Rapt in Awe

I can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in AWE and JOY.
Beautiful photo.

Harley Ruedas-a haven of bride's wedding gown.

Wedding gown is one of the highlights of a wedding occasion. And it would be a big treat for me to wear a designer gown.
I thank my fiance for this big time TREAT. :-)

Last Saturday, we have found my wedding gown creator in the name of Harley Ruedas. With word-of-mouth recommendations by satisfied customers and promotions in various bridal shows and wedding magazine, I was convinced that he will be part of my dream team.

Harley won himself the reputation of being one of the best creators of modern wedding. He is only not known for his wedding dresses but he has also gained much acknowledgment for every evening-wear.

He is a well-known Cebu designer and has been in the business for more than a decade.

I and my fiance had our contract signing with him last Saturday and i was so impressed on how they accommodated us. In Harley Ruedas, you both have the designers born and made up. They are group of creative bunch who have a profound experience on creativity and style. They are very systematic and very professional.

It really helps when you bring in all your ideas, pictures and samples of what gown you want. Then you both discuss your body type and the way you want to look on your wedding. And the thing that I really like most is, they work on your budget.

Yep, they do. Just tell them how much is your budget for your wedding gown and behold!...

Most of the Cebu designers now, priced their wedding gowns starting from P30k to 50k. If you have a very intricated design, for sure you'll go as high as 50k.
In Harley Ruedas, they work on your budget which is really a good thing.

Jonas, one of Harley's in-house designers, started to sketch my wedding gown and it looks so so good and lovely. So romantic for a valentines wedding. Haay, im just really so excited. Here's a glimpse.


I realized that not all beautiful gowns turn out to be the best fit for you. And this is where the designers communicate their vision of loveliness for you.

My choice of designer depicts on my dressing sense and I was happy to find Harley who is a haven of bride's wedding gown.




Contact Details:
HARLEY RUEDAS
Causing-Feria Bldg, Jones Avenue, Osmena Blvd, Cebu City, Philippines
Telephone Number: 253-4494
418-2264
TeleFax: 253-3899
Mobile: 0922-691-2106
Email: harleyruedas@yahoo.com.

Sacred Heart Church, Cebu Requirement

We were given a copy by Sacred Heart Parish Church on their wedding requirements and guidelines. Please check and this should be followed accordingly.

SACRED HEART PARISH
Address: 242 D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City
Contact info: (032)253-6479;254-3950 Fax (032)255-6366

GUIDELINES FOR WEDDINGS

Your marriage is a sacrament, a "sacred action". Everything in the celebration
(decoration, music,dress,picture-taking,etc.) should be in conformity with the
sacramental rite. Please read and follow these gyidelines carefully to ensure that your
wedding be properly celebrated according to the norms of the Church.

I. REQUIREMENTS BEFORE THE MARRIAGE:
1. Reservation by the contracting parties is made personally at the Office at least two months before the wedding.
2. Canonical Interview of the contracting parties by a priest of SHP is made one month before the wedding, with the Baptismal Certificate (new copy for the "marriage purposes") Confirmatio Certificate, Government Marriage License (or Marriage Contract if already Civilly Married) shown to the priest.
3. Certificate of Attendance of the one whole day and a half Pre-Cana of Sacred Heart Parish conducted every 2nd Saturday of each month 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. to Sunday 1:00 - 6:00 P.M. Only certificate of attendance in the Discovery Weekend or Weekend for the Engaged will be accepted in lieu of SHP conducted Pre-Cana.
4. Publication of marriage banns is made in the parishes of the bride and groom.
5. A writted permission from the Archdiocesan Chancellor (Office at Patria Bld.) is required for mixed-marriage (Catholic with non-Catholic), or if one is a non-Filipino citizen, and for those who cannot have the marriage banns published for serious reasons.
II. IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
1. TIME for the whole ceremony should be limited to one hour and fifteen minutes,from the processional to the end of picture-taking, to allow for another scheduled wedding to follow.
2. MUSIC & PHOTOS: All hymns before, during and after the wedding must be sacred music sung live, not recorded music. No secular song hits are sung in church. No music during the rite of marriage. Photographers should be properly dressed in polo or polo barong, not T-shirts, and not wearing shorts or slippers. Standing on pews is not allowed. They should be instructed to be careful not to distract the attention of the couple or the congregation from the sacredness of the ceremony and the Mass. Wedding coordinators, photographers and videographers must be licensed by the Commission on Worship. Refer to separate instruction for music.

