Happy Bundle, Happy CieLJ!

We know this treat is good for 4 people, but we EAT like 4 people, so just the same, we welcome McDonalds Happy Bundle!

There are 2 Happy Bundles available

Happy Bundle A (Php495)

Wedding Duties: Demoiselle D'Honneur

We’ve chosen our good friends to be part of our entourage. We love them to bits, especially now that we are in our psycho mode, they've been overly patient! 


I haven’t narrowed down the options for the bridesmaid dresses, but we definitely need to get this ball rolling. I even asked Stitch if she’s ok wearing a big flower for a skirt, hehe! Seriously, this design by Vera Wang is not bad.  

Wedding Duties: CieLJ's time to Suit Up!

Our well loved designer – Boy Kastner Santos, recently transferred his shop from Springville to a new site along Daang Hari. Our measurement date was moved from June to July (buti na lang!) because of his hectic schedule, and he was also in the process of transitioning to his new brand. Despite the heavy rain we drove to Cavite, and even got a tad lost, as we went past the building. 

Bagong bago ang office, naka-plastic pa ang mga gamit! But it’s definitely better, with more space than the old shop. It looked less crowded but still have that ‘small shop,’ ‘don’t be intimidated’ feel.   

Wedding Duties: Let's be Gym Buddies!

We finally joined the Shapes and Curvz Gym located in GA Tower 2. It's just a few steps from the Boni MRT station. Who knew that procrastinating will actually allow us to save. The monthly discounted rate was Php 1,600 instead of Php 1,900 when we inquired earlier this week, but 2 days after it went down to Php 1,400! Woohoo! 

That One Message

I’m not very good in keeping track of my phones. The batteries die, it’s just in my bag and always in silent mode that it’s making me miss some calls, I seldom get involved in back to back text messaging. I send a couple of replies and if it’s not resolved, I call. I guess I’m lazy in that sense. I’m sure if I’m not in a postpaid plan, not having ‘load’ will be listed along with my other mobile phone shortcomings. 

I was normal once; I was a text addict when I was younger, loved changing phones in the past, but when I joined the BPOs, slowly, I didn’t care about it anymore. It became more of a task, rather than a practical tool. I don’t tell people I’m home, I don’t text my cab details despite being told to do it. I basically run a lifestyle that has ‘no news, is good news’ for a mantra.

Last Friday, I was reminded why we need those mobile phones. I have a practical story and a scary story, I guess the universe just wanted to make sure that I get the point. 

Here’s the practical story – 

Flower Power

Ah! The search for that perfect bouquet. How hard can it be? 


Well it is, especially since there are just so many pretty choices. Haaay, I just can't make up my mind!


I told our wedding florist, Serge Igonia, that I'm not really that particular about the flowers, as long as maganda. I trust him completely, but of course I need to give him some idea what my preferred style is, what colors am I attracted to, and some sample arrangements that I'm drawn to. 


I tried to browse for photos, but Mr. Google just overwhelmed me, so I'll give it another couple of weeks before I'll force myself to choose.


Here are some photos of Serge's creations. He's also from San Pedro, and has been gaining popularity as a supplier because of his sampaquita arrangements. In fact, he's always being invited to style Malacanang during special occasions. 

Bridal Bouquets

Bridesmaids Bouquets

Sampaguita Bouquet

Aisle Decor

photos from SergeIgonia.com

Life as a Comedy

We’ve dedicated a couple of weeks to complete the church requirements. Who knew that such paperwork could cause this much anxiety? I was prepared to go through constant worry because of LJ’s documents, but I felt blind sided by the troubles caused by mine. 

Thank God for friends who helped us get through the strain! 

We also celebrated LJ’s birthday week as he inches his way towards the big 3-0, I can’t wait!   

One

Get Cie’s Confirmation Certificate – check! 

Mother of Good Counsel Parish

Rainy morning in Pacita

Altar of the MGC
Daddy's trademark ceiling design =D

Proud daughter of one of the architects =D

Two

Attempt to get a copy of Cie’s Baptismal Certificate – Fail! 

Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned/ Nuestra Señora delos Desamparados

OLA's Facade

Altar of OLA

Things didn't work out, so we decided to eat our sorrows away. 

Braved through the rains and went to YellowCab Eastwood

We got some good news that evening,

though not related to our papers, but it was something

that was truly an unexpected blessing

Three

Canonical Interview – check!

