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.

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

Saved the date: December 20, 2013

Its here! Thanks to the gifted hands of a wonderful friend, Architect Joseph Macapagal, for our save the date invites! Time flies so fast and our big day is approaching! Nervous and excited! 

After I posted the save the date for about 6hours ago, I am overwhelmed with the responses and messages I received from my family, relatives and friends. Just want to say thank you for all the greetings! Do not stop praying for us not just for the upcoming wedding but also for our marriage life. 

Until my next blog for our guests! 

We Are The Champions!!!

On its 2nd year, once again Youth Alive Ministry took home the trophy for the InterMinistry Basketball League of Word of Hope Christian Ministries. Who says that you cannot glorify God through sports!!! I am blessed to see these young people dedicated their talents and time not just to play but to show how God used them through basketball.

Saan ka nakakita ng basketball game na walang nagmumura? Walang nagsusuntukan? Napipikon? At walang mga fans na nambabato ng kung ano ano sa court? Indeed! It was a great Christian basketball game. I am just wondering. Will I able to see this game in heaven? Imagining who will be the referree? 

It was a tight game between Children's Ministry and Youth Alive. Both team shows great talents and skills. Both exhibited attitude on how to handle the game. These men of God rocks the court with their own style of play. Both teams deserve to be on the championship. 

It was a crucial game for the first half and both teams never failed to give their audiences a lot of fun and heart breaking moments!!! Kanya kanyang cheer!!! Para lang kaming nanunuod ng NBA at PBA Finals!!!

The crowd went wild!!! 

To sum it all, the day ended with a swept victory by Youth Alive Basketball Team. Such a blessing to see this young people of God played!!! Keep it up guys!!! Continue to be a blessing!!! Continue to be the salt and light of this world for Jesus!!! 

Wedding Thoughts: Tantantanan!!!

Its been so long since the last time I wrote. Its been a busy past few weeks and a lot of things had happened. However I am grateful to our God for giving me the strength to endure. Its Monday once again!!! No time for Monday blues!!! I am so excited to share on how my 5 days short escape in the Philippines became extremely remarkable!!! Indeed, all comes down to one thing: I am getting married on December 20, 2013!!! No reason to hold back and I have 7months left!!!

The most significant event for the month of May: PAMAMANHIKAN. Before I tell you the rest of the story. Let me share to you a short background of what Pamamanhikan as part of Filipino tradition.

Pamamanhikan is when the guy together with his family (parents and siblings) visits the home of the girl, to formally announce his intention to marry the girl in front of his family. Sometimes, the pamamanhikan affair may also be done outside like in a reserved venue or restaurant. The guy would invite the rest of the important family members and make the announcement there. Once the family accepts, the wedding’s important details are settled at this point and become a family decision instead of the couple’s alone. These are common situations seen in Filipino weddings or any other important events in one’s life: any preparation and decision always becomes a family affair. (Excerpt from an article of myweddingph.com)

I am very grateful that my Nurse Manager allowed me a 5 days out of duty including holiday off. I am praying for it to come home since my dad justcame back from Bangladesh and he will stay 3weeks in the Philippines. When I received the good news I informed my parents I am coming back home and to my surprised my dad's leave was also extended. I also talked to my future father-in-law, Pastor Balista. We want to surprise Steve because we want to celebrate the day of his graduation but things does not work out according to the plan because he found out that I am going back home. 

Moving on! ^_^ 

Setting the date for pamamanhikan was not that easy. A lot of things need to considered. It was delayed for 2 days and finally a suitable date and time was scheduled. 

May 28, 2013(Tuesday):

We woke up early to go wet market. As requested by yours truly, I wanted a crispy pata and kilawin na tanigue for the pamamanhikan dinner. I am so blessed to have a very supportive parents. They bought more than what I expected. Being away from home, I miss Filipino foods so much!!! The dinner was set at 6PM but eventuallyy it was moved to 8PM because of the transportation coding system. 

