Food Tasting - April 17, 2010

Exactly 8 months before the big day, we had our food tasting in One Tagaytay Place. We scheduled the activity around 11AM so we have enough time to savor the food and the azalea resto wouldn't be crowded yet. H2b and FMIL(future mother in law ^_^) arrived early, we're a few minutes late due to traffic and road developments in south super highway, i hope that would be fixed before December or else our guests will have to schedule 2 hours travel time to Tagaytay, Mama, Sam and Gab was with us so the whole gang is present.

Upon arrival, we we're lead to a small and private room assisted by the Banquet Manager, Marivic and the ever attentive Capt waiter, Ariel. They greeted us with the first dish, the soup, we chose pumpkin because we had a preview of its taste during our first dine at Azalea and we loved it instantly. I forgot to take pictures of each dish served as we were too engrossed with the tasting, feedback and will-be-presentation of each but I was able to capture the complete serving: salad, assorted cold cuts, green beans, pasta marinara, poach fish and roasted chicken. We had minor comments on each serving, as the taste is already neutral; my taste bud is on the saltier side so I think all of it lacks salt hehe. The dessert, frozen layered mango, is the one I’m quite hesitant of. It’s not that sweet though I feel it’s too normal, though I am still working on something for the dessert it would still be best if it’s out of the ordinary.

Pumpkin soup

cold cuts, salad, veggies, pasta, fish and chicken

After the food tasting, we met the cake supplier – Sweet Solutions Café is the accredited bakeshop of OTP based in Imus, Cavite. Our AE for SSC, Sharon, bought some brownies and mini cake for taste test. I love everything she brought, the brownie and carrot cake is moist enough and not too sweet, just the way I like it (sugar free please!). We had a few requirements for the cake but right then and there she called the owner and confirmed that all requests can be done. Super happy! So far no additional charges, since we’re ok on the 3^rd layer to be the only edible part. I have to send her our inspiration cake though and the topper we want.

brownies and mini carrot cake

To make our day even more productive, we met the Bridal Car supplier after SSC. Galing ng OTP AE ko on scheduling, one stop! Robert himself from Don Robert bridal car is the one who met us, Jemike - my h2b, primes the meeting since it’s ‘car talk’ anyway, he showed us the cars left for Dec 17 because most of the vintage cars are already booked! My h2b is choosing from Austin or Mustang, the limo is very nice also but I think it’s too much already. My h2b even requested to Robert if he can drive the Mustang after the ceremony, Robert gladly said yes. H2b became even more excited but photo-op wise, the Austin will stand out totally! We will just check our budget sheet and if it’s still on the green zone then it’s a go for the Austin.

We were supposed to visit the ballroom again so my FMIL can see it but there’s a corporate event ongoing. Good thing we went to the 3^rd floor because there are new stuff there that we can use for the wedding set-up. As for the feel, Tagaytay during summer is supposed to feel like a bit of summer, but earlier it’s already cold and windy and we can’t imagine what it would feel like during December.

It was a tiring and yet productive day spent with our beloved moms who shared their precious time doing some wedding preps activity with their panganays. Thanks Mama and Tita Austre!

an early year-ender part 2

I'm glad that I was able to do the 2nd part before the year ends, or otherwise it wouldn't be appropriate to use the early year ender title. The 2^nd part covers our nth visit to Tagaytay for the church choir and a meeting with the OTP FB Manager.

I woke up early on that warm day of November 29^th, sent an SMS to Rins and called h2b. Meeting place is at Starbucks 6750 and call time is 7AM unfortunately I got there almost 8AM (thanks to the external HD that was missing and took x hours off my travel time).

Heading to Tagaytay from SLEX is a breeze but since it’s a long weekend (Nov 30 is a holiday) Tagaytay proper welcomes us with a heavy traffic.

On the way to Tagaytay, pictures pictures at the gas station. H2b pissed-off at the traffic hihi and adik friend Rins working inside the car.

We weren’t able to start the 10AM OLLP mass, but were able to hear the Lourdes Tagaytay chorale sing. After the mass, I approached the choir coordinator and talked to her about the possibility of getting them for the wedding ceremony. The conditions are acceptable, the peso power is more than reasonable and so I asked the coordinator to pencil booked our date. One month before Dec 17, we need to go back, meet with them and finalize the song list. For those interested to contact them, here’s their multiply site: http://ltcg.multiply.com/ they do accept wedding from Calaruega, COTH and different areas of Cavite.

After that very short meeting, we attended the 11:30 AM mass then headed to OTP for the complimentary lunch and meeting with the FB Manager. The FB Manager greeted us when we arrived and had asked their head waiter to take care of our late lunch; they prepared 3 meals instead of 2 with no additional cost to us. The meal was filling and started off with a pumpkin soup (i love this!), grilled chicken with steamed veggies and fruits for dessert. After the tasty lunch, we re-visited the Aurora Ballroom accompanied by the OTP head waiter. When we got to the place, we were able to envision the set-up of the venue and thought of other stuff we can include to perk up the place. We pretty much covered everything and just needed a confirmation from our AE and the FB Manager.

