01.30.11 - Supplier Experience: Cecilio Abad

Overall Rating: 5 - Personally, I would never understand how can a wedding gown cost so much. But at the end of the day, I'll forget about the price and just cherish how beautiful and perfect it was on my bride.

What we didn't like? Well, I always thought the gown was too expensive (ranges from P65K- P80K). But then again, I didn't pay for it so I guess I don't have any right to complain.

What we love about him and his works? On the first fitting, Joyce said that the fit was almost perfect already. By her second fitting, it was almost done. Joyce asked if Cecil can add more design on the tulle after the second fitting. By the third fitting, Joyce was satisfied with the gown already with only some finishing touches left undone. I didn't want to see the gown before the actual wedding, so I didn't join the fittings. 

The moment I saw my bride for the first time in the gown, it was perfect! The gown, the moment, the bride - everything was perfect. Everyone who congratulated us had beautiful things to say about the gown. They all loved it! I personally loved it on my bride. The first most important thing for was, Joyce was very happy with it. The second thing -- is how easy can it be removed after the wedding! ;)

WATCH: Steve Jobs shares his story to Stanford grads

Steve Jobs is probably one of the best story-tellers in the world. In his speech to Stanford graduates he shared three stories of his life. Simple stories yet truly inspiring.

Three life lessons from Jobs:

1. Connect the dots.

2. Find what you love.

3. Stay hungry. Stay foolish.

01.30.11 - Supplier Experience: JC Buendia

Overall Rating: 5 - I could definitely wear this suit to sleep!

What we didn't like? There's really not much I didn't like, the price I initially thought was a bit steep, but like I said, it was definitely worth the splurge.

What we loved about him and his works? It took me sometime before deciding on getting a designer to make my suit. But once I had my first fitting of the suit from JC Buendia, it didn't take long before I said to myself, "I LOVET!". I never regretted spending much on something I wear. It was elegantly classic! Though there were some adjustments needed after the first fitting, the fit eventually ended up perfect! The material looks nice and has a Php20,000 feel. 

As for our JC Buendia experience, well, despite his famed stature, he made sure he was there during my fittings. On my first fitting, we were told by his secretary that his mother was rushed to the hospital that morning, yet he found time to be there and see that everything went well. Truly very much appreciated. He's very soft-spoken and down-to-earth.

His secretary was very professional and follows-up on scheduled fittings and meetings. She also went out of her way to check what type of belt should we buy when we forgot to ask during my last fitting.

Contact Details:

Landline: 438-5449
Website: None

01.30.11 - Supplier Experience: Shimmer Events by Tin Abad

Tin (on the left) with her game face on

Overall Rating: 5 - Kept our sanity in check, definitely a great help who truly showed her love and concern to us.

What we didn't like? Well, there wasn't really anything that we didn't like as she met and even exceeded our expectations. From start to end.

What we loved about her? Forget about how relatively new she might be in the business, she's cool, calm, collected and detail oriented - traits of a really good coordinator! Without bias, I sincerely mean that.

Our first meeting was all about getting to know what services she provides for OTD coordination and going through contract details. At that point I didn't expect much since the meeting was simply about finalizing and signing of contract.

The next meeting we had was when she joined us to Tagaytay for our church interview and initial planning with Taal Vista. While waiting for our turn, she was already discussing with Haylene (person in charge of OLLP's weddings) some details for the ceremony. She also asked us some details we would want/need during the ceremony. We were quite impressed with her attention to details at that time already. So in succeeding meetings (we had about 2 more, I think), we weren't surprised if she had some new details to share with us.

With all the pressure and tasks needed to be done leading up to the wedding, she made sure that we are still sane before our 'I dos'. When we had problems looking for a bridal march song, she gave suggestions and even called our strings team to check if they have the song in their repertoire.

On the wedding day, as I panicked looking for the wines, she was cool as ice and handled the pressure with poise. Everything went smoothly, and ahead of schedule. In fact, our schedule was so relaxed, we had lots of time to shoot and even mingle with some guests before the reception. Whatever she projects, it was also reflected in her staff. Everyone made us the priority and really took good care of us.

Contact Details:
Mobile: +639154354442

01.30.11 - Supplier Experience: Taal Vista Hotel

Overall Rating: 4.5 - Everything you'd expect in a hotel, they have it. Staff were very friendly and service was very nice. If not for the room rates incident I would've given them a 5.

