farewell

Spent all day editing our invitation and photobook... Plus break times to play with instagram stuff... i still have a life! Haha.

...

And, today, my Nanay Susing went back to the Lord at ninety-two. I only learned it when our youth pastors' meeting was about to start. I left the room and I was overtaken. She is so dear to me. Really, I miss her now.

Nanay Susing is truly an inspiration. She had been among the early Christians here in the south. She was saved when she had her third baby, that was in the 1950's I guess (to do the math: Papaps was born in 1957, he's the youngest of six). Since then, Nanay Susing became a passionate believer: evangelizing everyone she knows. And as a young Christian, she brought a radio with her when she could not share so others could listen. Imagine her doing that from house to house with six munchkins tagging along. She was an inspiration.

I feel so blessed to be a third generation believer. She didn't backslide in 60 years of faith. Nanay fought in faith & finished the race. #tears

...

I actually desired that she could grace the wedding. With that, we moved the venue from Villa de Mercedes to Palos Verdes (although we paid the downpayment already) so tht she would not find it hard to walk on stairs. The last time we saw each other (and another moment when Ate Grace wed), she promised me she would be there when I walk the aisle.

#tears

I miss her. I miss her singing. I miss her long prayers. I miss asking her questions on long drives during reunion. And I miss blushing when I couldn't answer hers (she asked if I had a boyfriend). And so do I miss her excited look when she asked me to sing at my cousin's wedding--the first and only time--si Nanay ang nakadiscover sa ako!

Sigh.

But I delight, however, that she now sits with Jesus and the Father. I will one day see her again--and tell her about my wedding and kids.

...

This grieving moment, too, shall pass.

...

ps: pls pray for our papaps, too. thanku.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

love's march

UPDATES:
Been to the give-away maker. Haggled. Bought additional parts and it's making me excited for the end of the month. I hope they turn out good.
Mama had been a great company today. I knew things are different with her street-smarts on use. We also found the needed candles. We weren't really looking for it yet, but found one that I really wanted to have. It's price is a bit fancy, but I read from a blog before that it's good to lit the same wedding  unity candle every anniversary. Now that gives the run of our money.
Mama also asked how much do I need to pay for the bridal gown. I probably blushed when I said the amount (It's not an arm and a leg though. I just didn't want to oblige her of support for she has been very caring already with matters needed done and preparing; and also because so far we have been enjoying all the planning at our own choice and--own expense. Haha). Nonetheless, she repeated the amount with a clarifying sound and then said, she will shoulder it. Waaaaaaah... I hugged her. And my head voluntarily buried itself in her shoulders. I was sooooo happy. Not because we would save some wad but because I will have a wedding gown from her. Yes, from her. I am a genuine sentimentalist, I know. But this one is different. This means I will be walking the aisle with the embrace of her motherhood and personhood. I am so delighted. So happy already. I promised myself I wouldn't cry when I do the march, but the blessing (not just the gown, but the release and love) might probably make me bawl big time. (I still hope I won't. Mahal ang makeup. Toinkz!).

#tears
#sigh

i love you, mama.

He is.

This AM, Jam asked me the meaning of God-is-thoughtful. She prolly noticed it plague-ing this blog & my text messages. 

God is thoughtful.

Since the journey began, Gen and I noticed how giving God is to us. We not only see this in our togetherness but in countless ways that God is displaying how how he thinks of man. 

What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
   human beings that you care for them?-Psalm 8:4

God thinks of us. Yes, you and me. And he never tires nor gets bored at that.

can't afford

Recollecting the day when we decided to pursue marriage, we took the step of faith. Yes, faith it is because we both didn't have money (hehe!). Nonetheless there was so much peace in our hearts.

It was only yesterday that I had the opportunity of publicly sharing our testimony (will blog later in case you won't be around the engagement party) regarding the finances, and I myself was moved to tears. God is so faithful.

I can attest that when we do things in faith and in obedient response, God unlocks the heavens. And even more, I can say that I am loved not for what I have and I love not because of what Gen has. Clearly, true love cannot compare to any cost in this world. Because if love has a tag price, no one could ever afford it. However, through Jesus, we enjoy the gift of true love at His expense.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

freshen up.