3. The couple and the whole wedding entourage are reminded to dress modestly befitting the sacredness of the Sacrament and the Church. The dresses of the bride and entourage must be designed to cover the shoulders and back. Dresses should be below the knee and shall have no slits.

4. OFFICIATING PRIEST: If a pries is invited to officiate at the wedding, his name, address, and the number of the Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriage must be submitted to the Office no later than one week before the wedding. The priest's stipend is given to him by the contracting parties.
5. PRINCIPAL SPONSORS: One pair of legal sponsors is required who must be practicing Catholics. Additional sponsors are charged P100.00 each.
6. FLOWER GIRLS, RING AND ARRHAE BEARERS: Only flower girls, ring and arrhae bearers who have made their first Holy Communion can be part of entourage.
7. WEDDING SERVICES: P8.500.00 for weekdays;P10,000.00 for Saturdays. Sundays are for Parishioners of SHP only: P25,000.00. For Air-conditioning: additional P25,000.00 to cover electricity and maintenance. St. Francis Xavier Chapel (air-conditioned): P18,000 for weekdays and P20,000.00 for Saturdays (limited to 2 HRS.,surcharge of P1,000/HR. for succeeding hours). Downpayment of 50% is required upon reservation; deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable in case of cancellation. Wedding services include floral decorations for church or chapel and the wedding car. Please refer to separate guidelines for floral decoration. (Contact for decor: Lorna Tirol, Tel. 255-6802) A penalty of P100.00 will be charged for a change in the wedding schedule. The Office and the officiating priest must be informed of the change. Additional P100.00 electrical charge is required for use of video and other power consuming devices. Final payment must be paid 7 calendar days before the scheduled wedding date together with the submission of all requirements and complete list of sponsors.

This is a sample of their floral decorations.




8. MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE: Marriage Certificate must be checked by the couple before the wedding date. A copy of the Marriage Certificate will be available one week after the wedding.

9. SOCIAL HALLS: Two Parish Social Halls with tables and chairs are available for reception. An offering of P2,100.00 is expected for the use of each hall to assist in maintenance and electricity costs. A P500.00 deposit (non-refundable) is required upon reservation. The caterer has to be provided by the parties concerned. No sound system provided. No band allowed. Premises must be left cleand after wedding reception.

10. MISSALETTE/BOOKLET: If a missalette will be printed, it should be modeled after the official SHP Marriage Missalette (ask for a sample), and the proof submitted to the Office one month before the wedding. Couples are prohibited from composing their own vows. Lectors and psalmists should practice their parts and read them slowly and clearly. No commentators and commentaries are allowed.

11. There is no unity candle or bible blessing or any other extraneous rites added. Yugal or the cord should not be made of coins or o rosaries. Coin should be loose and placed only in a pouch, not in a cage. No offering of flowers and candles during offertory. Pew candle lamps are not allowed.

12. Use of rice, bird seed, confetti, flower petals are forbidden in any Catholic church and Church grounds. Releasing of doves, balloons, butterflies and bubbles and singing of love songs during or after the ceremony inside or outside the church is prohibited. This should be done at the reception.

Do you believe in Miracle?

Do you believe in Miracle? I do.
I have this video in my cellphone shared to me by sister.
This is Our Lady in Simala (Sibonga, Cebu) who is known t be very miraculous. This happened last June 13,2009. Just 2 months ago.

I got goose-skinned when I watched this. I love the scene of the Holy Child visiting his dearest Mother. This was taken by a first-time visitor of the place who wants to get souvenirs shots and videos by our Holy Mother. (Well, everyone does get a picture of Mama Mary whenever they are there) I myself, do that also. This time, the one who took the video amazingly discovered something.. watched Sto. Nino passed by. :-)

Many have a lot of speculations that this was edited and photo shopped but this all boils down to your FAITH.
It is an invisible, and invincible magnet that attracts to itself whatever it fervently desires and calmly and persistently expects.