I had a lot of plans for that night. I wanted to wear a nice dress and pair it with a comfortable sandals. I just want to look pleasant in the eyes of my family, to my future in-laws and to my future husband. Ayieeee!!! But then again!!! Epic fail!!! My youngest brother, Jay-R, suddenly exclaimed "Ate! Ate! Ate! Andito na sila Kuya Steve!!!" That's it!!! Nawala na ako sa sarili. Pabalik balik ako simula sa sala hanggang kusina. Just to check if everything is in good condition. Nakakanerbiyos!!! To the highest level!!! Magkakilala naman na ang mga magulang namin pero iba pa rin kapag ang pinag-uusapan ay pagpapakasal. Its good to see my future in-laws to have dinner with us. They brought pansit palabok, ginisang hipon(sarap nito!) at ang napakasarap na caldereta!!! Before the dinner, Steve invited the whole family and Pastor Balista started the night with a prayer. Here comes the groom, Steve. I am so proud of him that night. Sobrang blessed ako sa lalaking binigay ng Panginoon sa akin. He leads us that night. Very unusual. I am so happy to see him leading us. Before he ask my parents for approval of our marriage, he testifies on how the Lord blessed him before the year of 2012 ends. It was a remarkable December 2012 for us. Steve finished his studies last October 2012. He got the job last December 12, 2012. (Trivia: 12-12-12- supposed to be our dream date wedding but God has another plans for that day!) December 15, 2012 - we got engaged. It was very heartwarming to hear it from Steve. Then he cried. And I cried. It was tears of joy. God has been faithful to us. Even though there are times that we want to quit in this wedding preparation but still God keep on reminding us that He already prepared December 20, 2013 as our special day.

Hindi lang iyakan ang meron nung araw na yun. Nung nagtanong na si Steve kung papayag sila Papa at Mama sa kasal namin, the ice breaks.

Steve: Tito, I would like to ask your daughter's hand for marriage?

Daddy Peter: (Giggling) Kamay lang? Walang problema? Hahaha!

Steve: (Smiling) Syempre po buong buo ko po siya hinihingi.

Daddy Peter: Approved! No problem!

My Mom Rosie Marie also shared her insights and I am thankful she never stop supporting us. She is always there for us in good times and bad times. I am also touched by the words given by Tita Lolita, thank you for raising such a wonderful son. I admired Pastor Balista that night. He expressed his thoughts about how Steve consulted to him about marrying me. As a father, he wants his children to have the best in life. He was grateful that my parents welcomed Steve in our family. My heart was moved that night. I am overwhelmed on what is happening.

We talked about our brief wedding plans. From venue to catering, theme and motif, guests and entourage. It was such a nice time to see two families joined together. Our ring bearer, Shadrock, prayed for the food!!! Yun ang pinakahihintay ng lahat ang kainan!!! Aside from deliciously food, the night was so special because having the Balista in our place is like a home. It feels like home. We end the day with a prayer of thanksgiving and blessings led by Pastor Balista. 

It was a great day. God showed me how beautiful my wedding will be like. He give me a glimpse on how a wedding should be. Its about a celebration of love and thanksgiving. I am so grateful that everything fall into places as what God promised to us. 

What's next: Official wedding planning and preparation!!! Excited much!!!

MONDAY'S BEST: All About Weddings

Part of organizing my thoughts is to placed them accordingly. I decided to make Monday blogging related to weddings from proposal to planning to implementation and even thoughts about marriage.

One of my dream is to be a wedding planner. My imagination about planning a wedding could run wild as much as I can from fairy tale theme to jungle based theme! It was just a dream and now I am currently working as a full time Staff Nurse. However, I will always tell my friends that they could hire me as their wedding planner in the near future. By the way, the offer still good with no retirement.

It is every girl's dream to have a beautiful wedding, married to the man they prayed for. It is another chapter of every girl's journey. We will experience different season before we face the stage of married life. We will encounter a lot of adversity and endeavors along the way in finding true love. However, the assurance of God's guidance will always be there. 

I am not an expert when it comes to relationship but I have a God who is my foundation of love. There is a famous quote, "You cannot give what you do not have." The problem with today's world, we always searching for love and chase it but we must learn to appreciate what we have. We already have Jesus. All we need is to open our hearts and minds on how His love could satisfy us. Afterwards, we will learn how to love others without expecting in return.