Ministering at the God-Encounter.

 

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

e-session

from the spontaneity of our e-session shots...

 

venue: davao riverfront corporate city area, ma-a

photographers: rhea annie tulio, val francis matabalan

stylist: rhea annie tulio

taken august 16, 2011

open lines

Communicate. Because...

1. you can.

2. you need it.

3. you should.

I guess one of the keys to know if you're ready for a relationship is the ability to communicate. If this is still a problem, you won't only hurt yourself, but the other person as well. 

I wouldn't say Gen and I are excellent communicators. But this is one thing we put our best efforts. Again because we can, we need to and we should. Although we knew the need to be very open, there are also things we can't talk about or maybe not dwell too much on. And the best practice that we did was first converse well with God. If you're besting the secret place with Him, other lines get opened and you're saving yourself from choppy connections that will unnecessary break what you're trying to build up.
God bless everyone!

story-books

I'm privileged to have my favorite brother as my driver today.

To keep himself from the boredom over the expected stops, he brought along John Maxwell's The Difference Maker. We only realized that he left it where it is pictured until we got to F.Torres St. #joyrideyousay

Checked Artisan Design Studio, Leighton Photography & Jerry Sy Studio for photobook as an alternative guestbook (we've planned a different vintage-y style of capturing the guests' hearts, but it might take while until everybody is finished. So we thought of another way to divide the populace. Ha, populace! =D). Right now, I'm waiting for their quotations. For business, competition is good. ;) 

When I got to Abreeza (for further bridal preps), I chanced upon a store that actually tickled my visual sense. #fourtheyeforthesenseofdecorating Haaaaay, I wanted to faint seeing the small store being crowded with vintage books, notebooks, jars and lamps. It's like I want to invite them all to grace the wedding!

So to keep myself sane and quintessential when I leave the haven, I grabbed two hoax vintage books.

they are actually boxes.

Decorative, yet purposeful. Not bad at Php 90. Kuripot?

;)

What a bookish day. And yes, before I retire to bed tonight, I'm finishing my daily practice of reading one chapter of a marriage book that's really helping me much. Magbasa jud ko dapat kay dili ni joke. =)

crush.

#Godisthoughtful #truelovewaits #trueloveweds

Happy working, Teammate! =)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

how about paper parasols

The wedding is set at four o'clock in the afternoon. The last time we were at the venue at this hour, the sun still cast bright. And now we're thinking of an alternative to increase shade. how about paper parasols?

So I found myself Google-ing. Not much availability in PI. Shipping frate from abroad also cost. Ate Raya was helping me out. Until we found a retailer from Luzon. Weee!

Actually, now that we found her... and Ate Raya is offering to buy them for me (overwhelmed =)), I'm not sure now if it is worth getting.

...

...

can there be a day?

[photo taken by: rhea annie tulio]


Here is Gen's first poem. (written 01 January 2009)

We now have the answer. 

#Godisthoughtful

 

there is a day in a moment,
there is a moment in a day yet
can there be a day that you are not a moment?
i flood my day so you can't stay,
still i fail so i ask anyway,
can there be a day that you're too far away?
thinking i could run today and turn my back,
so quickly i'm filled with lack and so again i ask,
can there be a day that your picture dims blurred in black?
i am a blind eye inside your heart...
a captive of your charm, a slave by your radiance.
can there be a day that i don't think of you?
can there be a day that you don't invade the minutes of a day?
can there be a day that i don't wait to watch your icons play?
can there be a day...? how i wish there was a day...
oh i desperately need that day that you don't stay in a day...
oh i wish there was a day...
but it never came...
it never comes...
it never will... unless a day turns into...
...a lifetime or sadly a plain yesterday.

can there be a day where you remain in that day...
...and you stay because you choose it that way?
can there be a day when you speak of what i crave you to say?
yes, i believe there can be a day...
...but it's just a day where illusions spray.

