The Year to Beat

Before the year/decade officially ends, let me greet everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Two thousand nineteen led a series of exciting and life-changing events, and we can't wait what this new year will bring us. All I can say is.. BRING IT ON!

Hacienda Isabella

My friend and I decided to make a quick side trip to Hacienda Isabella before going to our ultimate destination -- Camp Benjamin. Little did I know that she already made prior arrangements before we arrive, which was a good thing since reservation is necessary in order to visit the place.

The property is owned by popular singer Kuh Ledesma. Isabella is actually the name of her equally talented daughter.

The restaurant is open on weekends serving Kuh's own recipes. I heard she even attends and chats with her guests whenever she's in Hacienda.

Hacienda Isabella is a 4-hectare farm land that was transformed into a beautiful bed and breakfast place that's becoming an ideal wedding venue. And according to the staff who toured us, they are also hosting seminars and trainings for schools and companies here.

I love the relaxed and elegant vibe of Hacienda Isabella. Hope I can spend more time on my next visit and I will make sure to try their food offerings then because I heard it's superb!

Anyone tried it yet?

~o~o~o~

Hacienda Isabella
Carasuchi, Indang
Cavite, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 726-6485

#DexLizWedding

"Siya talaga ang ultimate crush ko nung high school." -Liz pertaining to her now husband, Dex.

HashtagDexLizWedding is probably the most fun and lovely wedding I've been to. Not only did I knew both of them since our high school days but we've remained friends even after we graduated, went to different universities and started working! As a matter of fact, they will probably look familiar to you if you've been reading this blog for a while because of the many occasions we've celebrated and places we've traveled in the past.

So after n years of being together (seven years ba Liz?) and more than a year of preparation, the love birds' dream wedding finally came true. And I am more than honored to be a part of their most-awaited day.

Liz and Dex chose the beautiful Caleruega Chapel in Batangas to tie the knot last May 18, 2013.

The bride and her dad lovingly made this wooden plaques for days that added charm and reminder to the simple yet tasteful decor of the chapel.

The invites said that the wedding will commence at exactly 2pm so anticipating that traffic will be horrible from Tagaytay City, we made sure to leave the hotel at least 30 minutes earlier. Good thing almost all guests thought the same way too.

The groom texting his bride:
"Bilisan mo!"

Here comes the bride..

The officiating priest entertained us with his wittiful insights on love, marriage and life and even sang two songs as a way of conveying his message to the couple. Along with their family and close friends, I laughed and I cried when they exchanged their vows for one another.

The moment we've all been waiting for -- "You may now kiss the bride."

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After the pictorial, we drove back to Tagaytay City for the wedding reception held at Villa Ibarra.

I know for a fact how Liz loves Hanson (I know, very 90's!) but marching to the tune of MMMBop was unexpected and very entertaining!

Food and drinks were overflowing. The buffet was very organized, the food were delicious and the waiters were very attentive the guests' needs. Kudos to Villa Ibarra team!

After the not-so-conventional program, which was not surprising as the couple is quite extraordinary themselves, the band started playing party songs and all of us were on our feet dancing the night away! It was indeed a fun and truly magical day not only for the couple but to us, their friends who have witnessed how they have loved and cared for each other all these years.

Love is patient, love is kind. 
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 
Love never fails. -Corinthians 13:4-8a

Congratulations to both of you! Seeing you guys together made me realize that great love really exists and patience is the key. *wink* Hope to see a new update on Facebook that your weeks of honeymooning here and abroad finally paid off! And sana nga kambal para twice the fun agad.

P.S. Kayo na talaga ang peg ko for life! See you guys soon!

Bridal Shower Dinner at Watami

My friend D + L tied the knot in the beautiful Caleruega Chapel in Nasugbu, Batangas last May 18. But before I share to you how fun the wedding was, let me tell you a little secret my girl friends and I did a week before L's big day.

Together with three more friends, we all met up at the Mall of Asia for dinner. Since we really had no plans for that early evening, I suggested for us to dine at Watami Japanese Restaurant. We were famished but still mindful that the wedding is in a few days time so we should be watching what we eat or it would be impossible to fit into the gowns we are supposed to wear.