What we didn't like? As with any hotels, prices are quite expensive. The food was great, but I don't think it was anywhere close to being worth P1,350 per person. The rates of the rooms are expensive as well and I mean crazy expensive! The rates of their rooms start at around P5,000 and that's in the old wing. The new wing rooms are priced at around P6,000 above. 

Another incident that seemed to have stuck to me was when we found out that the room prices offered to us was more expensive than availing one of their promos. As part of their wedding package, they offered 20% discount for rooms to all of our guests. We eventually found out that availing the SM Advantage Card promo would save us a lot more. We would have appreciated it if they suggested this to us when we were booking rooms. In fairness to them though, they changed our bookings so we can avail cheaper room rates through SM Advantage Card.

What we love? Taal Vista's package included almost everything one would need for a wedding reception. Since we're booking two of their ballrooms, we got more than the original package. Aside from the complimentary 2-night stay in the Ambassador Suite, we also were allowed to bring in 10 bottles of wine free of corkage. The sound system was provided, but limited to only 4 instruments (a full band might not work best with their sound system), the wedding cake as well as any floral arrangements were part of their package.

As good as the package inclusions were, there was one thing that never made us think twice about Taal Vista - the mood lights in their new ballroom. As shallow as that might sound, but the lighting made everything look more beautiful and set a more romantic ambiance. We really didn't know what to expect as far as setup goes, so I'll let you guys be the judge with these pictures, but I personally loved it!

The food? Ours was good, even better actually than what we had during the food tasting and the servings were generous too! I heard as well that the cocktail food were 'sold like hotcakes'. Honestly, I loved the cocktail food more than the entrees!

The service? Our AE Janet was very friendly and accommodating. She was able to entertain all our queries and got back to me every time I requested for a return of call. During the reception, we were treated like king and queen by one of the head waiter. Oh, and one thing that struck to me most, was when we got back from the church, the staff were all smiles in congratulating us - something I thought was very nice.

01.30.11 - Supplier Experience: Flowers of May

With the beautiful photos finally in our hands, I'll be doing some post-wedding blog entries to reminisce and look back at how everything went on our big day! I'll kick things off with Flowers of May. 

Overall Rating: 4.5 - They know what they were doing! Flowers matched the motif perfectly! More improvement on customer service though.

What we didn't like? We got Flowers of May in one of the bridal fairs we attended. And after meeting Tess, one of their consultants, she promised to send us the quotations and the details of everything that we discussed. Unfortunately, it took a while before it was sent, we made a couple of follow-ups before we got the quotes.

Also, the flower on me seems to have wilted fast that I didn't bother using it during the reception already. Other than that, everything was good.

What we love? Being experts in flowers, Tess was able to visualize what works best for the bride's gown and the entourage's. We didn't have any idea which colors would match, so we relied on their expert experience. Unfortunately though, I was too caught up in the moment that I wasn't able to notice the flowers in the church and the reception, but looking at some pictures, I think they were lovely.

OMFG!!! I'm Gonna Be a Daddy!!!

Yes, you heard it right! Just a couple days ago, we found out that Joyce was about 5 weeks pregnant! And yes, I had the same reaction when I found out..."That fast?!" Well, as I said, these soldiers of mine seem to have been trained to be snipers, and snipers seldom miss! Somehow I was a bit surprised as well, but as it sunk in, I realize how blessed we are. Others spend almost their whole life trying to have a child, while we tried a few times and were gifted with one.

Learning about our little one gave me mixed emotions. A part of me is so excited, that until now, I feel giddy whenever the thought of having a child later this year comes to mind. I've always wanted a child of my own even before Joyce and I got married. So this somehow fulfills that wish (I want a couple more though). Another part of me is a bit nervous. Nervous about the hospital bills and the expenses that comes with being a parent.

Just the other night we tried to search for rates of how much a delivery of a baby costs, and it was overwhelmingly expensive (Price ranges from 80k-150k for a private room in MMC)!!! We initially considered having the baby in Lipa since it would most likely be way cheaper, but since we're here in Manila most of the time, it might be difficult to get an OB in Lipa.

Anyway, I realized that having a baby as a gift from above far outweighs the expenses we'll probably incur. In the end, we'll forget about those expenses and just be thankful that we were given the opportunity to experience the joy of having a child. I guess I'll just have to work smarter and find ways to compensate these expenses. 

If 2010 was great to me, 2011, I can say will be awesome! We're just on the first quarter and I've been showered with tremendous blessings already!