i hope you don't mind if i stay with you in a day,
so i could ask you one last time if i may...
can there be a day when the day i talked about today...
...is the same day that you experience everyday?
can there be a day? may it be... Today.

this eagle-ish bride

I started the day with a few collaborations with my potential bosses. #peaceinandthroughHimwhoarrangesourfuture

Then off Bem and I to downtown. We checked the buckles (which we requested NCCC's textile department to order from Manila, and they kindly accommodated us. Kudos to the store! #freeplugin =D) and they're finally here. We can soon work on the wedding favors. #excitedmuch

To spill some beans, I paid for the shoe orders I made online. Hehehe, I am so girly--and my spontaneous shopping days are soon over. (With that, I resolved to respect my future husband in the way I manage the finances. Hmmm, I must say, I'm a breed of a bargain-shopper and investment-shopper. From the mixture, I love it when papaps muse at me: "you make wise-buys!" Okay, enough for now. We'll talk about that in a different blog entry sometime later.) Nonetheless, I also promised myself to [indulge] if need be. So the purchase made a third of my day! =D

Along the way, Bem and I checked on the new opening of ukay-ukay stuff. I got a blazer! Haha. And I got Bem one, too--his prize for patiently tagging along. ;)

I grabbed a snack on the way home. (rice, adobong lechon, beef soup/broth and minatamis na saging = merienda noh?!)

Second "third" of my day.

Just after we got home, I had to sneak a power nap and rush the preps to attend Joverly's (eagerl) wedding at Insular Waterfront Hotel.

I had a great bonding time with AJ and Aivee (three generations of discipleship). I had the chance of inquiring the photobooth services since we also planned having one (and I have layout ideas already). So glad to sharpen my haggling skills and get it at a good price with the paper frame included (my first inquiries from other service provides cost much higher). Woohoo! Favored! Lagi nalang favored! Si Lord man gud bah! =D

Third third.


Soli Deo Gloria!

ushered by prayer

It's good that Jeanette (barkada from college, we miss Amy, Joyce and Jayme) and I were able to squeeze time from our different schedules to just keep each other posted with our whereabouts. We thought we needed a catch-up time since the news of the wedding. Sigh. We're grown ups now. (dugay ra! =D) And it's been more than ten years now since we've won a friendship. The night ended (finally, it did. We actually lost track of time. We were are Chicco di Cafe from 6-10pm. Whew.) with her praying for me and the upcoming marriage. I hope she knows how I love being prayed for and that I admit that we really need prayer amongst all things important in this season we're about to embark. I do, too, with all my heart pray for her marriage and next-season plans. 

Here, nostalgic over God-given friendships.

for the love of snail mails

I think I was born a letter-writer. Even when I had to ask for favor from my parents back when I was in grade 1, I write them. I also remember slipping notes in Papaps' bags whenever he traveled. I am fond of writing letters and I sure love getting some. I wonder if Gen would allow me to bring my big box of heart prints with me when we move into some neat place (as God prepares!).
After realizing that I had never sent him letters or cards since-the-time-I-allowed-myself-to and that he would be here sooner to start {forever}, I defaulted myself to a twelve-day scribbling my honest rants. Although I can easily text, call or email my man, I now opt for the more laid-back way. And I wonder why there's more kilig. hehe! 
Is it really like this when you're getting married?

I delight greatly in the LORD;
   my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
   and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, 

as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,

   and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the soil makes the sprout come up

   and a garden causes seeds to grow,

so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness

   and praise spring up before all nations.