The width of the hallway going to the ballroom

The cocktails area, in case we will have one.

Convy of our options.

We met the FB manager after the ballroom inspection and were very pleased with all his suggestions/recommendations for the reception, these are those that we know of but were thinking it may add up on our cost fortunately he gave it at to us for free! I gladly jot down these suggestions and was already thinking where we can include this in the program. We also cleared up the inspiration setting we sent him for the ballroom and I'm so happy to know that it was all doable. Yippeee! I just hope that he can deliver, we will see then. We ended the meeting with an agreement that he will get back to us on our requests.

And we mean business... hahaha serious!

After OTP, we went to Rowena’s since I can’t go home without my blueberry tart cheesecake (yummy!). It was a long day indeed and so we decided to chill out for a while at Starbucks Paseo de Sta Rosa, of course coffee is on me for being late ^_^ still its great to relax after a long and very productive day.

an early year-ender part 1

It's a month away from 2010 and yet I'm already writing on my year-ender accomplishments for the wedding preps. I feel that we have accomplished a lot in the past 3 months, actually we've covered around 70% already ^_^ super glad that I have a very cooperative h2b! So how was the month of November after the proposal? Check out our weekly accomplishments:

November 14 - H2b and I invited my dad for dinner at House of Wagyu in Podium, it's the day we will ask for his blessing. While waiting for our dinner i started talking and talking and talking to ease things up and make them both comfortable with each other. After a sumptuous dinner of pumpkin soup, baked oysters, salad, wagyu steak and seabass h2b started the talk about our plan to get married. My dad has a hint already and so was just waiting for us to tell him ourselves. He even suggested ninong and ninong for our wedding. I really appreciate how he welcomes h2b to the family. Love yah Pa!

Yey!!! It's finally OFFICIAL! WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!!!

November 21 - On this day I plan to source out suppliers for the flowers, so my close friend Rina accompanied me to Dangwa. I was stunned on the number of florist in the area but was pleased to learn a lot about flowers and floral arrangements for the church to reception . Little did I know that sourcing a florist is really a tedious task, as I need to know the flowers and arrangement for each of my entourage from MOH to flower girls, sponsors and moms. Though I was pretty sure what I want for my bouquet, pure Ecuadorian roses! Good thing Rina was there to help me decide. We have to choose from half bouquet or pomander or wrist corsage or the usual corsage and the flowers that will go for each. We need to think of how I would like the reception to look like, the photo albums of the florist helped though. We left Dangwa with an idea on the cost and some sort of final flowers for the entourage.

After Dangwa, we went straight to Megamall for the "Before I Do Bridal Fair" as we want to check out the suppliers in the event and who knows we might book somebody. We met h2b in the area and immediately told him of the probable cost we will spend on the flowers, his answer: "mahal naman! sayang lang malalanta lang after" which I understand, but but if I can get away with it why not? Hehehe

So us 3: me, h2b and Rins went around Megatrade to visit first the florist booths and quite a number of them has a package we can choose from. With an idea of the ento flowers + church arrangement rates I thought already of pursuing the Tagaytay florist since the packages I got doesn't seem to fit my intended budget plus the OOT might even spike up the total cost.

It's around 30 minutes before closing when we saw the florist that I want to check out in Dangwa but their store was closed.

Its a sign: What are the chances of the photos displayed on his laptop is the setting/styling we want for our reception!

My h2b was ecstatic when he saw it and so I immediately asked about the package, with this that flowers for me and my entourage and the church set-up. The price given to us was Dangwa-price, I think it was quite reasonable but still way beyond our budget.

Groom-to-be & Bride-to-be Instinct: At first we want to think things over and review everything that's how we do things on this big project of ours. But during the conversation with the owner with their 2 bookings on our date already and can just accommodate 3 plus what he can add to our event with price of Php xxxxx ^_^ h2b right then and there decided that it's a GO. So he went to the bank to withdraw the DP, he called me while he is there just to confirm, I can feel his excitement but at the same time wants to check out if I'm ok with it. Sweet! So when he got back to the booth, the owners prepared the contract (we were the last to booked them that day) and viola we have our Florist/Stylist!!!

here's a peak of what I want for my bouquet:

Flowers for the bride, entourage and church - CHECK!

One Tagaytay Place Ballroom

As promised to one of my fellow GT and W@W member here are the photos during our ocular in One Tagaytay Place(OTP). OTP is the hotel we are eyeing for the reception, we will also book them for our day before prep. For my family we will get the 3-bedroom Penthouse which is approximately 135 sqm with view of Taal Lake, kitchen, sofa and 3 bedrooms and even a maid's quarter while we will get a 2-bedroom suite for my h2b's family.

I just dont have photos of the rooms though I can assure you that it's really nice. Hope the pics will help you in your prep:

The Reception area is quite small but it has nice interiors.

