Time flew by when we were still planning our wedding, and now that it is done it felt like time flew even faster. I can't believe we'll be celebrating our half-year anniversary in about two weeks!
And because I want to retain the memories and have something to look back to when we are older, I would like to dedicate some posts to document how we prepared for our wedding. With these posts I also aim to share the spotlight with our wedding vendors who helped turn our vision into reality. We couldn't have had the most beautiful wedding without their help ♡ I also hope to help future brides out there who might stumble upon these posts.
We are starting this series of wedding posts with my fairy hair godparents Jude and Rose of JuRo Salon Exclusif. A quick search in this blog will lead you to other hair makeovers they did with me in the past.
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| With Miss Rose and Sir Jude |
Sometimes I look at my salt and pepper hair and think I look chic especially with that streak of white hair in front, but most of the time I feel blah and wish I could regain my raven black hair from my youth.
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| The BEFORE photo |
No thanks to genetics, my gray hair is here to stay, but for my wedding wherein I wanted to look and feel my absolute BEST, Sir Jude and Miss Rose came to the rescue and gave me my most amazing hair makeover yet.
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| Me in one of JuRo's magical chairs |
I went to JuRo exactly a week before our wedding and was treated to a precision haircut c/o Sir Jude, a luxurious nano hair treatment, and a custom mauve caramel balayage c/o Miss Rose.
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| The AFTER photo |
I felt MAGICAL! It's amazing how much impact beautiful hair has on one's self esteem! I was ready to get married right then and there! I felt and looked my absolute BEST on my wedding day even though I didn't get to sleep properly the night before and had jitters the whole day, thanks to Sir Jude and Miss Rose, our derma treatments c/o J's derma aunt Tita Gel, and my HMUA team who I will talk about on a future post.
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| After my JuRo Salon makeover, we met up with my Man of Honor Ed for dinner and for a quick visit to our wedding venue. I remember that night as if it was yesterday. Fun day even though we had a million things left to do. (ღ˘⌣˘áƒ¦) |
Prior to my JuRo appointment, J and I paid them a visit for a quick consultation so the duo could already conceptualize what to do with my hair. It's been almost six months now and even though my stubborn gray hair has appeared yet again, my hair still shows hints of my custom hair color and I am still in love with it. ♡
TL;DR, I could never recommend JuRo Salon Exclusif enough and will endlessly sing them praises to everyone who would listen. Sir Jude and Miss Rose have magical hands and eyes and will make you feel your absolute best after your visit. Watch my Reel here.
Name: JuRo Salon Exclusif
Location: Kensington Place, Taguig, Philippines
Price available upon request
Set a free consultation by messaging them on Instagram.
Even when I was still living alone after moving out from home, one of my favorite errands has always been doing shopping for groceries. Walking across the aisles with my cart in tow, comparing brands and prices is therapeutic for me. Now that J and I are married, it's even more convenient because the errand is halved between us; we have a Shared Note on our iPhones with a list that we tick off every time we cart an item, plus I now have someone to carry heavy grocery bags for me. He also does an excellent job of monitoring our purchases by keeping a close watch on his credit card statements.
Yesterday I went to a next level affair to celebrate the launch of the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya at Landers Arca South, and I had so much fun saying hi to people and catching up with friends old and new! J had work so I took my mom-in-law Mommy Judy as my plus one because I knew she would enjoy the event and the grocery shopping after.
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| With Mommy Judy |
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| With Ashley, Nikki, and Ava |
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| With Ashley and Ruth |
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| With Ruth, Ashley, and Seph |
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| With Angelu |
During the event, we were shown a cooking demo and a mixology demo with ingredients shopped from Landers on the day! And of course, we were given a special presentation on the perks of using the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya and why you should get one.
