who seemed still very much in love with each other. The man was the President and CEO of one of the largest companies in the country, and the woman was also a business woman cum socialite. But in their lovely roofdeck condominium, they were just husband and wife, enjoying the rest of their years together. While the photographer we hired was taking pictures of them, I daydreamed that some years from now, Babe and I would reach that same level of stability (financially) and we'd still be so in love and we would still, unapologetically, call each other with our pet names around other people. I am amazed when I see couples like that. I had some weird notion that rich people marry other rich people for money or fame or position. But such was not the case for this couple, and it was so great to witness that on my birthday ;) True love is the joy of life.

When I got home, I was so tired I practically slept the whole afternoon.

When I woke up, I went to mass in the evening and then followed the dinner party at home. I had fewer guests than expected, just my closest relatives, but it was all good. I loved the fact that we had plenty of leftovers (takaw talaga eh) even after my mom distributed her goody bags (pabalot) to our visitors. Needless to say, I loved the food. I also had a great time with some of my guests. Some of them didn't make it, but it was fine. The night ended with me sleeping in my parent's room. Wearing Babe's benchwarmer jersey. It was exactly how I wanted my 24th birthday to end. I had no complaints.

Trying to sum it all up, I am happy with how my "last single birthday" turned out. It made me realize, that amidst fears or "unfinished" business or dreams that have not yet come true on my last birthday as a bachelorette, I am so ready for the M word. Throughout my birthday celebrations, I marvelled at the power of love through great couples - my bestfriend and her boyfriend, the rich couple in the photo shoot, my parents, and did I mention that two days before my birthday, I saw two of my favorite young married couples in the world (my photographers for our wedding, Jeff and Lisa, and my dear Auntie Cha and her husband Papa James who are expecting a baby girl)? As I approach the last few months of my singlehood, I stay positive and giddy about getting hitched. Everyday, people bombard me with how difficult the next phase is gonna be. And at times I really get paranoid about it. But I know love. I see it all the time. I believe in it. And it is the core of my very existence. So why should I be afraid? If anything, I'm super excited for my next birthday. I'm so looking forward to it - to be 25 and to spend the rest of my existence with the love of my life ;)

long time no blog...

I just hate it when work gets in the way of blogging, and gets in the way of life...

Anyway, just a few months to go and I'll have more time on my hands, finally.

Wedding preps, doing good... Great, actually. Almost done with booking all the major suppliers.

Getting a bit nervous about the guest list. Seriously, I think its the hardest part.

So many things to blog about, really. But I have to get started on my post about my last birthday in single status =)

hopefully, you'll read more from me in the next couple of days...

my wedding day fashion lookbook :)

Here it is :) I made it using Polyvore, yet I'm seeing a future dilemma because when I save the sets I made in Polyvore, they end up being so small in JPEG. I hope I find an easy way to enlarge them, as I want to print them out and give them to my designer.

Oh well, here it is. I hope you like it, as this will be the farthest you will get to getting a glimpse of my wedding day fashion look. I want it to be a surprise to most :)


Cams wedding fashion lookbook by camslab featuring Fiorelli bags

Another check on the supplier wishlist! Definitely not a Reject!

Just this afternoon, I met with one of the most sought after and unexpectedly most humble of the suppliers that I ever met. Trust W@wies to give the most accurate and detailed feedback on a supplier. And in fairness, they hit it with this certain supplier so well! Everything they described about him was true! :)

Him being this small guy (not really small, he's not just that tall) who was unassuming yet very accommodating and reliable. After months of trying to set a meeting with this guy (I totally understand why he's so busy, everyone wants to get him as supplier!), we were finally able to finalize a schedule a few hours before the meeting. Hahaha. And so we had a casual and delightful discussion on the things I require from his team as this is such an important part of the wedding reception. I mean, this will really set the mood for the place.

Despite his unassuming presence, it was also obvious that he means business and he really knows what he's talking about. He's also realistic about what he can and cannot do. But so far, I think he was able to understand what we want and what's best about that, is that it's super affordable! I was expecting it to be one of the things that I would have to spend a lot of our budget on, especially since this supplier falls on the most wanted list for bride-to-bes. But I'm so amazed with his simplicity and his professionalism.

After I bombarded him with my questions which he so earnestly answered, and we discussed some more things about the lights and sounds, we agreed to a package rate that I really found so reasonable (I didn't even bother to haggle, I felt like doing so would rob him of his livelihood. I mean really, how affordable can his expertise get?) and it was off to signing a contract and giving a minimum down payment. And now I can finally breathe because we now have an esteemed and reliable lights and sounds (and LCD projector and 6ft x 6ft projector screen! Can you believe that?) supplier :))

Babe was pleased that I was able to book another good supplier at a surprisingly low cost. I mean, we really wanted moodlights for the wedding reception, and we're getting it! And its pretty affordable, really!:))

Now, do I even have to say the name of this oh-so-popular supplier? :) I'm sure you all know who I'm talking about :) Well, I can't wait to see our venue after he installed the moodlights and sounds all over the place. What puzzles me though is why he has the word Reject to his company's name when he most certainly is not. Hmmm...

And only for that today, I think I deserve a pat on the back :)