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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Quiet Moments with God: His Abiding Presence

Its been a very busy 12days vacation I had for the wedding preparation. Steve and I needs to settle things together. We want to accomplish everything accordingly. It is also our bonding time together. We are so blessed for the time we spent together. The only moment of rest aside from sleeping was at the car while he is driving and I am on a passenger seat next to him. Before we go out, we prayed together and declared greater days ahead. We also prayed for those people we met. Favor upon favor. Blessings upon blessings.

Steve stored playlist of praise and worship in a USB. He never failed to play it while we were on the road. It really soothes my raging spirit. Yes, I admit! Its been a stressful week. From squeezing out our creative minds for almost one year then time flies so fast that we only have 3months left for the wedding. From venue to caterers, engagement photo sessions to contract signing and marriage requirements. My personality as a perfectionist comes out. Its our big day, my wedding day and I want everything from small details to bigger one be extremely perfect.

On the other hand, Steve is exactly tremendously different from me. He is the coolest person ever I met. Define being cool? Relax in the spirit and he has the peace of God in his heart. Whoa! What a man! And I am blessed to have him. I thanked God for bringing him into my life.

Just want to share this song from Steve's playlist. Overflow by Israel Houghton.



I have learned that you cannot put God in a box. He is everywhere. Worship is not about music. Its about lifestyle. Worship is about a heart that never stops longing for God and thanking Him for everything not just in times of goodness but in times of trials and suffering.

Whatever situation you are into right now, let us declare how God will overflow His presence in our lives. His abiding presence that never left us.


Thursday, September 5, 2013

Wedding Path: CLUB BALAI ISABEL

Location: Talisay, Batangas

I dream of having a destination wedding in a garden or beach setting. 


People who were close to me really knows what are the prayers of my heart. During high school days, I always verbalized to my bestfriend(Chie Reyno) how I wanted to have a beach/garden wedding. Both of us even dream to become a wedding planner. 

It was a desire of my heart that the Lord has its own ways to fulfilled it. When Steve asked for marriage, the next question is where are we going to tie the knot? Steve knew that I wanted a beach/garden wedding and because he also loves the wonderful creation of this beaches, it was finalized to have a beach wedding.

The next puzzle is where? We thought of all the places we went for the youth camps and retreats. Steve and the rest of the team went to Subic, Zambales and Batangas. I was not around because I am working away from home. All I can do is to suggest and browse through the web possible wedding venues. They were two things we want to consider for the venue: the amount of venue fee and the comfort of travelling for ourselves as well as for our guests.

It was January 2013 but almost half of the venue were fully booked for 2013 calendar of events. 

Steve and the team went ot Batangas and they had fun searching the treasure island! The problem with this beautiful beaches were too expensive. Weddings nowadays is like business. Steve and I wanted to change that culture. We wanted to make a difference. I am so blessed that one of our Ninong go for extra mile to guide us and reminded us that this is just a one day event and you need to prepare after the wedding - marriage life.

I told Steve to visit Club Balai Isabel. I saw this wedding venue on a bridal magazine and asked him to check it out. On a beautiful Sunday morning, together with Ate Penny and Mariko a.k.a Switaii, they visited the place. For the whole day I did not heard anything from them. I am praying that day hoping something good will turn out because searching for a venue is very tiring and they have their own careers to look after. After the church service, I called Steve because i was so impatient waiting for his call. Then he break the good and bad news! The good news: beautiful place and the budget set for the venue is within the range! Switaii also verbalised that time, "Ate, as I stepped on to the designated area for wedding ceremony, I knew that this is the place God wants you to declare your vows." I am so happy to hear that but the other side of the coin. Two couples ahead of us inquired for the place and the same date also. During that time, Steve wanted to pay the reservation fee but he kept them on hold to pay courtesy for the two couples who inquired first. Then I told Steve no need to argue with them, "If God wants that place for us, He will do great things for us. If it is not for us then God has something greater instore for us." 

I know how does the two couples felt, it was also their dream to have a beach wedding. I do not want to be the cause of unfulfilled dreams. I just prayed that night not just for me but for the other couples. I prayed that God will place us in His will with a humble heart. 

The next day, the corporate officer of the Club Balai Isabel called Steve. She told him that the two couples cancelled the reservation. I am so blessed for the answered prayer. 

Club Balai Isabel: 
- Good for indoor and outdoor weddings.
- Can cater to 500 guests depends on what venue you will choose.
- Hotels/Villas for accomodation (they have promotions that will enjoy your stay not just the money)
- You can choose their own catering service or outside caterer services with fees. 
- The staff were nice and accomodating. 
- Not just that! I have a wonderful coordinator who knows how to deal with people! Thanks Ate Penny!!!

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV)


By the way, I visited the place last August. I am so overwhelmed with God's unconditional love that reminded me how great God is in my life. It was more than my expectations. As walked through the path leading to the Pantalan where I can see the silent waves of the lake and the magnificient beauty of Taal Volcano. How sweet it is to be kissed by the soothing breeze of the wind that keeps on telling me how God's grace brought me this far. I will be forever grateful and thankful. 

And the journey begins!


(Photo taken by Sir Jeric Lee)

I thanked God for the favor He brought me into my life and I am so blessed that my nurse manager allowed me to go on leave for 12days not for vacation but for my wedding preparation. 

Steve and I were having difficulties when it comes to execution of our wedding plans because of one main reason and that is the word DISTANCE. We wanted to plan our wedding together, visit places and attend wedding fair together however we were miles apart. It was not that easy. I always cries to God, talked to Him and just laid down everything what my desires are. God has been so patient with me and He is been so faithful. 

For 12 days of wedding preparations together with planning and execution. I am blessed to be surrounded by people God used to made this possible. For the next few days I will be writing and sharing to you how every pieces of the puzzle were fit together and made perfect by God. From engagement photo session to wedding dresses to venue and cateres and to every bits of this journey. This is also serves as a wonderful avenue for me to remind myself every now and then on how God orchestrated everything to made our love story as one of His best.




Tuesday, September 3, 2013

What A Fun Filled Day!!!

Finally its here!!! We received our engagement photos mailed by our photographer, Sir Jeric Lee. One piece of DVD disc with 600 photos. We need to choose 60photos for our guestbook! What made this elimination process very hard is that all the photos were great! No exact words could described how those images were captured. 

Here are some of the photos we would like to share. 

The theme of our engagement photo session is four (4) seasons of love. 

(A) Winter:


(B) Spring:


(C) Summer:


(D) Autumn/Fall


Thanks to the following production staff!!! Without you this will not be possible!!! Thank you Lord for giving us wonderful people. Steve and I feel so blessed and loved!!!

Hair and Make-Up Artist: Mrs. Hananeel B. Bercero by Lady Hana
Photographer: Mr. Jeric Lee
Videographer: Mac and Pau Videography with Mr. Macky Macapagal and Myles Capareda
Concept Director: Miss Jeah La Guardia
Production Assistant: Mrs. Rosie Marie Subrida, Mr. Otet Macapagal and Mr. Jonathan Bercero.

Location: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife, Ecopark and Centris