With the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you literally get cashback e-ve-ry-where! 3-5% at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% everywhere, it is simply a card that gives you a portion of your money back every time you use it. Can't beat it! What's more, this credit card also serves as your membership ID for Landers, so you can do your grocery runs in their expansive aisles with their wide selection of goodies and necessities in peace. We were only able to shop a bit as we needed to get home before rush hour, but I really liked my haul and I am so excited to bring J there.
Convenience is also at your fingertips when you avail this card because everything can be done using the Maya app. You need to freeze your card a bit? Do it on the app. You need to activate your card? Do it on the app. You need to pay your bills? Do it where? On the app.
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| One of the goodies I brought home is this whole Landers Signature Roasted Chicken Biryani and it's so yummy I will make sure to grab one again when we go back. |
Happy grocery shopping! (ღ˘⌣˘áƒ¦)
Know Your Budget
Once you’ve got your budget, you’ll find it much easier to search for a home because you can narrow things down and you’ll have fewer options. That might not sound great, but when there are so many homes to choose from, easily creating a shortlist is going to save a lot of time and stress!
Different home styles offer different things, so think about what matters most to you and that’s another handy way to whittle down the list. Are you someone who needs plenty of room for their hobbies, for example? Do you like a minimalist lifestyle with less to clean and keep tidy? Do you want outdoor space or would you prefer not to worry about it? All these questions and more will give you the results you need to find the home that ticks all the boxes.
One option to consider that might not have come to mind but that could be ideal would be a mobile home. Take a look at mobile homes for sale and you’ll see that many of them are in communities with shared facilities and amenities so the upkeep isn’t so difficult, and they’re both comfortable and affordable, so they could be just right.
Explore Neighborhoods
Your home’s location is something that’s sure to have a huge impact on you, so as well as looking for something in budget that’s the right size and has all the right components, you’ll need to consider where the property is as well - it’s not use finding a wonderful property if it’s in a neighborhood you don’t like or that has a bad reputation or that’s far away from where you work and so on. It just doesn’t make sense, and in the end you’ll be unhappy with your choice.
That’s why it’s a good idea to research and explore all the areas you’re considering before you make any final decisions. Do as much research as you can to find out about the things that matter to you, like public transport, schools, shops, road networks, crime rates, and so on. In that way, you’ll be sure of making the right choice, and with a purchase as large as a property, that’s crucial.
The Beach House is the newest café/ hangout spot in Kapitolyo
23 October 2024 Kapitolyo, Metro Manila, Philippines
One of the coolest things in life is seeing your friend's dream come to life. I am honored and stoked to be there during the very early days of The Beach House and be privy to how my friend Sarah saw her vision through.
From planning to scouting the perfect spot in Kapitolyo,
to online window-shopping furniture and decor to early taste-tests,
to focus group discussions turned chika sessions --- what a beautiful process to witness!
Congratulations, Sarah and team! My husband and I can't wait to visit again soon! ♡
Friends, if you are looking for a new café or a cool new spot to hang-out in, or if you are a WFH corporate slave like me who likes to work outside their home from time to time, come check out The Beach House. They are located in 11C East Capitol Drive, Pasig City, Philippines, or you may just look for The Beach House Kapitolyo in Waze. They are open every day from 9AM to 9PM. Aside from coffee and snacks, you may also get your favorite Beach Born products there or have your bottles refilled. There is also Monkey on 3rd at the third floor if you like your drinks a bit on the stronger side ;)
Hope to bump into you at The Beach House one of these days!
Experience a burst of color and a bunch of delightfulness as two brands with rich heritage come together to introduce a one of a kind sweet treat experience. Krispy Kreme Philippines brings Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Doughnuts, a great celebration to cap off the doughnut brand’s 87th birthday since it was founded in 1937. ♡
Here's a sneak peek into the delectable lineup:
Hello Kitty Doughnut: The all-time favorite Sanrio character comes in the most lovable present made with a ring doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with apple-flavored chocolate, topped with sprinkles and Hello Kitty candy topper. This is my favorite!
