1st week in Manila...

I arrived in Manila on a Sunday, September 18th, barely 2 weeks before the wedding. I was so worried then thinking of the so many things left undone. Suppliers’ meetings were set even before I flew in.

We went to San Agustin Church come Tuesday for the canonical interview. A man entered the room without us realizing that it was the priest who will interview us. Well he didn’t look like a priest especially that he was in civilian clothes. He just asked a few things about the preparation. Then, told me the story of a show on television about a feud between a protestant and “iglesia ni kristo”.

I also had a fitting with Veluz that same day. It was my 1st time to have met her but it’s as if I’ve already known her for a long time. As soon as she saw me, she said… “Faye, ang payat mo! Patingin nga ng likod mo! (Faye, you’re so skinny! Can I see your back?)” She was telling me how the webcam can fool us that I look a little different in person. Then, she went saying… “I’m going to change the design of your gown whether you like it or not!” I didn’t even try at how the original design will look on me. Veluz folded the straps right away making the neckline lower and attached some strings to it. I was hesitant at first. I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable just because the marks in my back will be visible. Veluz kept on reassuring me that it looks nice. She also had to adjust my gown 3 inches down. Yes! I lost weight! Haha! More pictures here...

September 21st was when I had the trial make up with Jasmine Mendiola. Irvin and I went to Azta Salon in Metrowalk, Ortigas. We were a little early to make sure we won’t be late for our 11am appointment and also because we’re both not familiar to the place. As we were walking, a lady called me and it was Jasmine. Jeez! Imagine she recognized me even if it was just the 1st time for us to meet in person. Anyway, I had my trial. She used peach tones. I liked it actually! Ney, her hairstylist, fixed my hair. I didn’t like the 1st one he made on my hair. I told him I want something simple and clean. So then he made a soft looking chignon. More pictures here... We have met Mimi and Karl at around 2:30 PM for the pre-nuptial shoot. Eco Park is a nice spot. There were a lot of students that time undergoing their field trip. Mimi and Karl are nice. We’ve told them from the start that we’re not a natural actor. Irvin even told them they might have a hard time with us. I think they did but overall, it went on smoothly. Well, the pre-nup pictures turned out great.

It was my interview at the US Embassy the next day. Tension was high. Everyone was hoping I could get the visa. I was scheduled for a 7:30 AM interview. It even poured hard while we were still outside the gate. I just treated that as a blessing. Then, it was time. I was interviewed by an American guy who I think was more of the serious type. He asked for so many documents and there were some questions that have been raised repeatedly. Maybe he was checking for consistency. To cut the long story short, I got approved. Yey! I went back to Veluz in the afternoon for another fitting. It was ok but there were still some adjustments to be made. I also showed Veluz my trial hair and make up pictures. She suggested a different hairstyle which I actually wore on my wedding. And she was also honest enough to comment on the make up. She said a different shade might look better on me.

Irvin was wondering why we still need to meet Alex (our cake artist). In the 1st place, we’ve already agreed with the cake design, the flower decorations and the flavors. Anyway, we met him on September 23rd at 6 PM. Now the answer to our question is…he kind of lectures on how to cut the cake so it won’t fall and will look good on pictures, how to handle the knife, etc. He even gave us a sample cake. We literally practiced cutting it.

Then, I had my bridal shower that night. It was just a simple gathering. There were only 6 of us. We had dinner at Bon Appetit in Rustan’s, they gave some gifts, and we had coffee at Gloria Jean’s.

Come Saturday, September 24th, we went to San Agustin for our pre-cana seminar. It went on for almost 4 hours. The speaker was good. And I think everyone was attentive. Who wouldn’t be when the topic is about love right! I met Alynn and her husband, Nong-nong.

We had the rehearsal on the AM of September 25th. Wednesday, our coordinator, just briefly explained the entourage’s role/s. She basically taught them how to walk, how to hold the bouquet, how to put the veil and the cord, etc. Then, Irvin and his family came in the afternoon for the traditional ‘pamamanhikan’ (a tradition in the Philippines wherein the guy’s family formally asks for the woman’s hand in marriage). It was just a simple gathering aside from the fact that it was the 1st time for our families to have met. Yes he’s been my boyfriend for 11 years and 8 months but they have never met! Everyone enjoyed the food and we surely had a great time.

To be continued…