The Aurora Ballroom: Capacity is 200 pax

Here's the bridge going to the ballroom, other side is the elevator. The ballroom is on the 3rd floor.

There... in case you want to contact them, they have a Manila office. Browse through their websites to check out the rates. The penthouse is not published just inquire on their premiere suites.

One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites

Barrio Sungay, Tagaytay City

www.onetagaytayplace.com/

Happy prep!

Research research mode

I have been doing some research of wedding suppliers since the day we booked the church errr that's 17 days to be exact. My OCness is keeping with me so i was able to create my own xls file with timeline and suppliers list. (excited daw?? ok kinda but just with Project Management experience first part of project development is planning and of course tools to help you plan well, i guess i have justified myself here haha)

After seeing One Tagaytay Place (OTP) we were able to contact their Manila office and was able to meet one of their Sales Representative. She sent her initial proposal and after a few revisions, we were able to get our ideal cost for the hotel with the use of ballroom, food, use of bridal car, free fondant cake, the accomodation of both our families and the entourage. We are happy with the rates they gave and so we requested for the contract already, we will just have this reviewed and then off to 2nd booking. I'm so excited to book this place, it will be less hassle for us on that special day.

The church and venue is just two of the major things we have to think about and do some early booking. Right after this two, we will check out the P/V and Couturier suppliers. The other day though, I have this sudden feel to look for an OTD coordinator and so I have listed a few and met one of them yesterday. She was helpful and carefully listens to what we want for the wedding, she even mentioned that the budget we have in mind is reasonable for a December destination wedding. I then realized the value of having a coordinator, they will help you book suppliers and give you low rates to fit your budget, they have lots of ideas and recommendations and of course they make your life easier on the prep stage and the special day itself.

So now, i'm on the look out for a good coordinator. A coordinator who doesnt only have good rates but someone who has good rapport with us as well.

Weee....Coordinator hunt is on...

Our 1st Booking

When we have decided on our church, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Tagaytay, I wanted to reserve the date right away. Having a peak month and a destination wedding we might not be able to book the date and time that we want. So I called the parish office last Friday (Aug 7) to pencil reserve our preferred date: December 10, 2010 at 3PM, lo and behold the date was already booked by another couple just last Aug 5. I was really disappointed and tried calling h2b several times so I can let out my grumbling feelings but he was still in their planning session then. It had to take 2 cigs to calm me down and of course a few venting out from the people who knows the plan. When h2b had the chance to call me, my voice almost cracked because of the weak feeling and like a kid I told him “sabi sa’yo I book na natin ng maaga” almost into tears. Eventually I got over it, I had to! With a realization that it’s just a date, the wedding is still on anyway. Though it would really be nice if everything will work out as planned but anyway moving forward.

H2b and I went to Tagaytay to finally reserve a date, which we will still check what is available, we were really surprised on the number of reservations already for December 2010, as in couples are really planning 16-18 months ahead. Initially, he wants the 12/11/10 date unfortunately the only available slot is 9AM, which won’t fit to the theme that we want. So after several discussions on the dates: 12/3/10 or 12/17/10 we opt for the 12/17/10 to give us enough room to prepare. So the parish secretary, Haylene ink reserved the date and gave us the forms we should fill-out. There were questions like “Why do you want to get married” and “Why do want to have children?” which was pretty hard, hmm I wonder if the questions on the canonical interview will be harder. Afterwards, we paid the downpayment of Php 5K, while the rest will be paid 2 months before the wedding. She also discussed to us the requirements which we should start arranging 6 months before the wedding, mostly documents. The number of things to do is quite overwhelming but Haylene was accommodating enough and even gave me misallete as a reference, this is intended to be one of our DIYs.

So there it is our wedding date: 12/17/10, the feeling was like being engaged. ^_^ like we are really on the next stage of our relationship, this is it!

After the church, we went to One Tagaytay Place to check out the area, the staffs were friendly and showed us the ballroom and the different rooms they have. The grand ballroom looks pretty grand, the rooms are cozy and the price is pretty reasonable for couples who like us have a decided budget. Comparing to the other venue we have in mind, Summit Ridget, IMHO One Tagaytay has nicer rooms and ballroom while Summit Ridge has an elegant façade and receiving area. On the cost however there’s quite an x thousands difference which I will still have to really look into.

Then we had our lunch/dinner at Greek Taverna after the ocular in One Tagaytay Place. Of course we talked about the productive day and tons of tasks we should do, he felt overwhelmed ^_^ which is just normal. He wants us to decide on the venue already, now he knows that if we don’t book early we might loose the good and reasonable venues we have in mind hmm probably a lesson learned on the preferred date (teehee). So I’ll set a schedule with the sales rep of One Tagaytay and check the final package, if things go well we might book them already. I just really have to compare our two preferred hotels.

Next in my To Dos:

§ Prepare the wedding timeline so that h2b and I are always on the same page and we will know our next steps.

§ Consolidate the suppliers so we can better check the rates.