Kuromi Doughnut: It isn’t always a dark day with Kuromi when you bite into a ring doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with cotton candy-flavored chocolate, topped with sprinkles and Kuromi candy topper.
Cinnamoroll Doughnut: Voted #1 in the recent Sanrio Character Ranking Contest, this charming character is paired with an adorable doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with bubble gum-flavored chocolate, topped with sprinkles and Cinnamoroll candy topper.
Pochacco Doughnut: This cute and lovable pup is represented in an equally cute treat in a ring doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with honey dew-flavored chocolate, topped with sprinkles and Pochacco candy topper. A sweet treat for Pochacco, our sweetheart.
My Melody Doughnut: All hail to our favorite pink princess that matches the energy of a pink party doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with strawberry chocolate, topped with sprinkles and My Melody candy topper.
Pompompurin Doughnut: This little ball of sunshine brings in a gift that will make you feel the sweetness of a warm day in a ring doughnut dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with banana-flavored chocolate, topped with sprinkles and Pompompurin candy topper.
It was a purrfect launch event as Sanrio fans got together and enjoyed the Krispy Kreme x Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Photo Zone in Krispy Kreme's SM Mall of Asia Fresh Shop to celebrate this collab!
Time to get your hands on this cutie collection for Php70 per piece. Complete the whole Sanrio experience with a limited edition Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary doughnut box of 6 for only Php420.
Enjoy this #SpotHappy surprise via dine-in, take-out, Curbside® and in-store pick-up, drive-thru, or through their delivery channels:
● 🖱 Order Online
● ☎️ Metro Manila Hotline at 888-79000
● 🛵 GrabFood, FoodPanda, Pick.A.Roo, OrderMo, and Groover.
Terms and conditions apply and these limited edition cuties will not be available forever, so make sure to grab your favorite Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary doughnuts while they last!
Interrupting wedding-related posts to share news from our blog's friends. :)
Check the Vehicle
First step is to check the vehicle’s current condition. This includes engine, transmission, brakes, tires and overall body condition. Knowing the major issues upfront will help you estimate the cost and time needed for the remodel. A vehicle with a good engine and transmission is better as these are expensive to repair or replace.
Budget and Timeline
Once you’ve checked the vehicle, set a realistic budget for the remodel. This budget should include cost of repairs, upgrades and cosmetic enhancements. Also set a timeline for the project, so you can complete the remodel as soon as possible to minimize holding costs and capitalise on market demand.
Fixing Mechanical Issues
Start by fixing any mechanical issues. A good running car is key to attracting buyers. Basic but important tasks like oil change, filter replacement and fluid check are a must. If the vehicle has major mechanical problems, consider if it’s worth fixing. Sometimes it’s better to sell the car as-is if the repair cost is too high.
Interior
The interior of the car is key to making a good impression to potential buyers. Start with a deep clean, remove all dirt, stains and odors. Shampoo the carpets and seats and use specialized cleaning products for the dashboard, doors and other surfaces. Replace worn out floor mats and add seat covers to make the interior look better. If the car has outdated or broken components like radio or aircon, consider upgrading to modern standards.
Exterior
The exterior is the first thing buyers see so make it look as good as possible. Start by washing and waxing the car to make it look fresh and shiny. Fix any dents, scratches or rust spots. Depending on the condition, you might need to get professional paint touch-ups or a full repaint. Add custom vinyl stickers to make the car look more appealing and stand out in the market. These stickers are a cost effective way to give the vehicle a personalized touch without breaking the bank on paint jobs or custom bodywork.
New Tires and Rims
New tires and rims can make a big difference to a car. Buyers perceive vehicles with new tires as well maintained and more reliable. Choose tires suitable for the car’s make and model and stylish rims that match the overall look of the vehicle. This upgrade not only looks good but also improves the car’s safety and performance.
Detailing for Maximum Impact
Professional detailing can make a car look like new. Detailers will clean every inch of the vehicle including hard to reach areas. They will polish the exterior, clean the engine bay and condition the interior surfaces. While this service costs money, it’s often worth it as it increases the car’s value big time.