-Isaiah 61:10-11

The Bride and the Groom are among the rare creatures
that are pleasing to the eyes. Almost incomparable.
And Isaiah compares that to slavation.
Salvation makes us beautiful.
(if not for God's saving grace,
we will not be here in this season together.
God has saved us from ourselves, our past and our tendencies.
We now understand how important
for two people to have a personal encounter with God,
before entering marriage.
Apart from that, there is no glory.)
Salvation is our glory. And this is only done by Jesus' blood on the cross.
It is like the beauty in a wedding.
Amazing noh?
Conscious sad diay si Isaiah sa mga weddings before noh?
Weddings are head-turners.
It is powerful enough to take us out of our busyness
to chance at two lives beautifully remade to
walk love's journey, for God's will and praise.
...
If the groom takes the lead spiritually (other areas follow),
it is a beauty to behold.
If the bride is bedecked with jewels (grabeh diay sauna noh?),
it is beauty, royalty, and grandness.
It keeps everyone breathless. And God delights at that.
...
God ordains things and events
to show forth His praise and glory!
He causes things!
...
And here we stand proclaiming
"Jesus is our Reason!"
-Gen and Rej

perfection defined

[link from ate rhea annie tulio]

God desires a blameless, spotless bride for His Son. Somebody who is practically perfect. As I walk through this bridal season, I am humbled by the many realizations (revelations in Christianese! =D) God graciously unveils. 


He knew that the Church, the Body of Christ as the Bride of Christ, walks in compromise many times, faltering even in the least details so He unconditionally gave His Son (Romans 5:8---while we were yet singles sinners, Christ died for us!) to wash us clean. It was the Father who paid for the ransom, it was the Son who paid for the beautiful white dress of the Bride, it is for her to keep it untainted until the time her Bridegroom returns. Then she can walk the aisle of grace, everyone amazed at her beauty, mesmerized by her perfection.


But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1Corinthians 15:10 NIV

our vintage travel e-session

CREDITS:
photos from: val francis matabalan
creative directors: jingle sumagayan, rhea annie tulio
(photos from ate rhea annie tulio--not available yet)
 
¹ Now the LORD had said to Abram:
      “Get out of your country,
      From your family
      And from your father’s house,
      To a land that I will show you.

 ² I will make you a great nation;
      I will bless you
      And make your name great;
      And you shall be a blessing.

 ³ I will bless those who bless you,
      And I will curse him who curses you;
      And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 

Genesis 12:1-3

I'm taking a break from the layouting task I asked myself to do. Doing the invitation is not easy. But to say the least, we are actually having fun. This is something so-me-and-the-groom at the wedding. At least, we have one theme to focus on. This should stop us from entertaining other equally great ideas we see in the internet. What we're being challenged more is the text part.

While being spontaneous, I talk a halt (Gen left for some errand---yes, online collaboration) as I face the dilemma of whether to include the note on the matter of gifts. Although we would welcome house necessities as presents, Gen and I are soon leaving for Luzon to start ministry there. We need to lessen the stuff to pack. And being certain with that, and as per advised by closest friends, we need to note that we prefer monetary gifts.  And since we are not including the traditional money dance, it somehow fair enough to slip envelopes in the invitations. At least, it will keep the amount a secret. It seems like we are doing our guests a favor already, right?

So as I was trying to find a spot for this matter, I rushed to Google for help. Invitation experts (yes, this phrase was there, I actually didn't know there are those kinds of professionals) say that although guests would usually bring gifts, giving presents is optional; and it is rather unethical to even mention them in invitations.

So,what do you think?

And I'm now happy for being rid with the challenge keying-in the kindest words so that we won't sound uncouth and too bold. The guests are free to bring presents. And as for ourselves, we are already very, very delighted of the truth that God has gifted us to each other for a lifetime. 

God is thoughtful. This is a perpetual musing in my heart.

licensed.

Fetched the marriage license before the day ended today. I was beaming with joy, peace, praise, faith, love, worship--all sorts of eternal things in complete attendance. And then I found myself quite alone unlike the last time I was here, Gen was all too makulit--his usual.
I would have wanted to wait until he comes back, but that's a month more to go. I can't allow an increased chance of document loss; neither could we be negligent in claiming what is supposedly ours.
God is utterly thoughtful.
#gracelikerain


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

À Dieu soit la gloire!