I am a certified visitor of our Lady in Simala. It's a different feeling when you get there. Even when you know that your heart is grieving, seeing her is a blessed delight.

Keep your faith in all the beautiful things such as this. Miracles sometimes save us.

August 6, 2008 (holiday)

Announcement:

Tomorrow (AUGUST 6) is a non-working holiday here in CEBU.

It's the celebration of the 434th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Cebu. Therefore, it is declared that there will be no classes and work in the entire Cebu Province.

I will be visiting different churches tomorrow.

“My greatest weapon is mute prayer.”- Gandhi

Reception Choice

We were advised that we need these 3 things settled as early as now. Wedding date, Wedding Church and Wedding reception..the tiny others can be done later-- when we are nearing our wedding date.

Choosing a reception can be that tiring but a whole lot of fun..We were driving around the city last weekend and visited several hotels.

We came up with different choices, yes its true that the ceremony is the most important part of the wedding, however the reception is often longest part of the day because its where everyone parties and rejoices in the lifetime decision we've made.

More to that, it will be accessible and convenient to our guests. Spacious to party around and Beautiful enough to be remembered.

(I am giving you a copy of the packages we got in case you have plans to get wed here in Cebu)

First stop: CEBU WATERFRONT HOTEL
Wow. Spacious. Elegant. Expensive.

They have different packages. It's either buffet or a sit down family style.
Of course, Pinoy loves buffet, so we have to settle for a buffet style. It's a little bit expensive compare to the family style.

BUFFET
(Minumum Guarantee of 100 persons)
Amethyst P850.00 per person
Pearl P900.00 per person
Ruby P980.00 per person
Diamond P1,120.00 per person (with carving)
*Menu includes one round of soft drinks
* Can choose the menu, appetizer, salad, main courses, soup, dessert)

SIT DOWN or FAMILY STYLE
Aquamarine P750.00 per person
Sapphire P800.00 per person
*Menu includes one round of softdrinks

Inclusions: Overnight stay for two in a Junior Suite. Breakfast in bed or buffet breakfast at UNO for two. Bridal car for a maximum use of 2 hours, Floral centerpiece for guest tables. Place cards for the presidential table. Guest book, One bottle of sparkling wine for toasting. Public address (PA)system. use of the venue for a maximum of (6) hours. Optional. One wedding bell with a pair of doves.

Minumum Guarantee of P200 Persons
Everything stays the same, except for the INCLUSIONS
Over night stay in a Bridal Suite. Breakfast in bed or buffet breakfast at UNO for two. Three layered wedding cake. Ice carving. One gift certificate for an overnight stay for two on the first wedding anniversary (room only)--But you can avail this on the day of your wedding. One gift certificate for two at La Gondola or Mizu worth P1,000k. Bridal car for a maximum use of 2 hours. Floral centerpieces for guest tables. Place cards for the presidential table. Guest book. One bottle of sparkling wine for toasting. Public address (PA) system. Use of the venue for a maximum of (6) hours. Optional. One wedding bell with a pair of doves.

*** If you plan to get wed next year, you better book the hotel this year to avoid their price increase starting next year.

Second Stop: CEBU MARRIOTT HOTEL
One wing is under renovation and will be done this December.
Beautiful. Elegant. VERY EXPENSIVE

( I will post their package later, I left it in my fiance's car)

Third Stop: Casino Espanol
Hot. Looks Old. Spanish Style. VERY delicious food. A lil Cheap.

( I will post their package later)

Fourth Stop. Park Lane Hotel
Limited Space. Simple yet Elegant. But we heard, their food is not really nice.

With all the computations and argumentation as to where we can possibly save and at the same time, convenient for our guests. We are choosing, CEBU WATERFRONT HOTEL for our reception.

We will have the contract signing this coming weekend. I hope everything goes well.

Sacred Heart Parish Church

We started hunting churches for our wedding. We wanted it to be in the city so its easier and accessible to our guests.

Our first choice was SACRED HEART Church. Sad to say, they are already fully booked on Feb 28, 2009 with couple of weddings to administer.
(sad mode)

We need to hop to another church... Cebu Cathedral and Redemtorist this afternoon.