Marketing and Selling
Now that the car is remodeled, it’s time to market it. Take good quality photos of the car from different angles, highlighting its best features. Write a detailed and honest description including the upgrades and maintenance done. List the car on online platforms like AutoTrader, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Also consider traditional methods like putting a “For Sale” sign on the car and park it in a busy area.
Price it Right
Price it competitively based on the car’s make, model, condition and market demand. Research similar cars in your area to get a fair price range. Be prepared to negotiate but have a bottom line in mind so you still make a profit.
Close the Deal
When a buyer shows interest, be transparent about the car’s history and the work done. Offer a test drive and answer all questions honestly. Once a deal is agreed, make sure all papers are in order including the bill of sale and title transfer. Accept secure payment methods to avoid scams.
One of the things my husband (I'm still not used to calling J my husband, yet whenever I do I can't wipe this stupid grin off my face heh) and I are considering is investing on solar panels, but first we need to figure out where we will live long-term. We are currently based in the South, but it might be cheaper to live in the North. We''ll figure it out soon, but in the meantime it is good to know that more and more Filipinos are becoming more aware and switching to sustainable energy.
Filipinos can say goodbye to skyrocketing electricity bills and unreliable power thanks to a brighter, more affordable future powered by solar energy, according to renewable energy expert Ping Mendoza. Mendoza's endorsement of solar energy follows YouTuber Oliver Austria's video, "Is Solar Worth It in 2024?", which explores the numerous benefits of harnessing the sun's energy.
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| Oliver Austria uncovers the potential of solar energy in his “Is Solar Worth It in 2024?” YouTube video |
Solar Energy: Illuminating the Philippines’ Brighter Future
Austria’s video, “Is Solar Worth It in 2024?”, breaks down the process of solar energy, highlighting its simplicity and effectiveness. He emphasizes that solar is the most cost-effective and reliable electricity source in the Philippines, perfectly suited for the country’s geographical location with abundant sunshine year-round.
Mendoza concurs, stating that solar energy is a clean and abundant renewable resource. Sunlight activates silicon within solar panels, generating electricity for household use. He assures Filipinos that solar installations are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for homes nationwide.
“Thanks to our country’s proximity to the equator, we have consistent sunlight throughout the year and across most areas in the country”, the expert added.
Beyond Coal: A Cleaner, Greener Future
Despite its suitability for solar, the Philippines still heavily relies on coal, a source of concern for Mendoza and Austria due to its environmental and health drawbacks.
“Coal and other fossil fuels are very unstable sources of energy because we could run out of coal [any time],” shared Austria. “Kasi kung nakita niyo naman, nagkagera lang sa ibang lugar na malayo sa atin, tumataas na agad ang presyo ng langis at coal. At dahil dyan, pati na rin ang kuryente natin. So that’s why I love renewable energy, specifically yung solar kasi walang may control sa presyo niyan.”
Embracing solar energy means harnessing a resource that is always present and beyond the control of market forces or geopolitical tensions. As Austria aptly put it, “The sun is always here for you," highlighting the dependable nature of solar power and its potential to transform the country’s energy landscape.
Coal-fired power generation also releases harmful carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change. Additionally, coal storage and combustion produce fine ash that pollutes the air, posing health risks.
Embracing the Sun: Affordability and Getting Started
The negative impact of coal makes switching to solar an attractive option. But is it affordable, and how can Filipinos get started?
Austria's video delivers positive news: solar energy is more accessible than ever. He showcases practical solar-powered products like power banks and lights for those starting small. For those considering installing solar panels, a return on investment can be achieved within just five to six years.
Mendoza reinforces this point, explaining that solar solutions can be tailored to fit different budgets and energy needs. Selecting the right system size for your home is crucial, with the potential to slash electricity bills by 30-50%. While the initial cost can range from 150,000 to 250,000 pesos (depending on the battery), the investment often pays for itself within three to six years in many parts of the Philippines.