Being in love with the vintage flair since high school (I usually dye my DIY stamp-covered notebook), I only realized I do not just love its aesthetic side, I have been carrying a burden for France. It alsmost started as a joke way back when we were called to cite the nation where God would send us as missionaries, PI is the only place I think of. I never see myself leaving the Philippines for work or even missions. Brutally. But when papaps asked me at our staff meeting (in 2004---my first year being staff, then I left for a secular work, and then came back as the calling was stronger than any effort to hush it) where would I go besides the homeland, I blurted France! Ouie, ouie!
I have read an article how European churches are being converted to mosques and that not many young people are passionate for God in these countries. I might as well go and minister to the place. Honestly, the burden is as ever fresh as it was first planted in my heart. France might be a little long away from my current schedule, or it could be close to God's calendar, who knows?! One thing is certain as of now, we (Gen and I) are very much eager to start touching places and carry the spirit of revival to any place as long as there are people--hello to Kabacan, Mati, Samal and Tibungco (Urdaneta, of course!) for our first few stops before the literal going-into-the-world mode.

Forgive the old soul in me, and lemme tell you, it's a new wine being poured to new wineskin that's going on. Many times, we move our thoughts away from the wedding preparation and Gen would lead me to pray (my, it's really long! peace! =D) and ready our hearts more for the long term things that God is calling us to do. 
November Twelve is just one big day that will lit the many, many big days of our lives together! #SoliDeoGloria

no bridal shower for me

I easily fell in love with this chic cake. And I honestly mull over having something like this for the bridal shower. I actually sent this pic to a dear cake-maker, Ms. Novie Tacugue, and she, too, loved every bit of it. Who wouldn't be?
Nonetheless, since I decided not to have a bridal shower--an intimate event with friends where they shower you gifts--those that are actually extra intimate--we have to forego this piece of sweetness. Realizing that I would have more of a despedida-de-soltera night---where you bid farewell to singlness, it's better to come up with something that is purposeful but still fun, inclusive rather than exclusive.
With one reason in mind, I can surely attest, I want to end a season with worship, in worship to God for blessing me richly lived single years. I have so much to say. I have so many stories to tell. And yes, so many learnings to detail. All these things point to one thing--one accummulated loud praise to my Creator and King. Definitely, one night will not suffice. I might as well write a book, noh? 
I love the season of singleness. If only I can extend it. But they say, you can't overstay in one place and still have the fullest measure of the next phase for they are not impenetrable. I have to be found ready and able at the time I am expected to. So, here I am, Lord.
Since Gen share the same heart, and wants to do the same, we have realized we needed to throw a simple engagement party together when he arrives. Although we have been engaged since February, this is no longer an event to announce it, but more appropriately said, it is to seal one season and gift from God that we have truly enjoyed. At best, we can both express our gratitude to friends who have encouraged us to go through the process in worship, obedience, purity and full faith. It can also be a time to share our love story to the young people in church and leak to them our treasured lessons. In our little way, we hope in God, that His work in us will further in everyone their commitment to Him.


This is a precedence...
I can see that many more committed young people are soon to be wed.
Praises!

telechargment

100G+ of downloaded (paid and free--so I was really online shopping for the single life of me! I am now wondering if I am still allowed to do much of that in the very nearestness of a new [state].) scrapbooking paper and elements to sort and I need the vintage-y ones only. Invitations, labels, tags--yes, it's a DIY wedding for us. There's a lot of work waiting to get done. And I'm ready to plunge!

the ninong/ninang agenda

We agreed to have seven pairs (3 from me, 3 from her, 1 common) ... but right now we still have ten on our list... wanna help doing the pick? #there-is-a-requirement-though =D

Rej and I were very careful about this one. Our first criteria in picking a ninong/ninang is the testimony of the marriage. Who wouldn't want to witness and be modeled by a God-ordained and God-blessed marriage?! Of course we're aware that we're incapable of finding perfections in marriages. But we do honor couples who have stood firm in their faithfulness to God with their vows of sanctifying their marriage to give glory to the Lord as they minister the Gospel and make God's love known through their genuine love and intentional fidelity to their only spouse. #plusablessedparenting