On the table

Watami Salad - Php350.00 (Full)

My second favorite Salad in Watami (Ramen Salad still tops my list) is named as such -- Watami Salad. It actually felt like I was eating my main course because the Chicken strips and Shrimp were overflowing! The vegetables were really fresh as well.

Crispy Chicken Wings - Php195.00

I was being health-conscious (for that particular week at least) so I passed on this Crispy Chicken Wings. My friends said it was good which was evident on the bones I saw on their plates a good few minutes after.

Pizza Topped with Teriyaki Chicken - Php275.00

Whenever we dine at Watami, the staff always recommends for us to try their Pizza but we were always glued to their Sushi and Sashimi. This time around, the girls decided to order the one with the Teriyaki Chicken and it was really delicious!

Beef Sukiyaki - Php365.00

Another must-try in Watami is their Beef Sukiyaki. I love that it had lots of Golden Mushrooms and the broth was not overly sweetened.

Cold Soba - Php195.00

While the girls had the Beef Pepper Rice, I settled with the Cold Soba thinking I'd be eating less carbs compared to them. But lo and behold! Me, myself and I finished the entire serving while they shared one stone-pot full for the four of them!

The calm before the storm.

After dinner, the girls and I drove to the place where the big girls and gays frequent. But I would spare you the details since this blog is intended for readers of all ages.

What happens that night, stays that night! *wink*

~o~o~o~

Watami
2L Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia
Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 836-7141

Ash and Bhel: 11 Years in the Making

I've known the groom since I was in high school and even after graduation, we still kept in touch especially during birthdays, fiesta and other celebrations and later on with a pretty girlfriend in tow named Bhel.

Eleven years after being together, we got invited to the couple's wedding last July 18, the date of their anniversary.

The church wedding was held at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Kawit, Cavite.

Fresh white roses adorn the church -- so pure and so beautiful.

It was such a lovely and solemn wedding attended by family and close friends.

Our barkada (minus 9 guys and girls now based abroad) with the couple Ash and Bhel.

The groom's high school classmates

Congrats guys!

Reception followed at Portico de Cecilia also in Cavite.

I love outdoor receptions!

After a surprising grand entrance by the entourage and the couple, the guests were asked to have their photo taken with the newly-weds by table before proceeding to the buffet area.

The program commenced while the guests were having dinner. I love that the games are new and exciting!

The party ended with the couple having their first dance as husband and wife. Such a pleasant and romantic sight!

One last shot before going home. The group getting bigger and bigger -- literally and figuratively! *wink*

A Night of Love and Laughter at G Hotel

I was invited to a colleague's 25th wedding anniversary and renewal of vows last week at Malate Church which I failed to attend (I have classes every Saturdays now) so we just proceeded to G Hotel along Roxas Boulevard where the reception was held.

It was my first time in G Hotel and I must say that they do have a spectacular view of Manila Bay.

The bride's wedding dress and the groom's Barong Tagalog used 25 years ago was neatly kept and preserved!

It was an intimate gathering with just family and close friends -- an ideal wedding if you ask me.

Centerpiece

The tables are labeled with the key factors in having a successful marriage like Trust, Hope, Love, Support and many more.

Ladies at the Support table

A basket of hot and freshly baked bread was delivered to our table at once.

Bread and Butter

After showing the surprise video their kids prepared for the couple, the emcee announced that dinner is ready and we were instructed to go to the buffet table by batch.

On my side of the table

Potato Soup

Assorted Maki

Chicken Curry, Fish Fillet and Pork Steak

The fish fillet was a crowd favorite!

Chocolate Cake for dessert

Cupcake for souvenir

I love the contemporary design of G Hotel so a mini-photo shoot is in order.

It was indeed a night full of love, laughter and a lot dancing. The food was good, the program was fun and everyone was on their feet dancing the night away. It was such a great evening!

Again, congratulations to the newly renewed husband and wife and I hope to be a part of your 50th wedding anniversary and renewal of the renewal of vows! *wink*

~o~o~o~

G Hotel

2090 Roxas Boulevard

Malate, Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 525-0888