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| Photo Credit from Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities |
Expert Tips for Going Solar
Mendoza advises homeowners and communities to assess their daytime energy consumption before making the switch. Solar power is most efficient when tailored to daytime usage, eliminating the need for batteries in areas with a stable power grid. This approach also ensures the quickest return on investment. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a reputable installer with a proven track record, as solar systems are designed to last 25-30 years. Strong after-sales support is crucial for long-term satisfaction and system performance.
For finding the right supplier, Mendoza suggests checking out Yuda.com.ph, a valuable resource for comparing installers and their offerings. The website provides detailed information on pricing, products, and services, allowing you to make an informed decision that best suits your requirements and budget.
Mendoza encourages those considering solar to explore grid-tied systems with net metering, a program under the Department of Energy's Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Net metering allows homeowners to sell excess solar power back to the grid, offsetting the cost of electricity purchased from the local utility when solar energy falls short. This setup offers the most cost- effective solution for solar adoption, providing the quickest return on investment and significant savings on electricity bills.
Take the next step towards a brighter future – watch Oliver Austria's YouTube video on transitioning to renewable energy. #LetsGoRenewablePH, one solar-powered product at a time.
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| Photo by Ganap |
One year of planning and daydreaming will almost come to a close. We're getting married this month! ♡
I had a different kind of celebration for my birthday this year.
One of the things I was looking forward to since we got engaged was the bridal registry. I love receiving presents and although I am always ecstatic over receiving surprise gifts, there's just something about being gifted an item that you know you really like, so suffice it to say I am a fan of wish lists.
For my 38th birthday, J and I set an appointment with Rustan's Weddings & Beyond to choose items to include in our wedding registry. We actually tried to register back in September but we were advised it is better to return at least two to three months before our wedding to ensure availability of the items, especially since Christmas season was coming and stocks might run out. We went back last month, and chose April 6 as our appointment date.
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| We were assisted by Miss Ailene of Rustan's Makati |
Since J and I have already built our life together, we actually have almost everything we need so it was a bit challenging to think of what items to add to our registry. We would love contributions to our honeymoon fund, but we also understand that some people would prefer to pick out presents. The bridal registry is a great way to ensure that we really get items we need and that we do not get multiple duplicates of the same item.
Each appointment runs for two hours, so it would be helpful to go around the department store prior and make a mental list of the items you feel you would want to add. To be honest, I imagined the scene to be like in the movies wherein we would be given a scanner and we could just scan the barcodes of the items we want, but Miss Ailene actually accompanied us during our session so she could take photos of the tags of the items we liked, together with our chosen quantities. This method also works because it felt like we had a personal shopper throughout the process, and Miss Ailene was also able to offer advice regarding the products as well as helpful suggestions.
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| We forgot to take photos dueing our session so here's me deciding between luggage colors. |
Whoever avails gifts from our bridal registry are entitled to 10% discount, while J and I could enjoy 10% discount to regular-priced items in Rustan's up to six months after the wedding. Amazing deal!
Aside from one tiny thing that everything is done manually in that you have to get in touch with them via Viber as opposed to say getting on the website and entering a code to see what's available to purchase for the couple, I'd say the process is pretty seamless. The shop assistants in Rustan's Makati were also very helpful and accommodating, while Miss Ailene is quick to answer whatever questions we might have in our Viber group chat. 10/10 would recommend this experience. :)
And because it was my birthday, J INSISTED on getting me another gift aside from the DIY Monica's Apartment kit he already got me.
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| Get you a guy who treats you SO WELL all other guys pale in comparison |
When we got home, we were also able to add more items to our registry by checking the website and noting the product names and product URLs.
65 days to go. ♡
It's past midnight and I should be sleeping as tomorrow is another busy workday but we just got the analog film photos from JP of Film8 for the prenup session I won from a giveaway, and I am filled with butterflies.
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