We also wanna be strict at picking those who can really attend the wedding ceremony--we never want them to miss witnessing our sacred vows being sealed in the Lord's presence. Bu have you ever thought of cheap presence wrapped in a cheap signature? Well, this happens when you invite your principal sponsors, they show up on the wedding day... they sign their best signatures... but will miss the way you live your marriage and raise your family for the rest of their lives! The Principal Sponsors should never be counted as decorations of a wedding because they weren't meant for the event but for the marriage and family life of the couple. #notethiswell

At the end of the decision-string, it really brings persistent delight being sure that we can go to them (selected Ninong and Ninang) and be accommodated genuinely as if we really are a son and a daughter to them. #anytime #anywhere #anyhow =)


And to note, right now, we already feel blessed at the list we have. Woohoo!

yes, you are.

I spent the whole morning doing the layout for the setup and detailing the tasks. Oh for the fun side of each left and right brain! Langga and I were messaging today... And I saw this vid in the previous entries of the thread, dated March I guess. She linked this among the vintage elements. 

Sigh. Rascals in-love.

Thank you, Ms. Rizza Jean Rivera. So thoughtful of you. We need more time for business meetings and chitchat, of course.

You are beautiful to Me. -Jesus

(with a different kind of voice of course!)

can't be any happier

Here's a video from Kuya Rey of soulzoundzdezign. It's really very nice noh? The wedding looked very vintage yet fab already. Thanks to Kuya Rey's save the date video--all glory to God for the edged skill and competent creativity. (You can also watch other videos at the website).


When the skill evaded us this time, I'm glad Kuya Rey is there! I can't be any happier now. So blessed to be cousins with you!

peaceful chaos

[Today, I got Gen this mag. After all, it's his wedding, too!]

Part of being a bride in advent is managing all the things needed done. Well, that's what one pays for being too hands-on (Actually, I once battled the idea of getting a wedding planner/coordinator. And at some point, I emailed prominent and budding ones in the city. They're somewhere in between cheap and expensive. Affordable at the rate you want to get--thank God for the gift of haggling. But I thought to myself, they will only create either something too bonggacious that the wedding's not [about the couple] anymore aside from the color scheme; something that's about their creativity rather than your personality; or too bland if there are things you want to put but can longer be produced in the place you're in. I still admire them. But I can't let any of them rob me of the opportunity to be the bride--aside from being the one wearing white.  And since, there's no perfect wedding--but a dream wedding!--I opted going hard core in the research and the envisioning of what we wanted to see and not-see on that day whilst welcoming warm help of ideas and manpower from friends and family. With what could possibly happen come November Twelve, I could not be any happier at the thought of being staunchly devoted and involved in the input and output of things--yes, despite possible glitches. Right now, I just feel blessed to serve a wedding of God's writing. It just so happened that the bride is--I.) 


OTHER THOUGHTS
To everyone getting married, or planning to to marry someday, lemme tell you that the engagement season is not just about kilig. As they say, If you have to face circumstances, face them. Logic for pretty girls? You bet.


Engagement is stressful whether you like it or not. Since it is a season to transition to a different life (of both long seasons--singleness and married life), new things require adjustment, and adjustment is a stress--that inner push, pull, twist and stretch inside your heart and mind. Imagine having too long engagement (more than a year), you can't spare yourself from the much needed adjustment with having a another family, your grown family and starting a family; your finance, a new home, domestic life, ministry, upcoming trips and the possibility of getting children. They cloud the bride's heart and mind as she must be responsible enough to expect these things. How I wish somebody detailed all these areas to me. My heart screams I need a discipler-bride! Heaven, please! (And since, I am not sure I'm having one except having lots of those tidbit-advices, I am now entertaining the idea that, perhaps I have a calling to disciple future brides!)


Doubtlessly, here we are in a perfect situation to finding, chanelling and creating peace. 


Philippians 4:6-7 says: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 


Therefore, peace I receive today: eleventh of forty. At this moment of preparation, all the more I found family, friends, rest, confidence, company; and more distinctly, a very faithful groom and an even more faithful God. It's good to be submerged in a season such as this for God to tell me that He is real, and His peace truly transcends all that I cannot bear and comprehend on my own.