For more details:
SACRED HEART PARISH CHURCH
- Tel. No. 254-3950 / 253-6479 / 255-1149

Monday to Saturday

6:00AM and 6:00PM

Sunday & Holyday Of Obligation

Morning: 6:00, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 Afternoon: 6:00, 7:30

Pre-Cana

2nd Sunday of the month – 1:00PM

Pre-Jordan

Friday - 7:00 PM

Devotions

Sacred Heart of Jesus – Friday – 6:00AM & 6:00PM Mother of Perpetual Help – Wednesday – 6:00AM & 6:00PM San Lorenzo Ruiz – Monday – 6:00AM & 6:00PM

Cheers from friends

I had dinner with my barkada from College the other night. Almost everybody was in the city so we thought of gathering and do some catching up.

The preggy, the married, the atty were absent but it was still a lot of fun.

We had dinner at The Walk and celebrated friendship, good time and partnership that night. More than that it was a celebration of happiness for the newly engaged friend. (Merci, guys!)

We also celebrated the second release of Jimmy's Album titled BY MY SIDE.
Please do get a copy, available in all record bars. It's really worth your money. His songs were all original and his voice continues to amaze me. Still, the Star in a Million Finalist, The Silver Medal Winner of Shanghai Music Festival, Viva Artist, simply the singer himself.

Everybody is blogging about it. Philippine Star, Online Filipino Resource, ABS-CBN etcc.
It's produced by by Christian de Walden of Hollywood, the all-original CD is a brilliant showcase for Jimmy’s incredible voice. Beautiful!

It was really a gay night..never ending laughs, green jokes, funny mimics, it was fun fun fun!
I will always treasure old friends, even if I make new ones. There's no security quite as comfortable as the kind you feel among old friends.

Jimmy Marquez will serenade me on my wedding day. Of course, no talent fee. What are barkadas are for? He will be there. My god, i just have to make sure all eyes are on me and not on him. :-)

I love my cave

This is my cave. National Bookstore

These paperbacks make me company when I am all alone. Reading is one of my fave hobbies. It only not sharpens my knowledge but it builds my self assurance. If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.

You can't open a book without learning something. National Bookstore here in Cebu is one of my favorite spots. If we plan to meet somewhere, you know where to pick me.

Think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense.

Try to check on the new best selling at: NATIONAL BOOKSTORE

These are the branches in Cebu:

Ayala Center Cebu
Cebu Business Park
Cebu City
Tel. (032) 231-4066, 231-4090, 231-3835
Fax No. (032) 233-6597
Hours open: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (Mon to Thu); 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (Fri-Sun)

Mango Cebu Plaza
Mango Plaza
General Maxilom Ave. cor. J. Osmeña St.
Cebu City
Tel. (032) 255-4832, (032) 255-4644
Fax No. (032) 254-7334
Hours open: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

SM Cebu
North Reclamation Area
Mabolo
Cebu City
Tel. (032) 231-5496 to 98

I love Valentines

'Twas Valentines day yesterday. My heart beats from the rapturous surprises by some good men. They all tickled my fancy but nothing beats true love.

Six white collar roses were delivered on my desk as early as 8'o clock in my office.
It tugged my heartstrings 'coz it was a beautiful bunch. I knew it was love.

The same love enchanted me with a beautiful Celine hobo bag. It's the kind of bag that no matter how well dressed you are, once you put your coat on, the only thing people will see this summer is the bag on your shoulder.

The kind of love that delighted me with a a candlelight dinner at the poolside of Waterfront, Mactan. It was sweet, perfect and lovely. Every touch, every stare, every smile, every words he had for me last night, was all about love. The brightest glow was his love light.

Love truly reminds us that nothing else matter.
Next Valentines day, don't forget to date your girl at the pool side of Waterfront, Mactan.

I hope that your Valentine’s Day was filled with love, understanding, and contentment as you journey through life with those you hold dear

:-)

For reservation in Waterfront, Mactan Cebu.
Click this:

For flowers on important occasion aside from the previous that I mentioned.
Fleur De LIz FLOWER SHOP
Cabantan St. Along Archibishop Reyes Avenue
Cebu City
Contact Nos. : +6332 2342641
(Telefax) : +6332 3456492

For great bags, wedges, sandals
Visit this:

Simply Sumptuous Foods

I love hunting good restaurants. It makes my day when I get to taste really mouthwatering foods and delightful nibbles included served on a tasty plate. Can you say YUM? For me, there is no sincerer love than the love of food.