Mary the Queen Parish

paperwork! paperwork!

despite being nervous, we honestly enjoyed this

Four

Tummy Break - yahoo! 

Krispy Kreme

we felt we deserved a sweet treat... 

LJ partnered it with Pepsi Max for less sugar, LOL

Burgoo’s

we both loved our dinner that evening,

LJ had some pork chops,

I decided to go with the Cream Dory Milanese

it's true that during difficult times, 

the universe will always send something your way that will make you smile, 

make you appreciate the little things that you would otherwise ignore

there was this kid asking for money while we were riding the bus home

instead of the usual brown envelopes, 

she handed this...

we told the kid that it was a nice drawing, 

she offered to leave an envelope with us,

even picked out the nicest one

this is now in our vision board,
a reminder of simple kindness and generosity ",)

Five

Wedding Planning Mode – sows! 

Krispy Kreme

messy table, hard at work?

we stayed so long, we got the free donuts!

Six

Express Dinner – sa wakas! 

Goldilocks

just to make you understand the excitement,

LJ NEVER, EVER wants to eat here.

While I'm the ultimate fan of their dinuguan, 

so there, happiness! ",)

Seven

Movie Date – luv! 

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Best seen with our fave movie snacks, 

Tater's popcorn and Slammer Burgers!

We enjoyed watching this movie, 

even though I've never read the book, 

I'm no history geek, and 

vampire movies scares the heck out of me.

Eight

LJ’s Kumpil Express – check!

thank you to the Ninong and Ninang. ",)

LJ’s Confirmation Certificate for Marriage purposes – Fail! 

Shrine of St Michael and the Archangels

we need to go back to add the annotation, 

we just need LJ's updated baptismal cert... 

haaay... church requirements...

to read more about getting your confirmation 

done in the Shrine of St Michael, click here

my cousin also got confirmed that day, 

they will get married this November, yey!

Nine

LJ’s Birthday Celeb – busog! 

Yakimix 

Ten

LJ’s Birthday Gift(s) – check! Dapat lang! 

with our bears as gift 'bearers' =p

ayaw daw nya laman nito, weh?! =D

guard asked if para sa bata,
tagal ko nakasagot ng...
'umm, pwe...de?'
pinoy henyo lang! =D

Eleven

Subic Bound – byahe tayo!

Olongapo/Subic Freeport

to read about our Byaheng Norte, click here

rest stops always excites me. Food!

Twelve

LJ’s Birthday Dinner – yum!

Fridays, Harbor Point

This almost didn't happen because of the bad weather that evening.

We were soaked to the bone, and the rain just didn't want to give any sign of giving up.

Buti na lang nagsawa, we were able to walk to Harbor Point before it closed.

The mall closes at 9pm, but some of the restaurants are open till 11pm. 

We had some Quesedilla, and Adobo.

Thirteen

Great Hotel Find – super check!

Mango Valley, Subic Freeport

You can read more about the rooms here, and in Trip Advisor

We passed by San Roque chapel inside Freeport.

It will be great for intimate destination weddings.

Fourteen 

Burger Craving – juicy!

Meat Plus Café, Subic Freeport

Meat Plus Burgers
two thick US Beef patties, with fries on the side

mashed potatoes
ordered additional carbs for the long day ahead

Fifteen

PX Goods Window shopping – isa syang grocery, LOL!

Freeport Exchange Duty Free Shop

sugar free juice mix for LJ to try

LJ wanted me to try Icee
hopefully they taste as good as he remembers them. 

Sixteen

LJ’s baptismal certificate – semi-fail!  

St Anthony de Padua

Nanay Lita was very nice and offered to send the docs via courier.

Seventeen

Homeboud – pagod! 

It was a weekend of pure chaos. We laughed, felt sad and cried 

(Well I did, LJ sort of umm, stared? LOL!)

but we eventually felt happy that it happened. 

This experience made us learn to draw strength from each other,

handle difficult situations with patience,

and most importantly, appreciate the simplest gesture of kindness.

It's a small reality check that you may not be the center of the universe for everyone, 

but at least you are the most important person to one. 

An affirmation that for every disappointment that happens, 

there will always be a blessing that follows...

something that can even be better. 

"Things happen for a reason," was our mantra for the week. 

With the help of friends, we think we can handle a tad more of this insanity. 

",)