preps and more preps

bought this vintage hat for veil? 

haha. nooooooo.

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Discipleship with AJ (bridesmaid-mode) while hopping stores in downtown.

i love heart-sharings.

national heroes' day

The best thing that could ever happen tonight is spend time with some of the gorgeous friends (more than disciples, they are my friends--sarap!) I know. We headed to Villa De Mercedes and endured the 45-minute travel from the city. And guess what, I was opportuned to serve them by my very skillful driving at 30kph. An accomplishment at that speed, yes!

Arriving at dusk, I thought I needed to check on the person-in-charge by texting her our arrival, I jumped out of the van. Unknowingly, I locked the entire vehicle with the key inside! =( 

We panicked.

We had to call everyone we knew who could possibly bring us the spare key. My, another 45 grueling minutes of waiting. We could not eat. No one could swim. All our stuff were perfectly inside. Suddenly, we were prayerful in hopes of a miracle or a hero. We took out pins. No luck. We checked on possible opened windows. Clear from passages. We were sad. I was guilty. 

Things happened so fast. 

Then came a driver from a family who were also at the resort. He helped us on the quest of opening the vehicle. Nothing happened until he had to go. He was comforted that somebody is bringing us the spare key in another hour or so. Weng, Jing and I were still trying to unlock the back door. But before he left, he checked the driver's seat door and used his own key. Click. Jing's eyes turned bright. She opened the back door!!! =)

No.

The front door was opened. The guy was shocked himself. We sped at him and screamed with joy at his face. He was startled all the more. We were shaking him and thanking him and screaming again! He had a fake smile. He could not believe his key opened the Starex van. Then, we were interested with his name. We got his number (so we could keep contact and invite him to church). And yes, before he finally left, we managed to take a photo with him! Then, somebody from the group told him he's our hero that night. Second to the Lord. We believe it was just a coincidence and an answer from the Lord. Mind you, the key could not open the car when tried again. It's like a once-and-for-all kind of thing. Salvation, ha!

On with the fun night, we they ate dinner. Then off to the pool. Picture perfect chill for the girls, and a hotseat moment for Blessy. How we miss her. The night is sweet.

And then the bridesmaids' meeting. I wish all eighteen are complete. Could be a lot of chaos and fun and sisterhood. #loves But even with the eight that night, they add so much meaning to this wedding.

We envisioned. We made assignments. We had a great family time. 

For a musing, these girls do not know they are heroes to my own heart in my moment of waiting. Being there as disciples help save me from wrong decisions. Of course, the waiting was more about the Lord. But I could never deny the fact that knowing that there are girls behind me is a lot of encouragement and safety for a heart that is also prone to hurt and brokenness.

Thank you, Lord, for disciples, sisters and friends. You are thoughtful, as always. =)

a date with sleeping beauty

The lanterns are here (we wanted to fly sky/fire lanterns on the wedding; it symbolizes the joy of celebration; and it something we can print our prayers and dreams). Needs a bit of makeover, though. But I'm glad it's gonna happen! It was almost impossible to get them. Although they're available locally and online, they're at a price. We could feed 20 more people for the local cost. But God in His sweet ways reminded me that Blessy and fam are in for a business trip to Beijing. *ting*
Yes, she was able to get a number in purple and aqua. Good thing she managed to squeeze all these within the budget.
#superbridesmaid
#reallyhappy
Thank you very much, Blexiiii!
And now that she's here in Davao, it's mother-daughter/bride-bridesmaid/discipler-disciple/ friends' bond.

We gabbed too much she wasn't able to eat her Bigby's dinner. Toinkz. No, she opted not to, I guess.


We strolled Abreeza and we found lots of feel-good charms. It's good sharing the same heart with a very sweet lady such as this one. I guess I have seventeen more dates to go! ;)

Bridesmaids: More Than Who They Are Known For

Eighteen bridesmaids. I know it’s a lot. But that cannot compare with how many ladies wait on a bride in the Jewish times. They prepare with her while her groom is away and while they wait for the [day].

Before, whenever I think of getting married someday, I do not really imagine bridesmaids with me. A maid-of-honor who can do the necessary tasks is enough. Bridesmaids seem to be just decorations and they add up to the payables.

I was wrong.

When I checked the Bible, ladies in waiting are there. And truly, my disciples, closest friends and key leaders, along with my cousins and Gen’s sisters are a few of the girls I consider to be the reason I keep myself pure–next to the expression of loving God. Yes, their primary role is to keep the bride beautiful and pure. And I am blessed to have my bridesmaids–my friends and teammates who inspire me to live large, beautiful and pure.

I love these girls (and the girls I get to inspire–hopefully, marami) and I love journeying with them in the value of womanhood and chastity.

Tonight, we signed the Bridesmaid’s Contract. (Don’t worry, it sides on the fun stuff rather than the serious! =D) It was fun and it keeps me excited to plan the wedding with them. #handsonbridewiththoughtfulbridesmaids