Last night, one of my bestfriends, Jimmy (yep, Jimmy Marquez is here) invited me to a "binugoy food area" for a food tripping. We went to Kan-anan ni Kuya J along Orchid Street, Cebu City. It was my first time to hear such eating playground.

Actually, The place was not posh, nor extraordinarily comfortable but my golly, the foods were, such a hearty treat!!! We had baked scallops, tuna belly and pochero. Pagkalami! Promise, you would love it there because its Simply Sumptuous Foods!

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. Yummy.

Try it out:
Kan-anan ni Kuya J
Orchid St. Capitol Site
Telephone:253-1343, 253-5484
cell phone no. is 09189248992

Blossom your girl

He still opens doors for me and brings me flowers. He's the sweetest goofball on the planet.

Sweet. Really so sweet.

It's such a sight to behold seeing a man in a flower shop busy looking for a perfect blossoms for his lady love. I so love that scene. It's just so nice to look at.

Women love flowers because they are happy things for us. They seem to be our constant friends. We are always in awe whenever we receive flowers on days that are special, especially on valentines days.

So guys its never late to fall in love with us this Valentines day. Start ordering flowers for us on Cebu's popular flower shops.

Holland Tulips
* Tel. No. (032) 233-8908
* Fax. No. (032) 233-8908

Kalidades
+6332) 253-9870
Kalidades House of Flowers, Manros Plaza, General Maxilom Ave, Cebu City, Philippines 6000 ... Tel. Fax: (032) 255-6961 E-mail Ad: flowers@kalidades.com

Designer Blooms
Ayala Center
Tel No. 231-8310

Tasting the stars

Favorite: Blended Ice Caramel Cream
(Caramel blended with ice, topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel sauce)

Oh Starbucks!, how an afternoon delight you are! Even if I go ahead and get the world globe spinning, you will always be the worlds favorite drink. I don't care how much calories you contain but damn, i just simply love your taste. You have a sharpening effect on me.

Above all, you are the very reason why lovers bond and enjoy sipping while gazing at the same star. You come in between talks and simply ignites our whole system. It's simply automatic, like love. It automatically warms your heart but sometimes automatically burns you.

I do believe that the most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, a Starbucks to drink and somebody to love. Whew, I am like tasting the stars while telling you this.

Thirst yourself to Starbucks stores in Cebu. Now we have a total of 6 stores already.
Lead your way to:

1 . Cebu City --Ayala Center Cebu - Level 1, E110
Cebu Business Park

2 . Cebu City --Ayala Center Cebu Mall
Ayala Center Cebu Mall, Lahug

3 . Cebu City --Crown Regency Cebu
Osmena Blvd

4 . Cebu City --I2 Point Cebu
G/F I2Point Building, Asiatown IT Park

5 . Cebu City --Paseo Center Cebu
G/F Arcenas Estate, Duterte Street

6 . Cebu City --SM Cebu - North ReclamationArea GF
GF SM Cebu North Reclamation Area

I realized...in Chateau

I realized that a wedding garden is such a romantic, sensual location for weddings. In Cebu, Chateau de Busay is now considered the most popular location for a perfect a panoramic outdoor weddings.

It's beautiful. Just last month I attended two weddings there and I can't help being blown by the dazzling ambiance. It's over looking the city, intimate, and again romantic.

Now, I am dreaming of a garden reception surrounded by lush calla lily flowers and butterflies as they float seemingly around my wedding guests. Sigh.

While seeing my best friend wed, I realized that Weddings can be like funerals, where people cry, not for ill feelings or heart aches but this time because of so much joy.

I realized, It's not also about my sundress which i know i looked fresh and summery that time but its actually about two people who weathered all storms in their relationship and finally decided to build a future together. That's love, that's courage

And that what makes Chateau de Busay extra special not just for both of them but for all of us their guests.

For inquiries,
Chateu De Busay
Lower Busay Hills, Nivel Hills, Lahug cebu city
231-2000
chateaydebusay@hotmail.com

Delicious SmackDown

I love hunting good restaurants to dine.
Pursuit of Delicious Foods is what I truly enjoy shared with loveones Just recently, I happened to dine in at Ila Puti in Sykes Building near Offroads.

I just love their rich serving and their wonderful delicious local cuisine. Plus the place is such a posh. It's supah clean, less people, and it serves fast.
I ordered pork and chicken adobo, 1 cup rice, adobong kangkong, baby back ribs, ice tea.

Such a delicious Smackdown! was happy. :-)

Hello and Good bye.

Mactan International Airport is a place that I never really thought I'd spend as much time as I do. Yes, because I travel most of the time. But there are some reasons why I hate it. It all comes down to "hello" and "good bye"

I've watched people say good bye, cling to each other, crying, holding each other. This is always the scene in the airport and this scene stays forefront in my mind throughout the day.

Today, I've seen myself crying, clinging, holding Lynette - extending my arms until the tips of our fingers are finally pulled apart. And this was inside Mactan International Airport.

Good byes are never easy. I hate it. And even while writing this, it set my heart pounding. I shared a life with her in Cebu and I know it will be very difficult not seeing her here. I will miss our afternoon badminton play, our loose talks on matters of the heart, our craziness and funkiness, our dates, our mall strolling, everything, everything in her.

It's true that I can still find lots of new friends here but finding TRUE one is really so hard.

Lynette :-)
I wish you well in the US. I will truly miss you,
Things wouldn't be the same without you here.

Let's meet soon, here...in the Queen City of South. OUR BELOVED CEBU.

What's in Florida that two of my bestfriends are there already? I miss Lottie, also.

Sinulog Festival Queen 2008

She was hailed the Festival Queen during the Sinulog Mardi Gra. She represented the Tribu Pintaflores of San Carlos City.

Her costume was really the most colorful and the loveliest. plus shes beautiful.
Indeed the Festival Queen.

another posh...

Posh Cebuana

Pagka-gwapa... Pagkatahum..

Nothing pleases a man more than to be thought fascinating...... and this woman is simply fascinating!

She won the recent Miss Cebu 2008 with her beauty and good advice.
When asked what advice can she give to Mayor Tomas Osmena about the Cebu's tourism " to have projects that will ensure the city's sustainable development.

Sian ELizabeth S. Maynard, the Miss Cebu 2008.
Age: 21 years old
Height: 5'6 1/2
She's currently staying in Talamban, Cebu.

Cebu, my Solitude

This is Metro Cebu. This is the view from where I am working.
Oftentimes you see me here screaming at the balcony of the 20th floor especially when I am fucked up.

So pardon me.

But this is the kind of scenery that sort of renews my spring. I usually feel good. just simply staring the whole Cebu. It makes me embrace solitude.

I keep my solitude because the more solitary I am the more affection I have for others

Cebu, my solitude.

Way to go, UC!

UC College of Law... the grueling home of my younger sister for 4 years now.
She is on her last year and hopefully marching this March 16.

Being a law student is not easy. I've seen my sister live in a cave where her law books and notes are her best friends. All those torts and bad lightning strike to her even when she is covered. There is no escaping the fact that a law degree is harder than most degrees.

But mind you, she is very proud of her school. Because....
It teaches her how to cover a number of different discipline within the law. The school is molding her to relish the challenge of legal analysis. And its only hope is for them to become great lawyers someday.

UC College of Law in Banilad is a new building created and opened last June 2002. It is a nine-story with the following:
• Fully-equipped computer laboratories
• Air-conditioned & spacious rooms
• AVR Room, Library and a Chapel,
• Open-air Canteen
• Speech, Physics and Chemistry Laboratories
• Drafting Room and Discussion Room
• Information Arcade within the Library
• Elevators
• SMART Lab
• Nursing Arts Lab
• Comp E/ECE Lab
• Physics/Chem Lab
• Chapel
• Canteen

Dako diay kaayo siya. I admit UC has improved really well enough not just in structure but most of its QUALITY.

Way to go University of Cebu College of Law!